Arrive at Visakhapatnam, transfer to your hotel (Varun Beach area recommended) and freshen up. Many hotels offer quick check-in or luggage hold if room not ready.
Start with a South Indian-style buffet or Dakshin specialty breakfast — great for trying local dosas, idli and Andhra chutneys before exploring the coast.
Walk along RK Beach to soak up the seaside atmosphere, see local fishermen and the beachfront promenade — perfect for photos and a relaxed start to the trip. (Beach open all day.)
Enjoy an authentic Andhra thali or rice-based meal at a popular local restaurant known for spicy homestyle curries — a good introduction to regional flavours.
Visit the submarine-turned-museum on RK Beach to see naval exhibits and get a feel for life on board; the museum is typically open 9:30am–5:00pm. Excellent for history and family visits.
Head up to Kailasagiri for panoramic coastal views, the ropeway ride and gardens; ropeway/park usually open around 10:00am–6:00pm and is ideal for sunset.
Choose a beachfront seafood place or your hotel restaurant (Novotel/Taj/Gateway options) for fresh prawns, fish curry and coastal specialties — relaxed finish to Day 1.
Leave early by private car or booked day-trip cab to Araku Valley (approx 3–4 hours) to make the most of the hill scenery; the road climbs into the Eastern Ghats.
Explore the famous Borra Caves with impressive stalactites and stalagmites; caves are generally open 9:00am–6:00pm. A highlight for nature lovers and photographers.
Have a relaxed lunch in Araku — sample local tribal dishes, rice-based meals and coffee-themed snacks; many small restaurants serve fresh local produce.
Visit the Tribal Museum and take a short tour/coffee tasting at an Araku plantation (museums usually open 9:00am–5:00pm) to learn about local culture and coffee production.
Drive north to Bheemunipatnam to see the peaceful Dutch cemetery, old colonial structures and quieter stretches of beach — open all day and less crowded than city beaches.
Spend the afternoon at Rushikonda for swimming, banana-boat and jetski rentals (activity counters usually operate 9:00am–5:00pm); ideal for thrill-seekers and families.
Visit the hilltop Thotlakonda Buddhist monastery site and viewpoint (generally open 9:00am–5:00pm) for sunset views over the sea and a touch of ancient history.
Early-morning boat trips (approx 6:00–8:00am departures) offer sightings of dolphins and coastal birds — best experienced at dawn when sea is calm. Confirm timings locally as timings vary by season.
Visit the hilltop Varaha Narasimha (Simhachalam) temple — open mornings 6:00am–12:00pm and evenings; a major religious site with beautiful architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.
Spend more time exploring Kailasagiri’s park, ropeway and giant hilltop statues; the area offers some of the best panoramic city-and-sea vistas (ropeway typically 10:00am–6:00pm).
Drive to Yarada for a quieter sunset viewpoint over the coastline — small drive but rewarding views; beach access available but rough terrain in parts.