The land of the golden beaches was just over half a century ago a small fishing village. One would be amazed at the manner in which this port city with a natural harbour developed into one of the fastest growing cities in Asia.Vast stretches of beaches right next to the city on one side and undulating green hills on the other have made Vizag, as it is endearingly called, a tourist haven.

An ideal destination, it caters to the religious minded, the Buddhist pilgrim, the fun-lovers and adventure-seekers. A number of beaches and a long stretch of road along the sea-shore up to Bheemunipatnam town, the second oldest municipality in the country, are a pleasure to experience.

No trip to Vizag is complete without a sojourn at Araku, 110 km away, a lovely valley nestled amidst the high Eastern Ghats. Simhachalam temple, Rishikonda beach, the Dolphin's Nose hillock projecting into the sea, enchantment unlimited - that is Visakhapatnam

Kailasagiri :Kailasagiri park is situated at an altitude of 360ft. on Mount Kailash, a charming hillock on the sea front bordering a small valley within the city. The magnificent statues of Shiva- Parvathi are illuminated at night and is worth seeing. The Shanku Chakra Naama which symbolizes the image of Lord Vishnu in its pristine form, fully lighted at night is visible from most parts of the city. The park gives an enchanting view of the sea, beaches, lush green forests and the bustling city.

Kailasagiri is a gliders paradise with excellent gliding facilities. Situated at an altitude of 130 mts., the gliding point provides ample opportunities to test the gliding skills of the gliders.

Rishikonda Beach :Located 13kms. from Visakhapatnam on the Visakhapatnam- Bheemunipatnam beach road, is Rishikonda, a thickly covered hill. The lovely beach here with golden sands is the best beach in Vizag. It is ideal for water skiing, wind surfing and swimming. The tourist complex here is well equipped with a tourist lodge, individual rental cottages, a restaurant and other amenities. The 14th century Sri Sapta Rusheswara Temple surrounded by seven hills is located here.

Ramakrishna Beach :Rama Krishna Beach is located 5km from the centre of Visakhapatanam. This beach occupying the largest part of the seafront, is a great spot to spend time leisurely. The R.K. Beach was jointly developed by the Municipal Corporation of Visakhapatnam (MCV) and the VUDA. The submarine museum here is one of its kind in the country. Sri Ramakrishna mission Ashram is located nearby.

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park :The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, 6km from the city centre spread over 425 Acres of land, has over 400 varieties of animals. This is one of the largest Zoo Park in Andhra Pradesh. The well planned layout of the zoo has different enclosures for primates, carnivores, lesser carnivores, small mammals and birds close to their natural habitats. There is mini-train to facilitate people to watch the wild life.

Belum Caves, Belum :Originally discovered in 1854 by H.B.Foote, these subturanean passages were explored by the Department of archealogy and Museums, followed by team of European spalelogist led by Mr Gebaner, Belum Caves are the second largest natural caves in Indian Sub. continent after

Meghalaya Caves :These underground caves are located on a flat agricultural field, have 3 well like cavities with the central one being the main entrance to the caves. After a descent of 20 meters at the entrance, the cave is horizontal & has a length of 3229 meters. Longer than Borra Caves in Vishakapatnam district Belum Caves have long passages, spacious chambers, fresh water galleries and siphons. All this makes Belum Caves a geological & archeological attraction worldwide.

Borra Caves :Originally discovered in 1854 by H.B.Foote, these subturanean passages were explored by the Department of archealogy and Museums, followed by team of European spalelogist led by Mr Gebaner, Belum Caves are the second largest natural caves in Indian Sub continent after Meghalaya Caves.

These limestone caves were formed as a result of the action of Gosthani River. The river, which now flows through these caves, was once upon a time flowing over the limestone area. Due to the pressure exerted by the river water on the mineral deposits, the limestone dissolved and gradually the caves were formed. In the process, giving rise to several interesting structures like - a mushroom, a temple, a mosque, a church and many more.