Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam (also known locally as Vizag) is the largest city in Andhra Pradesh. It is primarily an industrial city, but also attracts tourists due to its unspoiled sandy beaches, well built and maintained parks, Buddhist Remnant sites and nearby scenic areas, such as the Araku Valley. The city has a population of about 2 million.

Vizag is sometimes called The Goa of the East. Just like its west coast counterpart, it has beautiful virgin beaches, laterite hillocks, smooth roads and stunning landscape. Health-tourism is a fast developing industry. Visakhapatnam is variously called Jewel on the Coramandel Coast, Steel city, and the City of Destiny.

The local language is Telugu. There is considerable concentration of Marwaris, Oriya, Bengalis, Punjabis, Tamil and Malayalees. In addition, there is a large population of migrant workers from other parts of India who have been drawn to the area by the abundance of work at locally based companies, such as Vizag Steel Plant and Hindustan Shipyard.

• Kailash Hill. 6 km away from the city centre. There is a park atop the hill, with a beautiful view of the city, the sea and Eastern Ghats merging into the sea. One can take a ropeway directly facing sea and city. On the hill top there is a beautiful toy train offering a tour of nature. Several view points give a pleasant look of the nature. This is less commercial than other hill stations and there is less hassle by tourist guides. After descending from Kailashgiri one should visit Tenneti Beach Park. Its beauty and luxuriant carpet grass intertwined with concrete pathways makes it ideal for romantic couples. There are several points from which the beautiful rocky beach down beneath can be seen. This provides spectacular views of sunrise, sunset and the pristine waters. Many movies were shot here. Hillocks in the park which is about 50 ft in elevation give a beautiful view of the sea, beach road and the beach park. The ambiance at this Tenneti Beach park is simply mind blowing.
  If you have a couple of days to spare, don't miss the train journey from Visakhapatnam to Araku, which is the most enjoyable train route in the state. There is only one train to Araku from Vizag which starts at 6:50AM at Vizag railway station. It is a four-hour journey in the Eastern Ghats which covers many tunnels and valleys on the way. "Shimiliguda" railway station, on the route, is the highest railway station in India on broad-gauge track.
• Araku Valley. Six hours by train or public bus, this is a scenic valley. A slow, passenger train leaves the Vizag station early in the morning (at 6:50AM), and the train ride is enjoyable. Arrive at least an hour before its departure to get a seat. The train runs through small mountains and tunnels. Araku Valley is definitely not a day trip, but the APTDC facilities can serve as a decent lodging. Book your APTDC rooms early. Padmavathi botanical gardens is worth visiting. November to February are the best months to visit and making an early reservation in the lodges is advisable as Araku Valley has few lodges and hotels. Travel in and Araku valley is limited by limited public bus service. At APTDC lodge, cabs can be hired for a day trip through the valley to Bora caves; the ride is amazing.
• Borra Caves. Once charming, these caves have been modernized by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC). There is an entry fee of ₹30. Separate charges are there to enter with still or video camera. It is a must-visit place for all tourists visiting Vizag. Bring drinking water.

• Jagadamba Center. Most of the famous shopping centers and malls can be found here. Named after the Jagadamba movie theatre, one of the best movie auditoriums of the country when it was constructed and even today.

• Kailasagiri. The ride to this hill offers a spectacular view of the sea, RK. Beach and Rushikonda Beach on right and left hand side. There is a huge sculpture of Shiva and Parvathi. With a children's play area, a people-mover akin to a ski lift called a ropeway. Beautiful scenic view can be obtained from the ropeway, especially in the evening, when the city is lit up. The up and down fare for the ropeway is ₹44 (Dec 2006). A doll museum and a couple of eating areas, this hilltop gives a nice bird's eye view of the city also. Has several "viewpoints" affording wonderful views of the city on one side and winding beaches adjoining green hills on the other side. It is a likeable beach city, especially after visiting Kailasagiri. Based on this beautiful and rare combination of hill and beach. Tenneti park is a spectacular Eco marvel at the foot of the Rope way.

