INTRODUCTION:

Who wouldn’t love some downtime in the perpetually high workload of today’s day and age?

Change of environment, even briefly, can be very rejuvenating. Several studies suggest you travel every once in a while as this helps one get out of their daily routine to explore and enjoy with their loved ones and friends. It can even forge new relationships that add value to your life. Traveling can also help broaden your perspective by teaching you through experiences that are specific  only to travel. It ultimately helps bring about the perfect work-life balance, improving your productivity at your work.

We are often in awe of the “Pearl of the Orient”, Goa, for its picturesque beaches, peaceful islands and magnificent places of worship. What if we can get a glimpse of those in just half a day’s drive from Hyderabad?  

We have compiled 5 coastal attractions of Andhra Pradesh that will make you want to start packing immediately :-

• VISHAKAPATNAM

Vishakapatnam, more commonly known as Vizag, is a major port city in Andhra Pradesh which lies on the coast. The city boasts of serene beaches, Beautiful nature and hills surrounding the town and sizeable economic value from its major ports. 

A unique attraction here is Asia’s one and only submarine museum. It is a decommissioned submarine that gave birth to the INS Kursura Submarine Museum. It offers a peek into the life Naval personnel lead after boarding a submarine. 

“A Beach a day can keep the burdens at bay”, said no one ever, but it seems to work quite well. The Vishakapatnam area is home to some beautiful beaches like Rushikonda Beach, R.K.(Rama Krishna) Beach, and Yarada Beach. They have clean sands, clear waters and offer various recreational activities. 

You can also feed into your spirituality by visiting the famous Simhachalam temple devoted to Lord Narasimha.

Within a few hours’ drive from Vizag is Araku valley amidst the Eastern ghats renowned for its lush greenery, cascading waterfalls and coffee plantations. The Borra caves in Ananthagiri hills also make for an interesting visit with all their stalagmite formations. If you are visiting during the period of December, make sure to participate in Visakha Utsav, a 3-day cultural festival showcasing traditional arts, crafts and performances. 

• Kakinada and Coringa Santuary

Kakinada is another port city located near the Godavari River Delta, known for its scenic beauty, rich heritage and thriving industries.

The city hosts various festivals and cultural events, including the Kakinada Beach Festival, which attracts tourists from different parts of the state.

The Coringa Wildlife Santuary is located near Kakinada along the river delta. It is one of the largest estuarine mangrove ecosystems in India and covers over 235 sq. km.

It is also an important habitat for diverse species of birds, reptiles, and amphibians. It also welcomes migratory bird populations like white-backed vulture and the Indian vulture. You can hitch a boat ride to observe all of the diverse wildlife

Tourists can enjoy the vibrant city of Kakinada in all its cultural heritage as well as the tranquility and biodiversity of the nearby Coringa Santuary.

• Krishna River Delta

The Krishna River Delta has a wide range of tourist attractions that show its rich cultural heritage and ecosystem.

Mangrove forests in the Krishna Wildlife Santuary and the Pulicat Bird Santuary are must visits. Pulicat lake being the 2nd largest lagoon in India is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Explore excellent oportunnies for birdwatching and boat   rides with the wide variety of flora and fauna present there. Pulicat lake being the 2nd largest lagoon in India is a paradise for bird enthusiasts and watchers.

Vijaywada, a major city in the region, is home to the Kanuka Durga dedicated to Goddess Durga. Other famous temples like Mangalagiri Temple and Dattashram a good way to immerse yourself in local religious tradition.

Wanna go for a cruise? No problem there because turns out that’s how the locals get around to the most remote villages. Be sure to check it out.

• Ongole and Chirala Beach

Ongole is a located in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh is close to the Chirala town which lies on the coast.

If you are into ancient culture and namely Buddhist culture, a visit to the Chandavaram Buddhist Site ABOUT 10km from Ongole will prove to be exciting. The ancient stupas and remains of the monastery signifies the rich Buddhist history of the region. 

The Maha Shivaratri celebrations at the santapetta sai baba temple, Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple in Ongole are very vibrant and attract large number of devotees every year. 

Some well-known beaches around the area are Kothapatnam, Vodarevu, and Chirala Beaches as they offer clean ambience although Chirala beach seems to have increasing number of Hyderabadi visitors.

• Srikakulam 

Srikakulam is a major town located in the north-eastern part of Andhra Pradesh also known for housing rich cultural sites and natural beauty. Locals are also known for their unique slang and dialect represented mostly in comedic light in filmography.

Arasavalli Sun Temple: This ancient temple devoted to the Sun God, Surya, is one of the main attractions in Srikakulam. The temple architecture is impressive, and the idol of the Sun God is believed to be one of the oldest in the region.

Some beaches within a 100 km radius of Srikakulam town with a sense of peace are Kalingapatnam, Baruva, Pathapatnam beaches.

Sangam at the convergence of the Mahendra Tanaya and Vamsadhara rivers makes for a photographer’s ideal location. Salihundam with its reminiscences of Buddhism makes for a significant archeological site to visit.

Srimukhalingeswara Temple is known for its intricate carvings and architectural brilliance reflecting the glory of the region