After Hop-On Hop-Off: These Are the Next Upcoming Tourism Projects in Vizag!

Introduction

Visakhapatnam (Vizag) has rapidly emerged as a leading tourism hub on India’s east coast. Following the success of the iconic "Hop-On Hop-Off" double-decker tourist service, the city is now set to embrace a wave of modern attractions—from adrenaline-pumping adventures to luxury resorts—positioning itself as a destination for both leisure and business travelers.

Historical & Strategic Context

Vizag's coastal charm, natural beauty, and growing connectivity have long made it a tourist magnet. The "Hop-On Hop-Off" buses set a new standard, blending mobility with immersive sightseeing. Building on this momentum, the Greater Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) and the Tourism Department are spearheading multiple PPP projects to elevate the city’s tourism infrastructure and long-term promise.

What’s Next: Key Projects in the Pipeline

East Coast Habitat Centre & VR Arena with Hotel (Rushikonda)

• A Delhi Habitat Centre-style complex offering a business hub, art gallery, premium dining, corporate spaces, and a boutique hotel (≈₹460 crore) .

• Alongside: a VR/AR arena and gaming zone within a 3-star hotel to attract younger audiences and tech enthusiasts. 

Caravan Tourism Parks

• Plans for caravan parks along the Tenneti Park–Bheemunipatnam stretch are back on track. These will let tourists park, cook, and rest amidst scenic surroundings

Convention Centre with a 5-Star Hotel

• On Vizag’s Beach Road, VMRDA plans a convention centre supporting 2,500 attendees, attached to a luxury hotel. Estimated investment: ₹250 crore.

Kailasagiri Revamps

• New ropeway spanning ~1.5 km, eco-cottages, a 360° revolving restaurant, a luge gravity ride, and a Bay-view café—shaping up as India’s most thrilling hilltop park. 

• Adventure additions already underway: zipline, sky-cycle, and India’s longest glass skywalk bridge. 

UH-3H Helicopter Museum on RK Beach

• A retired naval helicopter is being transformed into a museum display near the submarine museum. Completion expected soon..

Haritha Hotel & Tourism Booking Counter

• Newly opened near MVP Colony: offering a hotel with AC suites, restaurants, and a hub for booking tours—including the double-decker buses. .

Electric Double-Decker Buses

• An eco-friendly upgrade to the city’s tourist mobility with electric buses—planned launch imminent. 

Working Women’s Hostels

• Three modern hostels under PPP across Mudasarlova, Madhurawada, and Gajuwaka, to support working women and students. Budget: ₹172 crore..

Tribal Homestays & Krishnapuram Eco Hub (ASR District)

• Homestays in scenic tribal villages like Chintapalle and Dumbriguda, launching November–February. 

• A nature-driven eco-hub offering stays, trekking, hut bazaars, and more within forest settings. Launching November 2025. 

Enhanced Connectivity: Flights & Airport Development

• Visakhapatnam airport might soon connect with Tirupati, Malaysia, and Colombo. Flight improvements under discussion.

• The new Bhogapuram Greenfield airport (Alluri Sitarama Raju Int’l) under construction is expected to handle up to 18 million passengers by Phase 3. 

Why Vizag Is Getting Special Treatment

• Geopolitical Edge: Coastal city; growing IT, pharma, industrial base.

• Tourism Momentum: Natural landscapes + urban enhancements = unmatched destination.

• PPP Appetite: Active investor interest in developing landmark attractions.

• Urban Vision: Integrated master-planning ensures strategic, sustainable growth. .

(Less emphasis is currently seen in Tier-II towns like Vijayawada or Rajahmundry, though recent "nagara vanam" urban forest parks project offers statewide green growth. .)

Pros & Cons

Final Thoughts & Conclusion

Vizag is transforming from a scenic coastal city to a futuristic tourism powerhouse. With ambitious immersive parks, eco-tourism, luxury amenities, and enhanced connectivity, it’s carving out a narrative of innovation and accessibility.

The real test lies in sustainable execution—balancing urban growth, environmental care, and equitable expansion across the region. If managed well, these projects could make Vizag a model for smart, experience-driven tourism in India—welcoming travelers not just for its beauty, but for unforgettable experiences.