Thursday, September 28: Exploring Ramakrishna Beach
Start your trip by visiting Ramakrishna Beach in the morning. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the shoreline while taking in the stunning views of the Bay of Bengal. You can also indulge in beach activities like building sand castles or playing beach volleyball. In the afternoon, head to the Kailasagiri Park, located on a hilltop overlooking the beach. Take a cable car ride to the park and enjoy the panoramic views of the city. In the evening, visit the Submarine Museum, where you can explore a real submarine and learn about India's naval history.
Ramakrishna Beach: Free, Morning
Kailasagiri Park: Cable Car Ride - INR 60 per person, Afternoon
Submarine Museum: INR 40 per person, Evening
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near Ramakrishna Beach is Bagicha Restaurant, known for its delicious South Indian breakfast dishes such as idli, dosa, and vada. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 150 per person.
For lunch, head to Sai Priya Beach Resort, a restaurant located near the beach that offers a wide range of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. Enjoy a buffet lunch here with a stunning view of the beach. The average cost for a meal at Sai Priya Beach Resort is about INR 500 per person.
For dinner, visit Daspalla Executive Court, a trendy restaurant in the heart of the city that offers a diverse menu with both Indian and international options. Try their signature dishes like butter chicken or grilled fish. The average cost for a meal at Daspalla Executive Court is about INR 800 per person.
Friday, September 29: Discovering Araku Valley
Embark on a day trip to Araku Valley, a scenic hill station located about 115 kilometers from Visakhapatnam. Start your morning by taking a scenic train ride on the Kirandul Passenger train, known as the "Vistadome" train. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Eastern Ghats as you pass through numerous tunnels and bridges. Upon reaching Araku Valley, visit the Padmapuram Gardens, a beautifully landscaped park with a variety of flora. In the afternoon, explore the Tribal Museum to learn about the indigenous tribes of the region. Finally, savor the authentic flavors of Araku coffee at a local plantation before returning to Visakhapatnam in the evening.
Train to Araku Valley: INR 100 per person, Morning
Padmapuram Gardens: INR 20 per person, Afternoon
Tribal Museum: INR 10 per person, Afternoon
Local Coffee Plantation: INR 200 per person, Evening
Saturday, September 30: Visiting Borra Caves and Rushikonda Beach
Start your day by exploring the fascinating Borra Caves, located about 90 kilometers from Visakhapatnam. Marvel at the stunning limestone formations and stalactites inside the caves. Afterward, make your way to Rushikonda Beach, a popular spot for water sports. Spend the afternoon participating in activities like jet skiing, banana boat rides, or simply relaxing on the golden sands. In the evening, enjoy a mesmerizing sunset view from the viewpoint at Rushikonda Beach.
Borra Caves: INR 80 per person, Morning
Rushikonda Beach: Free, Afternoon
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Coastal Kitchen, located in Visakhapatnam. This cozy restaurant offers a wide range of South Indian and Continental breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Sea Pearl Restaurant, which is situated near Rushikonda Beach. This restaurant specializes in fresh seafood dishes, serving delicacies like fish curry and prawns fry. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Dharani Restaurant, known for its authentic Andhra cuisine. Enjoy mouthwatering dishes like biryani and spicy curries in a traditional setting. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Sunday, October 1: Exploring Simhachalam Temple and Rishikonda Kailasagiri
Start your morning by visiting the sacred Simhachalam Temple, dedicated to Lord Varaha Narasimha. Admire the intricate architecture of the temple and soak in the spiritual ambiance. In the afternoon, head to Rishikonda Kailasagiri, a serene hilltop park offering panoramic views of the city. Take a joy ride on the toy train, stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, and enjoy a picnic with your family. End your trip by capturing the beautiful sunset view from Kailasagiri.
Simhachalam Temple: Free, Morning
Rishikonda Kailasagiri: INR 50 per person (toy train ride), Afternoon
Restaurants
Breakfast: Alaka Ruchulu - Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at Alaka Ruchulu. This restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes including dosas, idlis, and vadas. Average cost for a breakfast meal is about ₹150 per person.
Lunch: Ming Garden - Enjoy a scrumptious Chinese lunch at Ming Garden. This restaurant serves an extensive menu of Chinese dishes, from noodles and fried rice to dim sums and stir-fries. Average cost for a lunch meal is about ₹300 per person.
Dinner: Vihar Multi-Cuisine Restaurant - Indulge in a delightful multi-cuisine dinner at Vihar. With a menu that includes North Indian, South Indian, and Chinese dishes, there's something to satisfy every palate. Average cost for a dinner meal is about ₹400 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, visit the Naval Museum inside the INS Kursura submarine, located near Ramakrishna Beach. It offers a fascinating insight into the history of Indian naval warfare. Also, don't miss the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, a perfect place for nature enthusiasts and families to spot various species of animals and birds in their natural habitat. Additionally, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is a great option for a family outing, where you can see a wide range of animals and enjoy the zoo safari.