It was the last semester in college and we were a group of 10 friends calling for a long road trip.We were close buddies from last 4 years and everyone demanded a journey back to nature and countryside and trust me it is indeed an unforgettable one.
It was a long weekend holiday.We started our journey on Saturday morning and didn't knew what was there on offer for the next two days as we all were from northern parts of India except for Raghu and Nithin but we were hell excited to experience the villages of Andhra for the first time.
A big thanks to my friend and classmate Raghu who being a localite, planned and managed this trip very swiftly along with Nithin.It was important because these were the only two who could speak Telugu fluently in the group along with 8 of us (Puja,Garvit,Priyanka,Shweta,Chinmaya,Anurag,Sushmita and Myself).
10 of us left hi-tech city ,Hyderabad at 9 o clock morning for our first destination,that was Raghu's native village,Narapala which was around 377 kms and a 6 hour drive from Hyderabad.
As soon as we hit the highways it was plush green paddy fields with never ending rows of coconut trees all along. Since it had rained for the last couple of days,the air coming from the window was fresh to breathe.The soft Telugu songs playing in the background just made my day.We reached Raghu's farm house as the sun was touching down the horizon.
First destination-Narapala
It was a grand welcome by his uncle's family as kids were back home after long.Raghu's granny prepared dum Biryani for us and it was real authentic and fingerliscious.The farm house was big enough for 5 of them with 3 helpers and several pets all around.
Finally it had stopped raining and the weather was clear now so we decided to spend the night at the roof gazing at the clear sky with stars ,which was rare in our cities.It was a fun night with friends and all sorts of ghost and horror stories.
The next morning was a bright one with the sun out early.After having the breakfast everyone was busy exploring the place and enjoying their time with the pets around the house.
It was a homely feeling for all of us.We were all experiencing love and care after a very hectic academic schedule at college so it was rejuvenating and we lived our moments.
First destination-14th century Vishnu temple
With a group photograph of all of us and the family,we took permissions and left for our first place on Raghu's checklist,which was an ancient Vishnu temple built in the 14th century at the outskirts of his village.
Second destination,Belum caves
The next destination was Belum caves in Kurnool district which is the second largest caves in India still open for tourists after the Krem Liat Prah in Meghalaya.
By the time we were back from our 3km trek inside the caves,it was already afternoon.We headed for our lunch at a Punjabi dhaba near the caves,which I was surprised to see.
Third destination-Gandikota Canyon
The next spot was my favourite from this trip and it was the Gandikota canyon on Pennar river which is also known as India's Grand Canyon and is often compared to the Colorado canyon of Arizona.
It was serene and I couldn't believe my eyes.The sun was setting down at the other end of the gorge and the view was absolutely phenomenal and out of this world as you can see in the photos.
It was getting darker now and we were on the way to Nellore,Raghu's parents house.His father is practicing over there as a surgeon.We reached there at 11pm,sleep deprived so straight went off to sleep.
Fourth destination-Mypadu beach
Mypadu beach was our last stop which was just 25 kms from Raghu's place ,located on the west coast of Bay of Bengal .The beach is maintained by APTDC(Andhra Pradesh tourism development corporation)and provides fishing and boating opportunities and access to resorts,cruises and other water sports activities.
The day started on a high note as we all ditched alcohol and opted for fresh Todi,a natural local drink from the palm tree which gets fermented only after sunrise .they said it helps in digestion and is very healthy to consume before the sun is out completely.we stopped in between to click some candid moments with kids going to school on our way to the beach.
We enjoyed the rest of the day at the beach.The girls were busy making sand castles and collecting sea shells while the guys enjoyed the fried sea food which was there on offer.
On the other hand I couldn't resist the adventurous kid inside me and went for water sports which was fun and I enjoyed every bit of it.
I was close to mother nature and greatful to almighty for blessing us with this great trip.
Later I joined them back at the beach and clicked the mighty waves crashing at the shore at the high tides in the afternoon.
The day was coming to an end so was the long weekend and my great Andhra Endeavour.It was time for my journey back to hyderabad and work ...
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