Visakhapatnam, also known as Vizag, is one of India’s most scenic coastal cities. Nestled between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal, it’s a popular destination for road trippers who love the combination of seaside drives, forested hills, winding ghats, and rich culture. Whether you’re driving in from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, or even further away, the road to Vizag is not just a means to an end—it’s a scenic experience worth savoring.
This guide covers the most beautiful and popular road routes to Visakhapatnam, complete with distance, highway quality, stopover suggestions, and essential travel tips to help you enjoy a smooth, scenic, and memorable drive.
Why Choose a Road Trip to Visakhapatnam?
Before diving into the routes, here’s why driving to Vizag is one of the best ways to explore this coastal gem:
- Breathtaking Landscapes: Hills, lakes, rivers, forests, and coastal stretches greet you on every route.
- Convenient Highways: Most routes to Vizag are via national highways in excellent condition.
- Cultural Experience: You’ll pass through authentic rural Andhra villages, tribal hamlets, and heritage towns.
- Flexibility: Stop wherever you want, take detours, enjoy local food, and travel at your pace.
Major Scenic Routes to Visakhapatnam
1. Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam
- Distance: ~620 km
- Estimated Time: 10–11 hours
- Route: Hyderabad → Suryapet → Khammam → Rajahmundry → Tuni → Visakhapatnam
- Highways: NH65, NH16
Highlights:
- Smooth, four-lane highway for most of the route.
- Green fields of Telangana and Andhra countryside.
- Drive through the Godavari river region—picturesque during sunrise/sunset.
- Stopover at Rajahmundry to witness the serene Godavari Bridge.
Recommended Stopovers:
- Khammam: Known for its old fort and local food joints.
- Rajahmundry: Ideal for a quick meal or riverfront break.
2. Vijayawada to Visakhapatnam
- Distance: ~350 km
- Estimated Time: 6–7 hours
- Route: Vijayawada → Eluru → Rajahmundry → Tuni → Visakhapatnam
- Highways: NH16
Highlights:
- Lush green paddy fields and coconut groves.
- Stretch between Rajahmundry and Annavaram is lined with scenic landscapes.
- Easy and flat drive; suitable for families and senior travelers.
Recommended Stopovers:
- Annavaram: A hilltop temple town with great views and South Indian food.
- Tuni: Small town for tea breaks and fruit stalls.
3. Bhubaneswar to Visakhapatnam
- Distance: ~440 km
- Estimated Time: 8–9 hours
- Route: Bhubaneswar → Berhampur → Srikakulam → Vizianagaram → Visakhapatnam
- Highways: NH16
Highlights:
- One of the most coastal drives with views of fishing villages and sea glimpses.
- Drive through Chilika Lake region—great for bird watching and short detours.
- Coastal Andhra villages with palm-lined roads.
- Sunset views near Srikakulam are stunning.
Recommended Stopovers:
- Berhampur: Great for trying Odisha-style sweets and spicy food.
- Srikakulam: Serene beaches nearby if you want a break from driving.
4. Araku Valley to Visakhapatnam
- Distance: ~120 km
- Estimated Time: 3–4 hours
- Route: Araku → Ananthagiri → Sunkarimetta → Kottavalasa → Visakhapatnam
- Road Type: Ghat road and forest terrain
Highlights:
- Easily the most scenic drive in Andhra Pradesh.
- Winding ghat roads with panoramic hill views.
- Tribal villages, coffee plantations, and waterfalls along the way.
- Best enjoyed in early morning or post-monsoon season.
Safety Tips:
- Avoid driving after sunset due to sharp curves and limited lighting.
- Fuel up at Araku before starting the descent to Vizag.
5. Chennai to Visakhapatnam
- Distance: ~800 km
- Estimated Time: 13–14 hours (with breaks or overnight halt)
- Route: Chennai → Nellore → Ongole → Vijayawada → Rajahmundry → Visakhapatnam
- Highways: NH16
Highlights:
- Straight national highway route with well-maintained roads.
- The drive offers plenty of stopover options for food, fuel, and lodging.
- Coastal influence in food, culture, and roadside temples.
Recommended Overnight Stops:
- Vijayawada: Halfway point with excellent accommodation options.
