Updated May 30, 2023
Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam, abbreviated Vizag, is India’s oldest port city, renowned for its cultural history. Besides, its picturesque beaches and landscapes are amongst well-renowned tourist hotspots. Let’s explore some of the top 7 tourist places in Visakhapatnam, the land famous for Kalamkari paintings and saris to look for, like Ikat and Pochampally, during the visit to Andhra Pradesh.
Top 7 Tourist Places in Visakhapatnam
#1 Simhachalam Temple
Also known as Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s Narasimha avatar, this is a must-visit temple. It comprises five gateways and three courtyards on its premises. Open to behold only for 12 hours a year on the day of Akshaya Tritiya, the deity’s statue remains covered with sandalwood paste for the rest.
The temple’s architectural wonder, with motifs dating back to the Chalukya, Kalinga, and Chola reigns, is too beautiful to miss visiting in Andhra Pradesh. Its blue and golden yellow combination buildings look majestic under the sun and resemble a fortress that didn’t fail to inspire poets like Adidam Sura Kavi.
#2 Kailasagiri Park
If enjoying the panoramic views from Visakhapatnam is heavenly, this is possible through its Titanic viewpoint. Situated on a hill of height 360 ft, this park stands among the top tourist places in Visakhapatnam. Overlooking beaches, lush greens of the woods and the city center are the perfect treats for both eyes and soul.
Amongst the florals and greenery, the park’s highlights are the 4-ft tall white statues of Goddess Paravati and Lord Shiva. The toy train for kids and horseriding are the fun things to do here. One can’t miss its other attractions like Shanti Ashram, Jungle Trails, Floral Spot, Gliding Point, and Shanku Chakra Nama.
#3 Yarada Beach
If golden sands and gushing sounds of water seem exciting, Yarada Beach can be the perfect spot to relax and make sand castles. Nestled from three sides by hills, take snapshots and video clips to capture the paradisical beauty of this beach. Away from the bustles of city life, Yarada Beach offers a surreal experience with its cleanliness and scenic beauty. Watch the perfect sunrise and sunset from here amidst its tranquil atmosphere.
#4 Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
Visakhapatnam is well-renowned for its zoological parks, one of which is Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, a part of Kambalakonda Forest Reserve. One of the biggest in the state, it opened to the public in May 1977, is home to eight different species, and is a favorite spot to explore for children and animal lovers. One can find ring-tailed lemurs, sambar deer, Macaw, civets, and even birds like painted storks and Budgerigar. The zoo, spread across 625 acres, even runs a mini train to help visitors explore the park.
Its knowledgeable walls offer insights into the housed animals, including their diet, scientific name, etc. Explore the zoo’s special moth and butterfly collection, which is open only during the daytime.
#5 Bavikonda Buddhist Monastery Complex
Set in the lush greens of Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam, this 3rd-century BCE complex is a historical site that symbolizes the past of religious diversity in India. Evacuated by Muslim invaders in the past, today, the monastery symbolizes the history of Buddhist culture in Visakhapatnam. It got the title of UNESCO World Heritage site and is under the maintenance of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage.
Its now-dried wells were once storehouses for rainwater. One of the essential highlights of the monastery is the urn with a bone piece, believed to be of Lord Buddha.
#6 Lambasingi
Fondly renowned as ‘Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh,’ Lambasingi is a hamlet in Chintapalli Mandal of Arakku Valley. Rested at an altitude of 1025m, this quaint hamlet is known for its apple orchards and panoramic views of the nearby valley. One fact that stands out is that it is the only place in South India to experience snowfall! One can enjoy the serene peace-instilling beauty and the enthralling adventurous activities available here. This hamlet also has some tourist places in Visakhapatnam, like Susan Garden and Kothapalli Waterfalls, to list a few.
#7 Bojjannakonda
These 4th Century AD rocky caves on Bojjannakonda Hill offer a tourist experience like never before. A symbolic site of Buddhist history, the stone-carved Buddha statue is spiritually aesthetic. The caves have all stages of Buddhism, namely Mahayana, Hinayana, and Vajrayana, featured on the caves, chaityas, and monasteries. The stone staircase that leads to the caves is in perfect condition. Near the caves, the meditating sites of Buddhist monks marked with stupas are one of the caves’ highlights. The Maha Stupa, surrounded by monolithic stupas, are beautiful scenic structures.
A visit to the heart of Andhra Pradesh is complete with visiting these tourist places in Visakhapatnam. From offering tranquility to symbolizing the cultural and religious history of the city, Visakhapatnam has it all to showcase for its visitors.
