Watch India v South Africa 1st test at the VDCA Stadium.

The VDCA Stadium will be host to the first test. Image: Sportskeeda

The first test between India and South Africa in the Gandhi-Mandela Freedom Series starting from the 2nd of October will be held at Vishakhapatanam's VDCA Stadium. This 27500 seater stadium was witness to the breakthrough moment in Mahendra Singh Dhoni's career when he famously scored 1448 runs against Pakistan in an ODI back in 2005. It is also home to the local Ranji team Andhra Pradesh. Local boy Hanuma Vihari is likely to be part of the starting XI after a string of impressive performances on India's recent tour to West Indies. You can join the Bharat Army by buying your ticket for the M Block and support the Indian team loud & proud. 

INS Kurusura Submarine Museum:

INS Kurusura Museum in the evening. Image: trawell

Located on the serene Rushikonda beach shores, a Russian made Indian submarine named INS Kurusura has been converted into a museum now. You can learn all about how a submarine works and can also opt for a guided tour from a retired naval officer. The entry fees start with INR 40 for adults and INR 20 for kids, with additional charges for the camera.

Kailasgiri Hilltop & Eco garden:

The Siva Parvati statue on top of the hills. Image: HelloVizag

Developed by the Vishakhapattanam Metropolitan Region Development Authority, Kailasgiri is a hilltop park in the city which has beautiful scriptures of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati. You can reach the top of the hill by using a ropeway and enjoy a beautiful view of the city and the beaches. At the foothills, there is an eco-urban park as well, which is well worth a visit. The entry fees for the venue is INR 40 for the adults & 30 for the children.

Rushikonda Beach:

Just 8 KMs from Vizag city, this beautiful beach is known as the "Jewel of the East" in terms of beaches in India because of its unprecedented beauty. It is popular with tourists for activities like Water Ski, Windsurfing, parasailing, and jet ski. There are also a host of seaside restaurants and cafes that serve delicious traditional Andhra seafood for visitors to relish.

Rama-Krishna Beach:

The gorgeous Rama Krishna beach. Image: Visakhapatnam.com

If you prefer to visit a beach which has the colors and vibrancy of a seashore town, then Rama-Krishna beach is a great choice for you. Many locals retire to this beautiful part of the city after a long day of hustle, and the place truly comes alive around the sunset as many street food vendors, small shops and tourists come to this place around the evening. The place is a short distance away from Kali Mata temple, which also a popular destination for all visitors in the city.

Dolphin's Nose Hill & Lighthouse:

Dolphin's nose viewed from up top. Image: GoIbibo

Located between Yarada and Gangavaram port, this place is known as Dolphin's nose because of the large rock that resembles the shape of its namesake. From the top of the hill, there is a great view of the serene and beautiful Yarada Beach on one side & the bustling Vizag City on the other hand. You can climb the old lighthouse between 3 PM & 5 PM for a further spectacular view of the coastline.

Bora Caves:

Borra Caves are a must-visit spot in Vizag. Image: VizagTourism

Located in the Ananthagiri hills of the Araku Valley near Vizag, the caves were discovered back in 1807, and at an elevation of 705 meters, Bora caves are delivered to be the deepest caves in the country. It has beautiful limestone formations and also has a stalagmite lingam which is visited by many worshippers. Guided tours are also available who are interested in the history and geology of the site. The entry fees for this place is INR 40 for the adults and INR 30 for the kids with extra charges for cameras.

Vizag Zoo & Kambalkonda Eco Park

The Kambalkonda National Sanctuary is as beautiful as it gets. Image: tourmet

It is known as the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is India's third-largest zoo in and is situated amidst the Kambalakonda reserve. The park is a wet evergreen forest that is home to exotic birds and the famous Indian leopard and cobra. Over 100 species of mammals, reptiles, and birds are visible here. The entry fees are INR 50 for adults and INR 10 for children. There is an additional fee to take your car or tourist bus inside the reserve.

 

Victory at Sea War Memorial:

The sea war memorial in Vizag. Image: VizagTourism 

Located on the beach road, this sea memorial was opened in the year 1996 to honor the brave navy soldiers who were martyrs in the India Pakistan war of 1971. The Pakistan navy had targeted India's INS Vikrant in the 1971 war, but Indian navy sunk the Pakistani submarine PNS Ghazi and ensured the first victory of the famous battle which eventually led to the creation of a new country from East Pakistan, Bangladesh. The memorial has kept missiles, tankers, and fighter planes from that era and is one of the most popular tourist attractions from the city. There is no entry fee for the place, and the place is open for all. 

Matsya Darshini aquatic paradise:

The Matsyadarshini Aquarium is a very well-maintained one. Image: VizagTourism

Located on the beach road, Paanduranga this aquatic museum has varieties of freshwater and saltwater fishes. There are many famous fishes like the stingrays, piranhas & the crown fish, many of which have been imported specially from Singapore, Malaysia, and the Amazon forest. The entry fees for the place is INR 30 for the adults and INR 20 for children with additional charges for cameras.