Here's all you need to know about Novotel Vijayawada Varun, Amaravathi's first international five-star hotel 

The hotel boasts of 227 rooms including executive room, superior and executive floor. 
Here's all you need to know about Novotel Vijayawada Varun, Amaravathi's first international five-star hotel 

Experiencing international luxury in a metropolis that holds its earthiness dear with its age-old bridges and ancient temples had us riddled with intrigue, as we reached the newly opened five star hotel, Novotel Vijayawada Varun. After all, we were bearing witness to the uber urbanisation of what was considered a ‘small town’ until recently. 

A medley of cultures
We were ushered in by the courteous staff, who served us a refreshing Fresh Lime Mojito, before we headed to our Executive Room. The hotel boasts of 227 rooms including executive room, superior and executive floor. There are a dozen apartments and suites as well, which are for luxury lovers who would want to spend a weekend relaxing in their upscale rooms. 

We arrived right in time for the inaugration ceremony of the first international five star in the de facto capital of the country. The evening featured an amalgamation of French and Telugu cultures. Kuchipudi, Andhra Pradesh’s state dance, was performed, followed by a fashion show inspired by the streets of Paris. Post the grand launch, we headed to the Gourmet Bar, a signature Novotel section, located at the lobby level. 

Day two was going to be long. So we started by savouring idlis and pongal with cups of piping hot sambar — a signature South Indian breakfast. One of Novotel’s popular restaurants, The Food Exchange, had a lavish buffet comprising English breakfast and a few fusion dishes, among others. While we sat relishing our breakfast, we watched the first rays of the sun light up the eatery. Right behind us was a huge photo of the iconic Prakasam Barrage that is built on the Krishna River. 

Walk the talk
We took a tour of the five-star property, accompanied by Jean Michel Casse, the CEO of Accor Hotels. What really is the hightlight of the plush hotel is the Infinity Pool, which overlooks the city. As we looked at the approach road, we observe that the surroundings are covered by lush trees on either side. Jean says, “We saw huge potential for a nascent town like Vijayawada to accommodate business and liesure guests.” The hotel also boasts of a 202-metre jogging track on the terrace, besides the roof-top pool, a signature spa and fitness centre. “It has well-equipped rooms, which are contemporary, spacious and include studios,” adds Jean, before we headed for a quick lunch at Wugan, the Chinese food station.

Revisiting the past
The lunch was followed by a visit to the capital city, Amaravathi. The ride is an hour-and-a-half-long. But it feels like a lot less as you pass through green fields, along the river basin of Krishna. We made a pit stop at the Undavalli Caves — rock-cut caves from the 5th and 6th century AD. The history and the architecture of the caves kept our attention from wavering. It was almost sunset when we reached Dhyaana Buddha, a 125-foot statue of Buddha in meditation. As we participated in the serene walkthrough into the winding chambers,we discovered the beautiful walls adorned with sculptures of Hindu mythological scenes.

Amaravathi at night
Although we had crossed Prakasam Barrage on the ride to Amaravathi, the visual we had after sunset was nothing in comparision. The barrage built in 1855 by the East India Company serves as a road bridge across River Krishna and connects Krishna and Guntur districts. It lights up beautifully as the night falls. We watched in awe as the colours danced along the length of the 1.2 km long bridge.
Although we were tired, we managed to make time for a quick visit to the Kanaka Durga Temple situated on the hillock Indrakeeladri — something we suggest you don’t miss. “The line to the main temple extends till the end of the hill on special days,” shares our guide for the day Pasha, who insisted that we skip dinner at the hotel for street favourites like Mirchi Bajji (spicy Indian snack consisting of chilli). 

And then, just like in a blink of the eye, it was time for us to leave. Apart from the hospitality of the staff at Novotel Vijayawada Varun, what also pleased us was the warmth of the locals who can make any tourist feel at home. And that’s how we choose to take away from this sojourn!

Rs.7,249 onwards for Superior Room.

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