Visakhapatnam
The following day was spent attending to routine rest-day tasks—
laundry, internet, and stocking up on essentials. In the morning, a
train ride took us from Vizag to the Araku Valley, 120 kilometres
north of Vizag, known as the region’s best train ride. For 21 rupees, a
spectacular five-hour train ride took us through the beautiful, lushly
forested Eastern Ghats to Araku town. Once in Araku, a further Rp 10
bus ride dropped us at Borra Caves. This one-million-year-old
limestone cave was immense, quite spectacular, and considered the
deepest in India.
Taking the train in India in the “general section” is an experience.
Passengers were packed in like sardines, and sari-clad women gave
us a good old stare and it’s best to try striking up a conversation.
The next day was spent in Vizag, primarily to shop for new sandals as
Ernest’s were falling apart. By evening, the cooler temperature made
it a perfect time for a beachfront stroll, sampling the food on offer.