Kothavalasa, Vizag

Kothavalasa is located in the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh. The locality is ideally recognised as a quaint yet rapidly developing town. It's a harmonious blend of traditional charm and modern advancements, making it a notable locality in the region. The town's strategic location, a mere 29 kilometres from the bustling city of Visakhapatnam, enhances its appeal, serving as a serene escape with easy access to urban amenities. Kothavalasa is well-connected by road and rail, boasting the Kothavalasa Railway Station, which plays a pivotal role in its connectivity. This town is also a gateway to several tourist attractions in Andhra Pradesh, adding to its allure. The peaceful ambience and convenience of modern facilities such as schools, markets, and healthcare centres position Kothavalasa as an appealing destination for residents and visitors seeking a balanced lifestyle.

What’s Good vs. What Can Be Better

Physical Infrastructure and Livability Index

Kothavalasa's infrastructure is on an upward trajectory, with significant investments enhancing its physical and social fabric. The town benefits from a robust transportation network, including well-maintained roads and a railway station that ensures smooth connectivity to nearby cities and states. Essential utilities like electricity, water supply, and sanitation are increasingly efficient, reflected in the town's rising livability index. Kothavalasa is also witnessing a surge in residential and commercial development, which attracts both investors and homebuyers alike. Its proximity to Visakhapatnam, a major urban centre, further boosts its attractiveness as a place to live. The natural surroundings, clean air, and lower pollution levels contribute positively to the quality of life, making Kothavalasa a promising locality with a bright future.

Social Infrastructure- Restaurants

The following are the popular restaurants you can find in Kothavalasa, Vizianagaram:

• Oh My Grill Restaurant
• Food House 
• Sri Rama Family Restaurant & Dhaba
• Our Restaurant
• KGN Family Restaurant

Banks/ Metro Stations/ Airport/ Bus Terminal/ Railway Stations/ Parks

Banks and ATMs 

• State Bank of India
• Axis Bank
• HDFC Bank
• IndusInd Bank
• Canara Bank

Railway Stations 

• Kottavalasa Jn Train Station 
• Visakhapatnam Train Station
• Duvvada Train Station
• Vizianagram Jn Train Station

Bus Terminals

• Kothavalasa Bus Station
• Kothavalasa Railway Station Bus Stop
• Vasanth Vihar Bus Stop
• APSRTC Bus Station

Airport

• Visakhapatnam Airport, Andhra Pradesh

Public Parks

• Railway Park
• Harikrishna Garden
• Kolavanipalem Junction Park
• Ambedkar Ground Tadivanipalem Park
• KNK Gardens

Popular Roads in Kothavalasa

Let’s take a look at some of the popular roads in Kothavalasa:

Kothavalasa - Araku Road 

This road connects Kothavalasa with the scenic hill station of Araku Valley, passing through the Eastern Ghats1. It is a popular route for tourists and nature lovers who want to enjoy the lush greenery and waterfalls along the way.

Kothavalasa - Sabbavaram Road 

This road connects Kothavalasa with Sabbavaram, a town in the Visakhapatnam district. It is a part of the National Highway 516E, which is being widened to six lanes to improve connectivity and reduce traffic congestion.

Kothavalasa - Vizianagaram Road 

This road connects Kothavalasa with the district headquarters of Vizianagaram, a historical city with many cultural and architectural attractions. It is also part of National Highway 516E and offers easy access to the railway station and bus station of the Vizianagaram.

Nearby Localities to Kothavalasa

How do People Rate the Kothavalasa?

Residents of Kothavalasa highly rate the town for its serene environment, strategic location, and mix of traditional and modern amenities. The community appreciates the easy access to Visakhapatnam, enjoying the benefits of city life without its downsides. The local infrastructure, especially in terms of transportation and basic utilities, has been praised for its reliability and improvements over time. Educational and healthcare facilities, while adequate, are on the rise, adding to the town's attractiveness for families. Nevertheless, like any growing town, Kothavalasa encounters challenges, including the need for more recreational spaces and advanced medical facilities, which some residents point out. Overall, the inhabitants appreciate a tranquil and convenient lifestyle, remaining hopeful about the town's ongoing development and future possibilities.

How Do I Visit Kothavalasa?

Let’s take a look at the available options for reaching Kothavalasa:

By Road 

You can drive to Kothavalasa by taking the NH 16 or the NH 26. The journey may take 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the traffic. You can also take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus from Visakhapatnam or Vizianagaram. The bus fare is around ₹30 - ₹50, and the taxi fare is around ₹500 - ₹700.

By Railway 

You can take a train from Visakhapatnam or Vizianagaram to Kothavalasa, which is the nearest railway station to the town. Many trains, such as the Amaravati Express, the Howrah Mail, and the Visakhapatnam-Kirandul Passenger, are available throughout the day. 

By Air 

You can fly to Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ) and then take a taxi, bus, or train to Kothavalasa. The flight duration and cost may vary depending on your origin and airline. To reach the locality from the airport may take around 50 minutes, covering 21.5 km.

Places to Visit in Kothavalasa

Following are some of the places to visit in Kothavalasa, Vizianagaram:

Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary 

This is a natural reserve that covers an area of 71 sq km. It is home to various species of flora and fauna, such as leopards, jackals, wild boars, pythons, and peacocks. You can enjoy trekking, birdwatching, and camping here.

Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Temple 

This is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. It is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Visakhapatnam. It is famous for its annual festival called Margasira Masa Utsavam, which attracts lakhs of devotees.

INS Kursura Submarine Museum 

This is a unique museum that showcases a decommissioned submarine of the Indian Navy. Visitors can ideally explore the interior of the submarine, as well as learn about its history and operations. 

Locality Comparison

Kothavalasa is favourably compared with nearby localities such as Pendurthi, Vizianagaram, and S.Kota. While Vizianagaram, a historical city, offers a rich cultural heritage and more developed urban facilities, Kothavalasa stands out for its tranquillity and natural beauty. Pendurthi, closer to Visakhapatnam, provides similar benefits in terms of connectivity but lacks the relaxed, scenic environment that Kothavalasa offers. S.Kota, known for its agricultural prominence, offers a rustic lifestyle but doesn't match Kothavalasa's growing infrastructure and proximity to tourist attractions. Each locality has unique advantages, but Kothavalasa's balanced mix of nature, development, and location makes it a preferred choice for many.

Conclusion

Kothavalasa is a gem in the Vizianagaram district, characterised by its serene beauty, strategic location, and burgeoning infrastructure. It's an ideal locality for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle with the convenience of city amenities within reach. The town's connectivity to major cities, especially Visakhapatnam, via road and rail is a significant advantage, making it attractive for commuters and families. The ongoing development of residential, commercial, and public infrastructure promises a bright future, positioning Kothavalasa as a locality with potential for growth and prosperity. With its natural surroundings, developing amenities, and strategic importance, Kothavalasa is poised to become an even more desirable place to live and invest in the coming years.