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With Delhi’s winter chill setting in, I wanted to plan a relaxed family vacation that would be suitable for my one-year-old while still entertaining for my seven-year-old. Visakhapatnam (Vizag) seemed like the perfect destination—pleasant weather, a short direct flight, beautiful beaches, museums, and even an actual submarine!
1. Day 1: Arrival and Settling In
We took an afternoon flight from Delhi and reached Visakhapatnam by evening. The ride to our hotel, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, was smooth, and we checked in around 6 PM. The hotel was bustling with a wedding function (we even heard the Chief Minister might attend!), but thankfully, our room was on a quieter floor.
We booked a Premier Room with an Ocean View, which came with a small kitchenette—an absolute blessing for preparing meals for our toddler. After settling in, we enjoyed snacks and dinner at the hotel, followed by a relaxing stroll on the terrace, soaking in the fresh sea breeze.
2. Day 2: Museums and Evening Beach Walk
The day started with a leisurely breakfast, followed by some playtime for the kids. For lunch, we decided to try Gateway Hotel, located just across from Novotel. Unfortunately, it didn’t meet our expectations and isn’t something I’d recommend.
Post-lunch, we visited the Submarine Museum (INS Kursura) and the Aircraft Museum—both excellent and worth visiting. The submarine museum, in particular, was fascinating, but it gets quite hot inside, so staying hydrated is a must.
In the evening, we headed for a beach walk, but being a weekend, it was quite crowded, so we kept it short.
3. Day 3: Beach Fun and a Special Sunday Buffet
We started our day early, heading to the beach with beach toys for the kids. The morning crowd was much lighter, making it a great time to enjoy the clean sands and peaceful waves. The kids had a blast building sandcastles, and we even hired a local photographer to capture some memories.
For lunch, we returned to Novotel, which was hosting a Sunday brunch buffet with kid-friendly activities like balloon art, a magician, and electric car rides. It was a lively and cheerful atmosphere, with many locals and visitors from nearby towns joining in. We opted for à la carte instead of the buffet. While we loved the North Indian and Chinese dishes, the South Indian flavors, particularly the sambar, didn’t match our taste.
The rest of the day was dedicated to relaxation.
4. Day 4: Kailasagiri Park and Departure
The morning started with a spa session at the hotel—an essential moment of relaxation before heading to Kailasagiri Park in the afternoon. The park’s toy train ride offers some scenic views, but it moves quite slowly, making the overall experience just average.
One thing to note—Uber doesn’t provide the correct fare estimate when booking, and additional tolls get added beyond a certain point. Keep that in mind when planning transport.
The next morning, we caught our flight back to Delhi, wrapping up a wonderful and well-paced family trip.
Top Highlights from the Trip
- Beach time on Sunday morning – Peaceful, clean, and perfect for the kids.
- Sunday buffet at Novotel – A fun and lively experience with delicious food and entertainment.
Pro Tips for a Similar Trip
- Novotel is the best hotel option in Vizag—great location and amenities, especially for families.
- All major museums are near Novotel—perfect for easy sightseeing.
- City transport is reliable—Uber, Ola, and even autos work well.
Trip Cost: Value (4/5)
This was a well-balanced vacation in terms of comfort and expenses, providing a great mix of relaxation and exploration.
