Yarada Beach: The Vizag Beach Boxed In by Hills on Three Sides

Many beaches in Visakhapatnam are located close to busy roads and city neighbourhoods. Yarada Beach stands out from the rest, being surrounded by hills on 3 sides and the Bay of Bengal on the 4th. Getting there involves navigating up a scenic hill road and is worth the detour to enjoy coastal life.

Compared with more crowded city beaches, Yarada offers more privacy and a chance to take in coastal views, take photographs and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The following information will help you plan your tour of this lesser-known Visakhapatnam attraction by providing information about how to reach it, what you can see and do and how to stay safe.

About Yarada Beach

Yarada Beach is approximately 14-15km from the central Business District (CBD) of Andhra Pradesh although the exact time taken will depend on your starting point and the road taken. Surrounded by hills, coconut and banana plantations, the beach offers a pleasant contrast to some of Vizag’s more upscale waterfron areas. Unlike other popular Vizag beaches Yarada has a more quiet and low-key feel being primarily a nature lovers destination.

For additional information on this region of Andhra Pradesh see the official tourism website.

How to reach Yarada Beach

• By car/taxi : A popular choice of transport especially with young families and people with large groups.
• Time taken : The drive takes about 30-40 minutes from central Visakhapatnam depending on the time of year and starting point.
• Driving conditions : Expect a mix of hilly and downhill road as you make your way to the beach. Exercise caution and ensure you have enough time to return especially if you are unfamiliar with the area.
• Public transport : Public transport options are more limited than for more centralised attractions. It is a good idea to check ahead what options you have for returning especially if you do not have a chauffeur-driven car.

If you are visiting for the first time, ensure you have transport back from the beach, especially if intending to stay until the end of the day.

Beach Safety – Yarada Beach Warnings

Whilst Yarada Beach may look a good candidate for a swim, exercise extreme caution if entering the water. Waves and currents can be unpredictable and it is better to assume swimming here is unsafe. Weather and seasonal conditions play a part in how calm or rough the waters are as well.

• Danger near water – Do not risk going swimming in rough weather or outside of designated swimming areas if any exist.
• Be wary of the waves – Currents and varying depths of water can be deceptive. It is safer to stick to the shallows or if lifeguards are present, ask for their recommendations first.
• Stay clear of risky areas – Unless there are marked safe swimming areas, keep clear of the water especially in deep crevices where the water may run unexpectedly deep.
• Follow local restrictions – Always abide by any restrictions put in place by local authorities.

If in doubt, it is always safest to stick to exploring Yarada Beach from the safety of the sand and not put yourself at risk.

What you can do at Yarada Beach

• Take in the beauty of the golden sand and watch the waves roll in.
• Take in the scenic views of the surrounding hills which help give Yarada its unique boxed-in appearance.
• Watch the fishing boats as they come and go from the beach depending on the time of day.
• Take photographs of this lovely little beach which offers fantastic photo opportunities of the sea and surrounding hills.
• Relax and find a suitable spot to enjoy the coastal breezes while also keeping the beach clean.

Yarada Beach appeals much more to those that seek a natural landscape over a developed promenade, upscale shopping arcades and variety of entertainment and amenities that other Vizag beaches offer.

Timings and Entry Fee for Yarada Beach

Entry fee for the general public is usually free of charge although it is better to confirm in advance what the local policy is regarding beach access.

Opening times are generally during daylight hours although it is always advisable to confirm what the local opening hours are especially for more obscure access points.

Facilities may be limited so it is a good idea to bring your own provisions with you as you explore the area. How long to spend at the beach is entirely up to you with around one to 3 hours generally considered a good amount of time to spend here to enjoy the beach without rushing. Ensure you check local conditions regarding facilities and road access in advance if intending to visit this lesser-known attraction in the region.

Best time to visit Yarada Beach

• November-February : Generally the most pleasant time of the year for exploring with reasonably cool evenings and warm daytime temperatures.
• March-May : Hot weather can begin to intensify so it is advisable to visit either very early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
• Monsoon season : Heavy seas, poor weather and poor road conditions can make visiting challenging so ensure you factor this in before finalising travel plans.

