As Visakhapatnam buzzes with year-end and New Year crowds flocking to its beaches, hills, and temples, tourists are hit hard by inflated prices from private travel operators and hotels. Complaints pour in about exploitation, with basic stays and rides costing double or triple the usual rates during this festive rush
Private travels charge exorbitant fares for routes like Simhachalam and nearby ghats, where traffic jams already test patience. A simple cab ride that costs Rs 500 mid-year now demands Rs 1,200–1,500, leaving families frustrated and budgets strained.
Hotels, from budget lodges to mid-range resorts along RK Beach and MVP Colony, jack up tariffs without notice. Standard rooms jump from Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,500 per night, often with extras like "festive surcharges" or mandatory meals tacked on. Visitors report unresponsive bookings on apps like MakeMyTrip, where dynamic pricing favors peak demand over fairness.
Tourist reviews highlight cases of overbooking leading to last-minute hikes or forced upgrades. One group shared paying Rs 6,000 for a sea-view room that was "barely clean," calling it a rip-off amid the holiday hype.
Heavy traffic on Simhachalam ghat roads worsens the ordeal, with poor management turning short trips into hour-long ordeals. Devotees and sightseers wait endlessly, burning more fuel and time while meters run on hired vehicles. This combo of jams and price gouging turns Vizag's festive vibe into a nightmare for outstation guests
Book early: Lock in rates via official GVMC tourism portals or trusted apps before the rush peaks.
Choose regulated options: Opt for AP Tourism buses or govt-approved taxis to avoid private fleecing.
Report issues: Use Vizag Police tourist helpline (100 or local app) for overcharging complaints—authorities promise quick action.
Go local: Stay in homestays or areas like Lawsons Bay for better value away from hotspot inflation.
GVMC and police must enforce price caps and better traffic flow to protect Vizag's reputation as a welcoming destination. Until then, plan smart to enjoy the city's beaches and festivities without the exploitation sting
