Sankranti weekend boosts tourism in Visakhapatnam

Tourist destinations across the city witnessed massive crowds on the occasion of “Mukkanuma” on Saturday (January 17, 2026). The extended Sankranthi vacation combined with the weekend turned out to be a boon for both tourists and local residents, resulting in a steady influx of visitors to popular attractions.

Several locations, including the Beach Road stretch from RK Beach to Bheemunipatnam, Kailasagiri, Tenneti Park, museums, Thotlakonda, and Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP), saw heavy footfall. Kailasagiri, in particular, experienced continuous visitor movement from the early hours, with long queues and crowded pathways reflecting the festive spirit. Apart from the ropeway, the newly introduced adventure sports and the glass bridge at the hilltop attracted a large number of visitors.

Travel activity picked up significantly in the evening as people began returning to cities such as Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Railway stations and bus terminals witnessed heavy crowds with the rush expected to intensify on Sunday (January 18). Private travel buses were seen leaving the city in large numbers.

Meanwhile, Anakapalli district police registered 178 cases related to cockfighting, gambling, and other illegal sports organised during the Sankranti festival over the past few days. Areas such as Parawada, Anakapalli (Rural), Atchutapuram, Kasimkota, Nakkapalli, and Yelamanchili reported several cases. On January 15 and 16 alone, 106 gaming-related cases were booked across the district.

Additionally, Road Transport Authority (RTA) on Saturday seized two private buses and registered cases against five others for violating transport norms. A total fine of ₹60,000 was imposed.