Early mornings can be a good time to visit to enjoy a more quiet beach experience while photographing the beach can also be a good activity to attempt in the later afternoon when the sky is painted in orange hues. Sunrise and sunsets may also be spectacular but it is not always possible to see both so choose which ever time suits you best keeping in mind what weather conditions are like at the time.

Things to keep in mind

• Avoid swimming unless swimming is confirmed as safe and weather conditions are favourable and suitable.
• Take drinking water, food and any other essentials with you that you may need.
• Wear suitable footwear for walking including sand.
• Exercise caution when driving the road to the beach especially if it is wet.
• Keep hold of valuables and remember to take any litter with you from the beach.
• Plan your return transport in advance and try to avoid wandering off on your own in the dark.

A simple visit plan

• Morning : Make the drive to the beach and take a walk along the golden shores.
• Late morning : Explore the area and capture some great photographs of the surrounding hills.
• Afternoon : With time to spare, pay a visit to the Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint as part of your Yarada Beach visit.
• Before twilight : Begin your return journey if dark nights are a concern or transport options are limited and unfamiliar to you.

Ensure to factor in how much time you have available and plan your itinerary around that as well as weather conditions and road access.

Who should visit Yarada Beach

• Couples looking for a romantic and more private coastal getaway.
• Families that want to enjoy nature trails, photography and low-key excursions.
• Photography enthusiasts that enjoy discovering new scenic destinations.
• Those that want a more alternative Vizag beach experience as opposed to the more upscale options in the region.
• People who enjoy walking, photography and wanting to enjoy a slower pace away from bustling beaches that nearby Vizag offers.

If swimming is the objective of your visit to Yarada Beach, confirm current conditions and if unsure, consider visiting another beach where swimming is allowed and waters are more predictable.

Pros and Cons

Why visit Yarada Beach

• Beautiful setting featuring scenic coastal views and green hills surrounding parts of the beach.
• A more quiet and peaceful environment compared to some of Vizag’s other waterfron areas.
• Great opportunity to take photographs and enjoy some peace and quiet while taking scenic walks at the beach.
• A more unique experience compared to some of Vizag’s more developed beaches.

Things to note before visiting

• Swimming can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous due to waves and currents.
• Facilities and food can be more limited than in central Vizag.
• Transport access can be more challenging than for more centralised beaches so a car or taxi may be required.
• Weater conditions can impact on your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is swimming allowed at Yarada Beach?

Do not assume swimming is safe as waves and currents can be unpredictable. Always take local advice and only go swimming if local authorities confirm the water is safe to swim in.

Is there an entry fee for Yarada Beach?

Whilst Yarada Beach is generally open to the public for a nominal fee of INR (rupees), it is best to check conditions and access restrictions in advance of your visit as they can change.

How far is Yarada Beach from Visakhapatnam city?

It is approximately 14-15km from the central city which means the time taken will vary depending on starting point and road conditions as well as weather.

What is the best time to visit Yarada Beach?

November-February are the best months to visit and enjoy the coastal experience as they tend to be more comfortable for sightseeing. Early mornings and afternoons are also preferable to visiting in the heat of the day

What makes Yarada Beach different to RK Beach?

Both Yarada Beach and RK Beach are popular Vizag attractions but whereas Yarada Beach offers a more naturalised beach environment, RK Beach provides a more developed waterfront dining and leisure experience with excellent promenades.

Conclusion

Yarada Beach is a popular coastal gem that lies closer to the hills than the sea offering panoramic views over the Bay of Bengal. The road to Yarada is scenic enough but the payoff is a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life surrounded by greenery and enjoy the laid-back pace of beach life in and around Visakhapatnam.

It is not a swimming friendly zone, so always double check and abide by local conditions as well as exercise caution around steep embankments during rainy seasons. With careful planning it makes for an excellent visit for those wishing to sample this lesser-known bit of Vizag.