Rushikonda Beach

Rushikonda lies on the Beach Road north of Visakhapatnam, a crescent of coarse golden sand between headlands with wooded hills behind it, and it is the main watersports beach of the Andhra coast, with jet skis, banana boats, kayaking and surfing lessons operating in season. The coastal drive from the city passes Kailasagiri hill park and the submarine museum on the way. Bay of Bengal surf here is moderate and the beach shelves reasonably, though currents run. Large-scale construction on the hillside above the beach has been the subject of a long-running environmental dispute.

What you actually see

• The golden crescent - coarse sand between two headlands.
• The watersports - jet skis, kayaks and surf lessons in season.
• The wooded hill - the slope rising directly behind the beach.
• The coastal drive - the road from the city past Kailasagiri.

When to go

October to March for calm seas and comfortable weather; cyclone season runs October to December on this coast. Summer is hot and humid. Weekends bring city crowds.

Honest expectations

Currents are strong and drownings occur despite lifeguards. Watersports operators vary in safety standards. Hillside construction above the beach has changed the setting and remains contested.

Nearby

Visakhapatnam lies south; Araku Valley is inland.