• Kambalakonda. A gorgeous nature preserve that many people in Vizag itself seem to be unaware of. Kambalakonda is uncrowded and peaceful and within 20-25 minutes drive from the city center. A nominal entrance fee of ₹10 is charged per adult. The greenery, the hiking trail and the fantastic view of the ocean from the rather flimsy viewing tower give a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

• Matsyadarshini Aquarium. This aquarium is situated on the left side of Kali temple of R.K. Beach. It has marine and freshwater fishes. Entry fee is ₹20 per person (December 2006). The exit gate of the aquarium resembles the open mouth of a huge white tipped shark. 'Kala Shrusti', a handicrafts shop, is atop the aquarium.
• Ross Hill. Near Ross Hill there are three hills dedicated to three different faiths in proximity to the port. Ross Hill, named after a certain Monsieur Ross who built a house on it in 1864, it has now been converted into a chapel Mother Mary's Church. The pathway to the shrine strewn with Catholic icon. Darga Pahad has the tomb of the Muslim saint, Sayed Ali Medina alias Ishak Medina, visited by Hindu and Muslim devotees alike. Attached to this is a mosque. Sri Venkateswara Konda, the third hillock, has a temple dedicated to the Lord. It is believed to have been built by an Englishman, Captain Blackmoor, in the 19th century. There is a view of the port channel, once ships' entrance to the inner harbor.
• Simhachalam. This is an architectural splendour although some of the sculptures were defaced during the Islamic invasions. The temple inscriptions date the earliest donors to the 10-11th centuries. The exact date of construction is unknown. It is 15 km from the city and is dedicated to the half-man half-lion avatar of Lord Vishnu. The temple bears reference to the Chola and Chalukya styles of architecture. It also has a local railway station.

• War Memorial. This is a remembrance of the Victory at Sea in the 1971 Indo Pak war. It is on the Beach Road, opposite the Submarine Museum. There is a fighter plane, a tank and few replicas of missiles kept as exhibits. There is no entry fee and it can be viewed from the road.

• Bojjana Konda. It is near Sankaram village in the hamlet of Anakapalli, 40 km from Visakhapatnam, and offers architectural remnants of the Buddhist period, one of the earliest of its class in South India. It constitutes one of the most remarkable groups of Buddhist monuments dated from 200 BC to 700 AD, found during excavations in 1906. On the eastern hill, there are a series of rock-cut caves, numerous groups of monolithic dagobas, standing on rock platform in tiers above each other and, crowning all, a rock-cut stupa with extensive structural remains. On the western side of the eastern hill is a stairway, partly rock-cut and partly structural, which leads up to a large double-storied cave. The cave is entered by a doorway and is flanked on each side by huge dwarapalas. The cave chamber is rectangular in shape and is divided into 20 compartments by four cross rocks of 16 massive pillars. In the centre is the rock-cut stupa standing on a square platform.
• Buddhist excavations. Bojjana Konda, Thotla Konda, Bhavi Konda and Salihundam around Visakhapatnam were centres of Buddhism during the second century A.D. Several Buddhist monuments such as stupas and chaityas were erected at these places. It is said that some of the corporal relics of the Buddha were preserved at these places. Hence all these places became sacred places.
• Naval Museum. This presents India's maritime history with pictures, models and content of Indian maritime history.
• Naval Aircraft Museum. This is unique in India, located opposite to the submarine museum on Ramakrishna beach. This museum houses a decommissioned anti-submarine aircraft of Russian origin, which has been restored for the public. It is possible to see the inside of the aircraft and real engines are displayed. It justifies the ₹100 entry fee for adults.
• Submarine Museum. A museum in a decommissioned submarine of the Indian Navy. This is the first of its kind in eastern Asia. This submarine is one of the earliest submarines procured from Russia. The experience of working in the submarine is explained. The museum is manned by retired naval people. The entry fee is ₹.25 for adults and there is a fee to take a camera or video camera inside. ₹25.

Bojjana Konda. It is near Sankaram village in the hamlet of Anakapalli, 40 km from Visakhapatnam, and offers architectural remnants of the Buddhist period, one of the earliest of its class in South India. It constitutes one of the most remarkable groups of Buddhist monuments dated from 200 BC to 700 AD, found during excavations in 1906. On the eastern hill, there are a series of rock-cut caves, numerous groups of monolithic dagobas, standing on rock platform in tiers above each other and, crowning all, a rock-cut stupa with extensive structural remains. On the western side of the eastern hill is a stairway, partly rock-cut and partly structural, which leads up to a large double-storied cave. The cave is entered by a doorway and is flanked on each side by huge dwarapalas. The cave chamber is rectangular in shape and is divided into 20 compartments by four cross rocks of 16 massive pillars. In the centre is the rock-cut stupa standing on a square platform.

