Picnic on the golden sands of Suryalanka and you’ll learn that Andhra Pradesh boasts some
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Suryalanka offers no organised watersports like windsurfing or water-skiing, but something even better. Nowhere else will you get a better opportunity to relax and reflect as you walk in solitude beside the waves.
The Beach
Make straight for the gentle waves to destress your system. The monsoons here are especially inviting, when the beach is empty and all yours. The experience of watching clouds crowd overhead and the waves crash below will make you want to return again and again.
TIP Don’t leave without experiencing a night-time beach bonfire
Bhavanarayana Swami Temple
This temple in Bapatla takes you to a different time zone the moment you step in, though it’s located smack in the middle of the busy market. Note the two tall iron pillars just near the entrance. The thin one brings to mind the Iron Pillar in the Qutb Minar complex in Delhi.
The temple is the focus of life in Bapatla Town. Locals gather in its court yard every evening to hear religious discourses and then to catch up on the latest small town gossip.
The town hall, not very far from the temple, is a must-see piece of local history. More than 100 years old, it was the site of the first Andhra Conference. When Mahatma Gandhi visited Bapatla, first in 1920 and next in 1929, it was from here that he addressed the public.
WHERE TO STAY AND EAT
APTDC’s Suryalanka Beach Resort Tel: 08643-224616; Cell: 099483 91759; Tariff: ₹2,023-3,260) is the only place to stay. Thankfully it’s an excellent option. The resort has cluster of cottages smack on the beach, each with its own sit out.
TIP Book in advance, especially on weekends, as the APTDC hotel gets full quickly, being the only option
The resort’s restaurant serves standard Indian and Chinese fare. Try their prawns, brought fresh from the Suryavamsi Shrimp Farm adjoining the resort. The chilly chicken is quite tasty and makes a good combi nation with cold drinks or chilled beer. The shacks on the shore sell just tea, coffee and cold drinks.
Kona Bhawan, near New Bus Stand, is an AC family restaurant. Said to be the best here, it serves both vegetarian and nonvegetarian fare. In Bapatla, Sreepriya (near the Clock Tower) specialises in dishing out oily, overcooked biryani. For vegetarians, there is Vashavi Mess near the Bhavan arayana Swamy Temple, which serves reasonably good Andhra food. But remember, autos are not available in either direction after 10.00pm. Sripriya, Chillies, Vasuki and Kumar are the other eating options.
When to go December to February is the best Location On the Bay of Bengal coast in south-east Guntur District Air Nearest airport: Vijayawada Rail Nearest rail: Bapatla
Bapatla
Bay of Bengal
beach holidays
