The City of Destiny as it is called, Vizag is a major town on the eastern coast of India. Though the city was devastated during the ‘Hud Hud’ cyclone a few years back, it’s great to see it back in full glory. It is in fact the 10th largest city in terms of GDP in India. I’ve been to Vizag multiple times in the last few years. Once as a solo traveler to explore Vizag and Araku and the next time as a spectator for the India Fleet Review event.
All my experiences have been amazing. Like I said, the city isn’t big and hence you might actually find a lot of things within your budget. Be it going around the city or gorging on a sumptuous meal, Vizag is one of the few cities that has a lot to offer. Based on my past experiences, I decided to pen down this post about Vizag on a shoestring budget – Backpacker’s Guide.
The View at Kailasagiri
This is the highlight of the town. If you have been to Vizag but haven’t visit Kailasagiri then you haven’t actually visited Vizag! Kailasagiri is a nice little hillock with gardens, shops, and a train on top. The train runs along the border of the hill-top and gives some awesome views. One can reach Kailasagiri either by foot, car, or cable car. Cable car is an interesting option as it gives you a beautiful view of the Bay Of Bengal.
Budget: Cable Car: Rs 100 both ways. Toy Train: Rs 150 for one trip.
History and Might at INS Kursura
INS Kursura is another highlight of the town. This is a submarine that is now converted into a museum. It’s an interesting place that shows how tough life under the sea is. Cameras are allowed inside but with extra fees. The chambers/gates within the submarine are quite small and you should move around safely. The museum is right next to the famous Rama Krishna beach and is a great place to spend an evening.
Budget: Entry Fee: Rs 50, Camera: Rs 50
Shopping at Jagdamba Market
If you are in Vizag and looking to shop for something, Jagadamba junction is the place to be. Right from the global brand stores to the local branded ones, you’ll find everything. Not only shopping but there are a couple of budget restaurants that serve some finger-licking good food. Also if you are a movie buff and can’t do without watching a movie even on a trip, then Jagadamba theater is where you should be.
Budget: NA
In the lap of Nature at Araku Valley
Araku Valley boasts on the highest tip in the eastern ghats. Well, these are quite lower in altitude compared to the ones you might see on the Western Ghats in places like Panchgani, Ooty, etc. One can take the Vizag-Araku Rail-cum-Road plan available on the Andhra Tourism website. The entire ride is fun and exciting as the passengers get to see a lot of tunnels and waterfalls and other amazing stuff on the way. Also, don’t forget to visit the majestic Borra Caves on the way back. One of the largest limestone caves in the world!
Budget: Rs 1000 per head approx.
These were some of the places that you must visit when you are visiting Vizag. Worried about where you can stay when you are on a shoestring budget in Vizag? I’m sure after visiting these amazing places on a budget, you don’t want to spend a lot on stay too. And that’s what I believe too. One of the ways to ensure you get your perfect hotel in your budget is FabHotels. They are a chain of hotels across India and have some amazing properties everywhere. In Vizag, they have hotels in prime locations like Daba Gardens which are on a budget and include free breakfast.
And one of the most convenient ways to book your room is using the FabHotels hotel booking app. The app has a clean UI and searching for hotels is quite easy. Navigating within the app is quite easy. Just key in the location you want to stay and choose from the list of hotels. (You know you want to get the best hotel in your budget) Further, payments aren’t a trouble at all. With many modes available – even pay at hotel, it’s very convenient to quickly book your room and enjoy a pleasant stay ! And with Free Cancellation, you don’t have to ever worry about your trip !
That was about Vizag on a shoestring budget – Backpacker’s Guide. Helpful or not ? Share your thoughts in the comments below or tweet to me at @atulmaharaj.
I recently visited Vishakhapatnam , obviously before Covid and your post made me nostalgic. I could not visit Araku valley but rest all I almost covered. Nice write up.
Thank you Chinmayeeji, I’ve been to Vizag a couple of time, always enjoyed spending time there. Maybe we can meet in Vizag ๐
Of course ๐