A city where hills meet the sea: my first impressions of Visakhapatnam

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Before travelling to Visakhapatnam, I believed I had a pretty good idea of what lay ahead. A busy port city, popular beaches, and seafood. Maybe a few viewpoints overlooking the Bay of Bengal. I wasn’t expecting much beyond that.

However, Visakhapatnam or Vizag, as practically everyone lovingly refers to it, proved me incorrect within the first few hours. This city is unique for more reasons than just its proximity to the ocean. The Eastern Ghats appear to tumble directly down to the coast, giving the area a very different feel from most Indian coastal cities.

You don’t often find yourself travelling along a beach with the boundless Bay of Bengal on one side and verdant hills rising on the other.

That was my first clue that Vizag was going to surprise me.

My first stop was the beach, of course

I couldn’t help but go straight to Ramakrishna Beach, also called RK Beach. My attention wasn’t limited to the sea. Roadside vendors sold roasted corn, ice cream, and spicy local snacks while families strolled along the promenade, kids flew kites, and cyclists zipped by. It wasn’t chaotic, but it felt lively. Choosing hotels in Visakhapatnam near beaches is a rewarding thing for beach lovers, as it was for me. I reached here quickly, as I was staying close by.

I ended up spending much more time than I had intended sitting on the promenade and watching the waves crash against the coast. It wasn’t a spectacular sightseeing experience. It was simply a delightful way to get to know the city.

Also, did you know that Visakhapatnam has been a significant maritime city for centuries and is home to one of India’s biggest natural harbours? It is still one of the busiest ports in the nation today and houses the Eastern Naval Command’s headquarters.

Then the hills changed everything

The coastline isn’t the only thing that makes Visakhapatnam unforgettable. It’s the way the hills are always there next to it.

As I was travelling to Kailasagiri, I became aware of what the city had to offer. A few minutes later, you’re climbing a hill to get sweeping views of the same coastline after spending a moment by the sea. The city was visible from the top in all directions.

The beaches, the harbour, the green hills, and the blue Bay of Bengal – it all came together to create a breathtaking scene that immediately clarified why so many people fall in love with Visakhapatnam.

I loved that the city never felt one-dimensional

In certain coastal locations, the beach is the main focus. Visakhapatnam doesn’t. On the same day, I strolled along the waterfront, to the INS Kurusura Submarine Museum, and then explored Tenneti Park, where striking rocky cliffs meet the sea.

A little further away is Rushikonda Beach, which is well-liked for water sports, and Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular destination for hikers and birdwatchers. There was always another side of the city waiting to be explored.

The food immediately felt like part of the experience

I anticipated delicious seafood because I was on the coast. I simply wasn’t prepared for so many options. Restaurants serve Andhra-style vegetable curry and fries. Even if these aren’t your thing, the city has plenty to offer.

Heavy Andhra dishes with rice, pappu, tart pickles, fiery curries, and crisp papad quickly became my favourite. To put it mildly, the cuisine had the same character as the city. Bold and full of flavour.

There’s history hidden between the beaches

Before I began exploring, I had no idea how much history Visakhapatnam had. While Ross Hill Church offers both historical significance and expansive views of the harbour, the intriguing TU 142 Aircraft Museum narrates the history of Indian naval aviation.

Situated just outside the city, the over 2,000-year-old Thotlakonda Buddhist Complex overlooks the Bay of Bengal. It serves as a reminder to tourists that this coastline has been a popular destination for travellers and traders. Vizag isn’t just scenic. It’s layered with history too.

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Final thoughts

Before arriving, I expected Visakhapatnam to be another pleasant beach city. Instead, I discovered a destination where hills meet the sea, history sits beside modern development, and every drive reveals another beautiful coastal view.

My initial impressions of Visakhapatnam were influenced by much more than just its coastline, from the vibrant atmosphere of RK Beach and the stunning panorama from Kailasagiri to the city’s delicious food, intriguing museums, and serene viewpoints.

It wasn’t just the beaches that stayed with me. It was the way the sea and the hills seemed to belong together and how effortlessly the city brings both into everyday life.