After a rewarding and history-filled day in Gulbarga, I was excited to continue my journey. The next destination on my itinerary was Visakhapatnam, famously known as the City of Destiny. On 6th June 2022, I boarded my train at 15:45, bound for Visakhapatnam. The journey was scheduled to last overnight, with an expected arrival at 10:40 AM on 7th June.

I had already made a reservation at The Park (booked 1 free night, got the offer after booking for 10 paid night hotels in Hotels.com website), a well-located hotel near the beach, offering easy access to popular attractions. After checking in and settling down, I took a short break to rest. For lunch, I ordered a comforting bowl of tomato soup. The weather outside was quite sunny and I wasn’t in a rush to venture out. I decided to wait until after 3:00 PM to explore the city.

Once the heat of the afternoon had subsided, I headed out for a walk along the beach. Visakhapatnam’s coastline is known for its stunning views and I was eager to explore the vibrant area by the sea. The beach itself is clean and well-maintained, with a well-designed garden for visitors to relax and enjoy the view.

Along the beach, I first visited the VMRDA INS Kursura Submarine Museum, located right by the water. There’s an entry fee of ₹40 and while photography charges apply, you can click photos on your mobile for free. INS Kursura, the fourth submarine of the Indian Navy, was carefully transported to the beach in February 2001, where it was transformed into a museum.

This engineering marvel stands as a testament to naval craftsmanship. Visitors can walk through the submarine, getting a glimpse of the complex interiors and the life of the crew who once served aboard. It’s an intriguing and informative experience, especially for those interested in military history.

Just across the road, I found the TU 142 Aircraft Museum, another fascinating stop for history buffs and aviation enthusiasts. The entry fee is ₹40 and stepping inside the TU 142—a former aircraft used by the Indian Navy—offers a truly immersive experience.

The museum gives you a chance to step aboard the aircraft, showcasing how the crew lived and worked during its time in service. As I explored the various sections of the plane, it was fascinating to see how much history and technology had been packed into such a relatively small space.

Continuing my walk along the beach road, I came across the Victory at Sea War Memorial, a tribute to the Indian war martyrs. Built in 1996, this memorial is dedicated to the soldiers who fought in the sea during various conflicts. It stands in a prime location along the scenic beach road, offering both a poignant reminder of sacrifice and a place for reflection amidst the beauty of the coastline.

After soaking in the sights, I decided to grab a bite to eat along the beach road. In search of a decent restaurant, I eventually chose one that, unfortunately, did not live up to expectations. I ordered a pickle mutton biryani, but it turned out to be a disappointing choice. The mutton pieces were drenched in pickle, and the tanginess was overpowering. The taste was hard to endure, and I could only manage a few bites before packing it up to share with someone else. It was a culinary letdown, but not a big deal in the grand scheme of the trip.

Visakhapatnam was more of a stopover for me rather than a main destination on this trip. I had plans to explore the scenic Araku Valley the next day, so I didn’t spend much time in the city itself. After a long day of sightseeing, I strolled back to The Park, where I relaxed and called it a day.

While my time in Visakhapatnam was brief, it was filled with interesting sites that gave me a glimpse into the city’s rich naval history and beautiful coastal landscapes. The visit to the submarine museum, aircraft museum and war memorial were definitely highlights and I’m glad I took the time to explore these iconic spots.

Tomorrow would bring a new adventure as I headed to Araku Valley for a change of scenery. Stay tuned for more from my travels!