6. Kolkata to Visakhapatnam
- Distance: ~880 km
- Estimated Time: 15–16 hours
- Route: Kolkata → Kharagpur → Balasore → Bhubaneswar → Berhampur → Visakhapatnam
- Highways: NH16
Highlights:
- Long coastal corridor of Eastern India.
- Road is in excellent condition with rest points and food stops.
- Opportunity to experience Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra cultures in one trip.
Ideal Itinerary:
- Day 1: Kolkata to Bhubaneswar (~440 km)
- Day 2: Bhubaneswar to Visakhapatnam (~440 km)
Scenic Stop Suggestions (Across Routes)
- Godavari River Bridge (Rajahmundry): One of the most beautiful road bridges in South India.
- Kailasagiri Hill Road (Vizag city): A short drive but offers stunning views of the sea and city.
- Beach Road (Vizag): The drive along RK Beach to Bheemili is calm, scenic, and relaxing.
- Borra Caves Road (from Vizag): If you’re heading from Vizag to Araku, this stretch is rich in greenery and ideal for nature lovers.
Essential Travel Tips for Driving to Vizag
1. Start Early
Start your journey by sunrise to avoid traffic, enjoy daylight driving, and make the most of your scenic route.
2. Maintain Vehicle Health
- Service your vehicle before the trip.
- Check brakes, tire pressure, oil, lights, and coolant levels.
- Carry a spare tire, jack, and basic tools.
3. Keep Documents Ready
Carry your driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance, PUC certificate, and ID proof.
4. Use Reliable Navigation
Use Google Maps or MapMyIndia. Download offline maps for forest or rural stretches with weak network signals.
5. Carry Essentials
- Water bottles, dry snacks, fruits
- Sunglasses, hats, sunscreen
- Power banks, car chargers
- First-aid kit and basic medicines
- Wet wipes, tissues, hand sanitizer
6. Fuel Stops
Refuel at major towns (Suryapet, Rajahmundry, Tuni, Berhampur). Avoid waiting till the last quarter.
7. Food and Rest
- Choose busy dhabas or restaurants with good hygiene and local crowd.
- Avoid unfamiliar roadside food in remote areas.
Best Time for a Road Trip to Visakhapatnam
October to February (Winter):
- Ideal weather for long drives and outdoor sightseeing.
- Clear skies, scenic beaches, and pleasant breeze.
June to September (Monsoon):
- Hills and ghats look lush and green.
- Araku and ghat sections are stunning but drive cautiously due to slippery roads.
March to May (Summer):
- Daytime heat can be intense, especially around Vijayawada and Rajahmundry.
- Drive early morning or late evening to avoid harsh sun.
Road Safety Precautions
- Follow Speed Limits: NH16 has cameras and regular patrols.
- Avoid Night Driving: Especially on ghat or rural roads due to reduced visibility and safety.
- Use Headlights Properly: Low beam in fog or rain, high beam only on empty highways.
- Rest if Tired: Pull over at fuel stations or dhabas for short breaks every 2-3 hours.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t overload the vehicle; carry only as many people and bags as your car permits safely.
Accommodation Options en Route
Budget Hotels and Lodges:
- Available in Suryapet, Eluru, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Bhubaneswar, Berhampur.
Mid-Range Options:
- Branded chains like Ginger, Treebo, OYO, and FabHotels are present in most major towns.
Highway Lodges and Resorts:
- Few resorts near Araku and Rajahmundry offer scenic breaks.
- Book in advance during weekends and festivals.
Final Tips for a Memorable Road Trip
- Keep your playlist ready—it enhances long drives.
- Always let someone at home know your route and ETA.
- Respect local customs in villages or tribal areas.
- Don’t litter—carry garbage bags and dispose of trash responsibly.
- Stop often—not just for rest, but to experience the local life, click pictures, and make memories.
Conclusion: Discover the Joy of Driving to Vizag
Visakhapatnam is not just a destination—it’s a journey worth experiencing. Whether you approach it from the hills of Araku, the plains of Telangana, the rivers of Andhra, or the coast of Odisha, the road to Vizag is filled with natural beauty, cultural richness, and roadside adventures.
So fuel up, plan your stops, hit the road, and let the scenic drive to Visakhapatnam become a beautiful part of your travel story.
Safe travels and enjoy the ride!
