We had our first vacation with both our kids in March, 2018 and were very proud of ourselves for pulling it through quite successfully. Ummm! We managed to cover only half the sites in McleodGanj, but we really enjoyed ourselves. Amidst planning a slow itinerary and including some local parks to keep the kids entertained, we did manage to have some leisure WE time on the terrace of our hotel while it drizzled. Aah! The romance… But last month, when we were to travel to Vishakhapatnam, I was absolutely skeptical of that kind of a smooth run. One, we were traveling in a group (yes! 5 couples and 4 kids, the eldest one being my Nik at almost 6 years) And two, the kids were older now, with minds of their own. It was going to be a hell lot of work to comply with a travel program. But as the journey unfolded, I was actually surprised at how more kids did not mean more work. On the contrary, while the kids were mostly busy playing among themselves, we had a respectable amount of OUR time with day time adult conversations and late night poker.
Well! Besides the fact that I really enjoyed myself on this group tour with the kids, I would also like to highlight the fact that Vishakhapatnam was the best choice we made as a holiday destination. On the first day of our trip, as we left our hotel premises, I hoped to get to a beach in a manner I had been to several other beaches in the past (read Mumbai, Alibagh, Daman, Puri, Mandarmoni). But as our cab took the turn and headed towards the road uphill and then down, my eyes were transfixed by the most beautiful sight ever. Yes ofcourse, the water of Bay of Bengal shone in its virgin blue glory, but I was more elated by the sight of a pleasing promenade, preparing to welcome the new year. I could easily compare the sight to the only international promenade I have ever been to i.e. Nice. The only thing missing was the shacks and the roadside Café(s) though.
The other unique think about Vishakhapatnam is that it is actually lies where the hills of Eastern Ghats live in Harmony with the sea. The scenery is an absolute delight for human eye. So here’s me listing some key points that will convince you further why this city popularly known as Vizag is an ideal place to visit with your kids –
Ofcourse! The RK Beach
Oh, what a pleasure it is to watch kids splash around in their beachwear. And not to forget the very fashionable beach toys that clinched the deal and kept the kids busy for hours every morning and evening.
The Rides
Beaches in Inida come with some additional delights. These delights come in the shape of horse rides. The kids had a blast there as well.
The Cable Car to KailasaGiri
Though for the kids it was their first ever experience of a cable car, I was extremely terrified despite this being my one dozenth ride up the cable. While the toddler Lucky was happy that he was on a ‘Jhoola’, I could see the wanderlust in Nik’s eyes as he admired the sight of the entire city from the cable car.
KailasaGiri
KailasaGiri is a simple yet glorified version of a recreational park for kids. The swings and slides made the kids happy at first sight. While the toy train ride and the horse ride kept them from getting bored before long.
The Submarine Museum
With Nik now almost 6 years, he understands most of what we tell him about all kinds of transport and the terminology that talks about engines, propellers and missiles (ofcourse in simplified terms). And he was rather excited about those little chambers with a million controls and the tiny cabins for housing the navy inmates.
The Zoological Park
Your eyes may pop in shock, if I tell you that I am generally as excited as my kids at the idea of visiting a Zoo. Wherever I go on a vacation, I make sure to visit the zoo there. But like me, even my kids never seem to get bored of a zoo. The Zoo in Vizag is the third largest in the country. We were lucky to witness the animals in action – a roaring Lion, the roaming Leopard and the jumping Chimpanzees. It was some sight to watch the kids clapping at the animals.
The Aquarium
I bet that more than the kids, I was the one jumping happily at the sight of fishes in various colors, shapes and sizes. Though it is a small aquarium by the standards of those that you might have seen in Bangkok, Dubai or elsewhere, but it does house a decent variety to excite the kids and hold it while they are in there.
Well we are talking about a weekend here, may be an extended one, yet there’s only so much that one can do with kids. We did manage to visit the famous temple and a couple of other beaches. But the above mentioned, filled up our days fruitfully.
They say that for a woman, a trip with husband and kids is not a vacation. It’s just a change of location. But trust me, that if you are looking for a getaway, where you would have enough to keep the kids excited and busy, without exerting too much yourself, Vishakhapatnam is THE place for you to go.
“Today the #XploreBharat Blog Train travelled to Vishakhapatnam from Maheswar with Pragun. The next stop of this #XploreBharat Blog Train is Bhubaneshwar with Pragnya”
This post is a part of the #XploreBharat Blog Train hosted by
Aditi, Esha, Maheshwaran, PraGun,
Preeti, Saba, Sanjota, Sonia,
Sudip,Suhasini, Supriya
And a big shout out to our sponsorship for taking this Blog Train experience even further.
Lovely post! Lot of great info about Vizag! – Vijayalakshmi Harish
Well explained piece of travel story. Looks like you had some quality time spent there with your family. I would plan Vishakhapatnam some day. This blog train is simply increasing places in my bucket list !
Wow, Post anupriya, The best part you eased the thought for kids and it’s sure a place to visit. park, museum, aquarium all are best to visit.
Gosh! Every place I have read on the XPlore Bharat trail is a place I have wanted to visit. Same with Vizag. Glad to know it is a group friendly and Kid friendly destination too. Must make my Andhra Husband plan a trip there soon.
Excellent post. My wife and daughter along with the families of my wife’s sister and brother visited Vizag a couple of years back. I have heard about all these places you have visited from my daughter as they too visited these places. In addition, they also mentioned Bora caves. I have heard so much about Bora caves that it is now in my bucket list. Excellent descriptions.
I have never been there. Of late it has turned out as medical haven for nearby places. And I had forgotten the city has another side too. Glad to come across your post.
What a beautiful description of Vishakhapattanam. I love beaches I love hills in short I love travel stories.
Not been to Vizag, Anupriya, but have heard great things about this place. Your post only confirms it that it’s a must visit place. Though we stay in Mumbai, close to the beach, but the Bay of Bengal would be a different experience.
Never been there but your description and pics want me to visit now. Looks like you had a whale of time there.
Beautifully write-up! Travelling makes us more curious to travel more. Vishakhapatnam on my bucket list now:)
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It’s such a wonderful place that we go there often.
Lovely Informative post with nice pics. I am glad that this XploreBharat Train is covering the lesser known places.
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I completely understood is to traveewith kids.Mine are both at a difficult stage one a toddler and one tween.you have really explained every bit required in a story format.L loved reading this.
Visakhapatnam is in my bucket list for some time. Your travel diary is telling me to prepare my literary for Vizag at the earliest.
You have poured your heart out in this post. I love your writing style which brings life to the places which you write about. This is one of the places which I wish to visit and you have made this wish stronger.
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It seems you have spent quality time with family exploring beautiful beaches and various destination in Vishakhapatnam.
nicely captured
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