Manginapudi beach ideal destination for tourists

For almost half a century, lensmen have set their sights on the beach

A motorist enjoys a ride on Manginapudi beach near Machilipatnam in Krishna district as women and children enjoy playing in the sea water. Photo: Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar

Surrounded by lake, sea and river, what better location than Manginapudi beach can tourists expect during summer holiday? On a sultry afternoon it is always a refreshing trip for tourists in Andhra Pradesh to visit this golden beach. The two-hour journey from Vijayawada Railway/Bus Station by road or train, it is a pristine experience. It is certain to be a tempting experience to revisit with nature’s beauty leaving visitors delighted with joy. For almost half a century, lensmen set their sights on the beach, ready to capture any moment for tourists.

At the outset, make sure that your trip is scheduled from sunrise to sunset as policemen occupy the beach by 6 p.m. to prevent mishaps. “As many as five trains plying from Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam to Machilipatman mostly carry tourists to the Manginapudi beach everyday. These coaches are filled with tourists in summer and even in winter,” says K. Jayaraj, a local photographer. Once in the town the only means of transportation from Machilipatnam is the humble autorickshaw, an affordable option to reach the 10-km distance to the beach. If you have your own four-wheeler, it can be a pleasant journey from Vijayawada, Gudivada, Guntur or Eluru. Hiring a taxi can be the other option to travel this 75 k.m. distance from Vijayawada.

Must visit stopover

On the way to the beach, Chilakalapudi is a must visit stopover for tourists as this rural pocket in Andhra Pradesh is known for manufacturing of imitation jewellery. This place has become an unscheduled destination for newlyweds and cupid-struck youths. While fisherfolk venturing into the sea on a beeline of boats steal the heart of tourists in the morning, the afternoon promises you the hustle and bustle of a typical, small fishing shandy on beach along Bay of Bengal.

When the sun goes down, crabs hurry to make the sand their home for the night with their swift movements. For humans, the AP Tourism Development Corporation’s two resorts provide lodging and boarding facilities, including mouth-watering Chinese dishes. The beach is an ideal destination for people who want to celebrate by hosting birthday parties or on other occasions. The lighthouse, which is close to the beach, is a construction marvel and will be etched in your memory of visitors for a long time.