Srikakulam

alouise · Sep 15th, 2008, 22:46

Hi, I'm a repeat traveler, my first visit to India in 1980. In December I am heading down the east coast from Orissa to Andhra Pradesh, visiting archaeological sites up to 8th century, and was wondering if anyone had been to Kalingapatnam, or the Srikakulam district. The coastline areas appear to be under development as special economic zones, and I've been following news on the protests - also in Orissa, in the Kendrapur area near Ratnagiri Udayagiri and Lilitgiri sites. Does anyone know how things are on the ground there at present? Or if anyone has been along coastal Orissa and AP in the past year. Any information would be great, as there's very little travel information apart from pilgrim sites and a few hotels.

gopalk · Sep 23rd, 2008, 17:46

Orissa right now is in a terrible mess (church attacks, Mahadani floods).

Parts of Srikakulam may be unhospitable terrain. There is a booklet by AP Tourism on the places to visit, stay etc.

shivaakiranshares · Sep 23rd, 2008, 22:34

Hi, I think Orissa at this time is not advisable because of floods.
For the maps either you can buy online (at mapsofindia.com)or print from the internet (same site) or buy at the airport.
By the way which airport are u arriving Hyderabad or Bhuvaneshwar?
Don't go by the maps provided by Andhra Pradesh tourism (AP tourism)as they are not scaled.
Let me know what places would you like to visit. I will help you.

bye

alouise · Sep 25th, 2008, 17:11

[quote=shivaakiranshares;571493]Hi, I think Orissa at this time is not advisable because of floods.
For the maps either you can buy online (at mapsofindia.com)or print from the internet (same site) or buy at the airport.
By the way which airport are u arriving Hyderabad or Bhuvaneshwar?
Don't go by the maps provided by Andhra Pradesh tourism (AP tourism)as they are not scaled.
Let me know what places would you like to visit. I will help you.

Thanks for the reply, I wasn't expecting to get feedback on this query so any response is great. To the details, I am flying into Kolkata in December so maybe floods shouldn't be a problem by then and then travelling around a bit before heading to Srikakulam. It's only a short visit there, to dig sites. That's all I'm doing this trip, checking out ASI sites in a few places, mostly in northern states. Hyderabad won't be part of this trip,which is going to have a fairly tight schedule and lots of train trips. What I was wondering about is the present situation in the SEZ's of coastal Andhra. I've been reading the Kalinga times online, and the political problems seem to have eased since the troubles 2002-4. But it is always good to check with people on the ground. Once again, thanks for your reply.

alouise · Sep 25th, 2008, 17:19

[quote=shivaakiranshares;571493]Hi, I think Orissa at this time is not advisable because of floods.
For the maps either you can buy online (at mapsofindia.com)or print from the internet (same site) or buy at the airport.
By the way which airport are u arriving Hyderabad or Bhuvaneshwar?
Don't go by the maps provided by Andhra Pradesh tourism (AP tourism)as they are not scaled.
Let me know what places would you like to visit. I will help you.

Thanks for the reply, I wasn't expecting to get feedback on this query so any response is great. To the details, I am flying into Kolkata in December so maybe floods shouldn't be a problem by then and then travelling around a bit before heading to Srikakulam. It's only a short visit there, to dig sites. That's all I'm doing this trip, checking out ASI sites in a few places, mostly in northern states. Hyderabad won't be part of this trip,which is going to have a fairly tight schedule and lots of train trips. What I was wondering about is the present situation in the SEZ's of coastal Andhra. I've been reading the Kalinga times online, and the political problems seem to have eased since the troubles 2002-4. But it is always good to check with people on the ground. Once again, thanks for your reply.

totom67 · Oct 4th, 2008, 21:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by alouise

Hi, I'm a repeat traveler, my first visit to India in 1980. In December I am heading down the east coast from Orissa to Andhra Pradesh, visiting archaeological sites up to 8th century, and was wondering if anyone had been to Kalingapatnam, or the Srikakulam district. The coastline areas appear to be under development as special economic zones, and I've been following news on the protests - also in Orissa, in the Kendrapur area near Ratnagiri Udayagiri and Lilitgiri sites. Does anyone know how things are on the ground there at present? Or if anyone has been along coastal Orissa and AP in the past year. Any information would be great, as there's very little travel information apart from pilgrim sites and a few hotels.

