What surprised me most about Visakhapatnam beyond the beaches?
I believed I already knew what the trip would be like before going to Visakhapatnam. Mornings on the beach, fresh local cuisine for lunch and a walk along the coast in the evening. That was pretty much the picture I had in my head. And yes, Visakhapatnam, which is often called Vizag, has some wonderful beaches. However, what surprised me was how quickly they stopped being the focus of my trip. The more time I spent in one of the hotels in Visakhapatnam exploring the city, the more I realised there was a completely different side to it. One where forested hills meet the sea, ancient temples stand beside contemporary cafés, submarines become museums, and scenic roads make the journey just as memorable as the destination.
Although they weren’t the only memories, the beaches remained one of my favourites by the time I left.
Visakhapatnam has mountains as well as a coast
The landscape was what surprised me the most. Where most coastal cities are relatively flat, Visakhapatnam isn’t. As I was driving through the city, I constantly found myself moving between beaches and green hills. One moment I was looking out across the Bay of Bengal, and a few minutes later I was climbing winding roads towards viewpoints surrounded by thick vegetation. It gave the city a completely different character.
It’s rare to find a place where you can take in hilltop vistas and seaside views in the same afternoon.
Kailasagiri was worth more than the view in Visakhapatnam
Kailasagiri, a famous hilltop park, is recommended by almost everyone. So, I expected a nice viewpoint. Though what I found was much more than that.
Sweeping views of Ramakrishna Beach, the city skyline, and the boundless Bay of Bengal are available from the hilltop park. The massive statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the exquisitely designed gardens, and the ropeway all contributed to the experience, but to be honest, I mostly just gazed out over the city. It was one of those locations where you are awestruck by how exquisitely Visakhapatnam is situated between the hills and the sea.
I didn’t expect a submarine museum in Visakhapatnam
The INS Kurusura Submarine Museum was one attraction that truly surprised me. Walking inside an actual submarine that was once part of the Indian Navy is not something you get to do very often. Moving through its narrow corridors, seeing the compact sleeping quarters, control panels, and engine rooms gave me a fascinating glimpse into life beneath the sea.
It’s the kind of attraction that appeals even if you’re not particularly interested in military history. And it’s something you certainly don’t expect from a beach holiday.
The drive to Yarada Beach became Visakhapatnam’s highlight
Strangely, there was more to one of my favourite beach experiences than just the beach itself. It was the drive. The road leading to Yarada Beach winds through green hills and then suddenly opens up to spectacular views of the coastline. I stopped several times just to admire the scenery. By the time I arrived at the beach, I was almost as pleased with the journey as I was impressed by the final destination.
Unlike some of the city’s popular beaches, Yarada itself was serene and noticeably peaceful, making it simple to spend a few leisurely hours without feeling crowded.
Walking along Beach Road in Visakhapatnam after sunset
I discovered so much beyond the beaches, but I still returned to the coast in the evenings. Beach Road has a lively but relaxed environment.
Families gather for evening walks, cyclists make their way along the promenade, local food stalls fill the air with the aroma of roasted corn and spicy snacks, and the sea breeze somehow makes everyone slow down a little. I wasn’t there to complete another task. I just liked being a part of the city’s evening routine.
Staying in the right part of Visakhapatnam city helped
One thing I’d recommend is choosing one of the popular hotels in Visakhapatnam around Beach Road, Ramakrishna Beach, or the Siripuram area.
This puts you close enough to enjoy the coastline whenever you like and also near attractions such as Kailasagiri, the Submarine Museum, local restaurants and shopping areas. You can easily enjoy the city’s scenic and cultural aspects and save time travelling around it. A good location made exploring far more enjoyable.
Final thoughts
Visakhapatnam deserves its status as one of the best coastal cities in India, but focusing only on its beaches would be a wrong assessment. Its distinctive topography, where the Bay of Bengal meets the Eastern Ghats, creates a destination with breathtaking drives, expansive vistas, intriguing museums, mouthwatering regional cuisine, and a laid-back environment that extends well beyond the coast.
Come for the beaches, stay long enough to discover everything waiting beyond them. That’s the side of Visakhapatnam that surprised me the most.
