Visakhapatnam (Telugu: విశాఖపట్నం Vishākhapaṭnam), popularly known as Vizag (vigh-ZAG), is the largest city in Andhra Pradesh. It is primarily an industrial city, but also attracts tourists due to its unspoilt sandy beaches, well built and maintained parks, Buddhist sites and nearby scenic areas, such as Araku Valley. The city has a population of about 2 million.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Visakhapatnam (vih-SHAH-khuh-puht-nuhm) is sometimes called the Goa of the East. Just like its west coast counterpart, it has beautiful virgin beaches, laterite hillocks, smooth roads and stunning landscape. Medical tourism is a fast-developing industry. Visakhapatnam is also called the Jewel of the East Coast and the City of Destiny. According to urban legend, the name "Visakhapatnam" comes from a temple dedicated to Vishakha, built by a local ruler at Lawson's Bay in the 4th century.
Visakhapatnam has no commuter rail service. However, apart from the bus service, taxis or autorickshaws can also be hired. APSRTC operates a lit of buses from 6 principal bus complexes in the city. They are: Simhachalam Gajuwaka Maddilapalem Visakha Steel City Waltair Madhurawada Dwarka Bus Station or RTC Complex depot is the largest bus station and complex in the city. There are mainly two types of buses operated for suburban travel in Visakhapatnam. City Ordinary: can be identified by its orange or red colour. It is operated on almost all suburban routes.
1 Dolphin's Nose Lighthouse. A lighthouse providing an aerial view of the port and the city. ₹10 for adults. (updated Jul 2025) 2 Kailasagiri (6 km (3.7 mi) away from the city centre). The ride to this hill offers a spectacular view of the sea. There is a park atop the hill, with a beautiful view of the city, the sea and Eastern Ghats merging into the sea. Sagar Nagar Beach and Rushikonda Beach are on the right and left-hand sides. There is a colossal statue of the couple Shiva and Parvati. One can take a ropeway directly facing the sea and the city. On the hilltop, there is a beautiful toy train offering a tour of nature.
More than anything else, Vizag is known for its beaches. It boasts a number of beaches that are scenic and uncrowded. A few virgin beaches span along the eastern side of the city and stretch for miles. A spectacular beach only the locals are aware of is called the "Yarada" beach. Except for the occasional RTC bus, there is no public transport available. Still, the adventurous mind finds it rewarding if they can make an effort to get there.
If spicy fare from Southern India appeals to your gastronomic senses, then Vizag has some excellent restaurants. Many of the eating joints meant or frequented by tourists are in the Siripuram area. A walk around there can give you access to a variety of cuisines. Blue Sea Fine Dining, Pakkis Complex, Opposite ICICI Bank Road, Dwarakanagar 2nd Lane, Dwaraka Nagar, ☏ +91 891 646 5399. Daspalla Executive Court, ☏ +91 891 2717300, fax: +91 891 2717444. Eleven, 10-1-4 & 5, 4th floor, Siripuram (Infront of Ice Age), ☏ +91 8916461111. Noon to 11PM. This is one of the best new restaurants opened for Fine Dining. Food is value for money and tasty. They probably serve the best food in Vizag.
Some interesting bars in the city are in the Five Star hotels mentioned above and typically are expensive even by Western standards. The Park Hotel has a decent bar - try the Screwdriver. Daspalla has another bar and restaurant called Dimple that serves various drinks and can be noisy at time. Two new really cool breweries have opened up in the city. Punnami, near Rishikonda has pub very close to the beach and serves alcohol. Vihar, Near Rishikonda, Opp. GITAM University (8 km from the city). Best hangout place with friends, only concern is it was too far from the city. Even though, worth visiting "Offshores" at Vihar. There's an Awesome beach view from the middle of the hill.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Visakhapatnam typically sees ~33°C daytime highs and 21 rainy days.
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