Buddhist excavations. Bojjana Konda, Thotla Konda, Bhavi Konda and Salihundam around Visakhapatnam were centres of Buddhism during the second century A.D. Several Buddhist monuments such as stupas and chaityas were erected at these places. It is said that some of the corporal relics of the Buddha were preserved at these places. Hence all these places became sacred places.

Naval Museum. This presents India's maritime history with pictures, models and content of Indian maritime history.

Naval Aircraft Museum. This is unique in India, located opposite to the submarine museum on Ramakrishna beach. This museum houses a decommissioned anti-submarine aircraft of Russian origin, which has been restored for the public. It is possible to see the inside of the aircraft and real engines are displayed. It justifies the ₹100 entry fee for adults.

Submarine Museum. A museum in a decommissioned submarine of the Indian Navy. This is the first of its kind in eastern Asia. This submarine is one of the earliest submarines procured from Russia. The experience of working in the submarine is explained. The museum is manned by retired naval people. The entry fee is ₹.25 for adults and there is a fee to take a camera or video camera inside. ₹25.

Kailash Hill. 6 km away from the city centre. There is a park atop the hill, with a beautiful view of the city, the sea and Eastern Ghats merging into the sea. One can take a ropeway directly facing sea and city. On the hill top there is a beautiful toy train offering a tour of nature. Several view points give a pleasant look of the nature. This is less commercial than other hill stations and there is less hassle by tourist guides. After descending from Kailashgiri one should visit Tenneti Beach Park. Its beauty and luxuriant carpet grass intertwined with concrete pathways makes it ideal for romantic couples. There are several points from which the beautiful rocky beach down beneath can be seen. This provides spectacular views of sunrise, sunset and the pristine waters. Many movies were shot here. Hillocks in the park which is about 50 ft in elevation give a beautiful view of the sea, beach road and the beach park. The ambiance at this Tenneti Beach park is simply mind blowing.
If you have a couple of days to spare, don't miss the train journey from Visakhapatnam to Araku, which is the most enjoyable train route in the state. There is only one train to Araku from Vizag which starts at 6:50AM at Vizag railway station. It is a four-hour journey in the Eastern Ghats which covers many tunnels and valleys on the way. "Shimiliguda" railway station, on the route, is the highest railway station in India on broad-gauge track.

Araku Valley. Six hours by train or public bus, this is a scenic valley. A slow, passenger train leaves the Vizag station early in the morning (at 6:50AM), and the train ride is enjoyable. Arrive at least an hour before its departure to get a seat. The train runs through small mountains and tunnels. Araku Valley is definitely not a day trip, but the APTDC facilities can serve as a decent lodging. Book your APTDC rooms early. Padmavathi botanical gardens is worth visiting. November to February are the best months to visit and making an early reservation in the lodges is advisable as Araku Valley has few lodges and hotels. Travel in and Araku valley is limited by limited public bus service. At APTDC lodge, cabs can be hired for a day trip through the valley to Bora caves; the ride is amazing.

Borra Caves. Once charming, these caves have been modernized by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC). There is an entry fee of ₹30. Separate charges are there to enter with still or video camera. It is a must-visit place for all tourists visiting Vizag. Bring drinking water.

Jagadamba Center. Most of the famous shopping centers and malls can be found here. Named after the Jagadamba movie theatre, one of the best movie auditoriums of the country when it was constructed and even today.

Kailasagiri. The ride to this hill offers a spectacular view of the sea, RK. Beach and Rushikonda Beach on right and left hand side. There is a huge sculpture of Shiva and Parvathi. With a children's play area, a people-mover akin to a ski lift called a ropeway. Beautiful scenic view can be obtained from the ropeway, especially in the evening, when the city is lit up. The up and down fare for the ropeway is ₹44 (Dec 2006). A doll museum and a couple of eating areas, this hilltop gives a nice bird's eye view of the city also. Has several "viewpoints" affording wonderful views of the city on one side and winding beaches adjoining green hills on the other side. It is a likeable beach city, especially after visiting Kailasagiri. Based on this beautiful and rare combination of hill and beach. Tenneti park is a spectacular Eco marvel at the foot of the Rope way.

Kambalakonda. A gorgeous nature preserve that many people in Vizag itself seem to be unaware of. Kambalakonda is uncrowded and peaceful and within 20-25 minutes drive from the city center. A nominal entrance fee of ₹10 is charged per adult. The greenery, the hiking trail and the fantastic view of the ocean from the rather flimsy viewing tower give a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Matsyadarshini Aquarium. This aquarium is situated on the left side of Kali temple of R.K. Beach. It has marine and freshwater fishes. Entry fee is ₹20 per person (December 2006). The exit gate of the aquarium resembles the open mouth of a huge white tipped shark. 'Kala Shrusti', a handicrafts shop, is atop the aquarium.

