Vizag and Arakku valley

This trip did not get off to the best of starts. We almost missed the flight from Bangalore as we lazed about after check in. After some begging and generosity from the ground staff, we got into the plane while irate co passengers stared us down. The trip got much better after that. We were put up in a huge 3 BHK through Airbnb, very close to the beach and novotel. An India South Africa ODI during that time kept the locals busy around the hotel as the team was staying there. A Scorpio from zoomcars let us travel about in comfort. 

The first evening was spent at the naval base where a friend of a friend was posted. He took us around and showed the docking areas. There was also a trip to the lighthouse on Dolphin's nose where a peregrine falcon and a couple of white bellied sea eagles kept crossing about. Most of the area is restricted and not accessible to civilians but a narrow route through the village is open for general public to get to the viewpoint.

A number of beaches and psychedelic sculptures define the town. Being a major naval town, the surroundings are kept impeccably clean. Despite diwali being celebrated in the grandest of ways, the town looked like it had been scrubbed clean within 2 days. Classic Andhra food - hot as hell makes for some excellent culinary experience though too much can lead to some serious gastric calamities. The submarine museum and naval museum are certainly worth a visit as they are maintained well and have a fantastic collection of souvenirs and artifacts.

 

Arakku valley is a couple of hours of drive away from Vizag but marks a clear difference from the climate. The hills are noticeable cooler and greener and viewpoints start rolling in quickly into the drive. The main attractions there are the coffee museum with its varieties of coffee beans and the history of coffee and the nearby Bora caves. Managed to spot a Russel's viper near the coffee museum just as the locals panicked and killed it. With tourism their livelihood, they do not want to risk the panic and would not leave a venomous snake in the area despite protests. The caves were amongst the largest of the stalagmite and stalactite caves that I have seen. The artificial lighting is a bit harsh and way too trippy but is certainly worth the walk.