The Jewel Of The East Coast


"What a captivating city it was! The utterance of 'Phew,' marking the close of the day, escaped my lips as I parked the car at 3 am. It was the 30th of January, approximately 10:30 PM when we bid adieu to the enchanting city of Hyderabad, making our way to attend a colleague's wedding. The anticipation for exploration outweighed our excitement for the impending nuptials. Despite the weariness from a pressure-filled month-end workday, eight of us embarked on this escapade with two designated drivers. The road ahead promised excitement, paralleling the journey itself.

Our conversation with the driver—chosen from among us due to limited steering capabilities—persisted as we endeavored to stay awake until 4 am, reaching Vijayawada. Fatigue hit me hard; the impending responsibility of navigating urged me to seek a nap. Stealthily whispering a faint 'Good Morning,' I reclined, while my companions engaged in conversation until Rajahmundry. Their realization dawned, surrendering to the inevitable allure of sleep. Our stop at Rajahmundry at 7 am greeted us with burgeoning traffic. A delectable breakfast of hot dosa and mysuru baaji sorted our morning; a simple meal yet immensely satisfying.

They say, 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do.' Thus, we explored local shops, relishing authentic delicacies and, for me, an elixir—tea—a constant need in life, offering solace in every emotion. Haati Kaapi, another beverage on our itinerary, served a blend of perfectly roasted coffee beans, hand-ground and brewed with freshly milked cow's milk over woodfire. Ah, that coffee revived us! Departing half an hour later, we ventured forth, driven by purpose. With around 300 kilometers left to traverse, the beckoning roads matched the enticing weather.

Assuming the steering, I submerged into a tranquil state, serenaded by a calming melody. Striving to cover the distance swiftly on smooth roads, by 1 PM on the 31st, after covering over 600 kilometers, a verdant signboard rejuvenated our spirits. 'Welcome To The City Of Destiny - Welcome To VISAKHAPATNAM.' We had arrived! While the wedding destination lingered another 70 kilometers away, Vizag bestowed smiles upon our journey.

Our excursion to Vizag was an unplanned delight. Though initially aimed for Araku Valley and Lambasingi, nestled in the embrace of the Eastern Ghats, thoughts of tents under the starry sky began to dominate our conversations even before we had exchanged greetings with the betrothed couple. Discussions veered toward roads, rooms, and regions.

Arriving at the booked resorts by 4 in the evening, our first collective act was to succumb to the allure of beds after a journey spanning over 600 kilometers. By 6, we readied ourselves for the wedding. Locating the venue proved facile as it stood as the solitary wedding convention hall in that village, owned by the groom himself. Attending the ceremony, embracing a new culture, and staying awake for the auspicious time between 12 am and 12:50 am was an enjoyable affair.

After extending our blessings to the newlyweds, our conversation took an unexpected turn as a colleague interjected, altering our plans. Eventually, Vizag was selected for our exploration. Heavy rain on our way back to the resort instilled apprehension of a disrupted schedule the following day, prompting us to slumber, yearning for a sunny day ahead.

Determined to rouse everyone, Prasoon, a jovial and close companion akin to a brother, joined me in the early morning awakening. Departing from Vijayanagaram at 7 am en route to Vizag, our primary aim was city exploration. However, serendipity steered our course. As we entered the city, the captivating vista of the Bay of Bengal juxtaposed against the road arrested our senses—a perfect embodiment of a road trip.

Pausing at locations like Rishikonda and Yarada to capture moments through photographs and bask in the scenic beauty, our itinerary transitioned from beaches to mountains. At every stop, Vizag etched unforgettable memories—be it at Kailasa Giri or Bheemili Beach, each locale gifted us cherished moments. Bidding adieu to the jewel of east coast and returning back to Hyderabad, our hearts brimmed with such profound experiences that ensured this road trip would forever be enshrined and cherished in our memories.


                                                                           #Dasvidaniyaaa




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