Visakhapatnam and Araku Valley; A refreshing short trip

Visakhapatnam or Vizag is a bustling city on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. Despite being the most populous city in Andhra Pradesh it is surprisingly clean and a popular tourist spot. This particular tour is almost mandatory for Bengalis and they like to throw in theBora caves and the beautiful Araku valley in the mix. The entire tour can be done in only 5 days. So I am just gliding over the facts of this tour, the history and mythological essence can be studied at your own leisure.

 ITINERARY: 

Day 1: Reach Visakhapatnam. (Preferably in the early morning). Visit to some of the places of interest.

Day 2: Catch the train to Araku Valley. Visit Bora caves. Night stay at Araku.

Day 3: Journey back to Visakhapatnam.

Day 4: Realax. Catch a train back.

Obviously you can extend the program by 2-3 days by staying an extra day at Araku and Visakhapatnam.

VIZAG :

We have started our journey from Kolkata the previous night and reached Vizag at a very early morning. We had rooms booked in a hotel nearby, in advance. In the morning we booked a car from the hotel and went for a full day of sight seeing.

1. Shimhachalam :

Shimha = lions ; chalam = hill . The exact time when the temple was built is still unknown but some sciptures found are believed to be millennia old. It is obvious that most of the temple is renovated

Sorry but as I have put my camera in the car, there are no photographs.
Note: Do not wait in the queue for free entry or 25/- entry, at-least buy a passage worth 100/- or better 500/- for hassle free darshana. It will save you a few precious hours. I know it seems ridiculous that a temple, an abode of God favours those with heavier pockets, but that's just the way it is.
If you are not a very religious person, or not very fond of ancient architectural marvels, skip this one.

2. Kailashagiri :

A well maintained garden cum park atop the hill directly overlooking the beautiful coastline of Visakhapattanam. Its definitely a good place to spend some time and have a birds eye view of the coastal city.

The giant statues of Lord Shiva and lady Parvati remains the centre of attraction. A toy train can give you a round tour of the entire hill-top.

3. Rishikonda Beach: 

Perhaps the most beautiful beach of Visakhapattanam.

4. Visakha Maritime Museum :

A museum showing the history of navy and Vizag.

5. Submarine Museum :

INS Kursura is a Diesel-electric submarine which has serviced Indian navy for 31 years and is currently on display near Ramakrishna Beach. This is one of a kind in India. Don't miss it.

6. Aquarium :  

There is privately owned aquarium near R.K. beach. Its worth a visit as well.

 

7. Harbour :  

The harbour is a a busy place, with fishermen, boatmen, tourists  all hustling and bustling. There is a fish market as well.

8. R.K. Beach

My  favourite place in all of Vizag is the Ramakrishna Beach. Most of the tourist attraction are situated near it, such as the Kalimata Temple built as a miniature replica of the famous Dakhsnineswar Temple of Kolkata. The street food at the beach is also very good even though the price is a bit steep.
I strongly advise that you spend your sunrise and sunsets there.

 

9. Shivaji Park: 

Its a bit in the interior. You can take an auto-rickshaw (100/- to 150/-) from R.K. Beach to Shivaji Park. Its a well decorated garden. You can have some much needed peace and quiet there. A good place to hangout with friends.

 

That is about it in Vizag. There are some other beaches along the coastline if time permits visit them by all means.

 BORRA CAVES: 

Discovered by the Geological Survey of India in the year 1807, these gigantic caverns are made of fascinating formations of Stalactites and Stalagmites. These natural marvels, formed over millions of years , illuminated with colourful artificial lighting create a spectacular visual experience for the tourists. 

 How To Reach: 

 In my opinion taking the Kirandul Passenger from Visakhapattanam Station, which leaves early in the morning (7.05 am) is the best way to get to Araku Valley. The scenic train route goes right through the heart of green pristine valleys, which you would miss if travelled by car, and its way cheaper too. Everyday on the train you can find representatives of APTDC ( Andhra Pradesh Tourism development Corporation ). They have a conducted tour, which starts from Borra Guhalu Railway Station and ends at your accommodation at Araku Valley. We found the rates very reasonable and ttheir tour plan very agreeable.

 

Borra Caves

Alternate way is to go directly to Arakku Valley, check in  and journey back to Borra Caves in the afternoon. But you will most likely be tired and hence unable to enjoy .

APTDC Bus Outside Borra Caves' Entrance

Descent into Dante's Inferno ?

Lurking In The Dark

After our journey inside the gloomy humongous cave system we came back to the surface, hungry as wolves. A generous amount of  steamed rice, dal, cabbage sabji and  authentic Bamboo chicken gave us the energy to venture further. Next stop Tatiguda Falls.

Bamboo Chicken: Marinated chicken with Tribal Herbs and Spices, Stuffed inside a Bamboo trunk and Cooked over charcoal fire

TATIGUDA FALLS : 

A beautiful waterfall inside a village occupied by ever more beautiful people.

Tatiguda Falls

Araku valley is noted for its coffee plantations, even though the local coffee industry is far past its glory days, they still make  good tourist spots.There are several hotels scattered all around the Araku Valley but my suggestion would be APTDC rest house. 

Coffee Plantation

Tribal Museum

The tribal museum is a good place to visit, where you can take a glance at the local tribal culture.

Sunset at Araku Valley

Overall Vizag-Araku tour is pretty refreshing on a small budget.