Vishakhapatnam never fails to amaze me
Trust me! even before I could begin this article, the very thought of Vishakhapatnam (Vizag) ignited that travel spirit within me, once again. I recently embarked on a solo bag pack trip to Vizag, popularly known as “The City of Destiny”.
This blog is a reflection of my experience and narratives, to which I just could not say NO. To begin with, Vizag was not even my mind, because I had travelled to the city before the pandemic, hence, had almost made my mind to head to Calcutta.
Upon doing a bit of research, I found that trains were almost on waitlisting (WL), and airfares were out of my league (not that I could not book, just that I did not want to). That very evening I came across this video on YouTube which had covered the newly launched Sea Harrier Museum of the Indian Navy which proved to be the turning point and a game changer!
This enlightenment 😆was 12th November 2023, and I booked my tickets on Air-India Express for 30th November 2023.
Early morning flight from Hyderabad sort of kept me awake all night, thanks to the excitement pumping like a jet fuel. 1050 A.M, our Airbus A320, registered VT-ATB took off from runway 9R, and soon the cloudy low level clouds paved way for a crystal clear blue sky with a warm sunshine. I usually prefer train travel but keeping the time and dates in mind, this was not a bad idea. I sat on the right-hand side window seat because I knew that it would present me with a wing view along with scenic coastline views when we begin our descent into Vizag. The blue waters of the Bay of Bengal with foamy waters playing hide and seek!!. Thrill, satisfaction, happiness and anticipation were breaming like never before.
I made my way to the Zostel, located in the tranquil of Vizag near Navy House, and close the the majestic R.K beach. Nothing feels more relaxing than finding your bunk bed neatly arranged and energetic like-minded fellow travellers.
After charging myself with a cup of tea, I made my way to the beach, took my time walking, feeling the air loaded with scent of ocean. The wind making whistling sound as if it was trying to say something meaningful, while the sparkling sand drew my attention. Soon, it was evening,and time to satisfy taste buds, that led me to visit the “Heritage Hotel”, with an imposing interiors. The following morning, I began my day with some delicious, sizzling ravva bondas with coconut chutney (kobbari pachhadi) from a vendor nearby.
Here is a small glimpse of what all I covered in Vizag:
- Tupolev 142M Aircraft Museum
- INS Kursura Submarine Museum
- Sea Harrier Museum
-Shri Jagannath Temple
- RK.Math
- Maritime Museum
- Kailasagiri
- Simhachalam Temple
- Ross Hill Church
- Dolphin Hill Nose Lighthouse (opens from 2–5pm)
- Yarada Beach
- Araku valley(It alone needs 3 good days)
- Hindustan Shipyard (Not accessible for public)
The best part:
Since I am an aviation and maritime enthusiast, the submarine and the decommissioned TU-142M aircraft was no less of a treat. I mean I was just awestruck seeing the sea harrier hanging over my head, the precious history of our Indian Navy, the uniforms, the cramped interiors of the submarine, narrow alleys of the aircraft with massive contra rotating propellers. I could spend hours under its belly, adoring the landing gears!
I had a refreshing 3 day leisure getaway. I was so looking forward to the Navy Day scheduled for 04th Dec, but was postponed for 10th Dec due to cyclonic activity. But, at the same I was delighted on having witnessed the spectacular Navy Day rehearsals.
Finally, my journey had come to an end. My alarm woke me up at 4am and soon after a cup of hot chai, made my way to the airport. On one side I wanted to leave at the earliest because cyclone ‘Michaung’ was brewing and flights were already getting cancelled. Soon, it was the moment. The staff arrived at the boarding gate and it was then that I saw my incoming aircraft from Bengaluru positioning at the gate, breaking out of the rainy and misty weather.
Pheww!!!Sitting in my seat, I said to myself — “For many it’s just a city with ocean, but to me it is a bliss, away from the regular coast dominated cities”.
Who should visit Vizag?
Vizag see a blend of tourists from all over India, especially from the eastern region such as West Bengal and Odisha.
Due to picturesque landscape, clean beaches, tourist attractions and accessibility, Vishakhapatnam makes a perfect get-away for people in and around Srikakulam, Vijayawada, Raipur. If you are into museums and heritage, then do add Vishakhapatnam to your travel list.
“Words are not enough to describe and all you would want is lean back and visualise those moments of travel”- Pramod Sharma.