hi Alouise
Ratnagiri Udayagiri and Lilitgiri sites.= best places to visit budhist art in orissa, peacefull landscapes and great farmers around these part of orissa
you must rent mototbike or rent taxi to visit these 3 places
difficult to sleep near 3 spots, but can sleep at cuttack or buba
(so wonderful hindu temples at bubaneswhar)
konarak is fantastic solar temple
and good place to stay at puri city, near the jagadnnath temple or marina drive (more expensive) or city road near ficherman village

alouise · Oct 6th, 2008, 11:15

Thanx totom, I'll definitely be heading to the temple triangle (Ratnagiri etc). Web search (http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.ne...ssa/Orissa.htm) found a couple of local lodges - OTDC guesthouse near Ratnagiri and Panthasala tourist bungalow near Lilitgiri hill. I go slowly at ancient temple sites so would be looking to stay overnight in the area. Have you or anyone else reading this stayed at either of these places? I was also wondering how the SEZ situation is in the district (Kendrapura).... any protests for concern re. staying there? All help much appreciated here.

totom67 · Oct 6th, 2008, 23:06

OTDC guesthouse, i think i slept in otdc guesthouse near Ratnagiri but was dirty + noisy ans close to the highway (work in progress)

but mabe it's better now !

toto

but also christians are harceled but only evangelist and priests

i did'nt hear than tourist are attaked in orissa

i will go next year to andrha pradesh for 1 month, discover this wonderful district i presume...

i'm stayed 5x in orissa and other places in india, a indimadman !

alouise · Oct 6th, 2008, 23:35

Thanx totom, can cope with dirty and noisy overnight stay. Better than having to rush in and rush out. Maybe tourists are not hassled, but how about tourists wanting to go to church? I like a catholic mass from time to time. And on that one, are catholics less hassled than than pentacostals/charismatic evangelists, or are they the same in the eyes of the hasslers? As for Srikakulam, if nobody else on IM writes about their travels there rest assured I will before you get there. You are not mad, nor am I. We just happen to love India.

alouise · Oct 14th, 2008, 16:05

hmmmm I found an article on Srikakulam which now explains why so few foreign tourists have visited this picturesque and ancient historical district of coastal Andhra Pradesh. It would seem the government likes to keep it a secret, and have the tourists trek a more beaten track.
http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/15/stor...1552120300.htm

Nick-H · Oct 14th, 2008, 17:31

Interesting to see your fascination for this area: looking forward to your report!

I understand that there is a city named Srikakulam, and that also there is a tiny village, where the family of a friend of mine come from. I have been out of touch with this friend for a while, but as far as I can see from Google Earth, her "village" is just a few houses near to the river. It also looks as if, were I to attempt to drive there, that the last few km might take as long as the rest of the journey from Chennai!

alouise · Oct 14th, 2008, 20:10

Yes, Nick, I seem to be going places where there's need to write a few reports. But, hey, middle of nowhere is par for the course when the fascination is archaeological.... Your friend perhaps lives next to some beautifully preserved ruins ? Salihundam? But the coastal roads look OK enough? Or perhaps Rs7 for a 30 km bus ride says more about the state of the roads (and perhaps also the buses)

Nick-H · Oct 14th, 2008, 20:27

The village of this name is further inland, near to the banks of the Krishna River. Highways seem to pass fairly close, but between the highways and the village there appears to be, umm, not much!

Currently she is staying in Tenali. One day we may reach there!

alouise · Oct 14th, 2008, 20:45

Ah, I see, the wide brown areas on Google Earth, where there's hints of something like dirt tracks?

SHAILESH · Oct 14th, 2008, 21:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by alouise

Hi, I'm a repeat traveler, my first visit to India in 1980. In December I am heading down the east coast from Orissa to Andhra Pradesh, visiting archaeological sites up to 8th century, and was wondering if anyone had been to Kalingapatnam, or the Srikakulam district. The coastline areas appear to be under development as special economic zones, and I've been following news on the protests - also in Orissa, in the Kendrapur area near Ratnagiri Udayagiri and Lilitgiri sites. Does anyone know how things are on the ground there at present? Or if anyone has been along coastal Orissa and AP in the past year. Any information would be great, as there's very little travel information apart from pilgrim sites and a few hotels.

