Popularly known as the Goa of the East Coast, it has everything that its western counterpart has, except the huge number of tourists that pour. Virgin beaches, lovely hillocks, stunning landscapes and enchanting tranquility, Vizag has everything that is needed to make it a perfect holiday destination. Majestic hilly tracts, mysterious caves and lovely valley enclosures offer good picnic spots too. Steeped deep in mythology it is believed to be the place where Lord Rama wandered for a long time in search for his wife Sita and also the place where Bhima killed the demon Bakasura. A trip to Vizag promises everything – spirituality, serenity and unending fun.

• Ramakrishna Beach: Also known as RK Beach, it is one of the best places in Vizag to hang out with family, friends or simply all alone. Chill out here after sunset as the cool breeze blows gently on your face. A fun place to be at, the beach is always alive with crowds that pour in. Water activities are not allowed here, so simply laze around or take a good stroll.

• Rushikonda: An ideal place to laze, this is a virgin beach with golden sands and a crystal clear sea. Pretty safe to wade in, it is also a heaven for water sports lovers and offers a lot of activities like skiing and wind surfing.

• Dolphin’s Nose: An impressive landmark in Vizag, it is a gigantic hillock which resembles the nose of a Dolphin and hence the name. The spot has a mosque dedicated to a famous Muslim sage, Ishaque Madina. The sage was known well around for the prophecies he made. Sri Venkateswarakonda Temple is also there which was built by Captain Blackmoor.

• Bheemunipatnam: Located towards the countryside this is a charming small town. The place is lovely with an exotic beach and the remnants of Portuguese glory in the cemetery and church. The town is visited by tourists for its various pilgrimage centers, temples, old churches, clock tower, light house and port.

• Simhachalam: Vizag is particularly known for the architectural splendor of the temples present here. Most of the temples here belong to the 10th and 11th centuries. Simhachalam is a major temple located a bit away from the main city. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his half man and half lion avatar of Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy. The idol is kept covered by a thick sandalwood paste.

• The Vuda Park: This is an important park in Vizag named after a former Chief Minister Mr. N.T. Rama Rao. It is a major tourist attraction in Vizag and offers a number of exciting options like dancing musical fountains, boating facility, skating ring, a well-equipped gymnasium and a stable offering pleasure rides on camels and horses.

• Indira Gandhi Zoological Park: A good place to come face to face with wild life. It has a picturesque setting with hills on both sides. With the Bay of Bengal flanking one side, the park spreads over 625 acres and houses around 700 animals. Major attractions in the zoo are nocturnal animals, toy train, Shanty Sarovar view and Bay of Bengal view points. You can undertake a Deer Safari and Zoo Van Drive here.

• Kailasagiri: One of the most famous tourist spots in Vizag, it is a lovely hill park facing the Bay of Bengal. The presence of the idols of Shiva and Parvati lends it the name, Kailasgiri. The height of the point gives a picturesque view of the entire city which is especially charming at night when the lights of the city glow. Major tourist attractions here are ropeway to the hill, an art gallery, and a Capsule Lift that transfers you to the highest view point.

• War Memorial: A memorial built to commemorate the victory of the Indian Forces against Pakistan in the 1971 war. It has as its exhibits a fighter plane, a tank and few bombs/ missiles.

• Ross Hill: A major tourist spot in Vizag, the place is unique being dedicated to three different faiths. One hill there has a chapel dedicated to Mother Mary, another hill has a tomb of the Muslim saint, Sayed Ali Medina alias Ishak Medina, visited by Hindu and Muslim devotees alike while the third hillock has a temple of Sri Venkateswara Konda.

Being in the southern side of India, a taste of South is advisable. Try out the most mouth-watering South Indian delicacies at Southern Spice. Delectable Indian is served at Dharani. Princess is a nice multi-cuisine restaurant which serves you delectable meals round the clock. Dakshin and Royale Palate are other famous multi-cuisine restaurants in the city. Horizon is a fun place to dine when in a mood to dine with live music. Most other good eating places of the city are concentrated around the Siripuram area.

Vizag is always an interesting place to shop for a wide variety of items. The bazaars here offer a wide variety of jewelry, handicrafts, clothes and traditional South Indian metal utensils. Lepakshi Emporium Eastern, Art Museum and Girijan Co-operative Society are the most authentic place to shop for local handicrafts and products. Vizag is known for its sandalwood products and are a must buy while shopping in Vizag. Ladies can look out to Kurupam Market which is a good place to shop for gold and silver ornaments. Markets at Waltair, RTC Complex, TSR complex, Jagadamda Junction, Kurupam and Dwaraka are other prominent shopping places in the city.