Visakhapatnam, or Vizag as practically everyone who ever visited it refers to it, is one of those cities that generates a sort of devotion to people who know it well enough. I had already heard this from several people who had no obvious reason to be biased toward a port city on the Andhra Pradesh coast. So, even before purchasing the tickets, I felt reasonably confident that the recommendations were genuine.

The first evening set the tone

I arrived in the late afternoon and headed straight to RK Beach, the long stretch of coastline along the eastern edge of the city. It serves as Vizag’s main public space, something that few urban beaches in India truly achieve. By the evening, the crowds of families, walkers, and watchers gathered near the Bay of Bengal created that friendly and undoubtedly pleasant surrounding. I walked the length of the promenade without any particular destination. The sun going down over the city behind me while the water darkened in front was not a dramatic sunset, just a steady and quiet transition.

The hills that make Vizag different

The Eastern Ghats lie very close to the sea, making Visakhapatnam different from most other coastal cities in India. Here, the hills and the coastline blend into a single landscape, allowing visitors to enjoy both without making separate trips. The best example of this is Kailasagiri Hill Park, which can be reached by road or ropeway from the city. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the sea on one side and the city on the other.

I took the ropeway on my second morning partly because the views during the ride were beautiful. I also felt that travelling there by auto would be less enjoyable, as it would take away the ropeway’s unique experience. Fortunately, the hilltop park is well maintained. Walking around it for an hour feels enjoyable rather than tiring, unlike many other parks of this kind.

Araku Valley, which deserves more than a day trip

Araku Valley sits around 120 km from Vizag in the hills of the Eastern Ghats, and most visitors go as a day trip. Instead, I decided to spend a night there, which turned out to be the right choice. Arriving in the afternoon and leaving the following morning meant I experienced the valley at its most beautiful times, that is, sunset and early morning.

The train journey from Vizag to Araku is often regarded as one of the most scenic rail routes in South India. It passes through a series of tunnels and over bridges, with the Eastern Ghats stretching away on either side. I took it up and came back by road, which gave me both experiences and confirmed that the train is considerably more interesting than the road.

The coffee grown in Araku has developed a genuine reputation over the last decade. I bought more than I could reasonably carry back and have been thinking about the cup I had there at a small estate stall ever since.

The Submarine Museum and an afternoon I hadn’t planned

Back in Vizag, the INS Kurusura Submarine Museum sits on the beach near RK Beach and is worth a visit even if military history isn’t your primary interest. I spent about an hour inside, moving through the cramped sections with a group of schoolchildren who were considerably more enthusiastic about the torpedo room than I was.

The afternoon afterwards was unplanned, but enjoyable. I sat at a stall near the beach eating pesarattu, a green moong dal crepe that is a staple of Andhra breakfasts. It is available throughout the day at several places near the promenade. As I ate, I watched the crowd on the beach gradually build toward the evening peak.

What keeps people coming back to Visakhapatnam?

By the end of the third day, I had begun to understand what made people so loyal to this place. Unlike cities known for one defining attraction, Vizag offers a combination of experiences. Its appeal lies not only in its geography but also in its lively beaches, nearby hills, and attractions within easy reach. Above all, Vizag has surroundings that are difficult to describe but easy to appreciate.

Several hotels in Visakhapatnam are located close enough to RK Beach for an evening promenade walk to become a natural part of your day rather than a planned activity. It is the perfect way to enjoy one of the city’s best free attractions. Staying near the beach instead of in the more commercial parts of the city made Vizag feel like a destination rather than just a place to stay. By the time I left, I completely understood why so many people are loyal to the city. I’ll certainly go back one day.