Visit to Varun Beach

One is writing this from the swimming pool of Novotel Varun Resort at Visakhapatnam. Vishakaptnam is a paradise
for all those who love the sun, the sea, the sand and the surf. Novotel is a short walk away from Varun beach, one of
the many beaches that dot the coastal highway from Bheemli to Puri. R. K. Beach is one of several tourist
attractions at Visakhapatnam. One can find old wooden houses and narrow streets with antique shops and several
traditional Andhra restaurants overlooking the bay.

The Marine Drive in Visakhapatnam stretches from R. K. Beach for 25 km. upto Bheemli beach. It is a pleasant
experience to drive on this coastal highway which runs parallel to the ocean. As one walks along the road that leads
to the beach, One can meet tourists from all over India, especially from West Bengal, bargaining with the vendors at
the colourful kiosks that dot Varun beach. One can find several carts selling peanuts, cucumbers and custard apples
along the beach. Novotel is a business cum leisure hotel, tucked away in the quietest corner of Varun beach,
located a few hundred metres away from Varun beach. One can reach Varun beach from the hotel after a leisurely 5
minute stroll. Varun beach is located in the centre of Visakhapatnam, yet one can steal some moments of peace at
dawn or after dusk, when the city is not abuzz with traffic.

The turquoise waters of the Bay of Bengal stretch from horizon to horizon, the snow white clouds suspended above
the water. The light blue sky, offers a stark contrast to the waters. The crimson sunrise streaks the clouds with a
golden hue. Watching the sun rise over the waters is a memorable experience. Capturing this elusive moment on
your digital camera is a challenge! I have it on my camera. Email us if you want to download the same. There are
several beautiful beaches near Vizag but the most beautiful of them is at Varun beach. This beach boasts of gentle
waves, clear transparent waters and a magnificent view of the verdant hills that surround this oasis of tranquility.
The view from the beach is soothing to the eyes. Rust coloured sands, stretch for kilometers on end. One enjoys
soaking in the warm waters of the sea, feeling the gentle waves lapping at your feet. Meditating on the beach at the
break of dawn was an extremely relaxing experience. Just the sound of the waves and chirping of the birds
transports one into a different world. Varun is a beautiful beach which is ideal for relaxation. One can have a
wonderful view of the sunrise, while enjoying the cool ocean breeze and sway to the gurgle of the sea. One can
close one's eyes and relax to the sights and sounds of nature,

Once the novelty of the water wears off, one can explore the beach which is full of rocks. A few stalls selling
souvenirs, coconut-water and snacks surround the beach. The view from Varun beach is picturesque. One can see
the rusty sands, the wide arced bay, the swaying palms and the green treetops. The ocean breeze is cool and
rejuvenating. Meditating here is a divine experience. Sitting on the rocks and creatively visualising one's goals at
dawn is a powerful experience. Varun is an ideal setting for powerful self-affirmations termed auto-suggestion in
ZeNLP. Varun lets you to be with just the sky the sun, the beach and the roar of the ocean. One exists in the
present and all worries, tensions and stress seems to dissolve into thin air. After swimming in the crystal clear blue
waters, one enjoys the warm water in the afternoon and returns to one's hotel to sip coconut water and visit the
100 year old Banyan tree that is located at the Railway Guest House. Full credit to Indian Railways for preserving
this giant tree which was planted in 1912.

It is difficult to believe that a short drive from Vizag station, will bring one to an almost secluded cove surrounded
by pristine pure waters, rust coloured sands and clear blue skies. In a region as lush as India's east coast one would
expect to see a rain-cloud or two at certain times of the year. There is a rainy season but not day-long torrential
rain, but a few isolated showers towards the evening. Vizag is a year round destination where beaches are open
regardless of the season.

The beach at Varun is a rust-coloured flat beach and is ideal for meditation. One can be alone with the elements
and enjoy peace,tranquility,serenity and calmness while relaxing on the edges of the water.

At six-monthly intervals, there is a gentle swing in the winds from the south-west to the south-east. Thus, if one
beach faces the wind and breakers, another is blessed by calm waters and soft breezes. Almost all afternoon
drizzles are followed by strong cooling breezes from the ocean. Rushikonda is the popular beach after Varun and
Bheemli. Beach children love the surfy waters of this paradise on earth! There are several other tourist attractions
around Vizag including Borra caves, Kailashgiri Hill and Tyda. Tribal handicrafts, beads, pottery and traditional
clothes are sold at the night-bazaars of Vizag.

How to get there:

The nearest international airport to reach Vizag is at Hyderabad. There are several options for Indian tourists to get
to Visakhapatnam from Hyderabad.

By air:
The easiest way to get to Visakhapatnam from Hyderabad is by flight. Vizag is also connected by direct flights from
New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and Bhubaneshwar.
By train:
The other way to get to Visakhapatnam from Hyderabad is by train. Train number 18310, Nagavalli Express leaves
Secunderabad station at 10 p.m. and arrives at Visakhapatnam station at 10 a.m. and is an ideal overnight journey.
All trains connecting Chennai with Kolkata and vice versa, pass through Visakhapatnam. Visakhapatnam is
connected by trains from almost all state capitals.

Where to stay?
The Railway Guest House is an ideal place to stay for Government Officers. For budget travellers Hotel Haritha
offers clean rooms, baths and beds. Hotel Karanths is adjacent to Hotel Haritha and matches Haritha in prices and
cleanliness. High end travellers and travel columnists can opt to stay at the brand new Novotel with 400 ocean
facing rooms.

Where to eat?
Few small restaurants serving pure vegetarian Andhra cuisine dot Vishakhapatnam. Freshly steamed spinach with
dal, served with Nellore rice boiled in an earthen pot, is a local dish which melts in the mouth. Boiled pumpkin with
ginger and gongura leaves is served with boiled white rice at the pure vegetarian Andhra Mess located in Daba
Gardens. Vegans should avoid the Andhra Thali, chillies and pickles (as they are acidic), but order only gongura dal,
boiled rice and traditional spice powder (as they are alkaline). The food at the high profile restaurants is only for the
gastronomically adventurous who like greasy food floating in oil. Fresh fruits including custard-apples, tendercoconuts, bananas and jack-fruits are available at the local market. The best custard-apples in Asia are sold by the
Banjara women who farm at Medchal, on the outskirts of Hyderabad.

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________________________________________________________________________
Murli Menon, is a travel writer, stress management consultant and author
based at Ahmedabad, India. He is the author of "ZeNLP-Learning through
stories" published by The Written Word Publications, "ZeNLP-the power to
succeed" published by Sage publications and ZeNLP-the power to relax by
New Dawn Press. He can be reached at ceo@tips4ceos.com
_____________________________________________________________________________
Courier payments/published magazine author copies to:
Murli Menon
E/503, Borsali Apt;
Khanpur
Ahmedabad-380001
Phone:079-25600269
________________________________________________________________________High
resolution digital photographs attached with caption.

The following article and photographs are copyrighted and all rights are
reserved. No part of this article or the accompanying photographs may be
reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording or by any information storage or retrieval
system without written permission from the author by emailing us at
ceo@tips4ceos.com

________________________________________________________________________
Courier payments/published magazine author copies to:
Murli Menon
E/503, Borsali Apt;

Khanpur
Ahmedabad-380001
Phone:079-25600269
________________________________________________________________________

High resolution digital photographs attached with caption.

________________________________________________________________________

A giant banyan tree near Vishakapatnam Railway Station

Traditional Andhra vegetable curry at Vishakapatnam

Sunrise over Varun Beach

Author at Varun beach