Erra Matti Dibbalu (Red Sand Dunes)
- Hours
- Mon–Sun 07:00–18:00
- Entry fee
- Free
- Best time to visit
- October–February; late afternoon
- From RK Beach
- 22 km
- Travel time
- 45 min by car
Hours and fees change often — please verify before visiting. Details last checked Oct 18, 2026.
About
Rare coastal red sand hills, a National Geo-heritage Monument near Bheemili.
Erra Matti Dibbalu, literally “red soil mounds”, are a band of deep-red sand hills by the sea between Thotlakonda and Bheemili. Gullies and pinnacles carved by rain and wind give them an almost canyon-like look.
Formations like this are extremely rare in tropical coastal settings. The Geological Survey of India notified them as a National Geo-heritage Monument, and in 2025 they were placed on India’s tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage. They were first described scientifically by the geologist William King in 1886.
The dunes are fragile and have suffered from quarrying, littering and careless visitors. Stay on existing paths, do not dig or climb the steep faces, and take nothing away.
Highlights
- Rare coastal red sand formations
- National Geo-heritage Monument
- On India’s UNESCO tentative list (2025)
- Eroded gullies and pinnacles
Things to do
- Walk the paths through the dunes
- Photograph the red sand in late-afternoon light
- Combine with Bheemili and Thotlakonda
Safety notes
- Do not climb the steep dune faces — they collapse easily.
- Little shade; carry water and a hat.
Facilities
- ParkingAvailable
- ToiletsNot available
- Food stallsNot available
- Wheelchair accessNot available
How to reach
- Bus: Bheemili-bound buses stop near Nerellavalasa.
- Auto: Shared autos on Bheemili Beach Road.
- Cab / car: Roadside parking near the site.
- Train: Visakhapatnam Junction is about 27 km away.
Nerellavalasa, Bheemili Beach Road, Visakhapatnam 531163
Get directionsPhotos (10)
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