HI,
I am based in mumbai (Bombay) well, i am really happy that you all even not being indian, loves india so much. Thanks

Well, i have been to these places orissa and srikakulam. May not be fully but part of it I have seen. There is no much problem as such to tourist as far as flood ( not now ) and church attack. You can very well visit these places. If need be, i will give you few references which may help you. As I am doing business of cashew nuts. These places suits geographically, atmosphere and climatic conditions suits cashew plantations. So, if needed by you, i will be able to give some contacts but they all will be from cashew nuts field. I dont know whether they will be of any help to you ?
But one thing, which i saw was quiet surprising, lastly i went to srikakulam before 5 yo 6 years. I saw on the rock at sea shore, mark of the legs of ancient person which was much bigger that what we have leg size now a days. and people were saying there that its the leg of our lord Rama. ( God of Hindu ) it was at haripuram which is the small town on the border of andhra and orissa. I request you to go and visit this place when you go there.

For any help, you can feel free to ask me.

Welcome to india.
Have a nice journey.

Regards,
Shailesh

Sep 15th, 2008, 22:46	#1
alouise Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: sydney Posts: 821	Srikakulam Hi, I'm a repeat traveler, my first visit to India in 1980. In December I am heading down the east coast from Orissa to Andhra Pradesh, visiting archaeological sites up to 8th century, and was wondering if anyone had been to Kalingapatnam, or the Srikakulam district. The coastline areas appear to be under development as special economic zones, and I've been following news on the protests - also in Orissa, in the Kendrapur area near Ratnagiri Udayagiri and Lilitgiri sites. Does anyone know how things are on the ground there at present? Or if anyone has been along coastal Orissa and AP in the past year. Any information would be great, as there's very little travel information apart from pilgrim sites and a few hotels.

Sep 23rd, 2008, 22:34	#3
shivaakiranshares Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: hyd Posts: 7	Hyderabad adviser Hi, I think Orissa at this time is not advisable because of floods. For the maps either you can buy online (at mapsofindia.com)or print from the internet (same site) or buy at the airport. By the way which airport are u arriving Hyderabad or Bhuvaneshwar? Don't go by the maps provided by Andhra Pradesh tourism (AP tourism)as they are not scaled. Let me know what places would you like to visit. I will help you. bye

Oct 6th, 2008, 11:15	#7
alouise Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: sydney Posts: 821	Thanx totom, I'll definitely be heading to the temple triangle (Ratnagiri etc). Web search (http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.ne...ssa/Orissa.htm) found a couple of local lodges - OTDC guesthouse near Ratnagiri and Panthasala tourist bungalow near Lilitgiri hill. I go slowly at ancient temple sites so would be looking to stay overnight in the area. Have you or anyone else reading this stayed at either of these places? I was also wondering how the SEZ situation is in the district (Kendrapura).... any protests for concern re. staying there? All help much appreciated here. Last edited by alouise : Oct 6th, 2008 at 11:16. Reason: typo correction

Oct 6th, 2008, 23:06	#8
totom67 Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: France Posts: 8	yes OTDC guesthouse, i think i slept in otdc guesthouse near Ratnagiri but was dirty + noisy ans close to the highway (work in progress) but mabe it's better now ! toto but also christians are harceled but only evangelist and priests i did'nt hear than tourist are attaked in orissa i will go next year to andrha pradesh for 1 month, discover this wonderful district i presume... i'm stayed 5x in orissa and other places in india, a indimadman !

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Sep 23rd, 2008, 17:46	#2
gopalk Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 252	Orissa right now is in a terrible mess (church attacks, Mahadani floods). Parts of Srikakulam may be unhospitable terrain. There is a booklet by AP Tourism on the places to visit, stay etc.

