Kakinada

A business centre and Head Quarters of East Godavari district of Andhrapradesh - It is a costal town located at East coast. 

Going back to the history, Kakinada was considered as 2nd Madras. The original name of this place was Kakanandivada named by the king of Ikshavaku, Kaka. During 17th century, some part of the city was occupied by the Dutch and named this place as Co-Canada. The name was then changed to Kakinada after the independence during 1947.

Importance of Kakinada

Kakinada has also been described in Bhima Khandam as the place with clustered tanks and temples. The temple street (Jawahar) has many temples and there are many tanks exist till now. Maharshi Bulusu Sambamurthy is a well known personality who emerged from kakinada struggled during Indian freedom movement. Present Gandhi Nagar Park area was used by all India Congress during 1923 for their work. Japanese targetted this place during 2nd world war for bombing. It has got heritage for the buildings like P.R.College, Om Tatsat is a building of Brahma Samaj, the Orphanage building, Main office building of State Bank of India. The cultural heritage lies in the Century old Saraswati Gana Sabha, Sangeeta Vidwat Sabha and others. Many famous cine artists are said to have been produced by Young men's happy club and Andhra Seva Sangam belonging to this area. 

This place is a fast developing industrial area and has got industries in the area of Auto mobiles, Fertilizers, petro chemicals and others. Kakinada has many famous educational institutions constituting Medicine, Engineering, Polytechnic, degree colleges and Law. There is a major natural port in Kakinada which is protected (against tides) by 18Kms long Hope island.

Visiting places

Nearer to Kakinada, Draksharama (Pancharama Kshetra) and Kotipalli are located. These places are Piligrim centres for Hindus and are situtated at a distance of 25Kms (normal fare by taxi include INR 700 to INR 800). Bheemeswaralayam at Draksharama is the Pancharamas with Manikyamba Shakti Peetam (one of the 18 Shakti Peetams in India). Dhakshayagna Vatika is the place situated here where Dhaksha performed the Yagna. In Kotipalli the Sivalingam is installed by God Chandra (Moon) and the Vishnu temple is nearby which is very rare having Shiva and Vishnu temples at one place. 

Samalkot is one more important town which is just 12 Kms from Kakinada. One more Pancharama temple Kumararama Bheemeswara alayam is located at Samalkot. This temple was constructed during 9th Century by Chanukya kings.

The famous Padagaya Kshetram is located at Pithapuram, just 20Kms from Kakinada. Uma kukkuteswara swamy temple, Kunti Madhava swamy temple, Datta Peetam of Sri Ganapathi Sachitananda swamy and Puruhootika Devi temples are situated at Pithapuram. Puruhootika Devi is another Shakti peetam. 

Bhavanarayana Swamy temple is located at Sarpavaram which is just 8 Kms from Kakinada. The water tank opposite to this temple is called Narada Gundam where Narada got rid off the Vishnu Maya of Sansarika Jeevitam by taking bath here. 

Sea shore and port are just 8Kms from the city. One can see fishing Harbour berths and Hope island in this place.

Rajahmundry

City of Rajahmundry is one of the old cities of Andhara Pradesh state. Located between two main cities Visakahaptnam and Vijayawada of AP state. By the side of Godavari river this city is the oldest business center of AP. This city got its name from the King whose statue is there in one of the city center. 
There are many temples around Rajahmundry and one of the important places is Annavaram temple located at a distance of 90 KM from Rajahmundry towards Visakhapatnam. This temple can be visited while coming to Rajahmundry from Visakhapatnam or while returning.

Dowlaiswaram

Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage is located at downstream of River Godavari at a distance of 6 KM from city center. This old barrage of length 1440.05 meter has 70 spans. There is a status of Sir Arthur Cotton who has constructed this barrage for the benefit of rural areas by providing Irrigation facility through canals. See the picture gallery of this barrage. This place is also a picnic spot as the vast view of river Godavari is visible downstream of the barrage. People (vendors) carrying banana in huge numbers over the barrage for selling is a common scene. 

By Road:National Highway number 5 between Chennai and Kolkatta connects this city. By road on NH 5 it is 200 KM from Visakhapatnam ( towards north or Kolkatta side ) and it is 160 KM from Vijayawada ( south or Chennai side ). Chennai is 600 Km from Rajahmundry. From Visakhapatnam it is 3 hours journey by road.

By rail:

Rajahmundry is connected by Chennai – Howrah main train line. All super fast and express trains stops at Rajahmundry station. After the main station train passes over the river Godavari ( while going towards Chennai ). Train takes 3 hours from Visakahaptnam ( north side ) and 9 hours from Hyderabad and 10 hours from Chennai ( south side )

By Air:

Rajahmundry Airport is located at a distance of 18 KM from main city area at Madurapudi . There are daily flights from Hyderabad and Chennai by air Deccan.

