Text by: Tanya Munshi
Airport
Visakhapatnam airport is 12kms from the city centre. Be prepared to bargain for taxis and autorickshaws, as there is usually no system of pre-paid taxi/ auto. There is no pre-paid service for taxi/ auto at the airport. The airport bus stop is not defined, it’s about a kilometre from the airport (it’s quite a walk up to the bus stop from the airport if you don’t have any mode of conveyance). Hiring or booking a private taxi from a hotel or a tour operator in advance is highly recommended. The airport is adjacent to NH5.
Car Rentals
You can call Crazy Cabs - Contact Person Mr. Ram Prasad on 09246676899 and 0891-6455678. This is a metered taxi service in Vizag and offers pick-up and drop as well as sight seeing and long distance car services. Prior booking is recommended. You can also hire recently introduced car rental services from the Akbar Travels desk at Visakhapatnam Airport.
Akbar Travels of India
Arrival Terminal Hall
Vizag Airport
Phone: 0891-2010389
Mobile: +91-9392293806/ +91-939531178
E-mail: vtz@akbarcarrental.in
Alternate numbers for Akbar Travels are:
+(91)-(891)-2555780 ( 8 Lines)
+(91)-9866604684
+(91)-(891)-2555788
Must know
The commercial port of Visakhapatnam handles the largest amount of cargo in India and is home to the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy. Visakhapatnam is also famous for the Vizag Steel Plant, which is situated at a distance of 26 kms from the city centre. Vizag Steel Plant is one of the lowest cost steel manufacturers in the world.
Pongal is one of the main festivals in Andhra Pradesh, which is the harvest festival, celebrated from the 13th to the 15th of January annually. Pongal signifies flourishing crops and is celebrated throughout Southern India.
Must try
Andhra cuisine at Masala (Nandan Hotels, Signature Towers, 1st floor, Next to Sampat Vinayak Temple, Asilmetta, tel 0891 – 2750750/ 2750751). At Masala, one must try Tavva Vanjaram a deep fried fish, Crab Fry, Prawn Biryani and buttermilk. Finish off with a roasted almond (flavour) ice-cream at Food Ex outlets across the city.
Must see
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (Open 9am - 5pm, closed on Mondays) is one of the largest and best-maintained zoos in the country. The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park expands over an area of 625 acres and boasts of being one of the largest zoos in its natural reserve forest area of 4 kms. It is home to tigers, hyenas, hippopotamus, deer and much more, along with a wide collection of snakes as well. You can choose to either walk through the entire park or take your car with an extra fee. There is a small eatery inside the park where you can get some refreshments.
Must buy
Tribal artwork and woodwork at the government-run emporium Lepakshi (Main Rd., Jagadamba Junction, tel (0891) 2508 037). Lepakshi houses Indian handicraft and artwork from all parts of the country, so it’s a one stop shop for all ethnic Indian wares. The woodwork available at Lepakshi is something quite unique. Dolls, birds, wall hangings, pen stands and gift items that are made by the tribals are created out of wood and painted with vegetable colours and dyes. Apart from these, you can also pick up special hand-rolled incense sticks, pearls and semi-precious stones.
Must watch
Sunset on Beach Road, where most Vizagites go out for a relaxing evening stroll, armed with a freshly-roasted corn-on-the-cob.
For SpiceJet, January 2009 issue.
http://www.spiceroutemag.com/2009/01/vizag-2/
7 comments:
Now the vizag city police have come up with an idea of prepaid taxi.So no worries.I think this is already started.
Tanya, please know the facts and then write articles.I see this is published today.So please don't scare tourists ;-)
Hi,
I know my facts right. I am living in Vizag for some years now and travel frequently.
So no worries. Its different coming to Vizag as a tourist and living here. There's a world of a difference. But thanks for the tip.
Definitely its different coming as a tourist.But i was just pointing to your blog abt bargaining and no prepaid taxi section.
Well,Last week I have seen this news in a local newspaper.;-)
Anyways thanks for the blog abt vizag
No issues. It has come out in the newspaper, not yet implemented. But if it does happen then I owe you an apology and will update the article.
thanks!
Also, as a travel writer, its my duty to make tourists and travelers aware of places they are visiting. Its better to be prepared before visiting a city.
I was not all harsh at you.It was in lighter vein.Anyway we both were concerned abt our vizag tourists.
thank you guys for your concern towards our city,since we are the hosts it is fine to guide them how to reach and visit without getting into the hands of uncivilized people.
visit and contribute to in your freetime
vizagdaily.co.cc
rajendra
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