Sep 25th, 2008, 17:11	#4
alouise Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: sydney Posts: 821	[quote=shivaakiranshares;571493]Hi, I think Orissa at this time is not advisable because of floods. For the maps either you can buy online (at mapsofindia.com)or print from the internet (same site) or buy at the airport. By the way which airport are u arriving Hyderabad or Bhuvaneshwar? Don't go by the maps provided by Andhra Pradesh tourism (AP tourism)as they are not scaled. Let me know what places would you like to visit. I will help you. Thanks for the reply, I wasn't expecting to get feedback on this query so any response is great. To the details, I am flying into Kolkata in December so maybe floods shouldn't be a problem by then and then travelling around a bit before heading to Srikakulam. It's only a short visit there, to dig sites. That's all I'm doing this trip, checking out ASI sites in a few places, mostly in northern states. Hyderabad won't be part of this trip,which is going to have a fairly tight schedule and lots of train trips. What I was wondering about is the present situation in the SEZ's of coastal Andhra. I've been reading the Kalinga times online, and the political problems seem to have eased since the troubles 2002-4. But it is always good to check with people on the ground. Once again, thanks for your reply.

Sep 25th, 2008, 17:19	#5
alouise Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: sydney Posts: 821	[quote=shivaakiranshares;571493]Hi, I think Orissa at this time is not advisable because of floods. For the maps either you can buy online (at mapsofindia.com)or print from the internet (same site) or buy at the airport. By the way which airport are u arriving Hyderabad or Bhuvaneshwar? Don't go by the maps provided by Andhra Pradesh tourism (AP tourism)as they are not scaled. Let me know what places would you like to visit. I will help you. Thanks for the reply, I wasn't expecting to get feedback on this query so any response is great. To the details, I am flying into Kolkata in December so maybe floods shouldn't be a problem by then and then travelling around a bit before heading to Srikakulam. It's only a short visit there, to dig sites. That's all I'm doing this trip, checking out ASI sites in a few places, mostly in northern states. Hyderabad won't be part of this trip,which is going to have a fairly tight schedule and lots of train trips. What I was wondering about is the present situation in the SEZ's of coastal Andhra. I've been reading the Kalinga times online, and the political problems seem to have eased since the troubles 2002-4. But it is always good to check with people on the ground. Once again, thanks for your reply.

Oct 6th, 2008, 23:35	#9
alouise Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: sydney Posts: 821	Thanx totom, can cope with dirty and noisy overnight stay. Better than having to rush in and rush out. Maybe tourists are not hassled, but how about tourists wanting to go to church? I like a catholic mass from time to time. And on that one, are catholics less hassled than than pentacostals/charismatic evangelists, or are they the same in the eyes of the hasslers? As for Srikakulam, if nobody else on IM writes about their travels there rest assured I will before you get there. You are not mad, nor am I. We just happen to love India.

Oct 14th, 2008, 16:05	#10
alouise Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: sydney Posts: 821	hmmmm I found an article on Srikakulam which now explains why so few foreign tourists have visited this picturesque and ancient historical district of coastal Andhra Pradesh. It would seem the government likes to keep it a secret, and have the tourists trek a more beaten track. http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/15/stor...1552120300.htm

Oct 14th, 2008, 17:31	#11
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,213	Interesting to see your fascination for this area: looking forward to your report! I understand that there is a city named Srikakulam, and that also there is a tiny village, where the family of a friend of mine come from. I have been out of touch with this friend for a while, but as far as I can see from Google Earth, her "village" is just a few houses near to the river. It also looks as if, were I to attempt to drive there, that the last few km might take as long as the rest of the journey from Chennai!

Oct 14th, 2008, 20:10	#12
alouise Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: sydney Posts: 821	Yes, Nick, I seem to be going places where there's need to write a few reports. But, hey, middle of nowhere is par for the course when the fascination is archaeological.... Your friend perhaps lives next to some beautifully preserved ruins ? Salihundam? But the coastal roads look OK enough? Or perhaps Rs7 for a 30 km bus ride says more about the state of the roads (and perhaps also the buses)

Oct 14th, 2008, 20:27	#13
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,213	The village of this name is further inland, near to the banks of the Krishna River. Highways seem to pass fairly close, but between the highways and the village there appears to be, umm, not much! Currently she is staying in Tenali. One day we may reach there!

Oct 14th, 2008, 20:45	#14
alouise Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: sydney Posts: 821	Ah, I see, the wide brown areas on Google Earth, where there's hints of something like dirt tracks?