Around RajahmundryGodavari Launch to BhadrachalamAnnavaram TempleAntarvadiVizagBhadrachalam

Accommodation:

There are plenty of budget range hotels to stay at Rajahmundry. If you don't have any particular location in mind then better to stay near Godavari river side hotels. 

Vizag or Visakhapatnam or Waltair

Once a small fishing hamlet has grown as 2nd biggest town of Andhra Pradesh ( 1st Hyderabad ) is on east coast and at located at northern part of AP. This growing city has all the facilities like any other metro city of India and still have enough natural beauty around for the tourist to enjoy a memorable vacation. Read more on Vizag Tourism

How to reach Vizag

Visakhapatnam is well connected by road, rail and air to all major cities of India. National Highway No 5 connecting Chennai and Howrah pass through the city. This four lane road has given a boost to road traffic and now it is very comfortable to travel to Bhubaneswar ( north side ) , Rajahmundry , Vijayaward and Chennai ( South ) and many other connecting places by road. Read more on Vizag to Rajahmundry by road.

Vizag Airport

Vizag airport is within city limits and is well connected from all parts of Vizag. By the side of NH 5 this airport is at a distance of 5 KM from main city centre and around 15 KM from Steel Plant area. Wide parking areas is available in front of the airport. Flights connecting to all important cities are available from here. All the domestic airlines operates flights from here. Few international flights to Singapore and Dubai started recently from here. 

There are Taxi services available from airport to any part of the city with fixed rates. Prepaid taxis are also available. 

At a distance of 500 meters you can avail APRTC city bus facilities. To go towards city you need to cross the lane on NH 5. To travel towards south towards Gajuwaka and Steel Plant area you can just wait at side of the NH 5 .

City Bus service at Visakhapatnam

Andhra Pradesh Road Transport corporation ( APSRTC) main bus station at main hub of all bus transport within and outside the city. This is popularly known as RTC complex. A busy area with several shopping complexes around this place know as Asilmetta junction. 

Within the city buses travel towards Steel Plant ( No 38T, 38N, 400 N,400T,400Y) Via Gajuwaka ( 400 ) area. 
Towards Shimlachalam temple area from RTC complex these buses goes frequently. No 12D
In other direction towards Old Post office and other buses goes towards RK beach area. GITAM side buses ( 900 )
AP RTC gives tourist various offers like single day ticket, monthly tickets etc .

Hotels in Vizag

Luxury hotels are located around the main city. Close to the main sea beach area two good hotels. Many budget hotels are available near Railway station.

Railway station ( code : VSKP )

Visakhapatnam railway station is on the main railway line connecting between Chennai and Howrah Jn . Vizag railway station is one ended station, that mean train has to change its direction after reaching Vizag Platform. Train engine is to be connected at the other end to start its next journey. So all trains stops here for 20 minutes minimum to complete this change of location of engine. For this reason some long distance trains by pass this main Vizag station and stops at Duvvada station ( code : DVD ) south of Visakhapatnam on the main line. Duvvada station is close to Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and Simhadri Power Plant of NTPC. 

Visakhapatnam railway station is well connected from all part of the city. There are several budget and luxury hotels located near railway station. 
The Kottavalasa Kirandul (K-K line) railway line is used to transport iron ore from Chhattisgarh to Visakhapatnam port and also supply iron ore to Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.

Movie Halls / Shopping complexes

Inox movie system is there at CMR shopping complex in Madilipalam and Varun beach. You can book online the movie tickets for both Inox of Visakhapatnam. The most popular and oldest film hall is Jagadamba cinema hall. Sarada film hall is above this and it is quite popular as famous and new movies comes here first. 

Several other shopping areas are Dwaraka Nagar, Dimond Park, Around RTC complex, Sampath Vinayaka temple area, towards South Gajuwaka. 

Educational Institutions in Visakhapatnam

The biggest institutions is Andhra University ( AU ) established in the year 1926, near to this is Andhra Engineering College and Andhra Medical college. GITAM Universality campus is located near Rishikonda beach area is having engineering, management and dental colleges. 

AVN college is the oldest educational institute of Vizag. This college is located at the top of a small hill close to old town area of Visakhapatnam. 

There are several new private coaching centre and colleges are located around Visakhapatnam. Students from Southern Orissa and other part of the country join these institutions because of high success rate and professional attention given by these institutions.

Sports

With the hosting of several ODI ( one day internationals cricket matches ) and IPL 20-20 matches , Visakhapatnam is in the lime light as sports destination of India. Major events are held at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium by the side of NH 5 at the outskirts of Visakhapatnam. 

Other sports complexes are Port Trust Golden Jubilee Stadium, Municipal Corporation Stadium (Indira Priyadarshini Stadium )

Hospitals in Vizag

Quite a good number of super speciality  hospitals are available at Vizag. The facilities available are used by patients not only from this part of the state but also from southern part of Orissa.  Here is the list of Main Hospitals at Visakhapatnam.