Ross Hill. Near Ross Hill there are three hills dedicated to three different faiths in proximity to the port. Ross Hill, named after a certain Monsieur Ross who built a house on it in 1864, it has now been converted into a chapel Mother Mary's Church. The pathway to the shrine strewn with Catholic icon. Darga Pahad has the tomb of the Muslim saint, Sayed Ali Medina alias Ishak Medina, visited by Hindu and Muslim devotees alike. Attached to this is a mosque. Sri Venkateswara Konda, the third hillock, has a temple dedicated to the Lord. It is believed to have been built by an Englishman, Captain Blackmoor, in the 19th century. There is a view of the port channel, once ships' entrance to the inner harbor.

Simhachalam. This is an architectural splendour although some of the sculptures were defaced during the Islamic invasions. The temple inscriptions date the earliest donors to the 10-11th centuries. The exact date of construction is unknown. It is 15 km from the city and is dedicated to the half-man half-lion avatar of Lord Vishnu. The temple bears reference to the Chola and Chalukya styles of architecture. It also has a local railway station.

War Memorial. This is a remembrance of the Victory at Sea in the 1971 Indo Pak war. It is on the Beach Road, opposite the Submarine Museum. There is a fighter plane, a tank and few replicas of missiles kept as exhibits. There is no entry fee and it can be viewed from the road.

More than anything else, Vizag is known for its beaches. It boasts a number of beaches that are scenic and uncrowded. A few virgin beaches span along the eastern side of the city and stretch for miles. Do not go swimming. A spectacular beach only the locals are aware of is called the "Yarada" beach. Except for the occasional RTC bus, there is no public transport available. Still, the adventurous mind finds it rewarding if they can make an effort to get there. It's a private beach coming under Agrigold plantations therefor you need to pay a fee of ₹30/- to get onto the beach, but it's worth it.

• Bhimili. About 25 km from the city and is what used to be a small village also called Bheemunipatnam. Apart from the beach, the village has the remains of a Portuguese church, Dutch cemeteries and a Buddhist Monastery (Pavurallakonda).
• Gangavaram. 10 to 12 km away from city, this is most beautiful beach, the most interesting thing is we can see rock like structure in between see like a small island which attracts lot of people.
• Ramakrishna Beach. R.K.Beach is the most popular beach in the sense that, you can find the locals hanging out during the hot summers, and relatively less hot winters. On weekends and holidays, one can see that the entire beach comes alive, but not in a western sense where people take a plunge in the water, or surf. You can see people dressed in their best clothes, just sitting on the benches, or walking along. Caution: a lot of people have died while swimming. Take an evening stroll at RK Beach; it offers good pedestrian tracks, beautiful parks, museums, beaches and some wonderful open air restaurants.

• Rishikonda. 11 km away from the city, this has become a popular tourist spot that even the locals frequent. A lot safer to wade into than the R.K. Beach, cradled among hills, this used to be an excellent beach away from the madding crowds. AP Tourism Development Corporation is having its Beach Resort (Punnami) on the hillside overlooking the beach. Caution: A lot of people have died while swimming at this beautiful beach.
• Yarada Beach. It is perceived as a private beach but actually it is not. Tourists can visit the beach directly or through the Yarada village. Agrigold collects a fee of ₹30 to enter their property and access the Shops and a Restaurant. If you could bring your own food/refreshments, you could visit the beach without entering the Agrigold Property. Yarada is the village behind the dolphin nose. To go to this beach, bus facility is available. Also you can hire a cab to go there. The view of the beach and Vizag city from the top of the dolphin nose is memorable. Also the Gangavaram Beach is nearer from Yarada Beach. The drive from Scindia to the top of dolphin nose, dolphin nose to Yarada and from there to Gangavaram is really enjoyable.

The beaches are lovely, but, there are water sporting activities which started out initially like marine rafting and scuba diving, there are few beach cafes and restaurants. A water sports centre was started in Rushikonda. Vizagites are traditionally quite conservative and though the beaches and the hills are beautiful, but there is much here to interest the average tourist.

Must want is the sunrise or a moonrise on a full moon day at Tennati Park(near foot of Rope way) on the Vizag-Bhimili Beach Road it's truly a feast to the nature lovers. The sea looks orange in colour and is a wonderful sight.

