This review begins with some advice:
1) Do not go to Karteeka Vanam if you are in a hurry. The visit has to be savoured.
2) Avoid going alone - beautiful moments have to be shared.
3) Do not go if you wear a wig - it can get windy here.

To review Karteeka Vanam as just another restaurant would be doing it an injustice. It is actually an idyllic resort set in 13 acres of landscaped gardens with a beach, aviary etc. However, since the restaurant is the only fully functional feature, we will concentrate on that.

Ambience :
Someone has taken a lot of trouble indeed to provide an ambience that matches the natural surroundings. The stress is on the rustic/ethnic look - thatched roof, clay pots, and earthen floor. It is certainly a refreshing change from the restaurants in the city. One can also enjoy a meal in the open in natural surroundings. The area is neatly maintained and lives up to its (loosely translated) name 'Picnic Garden'.

Service :
A few minutes after you sink into your (simple, comfortable, ethnic) seats it will be fairly obvious that the waiters have not passed out from the Institute of Hotel Management or done their apprenticeship at the Taj. But in these rustic settings they fit in rather well. The manager, one Mr. Venkat Rao, was not present on both occasions that we visited. However, either of the partners, Mr. Madhav or Mr. Adeep B are usually present which reflects their commitment to this venture.

Food :
The menu is not very exhaustive but the items that we sampled were wholesome and tasty. We can vouch for the following: Chicken sweet corn soup (Rs. 25/-) Andhra Style chicken curry (Rs. 55/-), Chicken Moghlai (Rs. 75/-), Tandoori fish (whole, Rs. 100/-), Green Peas Masala (Rs. 30/-), Naans (10/- each), Gulab Jamun (Rs. 10/-). Some of the other items (not sampled): Fish Pulusu (Rs. 50/-), Fish Apollo (Rs. 70/-), Chicken Biryani (Rs. 55/-), Chicken noodles (Rs. 45/-). Add Sales Tax of 8% for all items. Breakfast is from 8 to 10.30 a.m., Lunch from noon to 2.30 p.m., Dinner from 7.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.. 

Added attractions :
Tents for an overnight/weekend stay, a 700 m access to the beach with facilities for barbeque parties and beach volleyball. The management has plans for a swimming pool, cottages and a health centre.

Getting there :
Karteeka Vanam is on the Vizag-Bhimili Road, a little before Rushi Konda and about 7 km from MVP Colony.

Ratings : 
Food (Preparation/Variety): 7/10
Service: 7/10
Ambience: 9/10
Value for money: 8/10

Category :
Extended family/romantic outing.

Our recommendation :
Must visit twice at least - once during the day and once at night (preferably full moon).

Credit cards: No
Timings: 08:00 to 22:00
Discounts: No
Telephone: 2797265, 2797268

Principal reviewer: Mr. Phiroz J. Engineer.
Reviewed: August/September 2002