The Submarine Sands of RK Beach &
the 150-Million-Yr Borra Caves

The Waters of Ramakrishna Beach & the Eastern Ghats

Nestled between the Eastern Ghats mountain range and the blue expanse of the Bay of Bengal, Visakhapatnam (popularly known as **Vizag**) is the financial capital and largest metropolis of Andhra Pradesh. Named after Visakha, the Hindu deity of valor, Vizag has functioned as an ancient seaport since the 6th century BC when it traded under the Kalinga, Eastern Ganga, and Chola empires. Today, it serves as the headquarters of the Indian Navy's Eastern Naval Command and India's deepest landlocked natural harbor.

The visual identity of Visakhapatnam is Bay marine azure and Simhachalam sandstone gold. Defining its famous 4 km RK Beach promenade is the **INS Kursura Submarine Museum**—a decommissioned Soviet-built submarine preserve. Inland past Dolphin's Nose lighthouse lies the **Kailasagiri Hilltop Ropeway**, the 11th-century **Simhachalam Temple** covered in sandalwood paste, and the misty coffee-laden hills of **Araku Valley** housing the 150-million-year-old **Borra Caves**.

On the maritime and military history front, Visakhapatnam is celebrated for housing the INS Kursura Submarine Museum, located directly on Ramakrishna Beach. Kursura was a Soviet-built Kalvari-class diesel-electric submarine commissioned by the Indian Navy in 1969, playing a critical patrol and defense role during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. After decommission in 2001, the entire vessel was hauled ashore and set on a concrete foundation on the beach, becoming Asia's first submarine museum. Visitors can walk through the compact interior corridors, viewing the original engine rooms, control systems, sonar bays, and torpedo tubes, serving as a powerful tribute to the courage and technological skill of the nation's naval forces.

Culturally, the district is home to the ancient Simhachalam Temple, dedicated to the Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha incarnation of Vishnu. Constructed in the 11th century with architectural details that combine Chola and Eastern Ganga styles, the temple sits on a forested hill on the city's outskirts. The deity is kept covered throughout the year with a thick layer of sandalwood paste, resembling a Shiva Lingam, and is revealed in its true form for only twelve hours on the auspicious day of *Akshaya Tritiya* during the *Chandanotsavam* festival. The temple's beautifully carved stone halls (*Kalyana Mandapa*) feature columns decorated with mythological figures and floral patterns, reflecting the artistic heights of medieval South Indian temple artisans.

Geologically, the district features the Borra Caves, a spectacular natural limestone cave system situated in the Ananthagiri hill ranges of the Araku Valley. Spanning an altitude of 1,400 meters and extending to a depth of 80 meters, these caves were formed over millions of years by the chemical weathering of limestone deposits by the Gosthani River. The interior is filled with massive, naturally formed stalactites and stalagmites, creating shapes that have been named by local villagers after deities and animals. Illuminated by colorful LED lights, the caves offer an adventurous underground walk through massive chambers, serving as a popular geological tourism destination that showcases the ancient natural processes that shaped the Eastern Ghats.

"Where the Soviet hull of INS Kursura rests along RK Beach, the Gosthani River flows through 150-million-year limestone caves in Araku Valley."

The Chronology of the Jewel of the East Coast

From 6th-century BC Kalinga trade and 1098 AD Simhachalam temple construction to 1971 Indo-Pak war naval service and 2002 INS Kursura museum inauguration, Vizag's timeline tracks maritime glory. The chronicle below outlines this evolution.

The Decommissioned INS Kursura Submarine & the Borra Caves

Explore the primary heritage of Visakhapatnam. From the naval torpedo chambers of INS Kursura on RK Beach to the 150-million-year-old speleothems of Borra Caves, these experiences define Vizag. Click through the tabs below.

The Naval Submarines and the Limestone Caves

Explore the primary landmarks of Visakhapatnam. From the naval torpedo chambers of INS Kursura on RK Beach to the 150-million-year-old speleothems of Borra Caves, these destinations showcase Vizag. Click or hover on the cards below.

The Culinary Staples & the Andhra Bamboo Chicken

Vizag's cuisine is world-renowned for spicy Andhra seafood curry, Araku bamboo chicken, Royyala Iguru shrimp, and hot Madugula Halwa.

Plan Your Journey

The Unhurried 3-Day Route

Vizag is best experienced at a slow pace. Walking inside the torpedo rooms of INS Kursura submarine on RK Beach, riding the Vistadome train to Araku Valley, seeing 150-million-year Borra Caves, and sipping organic Araku coffee require time to settle. This curated route captures the coastal and valley highlights of Visakhapatnam.

Frequently Asked