Vizag is a city that is advancing fast, and with these new advancements, the local people of the city are smoothly adapting to the changes.

Bhimili. About 25 km from the city and is what used to be a small village also called Bheemunipatnam. Apart from the beach, the village has the remains of a Portuguese church, Dutch cemeteries and a Buddhist Monastery (Pavurallakonda).

Gangavaram. 10 to 12 km away from city, this is most beautiful beach, the most interesting thing is we can see rock like structure in between see like a small island which attracts lot of people.

Ramakrishna Beach. R.K.Beach is the most popular beach in the sense that, you can find the locals hanging out during the hot summers, and relatively less hot winters. On weekends and holidays, one can see that the entire beach comes alive, but not in a western sense where people take a plunge in the water, or surf. You can see people dressed in their best clothes, just sitting on the benches, or walking along. Caution: a lot of people have died while swimming. Take an evening stroll at RK Beach; it offers good pedestrian tracks, beautiful parks, museums, beaches and some wonderful open air restaurants.

Rishikonda. 11 km away from the city, this has become a popular tourist spot that even the locals frequent. A lot safer to wade into than the R.K. Beach, cradled among hills, this used to be an excellent beach away from the madding crowds. AP Tourism Development Corporation is having its Beach Resort (Punnami) on the hillside overlooking the beach. Caution: A lot of people have died while swimming at this beautiful beach.

Yarada Beach. It is perceived as a private beach but actually it is not. Tourists can visit the beach directly or through the Yarada village. Agrigold collects a fee of ₹30 to enter their property and access the Shops and a Restaurant. If you could bring your own food/refreshments, you could visit the beach without entering the Agrigold Property. Yarada is the village behind the dolphin nose. To go to this beach, bus facility is available. Also you can hire a cab to go there. The view of the beach and Vizag city from the top of the dolphin nose is memorable. Also the Gangavaram Beach is nearer from Yarada Beach. The drive from Scindia to the top of dolphin nose, dolphin nose to Yarada and from there to Gangavaram is really enjoyable.

Vizag offers a reasonably large selection of stores selling clothing, jewellery, books, etc.

There are several locations from which clothing can be purchased. However they tend to be concentrated in few locations. One such is Jagadamba Centre. Few of the many clothing stores are:

• Chandana Brothers
• Bommana Brothers
• Kalaniketan
• Kankatala silk palace

Similar to clothing stores, there are several shops from where jewellery can be purchased. The centres are distributed, but the prominent ones are between RTC Complex and Railway station, Jagadamba Centre and near old Town Kotharoad. Some of the prominent stores are:

• Vaibhav Jewellers
• Mahaveer Jewellers
• Tanishq Jewellers
• Khazana Jewellers
• joyallukas
• Josallukas
• Sanghvi
• Kalyan
• GRT
• PMJ
• Kirtilals
• MVR
• Lalitha Jewellers

While definitely not considered a shopper's paradise, Vizag offers some unique handicrafts and can found in by the Andhra Pradesh State-owned handicraft store, Lepakshi, at Jagadamba center. It has an impressive collection of sandalwood sculptures, stone art, etc.

The stretch of road called Dabagardens has many bookstores. Police Barracks has numerous small stores that buy and sell second-hand books, including technical textbooks.

• Jyoti Book Depot
• Pages

• Waves
• Ironhill
• MYZ-UNO
• tap

• Shoppers stop
• Spencers
• Big Bazaar
• CMR Shopping Mall
• M & M Mall
• Lifestyle
• Westside
• Pantaloons
• Lucky Shopping Mall
• South India Shopping Mall
• Shoppers Stop
• CMR Central, Maddilapalem. You can find Subway, KFC, and Pizza Hut here. Also a lot of shopping is possible, if you have money here, at Reliance Trends and Reliance Digital. Also one could see a movie if one has time at INOX.
• Visakhapatnam Central. Most happening place is Visakhapatnam Central, where you will get all branded apparels, fashion jewelries, life style merchandise like watches, shades and color cosmetics. It is typical of malls which you can find anywhere in metro cities. Very expensive too.

CMR Central, Maddilapalem. You can find Subway, KFC, and Pizza Hut here. Also a lot of shopping is possible, if you have money here, at Reliance Trends and Reliance Digital. Also one could see a movie if one has time at INOX.

