Goli Syamala's Epic 150km Swim from Visakhapatnam to Kakinada

In a remarkable display of endurance and determination, 52-year-old veteran swimmer Goli Syamala has successfully completed a 150km swim in the Bay of Bengal, covering the distance from Visakhapatnam (Vizag) to Kakinada in just five days.

This incredible feat, which began on December 28 at R.K. Beach in Vizag and concluded on January 1 at NTR Beach in Kakinada, showcases Syamala's unwavering passion for open water swimming and her commitment to promoting this challenging sport in Andhra Pradesh.

A native of Samalkot in Kakinada district, Syamala's journey into swimming began as a way to combat depression after shutting down her animation studio. What started as a hobby at summer swim camps soon turned into a mission to create awareness about open water swimming and encourage people to explore this exciting sport.

Syamala's impressive resume boasts an array of remarkable swimming accomplishments, including:

• Palk Strait: Swam 30km in 13 hours and 43 minutes, becoming the second woman to achieve this feat.
• Catalina Channel: Covered 36km from Catalina Island to Los Angeles in 19 hours in freezing 12°C temperatures.
• Lakshadweep Islands: Swam 48km from Kilton Island to Kadmath Island in 18 hours, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to promote Lakshadweep tourism.

In addition to these impressive achievements, Syamala has also swum across several major rivers, including the Krishna River, Hooghly River, Ganges River, and Bhagirathi River. The Vizag-Kakinada Challenge was Syamala's most ambitious undertaking yet, with the goal of bringing attention to the potential of Andhra Pradesh in fostering open water swimming and water sports. To ensure her safety and success, Syamala assembled a 12-member team, including observers, a doctor, physiotherapist, feeders, scuba divers, and kayakers, supported by two large boats and a smaller vessel.

As Syamala's remarkable achievement inspires a new generation of swimmers and water sports enthusiasts, Andhra Pradesh is poised to become a hub for open water swimming and water sports in India. Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or just starting out, Visakhapatnam and Kakinada offer a unique and exciting destination for your next water sports adventure.

Getting There: Visakhapatnam is well-connected to major cities in India, with regular flights and trains available. Kakinada is approximately 160km from Visakhapatnam and can be reached by road or rail.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Visakhapatnam and Kakinada is from October to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant.
Accommodation: Visakhapatnam and Kakinada offer a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts.

Water Sports: In addition to open water swimming, Visakhapatnam and Kakinada offer a range of water sports, including surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.