Travel Guides
nothing lonely about the planet
Visakhapatnam
(Andhra Pradesh)
Cosmopolitan Port City
The gorgeous blue sea, seductively sandy beaches, breathtaking valleys and a luxuriant countryside?No we are not speaking about Goa! Cant you think of any other part in India with beaches? Well, we are describing Visakhapatanam- Vizag for all one of the best ports in the nation.An old world charm beckons you in Vizag yet, modernity is evident in every nook and cranny. Bullock carts and cars walk the same path concrete high-rises and thatched roofed cottages with while painted walls are next door neighbors. But, all this adds to lending to the unique flavor of Visakhapatnam.
At a Glance
Vizag is a port city in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. On the eastern coast of the country, it is bounded on two sides by the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal. The city is about 650 km northeast from state capital Hyderabad. Located on National Highway No. 5 of India's highway system, it is an important destination on the Eastern Railway grid. A world-class port and among the world?s largest ship building yards, it?s a heady concoction of the old and the new.
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When to Visit:
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Vizag has a relatively pleasant climate all year through, except April and May, when the mercury can climb up to 39C. Winter sees a maximum temperature of 29C and a minimum of 19C. Tourist season officially is from October to March, but it?s best to go with advance bookings in December-January.
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Orientation & Getting Around: |
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There are a large number of buses reaching out to even the most remote areas. They start early at 4 am and ply till almost midnight.
Auto rickshaws are the best mode of transport, though getting one in a residential area late at night is difficult. They do not ply by the meter unless you take them to task. After 10 pm, autos charge 50 per cent over the meter and may charge extra to go to far away places. If invited for dinner, it would be a good idea to get a lift back. If hiring an auto for a round trip, fix the fare in advance and be explicit in your instructions to the auto driver regarding the time of your pick up and so on.
For the well heeled, there are AC and non-AC cabs. There are several cab companies offering round the clock service. You need to fix the fare before you set out on your journey. There are however standard rates, usually charged per kilometer. The ferry service operates from 0800 - 1700 between the Harbour and Yarada hills. It is advisable to take one to visit the Dolphin Lighthouse.
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