Visakhapatnam

Vizag, a port and beach city on India's east coast, with a decommissioned submarine by RK Beach, the hilltop Kailasagiri park and Blue Flag Rushikonda Beach, plus a coastal road linking Buddhist sites and red sand dunes.

Visakhapatnam (Vizag for short) lies in northern Andhra Pradesh on India's east coast, squeezed between the Bay of Bengal and the Eastern Ghats. It is Andhra Pradesh's largest city, headquarters of the Indian Navy's Eastern Naval Command and a major port and industrial city. The city stretches along the coast, and the main sightseeing areas fall into three sections. In the centre, the RK Beach area is home to the INS Kursura Submarine Museum, the TU-142 Aircraft Museum, the Victory at Sea memorial and the Visakha Museum, and the beach road is at its liveliest in the evening. Heading north along the coastal road come Kailasagiri hilltop park, Tenneti Park, Blue Flag Rushikonda Beach, the Buddhist sites of Thotlakonda and Bavikonda, and the Erra Matti Dibbalu red sand dunes, all the way to the old port of Bheemunipatnam about 25 km away, a route best enjoyed by hired car or bicycle. To the south, on either side of the harbour, are Ross Hill Church, the Dolphin's Nose headland and secluded Yarada Beach. On a hill north of the city, Simhachalam Temple is an important Vishnu pilgrimage site. The best season is Oct–Mar, when the weather is warm and dry; Apr–Jun is hot and humid, often above 35°C during the day; Jul–Sep brings monsoon rain, and Oct–Nov occasionally sees cyclones. Getting there: Visakhapatnam Airport has flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and elsewhere, and the railway station is a hub on the East Coast Railway, with direct trains to Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. The city's sights are spread out, so hire a car or use ride-hailing; buses also run along the beach road. Allow 2–3 days, plus 1–2 more if you add the Araku Valley and Borra Caves in the hills to the northwest (a separate stop). Note: most beaches have big waves and strong currents, so only swim where lifeguards are on duty; temples require you to remove your shoes and dress modestly.

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