As I walk along the golden sands of Rushikonda Beach, the cool ocean breeze caresses my face. This hidden gem along the east coast of India never ceases to take my breath away, no matter how many times I visit. Read below about “Rushikonda Beach Wins ‘Best Beach in AP’ Award- What Makes It So Special?”.
Located just 8 km from Visakhapatnam city, Rushikonda has recently been awarded the ‘Best Beach in Andhra Pradesh’. And for good reason too. Its crystal clear waters, clean sands, swaying palm trees and lack of crowd makes it the perfect beach getaway.
In my 7 years of traveling and exploring beaches across India as a travel writer, Rushikonda stands out for its raw and untouched beauty. The turquoise blue waters, the hills in the backdrop, the lush green landscapes, and the gentle waves lapping at your feet – it is paradise.
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What Makes Rushikonda Beach So Special?
As I walk along the entire 3 km stretch of the beach, what strikes me is the peace and tranquility here. There are no loud tourists, no beach shacks blaring music, and no chaos. Just me, the ocean, and the occasional jogger. Here are some key factors that make Rushikonda so special:
Secluded Location
Rushikonda is not located on the main beach road in Vizag. It is tucked away on the other side of a hill, keeping it hidden from the crowds. This allows it to retain its pristine beauty without any commercialization.
No Litter & Clean Sand
Since this beach does not attract too many visitors, the sand and water are absolutely clean. I couldn’t spot a single piece of plastic or litter during my multiple visits. The sand under my feet is soft, powdery and soothing.
Abundant Nature
Tall palm trees line the entire coastline, providing plenty of shade from the harsh sun. The hill on one side is covered in lush green landscapes. And the ocean is teeming with marine life. I could spot tiny crabs along the wet sand and seashells of various shapes and sizes.
Water Sport Options
While Rushikonda offers peace and solitude, it also gives adventure lovers an adrenaline rush. Activities like surfing, kayaking, jet skiing, banana boat rides, and speed boating are available at reasonable rates. I tried my hand at kayaking and thoroughly enjoyed paddling on the gentle blue waters.
Beachside Cafes & Amenities
Basic amenities like changing rooms, washrooms, seating areas and small beach shacks are available. I grabbed a quick bite and chilled coconut water at one such shack. There are no luxury resorts or restaurants here, adding to the beach’s raw charm.
Turtle Hatchery
Rushikonda beach is home to Olive Ridley Turtles that come here every year between January to March to lay eggs. The forest department has set up a turtle conservation and hatchery program to protect these endangered species. Visitors can volunteer with conservationists to safeguard the turtle eggs or even witness baby turtles taking their first steps towards the ocean.
As a wildlife enthusiast and conservationist, I find this program truly commendable. It has helped increase the turtle population here. During my visit, I volunteered for a night patrol to collect turtle eggs and transfer them safely to the hatchery.
Water Sports Festival
Every year, between mid-October to February, the Tourism Department organizes the Rushikonda Beach Festival. Adventure water sports competitions like surfing, beach volleyball, beach kabaddi etc are held during this time; attracting sports enthusiasts from all over.
I attended last year’s festival and the energy was incredible. Watching pro surfers ride the waves as the sun set over the sea was a sight to behold. The festival also hosts beach food stalls, music concerts and flea markets.
Watching the Sun Rise & Set
No matter how many times I visit Rushikonda, watching the crimson sun dip into the deep blue sea always takes my breath away. As darkness descends, the beach looks almost magical under the moonlight and stars.
Likewise, witnessing the sky erupt into a painting of pink, orange and golden hues at sunrise is an unforgettable experience. Starting my day sitting atop the soft sand, waves lapping at my feet as the sun peeks above the horizon – that’s what I call paradise!
Scuba Diving
The ocean bed off Rushikonda, extending 5 km into the sea, houses some of the most spectacular coral reefs in Andhra Pradesh. Its rich marine biodiversity makes it a scuba diver’s haven.
As an open water scuba diver myself, I was thrilled to explore this underwater world during my visit. Gliding weightlessly past colorful corals, mysterious shipwrecks, sea turtles and schools of tropical fish – it was magical!
Final Thoughts
At the end of my visit, as I sat watching the crimson sun melt into the sea, a sense of inner peace washed over me. The soothing sound of waves, the balmy ocean breeze, the raw natural beauty all around – this is what paradise must feel like!
It is no surprise that Rushikonda bagged the ‘Best Beach in AP’ award. Its serene ambience, abundant nature, unique conservation efforts and emphasis on responsible tourism make it the perfect holiday spot. I hope you like reading “Rushikonda Beach Wins ‘Best Beach in AP’ Award- What Makes It So Special?”.
As I left this pristine piece of paradise, I promised myself to return again soon for another tryst with bliss. Rushikonda had won my heart forever!
With a degree in Environmental Science and over 5+ years of experience in beach travel and exploration, Sophia is the dedicated curator behind fancybeaches.com. Driven by a passion for discovering the world’s most breathtaking beach destinations, Admin combines academic knowledge with firsthand experiences to deliver reliable, authoritative travel advice. Fancybeaches.com is a trusted resource for beach enthusiasts, offering detailed travel guides, safety tips, and sustainable travel practices. Connect me here-n sophiawanders_
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