Located on the east coast of India, the Borra Caves are situated in the Ananthagiri hills of the Araku Valley in Visakhapatnam district. British geologist William King discovered this million years old cave in the year 1807 and it has been a tourist favourite ever since. Breathtaking hilly terrain, beautiful landscape, semi-evergreen moist deciduous forests, and wild fauna of the Borra Caves are a visual feast. A marvellous creation of nature, the caves were formed when river waters flow through a limestone area and the calcium carbonate turns into calcium bicarbonate, which is easily washed out by the running water.
Distance from Visakhapatnam: 89 km
The Rishikonda Beach also known as Rushikonda Beach is a stunning shore located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal in Vishakhapatnam, in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. APTDC, which is in charge of this natural beauty, has done a great job in the upkeep of the beach and ensured that this natural attraction remains unspoilt. The Rishikonda Beach is thus rightly named as the 'Jewel of the East Coast', owing to its essential and intact beauty. The serene golden sands of the beach are located in the bosom of the Rishikonda hill.
Distance from Visakhapatnam: 28 km
Kailasagiri is a hill top park in the city of Vishakhapatnam. The hill is at 360 feet and it overlooks beaches, forests & the city of Vishakhapatnam. It is one of the best tourist spots in the city for a bird's eye view of the bay. The Kailasagiri Park is well known for its panoramic view, peaceful atmosphere and its scenic beauty, making it a beautiful tourist attraction in Vishakhapatnam. The place offers plenty of leisure activities which is also one of the reasons for people visiting the place. For small children, circular train is there for fun and enjoyment.
Distance from Visakhapatnam: 25 km
Katiki Falls originates from River Gosthani about 90 kilometres from Visakhapatnam. The waterfall is located near the Borra Caves and is a famous attraction for picnickers and nature lovers. The natural landscape surrounding the waterfall is lush green and goes through an uneven path that adds an element of adventure to the visitors trekking their way to the waterfall. It is, therefore, an ideal attraction for beginner to intermediate level trekkers. There are several food kiosks on the way that serve snacks and beverages especially Bamboo Chicken and fresh Coconut Water. Taking a pit stop for a bite before proceeding won't be disappointing.
Distance from Visakhapatnam: 92 km
Known For : Borra Caves Katiki Waterfalls Chaparai Waterfalls
Araku Valley is a comparatively unexplored hill station mostly visited by locals as a weekend getaway and is situated some 120 kilometres away from Vishakhapatnam. If you're a tourist looking for exclusivity and tranquillity, Vistadome train leaves Vishakhapatnam at 6.50 AM, making way through 58 tunnels and passing over 84 bridges making way through the breathtaking landscape to reach Araku in approximately in 5 hours, go, catch that!
Distance from Visakhapatnam: 114 km
Best Time: September to February
Known For : Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary Shri Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple Pithapuram
A city with a perfect blend of cosmopolitan lifestyle and old world charm, Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh is blessed with best of both the cultures. One side showcases rich cultural heritage, while the other side will leave you in awe of its success in industrialization and architectural grandeurs. Often referred to as the fertilizer city, Kakinada is a well planned industrial hub where urban lifestyle comes handy with the development. From shopping malls to night clubs, the city is packed with all kind of entertainment for all kind of tourists.
Distance from Visakhapatnam: 157 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Papi Hills Pattiseema Godavari Bridge
Located on the banks of River Godavari in Andhra Pradesh, and officially known Rajamahendravaram, Rajahmundry is the biggest city of the East and the West Godavari District in the state. Touted to be one of the oldest cities in India, Rajahmundry was founded in the 19th century by the Chalukya King- Raja Raja Narendra. This Cultural Capital of Andhra Pradesh is also referred to as the 'born city' as it is believed to be the birth city of Telugu language. Touring along river Godavari and relishing the scenic landscapes is the prime attraction at Rajahmundry that draws in tourists from far and wide.
Distance from Visakhapatnam: 190 km
Best Time: October to March
The city of Yanam is situated in the Yanam district of Puducherry, India. The small city which covers an area of 30 square kilometers is in the confluence where Godhavari meets Koringa to the south of Kakinada district in Andhra Pradesh. The city has a widely distinct culture with a mixture of French and Telugu traditions, commonly referred to as the Frelugu culture. Yanam was under the Dutch rule, later shuttled between the rule of French and the Britishers before finally gaining independence in 1954.
Distance from Visakhapatnam: 183 km
Best Time: June to September
Known For : Pampa river boat ride Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Temple
Located in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, Annavaram is a small hamlet on the banks of river Pampa. It is on the hilltop of Ratnagiri, at a distance of 142 kilometres from Hyderabad. The temple village is famous for its shrine of Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy, a form of the Hindu deity- Lord Vishnu, and is flocked by tourists throughout the year. Annavaram Devasthanam is a sacred pilgrim centre that's thronged by lakhs of devotees every month, most of them who come to perform the special prayer (vrata), to please the lord they have come to worship.
Distance from Visakhapatnam: 108 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Bagara Kolab Hydro Electric power reservoir and Botanical Garden Sunabeda
Jeypore, also spelled Jayepore, is a large city in the state of Odisha and is famous for its fresh water lakes, waterfalls and valleys. Jeypore is home to about 62 affiliated communities such as Gond, Dhruba, Paraja, Koya. Situated at the southern boundary of Odisha, Jeypore is connected with Andhra Pradesh in south. The city has its own historic significance and is the second largest city after Berhampur of south Odisha. Locally pronounced as 'Joypur' and the literal meaning of Jayepore is 'City of Victory'.
Distance from Visakhapatnam: 213 km
Best Time: October to February
Known For : Maa Majhighariani Temple Hanging Bridge in Chekaguda Chatikona Falls
Rayagada is a district in Odisha with a rich history and a distinct culture which has, over the years, mingled with the local tribal culture. This district has many historical places to visit and is known for its cuisine, crafts and handmade products. Rayagada is one of the most visited districts in Odisha and is located on the South Eastern border of the state. This is an upcoming tourist destination that has not yet been flooded with tourists but has all the facilities for a comfortable stay.
Distance from Visakhapatnam: 195 km
Best Time: November to February
Srikakulam is a city in Andhra Pradesh. Some of the prominent places in & around Srikakulam, along with their most renowned characteristics are: Arasavalli (Sun Temple of Lord Devendra), Kalingapatnam (Darga Shariff and Buddhist Stupa), Kaviti (Sitharamswamy temple and Chintamani Ammavaru), Srikurmam village (Historic Vishnu Temple), Baruva (Janardhana Swamy and Sri Kotilingeswara Swamy Temples), magenta for Mountain, Budithi (Brass & Metal Handicrafts).
Anakapalle is a suburb of Vishakhapatnam. It is located on the banks of river Sarada. It has a huge jaggery market, the second largest in India. Major jaggery exports facilitate through this market. There are various famous temples such as the Bojjannakonda Buddhist Stupa, Nookambika Temple, Sathyanarayan Swami Temple and more. Some beaches can also be spotted on Pudimadaka and Mutyalammapalem.
Narsipatnam is a town in the Vishakhapatnam District. There are numerous tourist spots in and around Narsipatnam. Being close to a major city, it attracts a lot of visitors. The most visited places include an array of beautiful waterfalls, zoological park, museum, dam, reservoir, beaches, caves (Borra caves being the most famous), and many holy temples. Most places in Narsipatnam are immensely scenic.