Visakhapatnam, also known as Vizag, is located on the east coast of Andhra Pradesh. It has hills on one side and the Bay of Bengal on the other. I arrived with low expectations. I aimed to enjoy the pleasant weather, sip some coffee and take relaxing strolls. However, I found a beautiful, warm, and welcoming city. Here, I narrate my beautiful 3-day experience visiting Vizag’s beaches, markets and cafés.
Getting to Visakhapatnam without the usual stress
A good trip starts before you land. This time, I chose business class flights for my journey. The spacious seating, extra legroom and attentive onboard service made the flight more comfortable. Priority services at the airport also helped make the journey smoother. I arrived relaxed and refreshed, ready to begin exploring the city. I reached my stay, dropped my bag and walked straight to the sea.
Day one: RK Beach and the heart of Visakhapatnam
RK Beach, short for Ramakrishna Beach, is Vizag’s most famous beach. It is along probably the busiest road in the city, complete with statues and stalls. Locals come here every evening to walk. I also joined them to watch the sunset.
Visakhapatnam’s submarine museum near the water
The INS Kurusura Submarine Museum sits right on the beach. It is a real submarine that served the Indian Navy for decades. Now visitors can walk through its narrow passages. I stepped inside and felt how tight the space was. A guide explained how sailors lived here for weeks. The visit took less than an hour and left a strong impression.
Day two: Kailasagiri and the view over Visakhapatnam
Kailasagiri is a hilltop park above the city. A short drive or a ropeway ride takes you up. The park has gardens, walking paths and a large statue of Shiva and Parvati. The real reward is the view. From the top, I could see the coastline curve into the haze. The breeze felt cool, even at noon.
A quiet morning at Visakhapatnam’s Rushikonda Beach
Rushikonda Beach is located a little north of the city’s downtown area. It has a beach and relaxed surroundings unlike RK Beach. The coastline includes clear waters, sandy shores, and mild hills in the background. I went early, before the crowds arrived. A few joggers passed by, and fishermen were mending nets. I walked barefoot for almost an hour and felt fully awake.
Day two afternoon: markets in Visakhapatnam
Markets in Visakhapatnam show the city’s everyday life better than any museum. Jagadamba Junction is Vizag’s most famous shopping area. Cotton sarees, metallic utensils, and colourful fruit vendors occupy the streets. I moved around the shopping mall, exploring everything. One of the shop owners offered me a free piece of mango and inquired where I came from. This gesture added warmth to my market experience.
Visakhapatnam’s Poorna Market and local snacks
Poorna Market is a lively spot for fruits, vegetables and household goods. I stopped at a stall selling punugulu, which are crisp fried rice and urad dal balls. They came hot with coconut chutney. Every bite was crunchy outside and soft inside. I ate them standing, like everyone else, and ordered a second plate.
Cafés along Beach Road in Visakhapatnam
Numerous coffee shops along Beach Road have sea views. Most of them are peaceful during the day, so they are perfect for slow travellers. I chose one coffee shop with a table near the window and ordered coffee and a vegetable sandwich. I spent almost 2 hours at this coffee shop with my book, watching the waves.
Day three: simple vegetarian breakfast and a slow goodbye to Visakhapatnam
Andhra food is both simple and delicious. I tried pesarattu, a dosa made from green gram with ginger chutney, in a local café. The dosa was hot and crispy. The meal ended with a cup of hot filter coffee. Then, I strolled along the seashore. The weather was great, and the sea was calm.
What I would tell anyone planning a Visakhapatnam trip
Visit between October and February, when the weather is pleasant. Also carry a light hat and sunscreen when visiting the beach. Remember to enjoy local street food at small stalls and enjoy the peaceful noon on the beachfront.
Final thoughts
I went to Visakhapatnam expecting a simple beach break. I came back with warm memories of small markets, quiet cafés and long walks by the water. The city never rushed me, and I never felt the need to rush myself. Three days felt short, yet complete. Some places do not demand much from you. They simply give you space to rest, notice small things and return home feeling lighter. Vizag did exactly that for me.
