So another of my official visits takes me to a new locale, the lovely city of Vizag, aka Visakhapatnam. Its funny cos, a couple of months ago, a friend of mine who was a regular to this place asked me over a beer as to where it was , and I said Tamil Nadu. My other smart friend said Kerala. Figures I scored bad at Geography.
For those of you scratching your head or Alt Tabbing to Google Maps, let me help, its in Andhra Pradesh -the Errr..... real estate around Hyderabad, of Hyderabadi Biryani fame.
The first thing that strikes you from the airplane is the beauty of the city. Its a coastal city, beaches along its entire length, and surrounded by hills on all sides. ALL SIDES. Its like the state got its own resort or something.
Its a key city for India, having a key Shipping Yard, Petroleum Refinery, Steel Plants etc etc. This port was a key city even in the times of British Rule, and was known as Waltair. It is also home to the East Naval Command, and has one of the busiest Airports in Coastal Andhra. a population of close to 25 lakhs, its the second largest city in Andhra Pradesh.
Hindi is not a language that people seem to be very conversant in, Telugu being the preferred language. The city is very beautiful with wide roads, lovely beaches and well maintained sculptures and gardens lining the beach. I have seen those cable tram/car things that take you up the hill, to a temple / Park, either of which must offer a fantastic view of the whole place.
The place is quite humid, but breezy so it works out fine in the end.A great tourist spot, please dig the net if you wanna go there. Looks absolutely worth it!!!
***
Vijayawada is an extremely HOT city. I was sweating as if I had holes in my body, and this when it was supposed to be winter. The City actually has a larger population than Vizag, but is more dependent on Aqua-culture, Fishing and agriculture.
Again Telugu seems to be the only language that works, all my attempts a gesturing and Hindi failing miserably, and making me look like I a lunatic in the hot sun. As a language, its kind of loud and harsh, making people look very rude. The few I spoke to Hindi, had the accent come across and made it sound as if he was accusing me, rather than having a conversation.
People drive literally as if they are the only ones on the road, and the traffic signals make no sense to them, treated as Diwali lights on the road. The worst road sense of all the places I have seen.
***
Takeaways - explore Visakhapatnam/Vizag , some beer in the sea!!! Get the camera out and hit the hills!!!Have Biryani and seafood.
Avoid - Driving on the roads!!!
Cheers
M
For those of you scratching your head or Alt Tabbing to Google Maps, let me help, its in Andhra Pradesh -the Errr..... real estate around Hyderabad, of Hyderabadi Biryani fame.
The first thing that strikes you from the airplane is the beauty of the city. Its a coastal city, beaches along its entire length, and surrounded by hills on all sides. ALL SIDES. Its like the state got its own resort or something.
Its a key city for India, having a key Shipping Yard, Petroleum Refinery, Steel Plants etc etc. This port was a key city even in the times of British Rule, and was known as Waltair. It is also home to the East Naval Command, and has one of the busiest Airports in Coastal Andhra. a population of close to 25 lakhs, its the second largest city in Andhra Pradesh.
Hindi is not a language that people seem to be very conversant in, Telugu being the preferred language. The city is very beautiful with wide roads, lovely beaches and well maintained sculptures and gardens lining the beach. I have seen those cable tram/car things that take you up the hill, to a temple / Park, either of which must offer a fantastic view of the whole place.
The place is quite humid, but breezy so it works out fine in the end.A great tourist spot, please dig the net if you wanna go there. Looks absolutely worth it!!!
***
Vijayawada is an extremely HOT city. I was sweating as if I had holes in my body, and this when it was supposed to be winter. The City actually has a larger population than Vizag, but is more dependent on Aqua-culture, Fishing and agriculture.
Again Telugu seems to be the only language that works, all my attempts a gesturing and Hindi failing miserably, and making me look like I a lunatic in the hot sun. As a language, its kind of loud and harsh, making people look very rude. The few I spoke to Hindi, had the accent come across and made it sound as if he was accusing me, rather than having a conversation.
People drive literally as if they are the only ones on the road, and the traffic signals make no sense to them, treated as Diwali lights on the road. The worst road sense of all the places I have seen.
***
Takeaways - explore Visakhapatnam/Vizag , some beer in the sea!!! Get the camera out and hit the hills!!!Have Biryani and seafood.
Avoid - Driving on the roads!!!
Cheers
M
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