A rendezvous -- Rajahmundry

Just the other day, a very dear friend complimented me that I am a 'very good traveling companion,' The compliment goes as much to her, because I have found a very good travel companion in her too! And, we've promised that together, we'll do justice to all those lovely places that beckon us, we visit them. The list of course is unending!

We traveled together to Kashmir, and loved every moment of it--the travel I mean, and Kashmir of course!

Around Christmas, this past year, (2007) I visited her, and her family at Rajahmundry. A beautiful place indeed! Godavari is amazing at all times of the day. I saw it the first time, by sunrise, and coincidentally, my last glimpses of it were by moonlight--a full moon for that matter! If you were to see...and the story doesn't end here! We went for a day long cruise on Godavari--from Pattisema to Papikonda--what views! And, a treasure of memories!

Rajahmundry, also called the 'Western Gateway to East Godavari District,' is a quiet city, tucked, on to the shore of river Godavari--away from fast paced metro lifestyle and din, yet, very well connected. I'd rather call it 'The city of bridges,' for, you find those majestic bridges wherever you go!

Godavari District of today, is, to a great extent, a gift from Sir Arthur Cotton. How come? Read on...
"Going through the famine and cyclone-ravaged districts of Godavari, Cotton was distressed by the sight of famished people of the Godavari districts. It was then that he put in process his ambitious plans to harness the waters of the mighty Godavari for the betterment of the humanity." A quote about General Sir Arthur Thomas Cotton, from 'General Sir Arthur Cotton, His Life and Work, Chapter VI, ''The District of Godavari: Before and After Arthur Cotton worked his Magical Change.' Sir Arthur Cotton aka 'Cotton dora,' built the Dowleswaram barrage in Rajahmundry, and made Godavari it's lifeline. Our visit to Sir Cotton Museum added a new perspective to my perception of it.

We saw the popular Telugu movie 'Happy Days' in a Theatre in Rajahmundry--the only other Telugu film I've seen, is 'Style,' which I saw in the night bus, on my way to Rajahmundry!

A visit to the ISKON temple, a stroll, on a balmy afternoon, around the Andhra Pradesh Paper Mills Ltd. Employees' colony, where my friend grew up, a visit to her school, in the colony, an evening by the side of, a Godavari set aflame by the sun, and shopping in the crowded market after refreshing coffee in a cafe...quality time with my Rajahmundry family--watching on the TV, all the pictures we clicked every day, playing with her kids, watching the stars from the terrace--I have even more memories to cherish now! Great eh!