Vizag, previously known as Vishakhapatnam, has recently gained popularity among the travel community and is the next hotspot in travel. Situated in Andhra Pradesh and one of the largest cities in the state, the port city of Vishakhapatnam houses the oldest shipyard in India. Vizag has a lot to offer its visitors. Starting from the exotic beaches of Rushikonda and Ramakrishna to the ancient Borra caves and the blissful hills of Arakku valley, if you are planning a Vizag tour? Do not think twice, just set off on a journey to enjoy a one-of-a-kind travel experience.
Here are the best places to visit in Vizag if you are planning a trip-
Arakku Valley
Arakku Valley definitely tops this list of “Best tourist places in Vizag” owing to its rich greenery, stunning hills and awesome weather, which every traveller craves for. A Vizag tour is never complete without making a visit to this paradise. It is nearly 1000 meters above sea level and 120 km away from the city of Vishakhapatnam [Vizag]. A day is not enough to see all the places in Arakku Valley; it would take at least 2 to 3 days to fully enjoy Arakku. There are numerous spots to explore, such as the Dumbriguda Waterfalls, the tribal museum, the Matsyagundam [Fish pool], the Tyda Park and more. Stroll through its lush green coffee plantations, spend time at the mountain tops, or get wet beneath the roaring waterfalls at Arakku Valley.
The tribals of Arakku make one of the best varieties of organic coffee. The train ride to Araku Valley from Vizag is pretty famous among travellers. It is the only train in India which reaches the highest point in the Eastern Ghats. The 4-hour train journey exposes you to some breathtaking scenery of Nature.
Borra Caves
Located 88 km from Vizag and 36 km from Arakku Valley, the Borra Caves hold the title of the “Biggest Caves in India”. It was unknown to the outside world until 1807. Geologists date these limestone caves to be more than 150 million years old, YES! You heard it right, it is indeed 150 million years. At a height of 1400 meters above sea level, the Borra Caves are a pure natural wonder. If you are into adventure and love trekking, you would definitely enjoy the trek route up the Borra Caves.
As you reach the caves, it would be a whole new world for you; you feel as if you have travelled back in time. The air inside, the rocks, small waterfalls, everything feels ancient. A visit to Borra Caves is not to be missed while exploring Vizag.
Rushikonda Beach
Are you a beach lover? Then Rushikonda is your next love. It is the most famous beach in Andhra Pradesh. Imagine the sight, golden sands clubbed with verdant coconut trees, sea waves hitting the rocky shoreline and the mouth-watering seafood. Do you love Adventure water sports? Surfing? Skiing? Yes? Rushikonda is for you. There are plenty of water sports options for you to get engaged and entertained with. Make a visit to Rushikonda Beach for a perfect beach holiday. Located just 40 km from Vizag, it is easily accessible.
Bheemli Beach
Just 24 km from Vizag, this is yet another great seaside at Vizag. Bheemli Beach is of great historical importance. It was one of the major Dutch Settlements in the 17th Century and a major trading hub for the British East India Company later. A 16th-century Dutch Cemetery and an 18th-century lighthouse are the major attractions at Bheemli.
Thotlakonda Buddhist Excavation Site
Located 20 km from Vizag on the way to the Bheemli Beach is this ancient Buddhist site named Thotlakonda. It comprises the ruins of a Buddhist monastery and an advanced centre for learning where monks from India, China, and Burma used to reside and learn Buddhist teachings for months. The Thotlakonda Hills are clustered with Buddhist stupas, pillared prayer halls, meditation rooms, stone pathways and many water wells. Archaeologists state the area was active during the period BC 200 to AD 200. Thotlakonda is of huge spiritual importance for the Buddhists and definitely an entertaining site for history fanatics who love to get deep into the history books. It is a must-visit if you are in for a Vizag tour.
Katiki Waterfalls
90 km away from Vizag and 7 km from Borra Caves is this spectacular waterfall named Katiki, also known as Katika. It takes a short trek of likely 25-30 minutes through dense forest and hills to reach the falls, and the trek route is simply beautiful and pleasing. These 100-foot cascading waterfalls are a delight for family travellers and offer many other exciting trekking routes for the adventure junkies and nature lovers as well.
INS Kursura Submarine Museum
The INS Kursura Submarine Museum is one of the very few submarine museums which retain authenticity and is definitely a must-visit spot in Vizag. The INS Kursura [S20], Kalvari-class diesel-electric submarine, was India’s fifth submarine. It was of great use during the Indo-Pak war of 1971. The submarine was decommissioned in 2001, after which it was preserved as a museum for the public.
Tyda Nature Camp
Tyda Nature Camp, also known as the Jungle Bells Nature Camp, is an eco-tourism project at a small tribal village known as Tyda. Set amidst the hills of the Eastern Ghats, Tyda is located 70 km from Vizag on the way to Arakku Valley. Established by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department and the Forest Department, it offers camping, rock climbing, trekking, bird-watching and many other exciting activities. Log huts and tents are available at the Camp. It is a perfect getaway for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
So, there you have it, the Best tourist places in Vizag! Happy Travelling! 🙂