Visakhapatnam Central. Most happening place is Visakhapatnam Central, where you will get all branded apparels, fashion jewelries, life style merchandise like watches, shades and color cosmetics. It is typical of malls which you can find anywhere in metro cities. Very expensive too.

If spicy fare from Southern India appeals to your gastronomic senses, then Vizag has some excellent restaurants. Many of the eating joints meant or frequented by tourists are in the Siripuram area. A walk around there can give you access to a variety of cuisines.

• Blue Sea Fine Dining, Pakkis Complex, Opposite ICICI Bank Road, Dwarakanagar 2nd Lane, Dwaraka Nagar, +91 891 646 5399.
• Daspalla Executive Court, +91 891 2717300.Eleven, 10-1-4 & 5, 4th floor, Siripuram (Infront of Ice Age, +91 8916461111. Noon to 11PM. This is one of the best new restaurants opened for Fine Dining. Food is value for money and tasty. They probably serve the best food in Vizag. Cheap.
• Flying Spaghetti Monster, +91 891-2766652. 11AM-11PM. The 'Flying Spaghetti Monster' a.k.a. FSM is Vizag's first authentic Italian restaurant. Great place with amazing Italian fare. Be sure not to miss out the Chocolate bomb. Cheap.
• Horizon (live music during dinner) at Dolphin Hotel, +91 891 2567000.
• Hotel Daspalla, +91 891 2564825.
• Hotel Green Park, +91 891 6615151.
• Hotel Jabilly Beach inn, on R K Beach, +91 891 270 6026. noon. All rooms face the sea, pure Bengali food is available. ₹650 to 1200.
• Subway - Subs & Salads in Siripuram's Dutt Island, +91 891 278491.
• Ambica sea green - on Beach Road, Kirlampudi Layout, ph. 08912821818

Blue Sea Fine Dining, Pakkis Complex, Opposite ICICI Bank Road, Dwarakanagar 2nd Lane, Dwaraka Nagar, +91 891 646 5399.

Daspalla Executive Court, +91 891 2717300.Eleven, 10-1-4 & 5, 4th floor, Siripuram (Infront of Ice Age, +91 8916461111. Noon to 11PM. This is one of the best new restaurants opened for Fine Dining. Food is value for money and tasty. They probably serve the best food in Vizag. Cheap.

Daspalla Executive Court, +91 891 2717300.Eleven, 10-1-4 & 5, 4th floor, Siripuram (Infront of Ice Age, +91 8916461111. Noon to 11PM. This is one of the best new restaurants opened for Fine Dining. Food is value for money and tasty. They probably serve the best food in Vizag. Cheap.

Flying Spaghetti Monster, +91 891-2766652. 11AM-11PM. The 'Flying Spaghetti Monster' a.k.a. FSM is Vizag's first authentic Italian restaurant. Great place with amazing Italian fare. Be sure not to miss out the Chocolate bomb. Cheap.

Horizon (live music during dinner) at Dolphin Hotel, +91 891 2567000.

Hotel Daspalla, +91 891 2564825.

Hotel Green Park, +91 891 6615151.

Hotel Jabilly Beach inn, on R K Beach, +91 891 270 6026. noon. All rooms face the sea, pure Bengali food is available. ₹650 to 1200.

Subway - Subs & Salads in Siripuram's Dutt Island, +91 891 278491.

Some interesting bars in the city are in the Five Star hotels mentioned above and typically are expensive even by Western standards. The Park Hotel has a decent bar - try the Screwdriver. Daspalla has another bar and restaurant called Dimple that serves various drinks and can be noisy at time. Two new really cool breweries have opened up in the city .

• Punnami, near Rishikonda has pub very close to the beach and serves alcohol.
• Senora, a beach resort on the outskirts, also boasts of a dance floor.
• Vihar, Near Rishikonda, Opp. GITAM University (8 km from the city. Best hangout place with friends, only concern is it was too far from the city. Even though, worth visiting "Offshores" at Vihar. There's an Awesome beach view from the middle of the hill.
• Ironhill brewery- above pmj jwellers, siripuram.
• tap the bar- Varun inbox

Punnami, near Rishikonda has pub very close to the beach and serves alcohol.

Senora, a beach resort on the outskirts, also boasts of a dance floor.

Vihar, Near Rishikonda, Opp. GITAM University (8 km from the city. Best hangout place with friends, only concern is it was too far from the city. Even though, worth visiting "Offshores" at Vihar. There's an Awesome beach view from the middle of the hill.

• Araku Valley
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Kolkata
• Vijayawada