Entry fees, opening hours, and best times for Trip Planning. Avoid crowds and plan ahead.
arrow_back Back to main guideDarshan Hours: 6am-12:30pm, 3pm-7pm
Dress Code: Traditional attire preferred; shoulders and knees must be covered.
The presiding deity is covered in sandalwood paste for most of the year. Its original form is revealed only once a year during Chandanotsavam. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the main temple complex.
| Attraction | Hours | Entry | Best Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kailasagiri | 10am-8pm | Free (park), rupees 100 (ropeway round trip) | Evening | 2-3 hours |
| INS Kursura Submarine Museum | 2pm-8:30pm | rupees 40 (Indians), rupees 300 (foreigners) | Late afternoon | 1-1.5 hours |
| Rushikonda Beach | Sunrise to sunset | Free | Morning or late afternoon | 2-3 hours |
| Simhachalam Temple | 6am-12:30pm, 3pm-7pm | Free (general darshan), rupees 100-200 (special darshan) | Early morning | 1-2 hours |
| Borra Caves | 10am-5pm | rupees 60 (Indians), rupees 300 (foreigners) | Morning | 2-3 hours |
| Ramakrishna (RK) Beach | Always open | Free | Evening | 1-2 hours |
Evening
Late afternoon
Morning or late afternoon
Early morning
Morning
Evening
Perfect for families and those seeking good views. Skip if you dislike crowds or prefer historical sites over parks.
A must-visit for history buffs and those interested in military technology. Skip if you are claustrophobic or prefer open-air attractions.
Perfect for beach lovers and adventure seekers. Skip if you prefer secluded, untouched beaches, as it can get moderately crowded.
Essential for pilgrims and those interested in ancient temple architecture. Skip if you have limited time and are not interested in religious sites.
Highly recommended for nature lovers and those seeking a unique geological experience. Skip if you are short on time or dislike enclosed spaces.
Great for people-watching and experiencing local culture. Skip if you prefer quiet, pristine beaches or want to swim.
Smart strategies to beat the rush and experience destinations peacefully
Weekdays have 50-70% fewer visitors than weekends at popular sites
timingVisit hill stations in winter (Jan-Feb) for snow and zero crowds
seasonMonsoon season (July-September) offers empty attractions in most regions
seasonSunset visits are less crowded than sunrise at most attractions
timingVisit during lunch hours (12-2 PM) when tour groups break for meals
timingMeghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh barely see international tourists
alternativesPeak Season (Oct-Mar): Pleasant weather but massive crowds at all major sites. Book everything in advance.
Shoulder Season (Apr-May, Sep): Best balance - decent weather, moderate crowds, better prices.
Off-Peak (Jun-Aug): Monsoon means empty attractions (except hill stations). Kerala backwaters are magical in rain!
For temples, dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Light, breathable cotton clothing is best for the warm climate. On beaches, swimwear is acceptable, but be respectful of local customs. For city exploration, comfortable casual wear is fine.
ATMs are widely available across the city. UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is commonly accepted at most shops and restaurants. Currency exchange facilities are available at the airport and major banks. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service (rupees 50-100 at restaurants, rupees 20-50 for porters).
Drink only bottled water to avoid stomach issues. Carry basic medications for fever, pain, and upset stomach. Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations before travel. Visakhapatnam has several good hospitals like Apollo Hospital and Care Hospital for emergencies.
Local SIM cards (Airtel, Jio, Vodafone Idea) are easily available with a passport and visa copy. Wi-Fi is common in hotels and some cafes. Useful apps include Ola/Uber for transport and Google Maps for navigation. Telugu is the local language, but Hindi and English are widely understood, especially in tourist areas.
Get off the beaten path in every region
Holi intensity varies dramatically - Played with abandon in UP and Rajasthan, more subdued in Kerala, barely observed in some northeastern states.
Visit during fall for festival season (Durga Puja, Diwali, Camel Fair)
Keep receipts from currency exchange - You'll need these to reconvert rupees when leaving, and they're required for certain transactions.
Don't believe drivers who say your hotel burned down or trains are canceled
Birdwatching is exceptional year-round - India has 1,300+ bird species. Bring binoculars and a field guide, especially to wetlands.
British citizens can get 5-year multi-entry visas
Slow down your pace - don't try to see everything at once
Research cultural customs and etiquette before arriving
Get a local SIM card immediately upon arrival
The Andaman Islands have idyllic, peaceful beaches
Consider an eSIM as an alternative
Help fellow travelers by sharing your authentic travel photos. Get credited with your name and social links!
Help us improve! Report incorrect information or suggest updates.
Know a hidden gem we're missing? Help us add it to the guide!
New destinations, seasonal picks, visa updates — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
✅
Check your inbox to confirm
We've sent a confirmation email. You won't receive newsletters until you confirm.
Choose which cookies you want to allow. Essential cookies are always enabled.