Vizag & Araku from Kolkata

dear frnds
I am planning to visit visakhapatnam and araku in mid October. we will stay at APTDC resorts only. i want to know about the places arround. we are nature lovers. we love secluded beaches, serene greenery etc. another thing is we will go to araku from vizag stay there for 2/3 days and come back to get a train to kolkata. please advise whether train or car will be suitable for us (vizag to araku to vizag). we will have a 5yrs of child with us.

Take kirandul passenger from vizag to borra caves. Train journey is the best for araku trip as you would be passing through 52 tunnels and some great visuals on the way.you can finish visiting borra caves in 3 hours. there are number of buses to reach araku from there. (not much journey) once you reach araku you can hire vehicles locally to visit near by places. while returning, you can catch a bus to reach vizag.

Stay near Kailash Giri APTDC Hotel. You can enjoy the sea and also hike Kailash Giri for a panoramic view of the city. You can take a auto to reach inside the city in 10 mins.
Another good stay option is in Rushikonda Beach APTDC hotel. But it's quite far from the city and after dark very little chance of getting a vehichle.

Activities in Vizag
Day 1
1. Visit Beemli Beach see the confluence of Bay of Bengal and Gosthani River.
2. Visit Red Sand Hills, Totlakonda, Rushikonda Beach

Day 2 - Start Early
1. Visit Vizag Port area, Ross Hill
2. Visit Yarada Beach [my personal favorite ], Lighthouse

Day 3 - Can be used for Araku
Don't take the APTDC Araku tour. You will regret it.
1. Catch Kirandul Express. Make sure you have done proper reservation.
2. Go to Araku directly. It will take around 4 hours to reach.
[Your camera will be busy during the train journey ]
Stay in Mayuri Araku only. Spectacular valley view from the rooms.
This hotel is near the Araku market and adjacent to Tribal Museum.
Relax for the next 2 days . I went there in Aug end.
Visit Botanical gardens in the early hours to get mesmerized with the mist between eucalyptus trees.

While coming back from Araku, take a bus/cab to reach Vizag.
On the way visit Borra Caves. Have lunch near the caves.
Again during return journey make sure your camera batteries are charged

While in Vizag
Visit Shimachalam, Ramakrishna Beach, War Memorial, Aquarium.
Don't forget to spend some time in Jagadamba center

Happy Journey.

Thank you very much dear andhrawala and sasanka. these tips are very useful. i'll follow ur tips.

thanks and regards to you again. i love indiamike friends.

samik

hi friends,
would you plz help me in anther issue? we are planning to go to vizag by corromondol exp. it will reach at 4:25am. there will be 1 child with us. we want to check in to a nearby hotel and transfer to APTDC rushikonda after 10:30 am or so. would u plz help me by suggesting few budget hotels and there contacts near the station?

That seems like an expensive option, as you would end up paying twice for one day. Why don't you directly check in to the APTDC hotel in Rushikonda? You can just take a taxi there from the station, it is quite safe.

I was there in late July (as a part of my India tour) and..I loved it! The city beach was a bit crowded. But Rushikonda was SO pretty!The blue sea just keeps lingering in my mind. The road to Araku was really nice. Have a great trip!

There's an APTDC resort called Jungle Bells in Tyda on the way back from Araku to Vizag. It's quite nice with little cottages and they have tribal dancing in the evenings. It's a good spot for exploring Borra Caves.

Is mid october right time to visit Vizag ? Will it rain during that time ?

it should be alright during that time.

October is a very good time to visit Vizag. Anyway while deciding on the taxi a small word of advice..........Most of the site seeing is on hilly roads.......the drivers at the end of the trip charge for "HILL DRIVING" (A very peculiar concept that i heard only in vizag and not even on any of the Himachal pradesh HILLS). So strike the bargain straight and stick to it. If not you may be harassed to pay more than double the deal bargained. Just of a word of caution although..........all the best......and also make sure to travel only by train from vizag to aruku the train is in the morning at about 7.00 Kirandul passenger....check the time again....you may not get this info on the net....and yes also carry a handycam along with your DSLR.......praveen

The choice of APTDC resort at Rushikonda is good. The best rooms should cost you close to 2000 rupees. When I went in 2007 development was in full swing, so you can expect better time now.

It's advisable to have a car at your disposal, as Rushikonda is far away from the city and public transport is terrible.

Jugle Bells, on the way to Araku, is also managed by APTDC and has various categories of cottages. I visited them in 2007.They were superb for the money one paid. I don't think you'll get that value anywhere else, if they are maintained in the same condition.

Another alternative is booking APTDC resort in Araku. That too is good.

No ATM in Araku, so keep enought cash and gear up for great time.

NO ATMs in ARUKU is really a very big news for travellers........samik hope u paid attention to this........

Q1) I have WL18 (in FC) for the train between VSKP and ARK. Still 7 days to go. What if i dont get it confirmed? i have 2 kids and diffuclt to travel in general.

Just wanted to see few tunnels ... is it possible to cover them in cab route ?

Q2) Need to catch a flight in VSKP at around 1:00pm (may be i need to be in airport by 12 noon post lunch). what time do i need to start from ARK by cab ?

Dear muppalla, firstly........your ticket may not be confirmed for sure. And yes you can travel in general compartment just make sure you are there before time and fix a deal with a cooolie if possible....he will catch a seat for you as you seem to be travelling with family. Secondly you will not pass through tunnels when driving by road. So go by train only. Thirdly...on your return the driving time by car is about 3 to 4 hours of GHAT ROAD. So better you start very early say by 7 to 7.30 in the morning to be at the airport by 11.00 AM. And if you are willing.......why dont you give a try to AP Tourism package which will take you to Aruku by Train and bring you back by bus.....tour starts at about 7.00 from VSP Railway station and you are back by 9.00 PM the same day. These guys cover everything and the package includes all tickets and break=fast and lunch and tea and also covers BORRA CAVES on the return. The ticket per head should be about 500 to 600 which i am not sure......3) Get in touch with AP Tourism Office at Tank Bund Road:
Information & Reservation Office
Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation
Tank Bund Road, Opp. BRKR Bhavan
Hyderabad-500 063.
Ph: 23453036, 23450165 Fax: 23453086 Cell: 98481 25720. All the best and have a nice trip.............praveen