🚗 My Weekend Trip from Visakhapatnam to Yanam – A Peaceful River-Side Escape
Sometimes, the best travel experiences aren’t in the big cities or famous beaches — they’re in the small towns that surprise you. That’s exactly how I felt during my weekend getaway from Visakhapatnam to Yanam.
Nestled quietly on the banks of the Godavari River, Yanam blends the charm of French colonial heritage with the warmth of Andhra culture. If you’re looking for a relaxed, offbeat escape, Yanam should be on your list.
📍 Where is Yanam?
Many people don’t realize that Yanam is actually part of the Puducherry Union Territory — but it’s located deep in Andhra Pradesh. It sits near the East Godavari district, about 200 km from Vizag.
Despite its size, Yanam carries a unique identity. You’ll find French-style street lamps, colonial buildings, and riverside calmness that feels like a world away from city noise.
🛣️ Our Route: Vizag to Yanam
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚗 By Car | We drove via NH16 — a smooth 4.5-hour ride with coconut trees lining the road and village life unfolding all along the way. |
| 🚌 By Bus | APSRTC buses also run frequently to Yanam for budget travel. |
| 🚆 By Train | Alternative: reach Kakinada station, and then take a local cab to Yanam (~26 km). |
Travel Tip: If you enjoy road trips, driving gives you the flexibility to stop at scenic spots and local eateries.
🗺️ Our Weekend Itinerary
Day 1 – Getting There & Riverside Bliss
- We started early from Vizag (around 6:30 AM)
- Stopped at Annavaram for breakfast and darshan at the temple
- Reached Yanam by 12:30 PM and checked into a small riverside lodge
- In the evening, we took a long walk on Promenade Road — the breeze off the Godavari was incredibly refreshing
- Watched the sunset at the Yanam Riverbank Park with hot tea from a local vendor
Day 2 – Exploring Heritage & Temples
- Started the day with a visit to Sri Rajarajeshwara Temple
- Clicked some lovely pictures near the French-style clock tower
- Visited Swan Lake area and saw locals fishing near the edge
- Had a late brunch and started our return journey by 3 PM
🏨 Stay Options
Yanam isn’t a luxury destination, but you’ll find clean and comfortable stays:
- Hotel Abhirami – Basic amenities, walking distance to the river
- Sri Krishna Residency – Budget-friendly and peaceful
- If you want more options, stay in nearby Kakinada
🍛 What We Ate
The food scene is simple but flavorful. We enjoyed:
- Andhra fish curry with hot rice at a local mess
- Spicy chicken fry served in banana leaf
- Evening mirchi bajji and chai by the riverside
📸 Why Yanam Felt Special
- It’s quiet, clean, and not crowded
- Locals are friendly and curious, often asking where you’re from
- The mix of French lamps, colonial buildings, and Telugu culture feels unique
- We ended the trip with a peaceful mind and a full photo gallery!
💡 Travel Tips
- Best months: October to March (avoid peak summer)
- No big hotels, so book in advance on OYO or Booking.com
- Carry cash – some small shops don’t accept UPI
- Don’t miss watching sunrise or sunset at the river
📌 Final Thoughts
Yanam may not be a mainstream destination, but that’s exactly what makes it worth visiting. Just a few hours from Vizag, it offers serenity, culture, and a taste of colonial charm — perfect for a rejuvenating weekend trip.
If you’re tired of tourist crowds and want something different, give Yanam a chance. You might come back with more peace than you expected.
🙋♂️ Over to You!
Have you been to Yanam? Planning your trip soon? Drop your experiences or questions in the comments below — I’d love to hear your story!
