Best Photo Spots in Visakhapatnam
Vizag faces east over open sea, so the best light is early. Shoot the beach at sunrise, the coastline from Kailasagiri in the late afternoon, and save the ghats and Araku for a clear winter day.
Medium crowdEntry Varies
Araku Valley
- Best timeEarly morning, when mist fills the valley and the coffee estates are in soft light; late afternoon for warm colour on the hills.
- ColorsRustWhiteForest green
Medium crowdEntry Ticketed
INS Kurusura Submarine Museum
- Best timeLate afternoon, when the museum opens and the low sun lights the side of the hull; dusk for the submarine against a pink sky.
- ColorsNavyWhiteGrey
High crowdEntry Nominal + ropeway
Kailasagiri
- Best timeLate afternoon, when the sun is behind you as you face the sea; sunset and dusk for the city lights along the bay.
- ColorsWhiteYellowTeal
High crowdEntry Free
Ramakrishna Beach
- Best timeSunrise, when the sun lifts out of the sea behind the anchored ships; early evening for the promenade crowds in soft light.
- ColorsWhiteCoralAqua
High crowdEntry Free
Simhachalam Temple
- Best timeEarly morning, when the hill is cool and the towers are in soft light; late afternoon for warm light on the stone from the approach.
- ColorsSaffronRedWhite
Sunrise on the seafront
Because the coast faces east, the sun comes up out of the Bay of Bengal, and RK Beach is the easy place to catch it. Walkers, fishing boats and ships waiting off the port all give you something in the foreground. By eight the light is hard and flat, so be there before six in winter and earlier in summer.
The coast from above
Kailasagiri is the city's viewpoint. From the top you see the curve of the bay, the beach road and the city climbing into the hills. The light is kinder from mid-afternoon, when the sun is behind you as you look out to sea. The glass skywalk that opened in late 2025 is popular, but entry is controlled in small groups, so you get a few minutes rather than time to set up.
Ships, a submarine and a plane
The INS Kursura submarine sits on the sand beside Beach Road, and a retired Navy patrol aircraft stands across the road from it. The whole hull fits in the frame from the beach side. Late afternoon, when the museum opens, gives you warm side light on the black steel.
Temple towers at Simhachalam
Phones and cameras are not allowed inside Simhachalam; you deposit them before entering. Take your photos of the gateway tower and the hill from the approach and the steps. Early morning is cooler and quieter, and the hill is often in soft haze.
Up in the ghats
The train to Araku is a photo trip in itself, with tunnels, bridges and deep valleys. Sit on the side the locals recommend for the day, and keep the window clean. In the valley, the coffee estates and misty mornings are best from November to February.
Practical notes
- Do not photograph naval dockyards, warships at berth or the port gates. Stick to what is on public display.
- Drones need permission, and much of the coast is close to naval areas. Assume you cannot fly without it.
- Salt spray on the beach coats lenses quickly; carry a cloth.
- In the October rains, keep a dry bag for your phone.
Questions
Visakhapatnam — FAQ
Where can I watch the sunrise in Vizag?
RK Beach is the easiest, with the promenade and the sea in front. For a quieter spot, drive up Beach Road towards Rushikonda, where the coast is less built up.
Can I take photos inside Simhachalam temple?
No. Phones and cameras have to be left in the cloakroom before you go in. You can photograph the outside of the temple and the view from the hill.
Is it all right to photograph the ships in the harbour?
Photograph ships from public places like the beach and Kailasagiri, but do not point a camera at naval dockyards, gates or berthed warships. Security staff may ask you to delete pictures.
Where is the best city skyline view in Visakhapatnam?
Kailasagiri, which looks south over the bay and the city. The Dolphin's Nose headland looks over the port, but parts of it may be restricted, so check locally.