Cold wave sweeps Visakha Agency

Lambasingi in Chintapalli mandal is the worst affected

A view of Visakha Agency under the cover of fog. Photo: K.R. Deepak

Chill weather provides the perfect ambience for Sankranti and people, in spite of the associated discomfort, are enjoying winter which seemed to have set in only a couple of weeks ago, forcing them to pull out their woollens from the cupboard.

The Visakha Agency, comprising of hills and thick forests is the place people would love to visit during winter to enjoy the chill, the fog and greenery spread over the undulating terrain.

Travelling on the ghat roads in the Agency through the fog, though with a tinge of trepidation is a thrilling experience for the tourists.

At Lambasingi in Chintapalli mandal, and the nearby Tajangi located more than 1,000 metres above sea level in the Visakha Agency, it is cold throughout the year, except during the few summer months. The minimum temperature at Lambasingi during winter hovers around three or four degrees Celsius but this year it is reportedly below 0 degree Celsius.

This has been the situation for the last three days, making locals to celebrate Sankranti in a chillier climate.

The last time sub-zero temperature recorded at Lambasingi was during late December 2008.

The temperature on Saturday had started plummeting since Saturday reaching the lowest on Monday, according to information received here.

Day break is only around 11 a.m. and soon after the sun sets the fog is envelopes the area once again.

At the mandal headquarters Chintapalli, the temperature was slowly climbing up after one degree Celsius was recorded on Sunday. It went up by half-a-degree a day during the last two days.

Tourists flock to Araku

Paderu, the revenue divisional headquarters of the Agency and the famous tourist centre Araku Valley are also experiencing chilli weather, with temperatures around five to six degrees Celsius.

People clad in sweaters, monkey cap or wrapping themselves in shawls or blankets are also making small and big bonfires to keep themselves warm.

Life which moves at a sedate pace in the Agency has become even slower due to the chillness and the fog.

Tourists who are flocking Araku Valley are enjoying the weather and there is no hotel room that is vacant.