If you think Vizag is all about the RK Beach, Rushikonda Beach, VUDA Park and Araku Valley, think again. Take a trip with us to some of the roads less travelled…

It’s the lazy hours on a holiday and the day is beautiful. You don’t want to waste it inside the confines of your home, so you ring up your friends, take out your vehicles and head to your favourite spot — that secret strip, away from the hustle and bustle of usual places that the tourists haunt. If you think our city doesn’t have such secret getaways, think again. Vizag’s mysterious coasts hide many of these untrodden lands, that were discovered by the adventurous and travel-loving youngsters.

Sravan Kumar, a final year student of Instrument Technology in Andhra University, says, “Places like RK Beach and Rushikonda Beach are too crowded, so we keep exploring places. During one such expedition, we chanced upon this beautiful patch of land, which is just about 100 metres away from the main road, when you travel from Gitam University towards ISKCON temple. Opposite the temple, there is a mud road which leads to this scenic, calm spot. There are just some bushes scattered around in the area, but you have a very good view of the sea.” Sravan and his friends say privacy is the main attraction; and of course, the nature’s charm worked too, given that some scenes of the Telugu flick Oka Romantic Crime Katha were actually shot here.

Jignesh Talasila, a mechanical engineering graduate from Gitam University, who is now an entrepreneur, says, “Almost midway on the 2 km-stretch from our college to the IT Park, there is a diversion, which leads to a secluded spot resembling a valley. We often drive here in our cars and spend the night.”

Though the night-outs are a bit of an adventure, as Jignesh himself admits, they are also a bit spooky. “It’s a little scary at night as the area is secluded — there is no human habitation around for at least half-a-kilometre,” he says. But his gang admits that is what makes the trips thrilling!

A tiny island, on the mouth of the river  Gosthani near Bheemili beach, is a secret hangout spot that Pranay Thota, an entrepreneur, and his friends, love. Pranay says he discovered the spot during a casual conversation with a local, and ever since, his group frequents the place. “There are no trees or bushes on the island — it is just the sands below and the starry sky above. It is heavenly during full moon nights. We make a campfire, dine and wine, and chat away to our hearts’ content. We also arranged for the birthday celebrations of a friend there.” However, transportation is a little costly. “We pay about `1,500-`2,000 to the boatwala who takes us there,” he says.

For Sabarish, a BTech Computer Science graduate from Gitam University, the bike rides he and his gang take along the Tenneti Park road, are extremely memorable. “We stop in between to sit on the big rocks along the side of the road. The sound of sea waves make this a very relaxing experience,” he says. But this stretch is not their favourite. “After crossing the checkpost near the park, one kilometre ahead the road to Gitam, there’s a big turn. There is this empty space there, where we sit and just talk. We’ve seen many people park their cars to pose for snaps with a beautiful background,” he says. A small patch of rocky land stretching out to the sea here gives you the feeling of standing on an island, when the waves keep lashing against it from three sides.

“Near the Baba Institute of Technology at TM Palem, there’s this beautiful lake where we head for. You have to take the road to the left from the junction near the institute. It’s all green and the banks are vast. The lake looks best when it’s cloudy,” said Sampath Kandregula, a fourth year BTech student in Electronics and Communication, Gitam University. “It’s very clean. I just hope the place is not littered in the future,” he adds.

Harbours always make for a great view. Anish Chacko, who is into his fourth year of BTech in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, says that the stroll they take to the inner harbour of Vizag Port in Dolphin Hills is very relaxing. “You get a panoramic view of the harbour, where small, private vessels are harboured. If you’re lucky, you can also see the big ships. A gorgeous view of Rose Hill, and the mosque, temple and church on it is clearly visible from this spot. However, it is a restricted area, and though you can just sit there watching the waters, you cannot go overboard or take snaps. It’s very calming on pleasant evenings,” Anish says.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Life & Style> Travel> Vizag / by Rumana UK, TNN / September 01st, 2013