Seven Hills Hospital

Walk able  distance from RTC complex ( Main bus stand ) , 5 Mins by any Auto.   15 Minutes from Vizag Railway station ( 5 KM )
Contact Phone Numbers : Emergency : +91-891-2525757 | Enquiry : +91-891-6677777

Apollo Hospital

Next to Seven hills Hospital Apollo hospital is also located at the centre of the city
Contact Phone Numbers 
0891-2727272
Help Desk 0891-2529618-21 Extn:502

Lions Cancer Hospital

Seethammadhara (N.E)
Visakhapatnam - 13 (AP) India
 0891-2543214, 2503228 

Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Hospital

Sector 1/7 MVP Colony Vishakhapatnam, Andhra pradesh 530017.
Phone : 0891 652 5403

Care Hospital

0891-3041444 

KGH (Government Hospital )

Maharani Peta
 0891 256 4891, 2564892, 2564894, 2564991, 2564992

Vijaya Digonostic Center

(91)-(891)-2560666

Visakha Eye Hospital

Pedda Waltair, Vishakhapatnam, 0891 256 6383

Large Industries at Visakhapatnam

India's first shore based integrated steel plant known as Visakhapatnam Steel Plant is located at Southern side of city. By the side of NH 5 this public sector steel plant is further expanding its capacity to 6.2 MT. 

Other major Industries are Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited ( HPCL ) refinery. Bharat Heavy Plat and Vessels Limited ( BHPV ), Essar Pellet Plant near Port. Hindustan Ship yard. Visakhapatnam Port Trust, Gangavaram Port, Coromandel fertilizer, Hindustan Zinc Limited, headquarter of Eastern Naval Command, Simhadri Power Plant NTPC

Vizag to Rajahmundry

Visakhapatnam to Rajahmundry is 200 KM distance and is connected by NH 5. The road passes through many tourist places and it will take approximately 4 hours to cover this distance. From Visakhapatnam you can start early morning and evening you can return to Visakhapatnam. No need to carry food or water as restaurants are available through out the NH 5. 

After travelling 20 KM from Visakhapatnam the road will cross Kurmannapalem Junction. From here left side road will take you to Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and right side road will take you to visakhapatnam export processing zone. Next on NH 5 you need to pay at Aganampudi toll gate. Further on NH 5 you will reach Y junction where the right side road will take you to Anakapalli the business town for local sugar cane growers for jaggery market. Inside Anakapalli there is a road connecting to Bojjannakonda Buddhist site. After crossing Anakapalli next small town is Tuni on NH 5 

From Tuni after 12 KM Annavaram temple bypass road will come. The right side road will take you to Anavaram temple located at top of small hill. This temple is visible from NH5 and from passing trains also. There is a dam located just side of the temple. Visit to temple will take two hours minimum. If you don't have time then you can just buy Prasad and have blessing of lord from the small temple located by the side of NH 5. After Anavaram you will reach Kattipudi Junction after travelling 13 KM. Towards left side National Highway No 214 starts from here and ends at Pamarru at a distance of 270 KM from Kathipudi. After 26 KM from Kattipudi there is a toll gate before 8 KM from Jaggampeta. 

Before reaching Rajahmundry at you left will be a GSL medical college and after few meters at your right will be GIET ( Godavari Institute of Engineering and technology ). The area after this is known as DiwanCheruvu. From here the Rajahumdry bypass Y junction is 5 KM, you can further continue on NH 5 to cross Godavari river and enter West Godavari district. Spend some time at Rajahmundry, the best location is river bay hotel by the side of Godavari.

Bojjanna Konda Buddhist site

Sankaram village at Bojjanna Konda near Anakapalle is popular Buddhist heritage spot. Few century back this place was the center of Buddhist culture and teaching. The name of the village Sankaram derived from the word Sangharama which meant monastery. There are many monolithic stupas, rock cut caves, ruins of prayer halls, meditation halls, brick build structural edifices, resting places available on the twin hills of Bojjanna Konda and Lingala Konda. This place is located by the side of the river Sarada. During the excavation of this place many age old coins, clay tablets of Sitting Buddha were found. There are many Buddha statues carved on the rock-face of the caves. 

Sankaram village is located at a distance of 45 Km from Visakahaptnam. On National Highway No 5 it will not take more than one hour to reach this place. Nearest railway station Anakapalli is 4 Km away from this historic place. From Anakapalli town it will be 15 minutes drive by road. There is no entrance fee for entering to this place. There are guides available to show you the caves and its importance if you are a serious visitor to this place. But many of the guides are not good at English. The hill tops gives a panoramic view of the green fields and distance hills of the area. It will take one hour for a not serious visitor to cover both the places. 

In the near by hill of Lingalametta there are big and small rock cut monolithic stupas carved on single rocks of different shapes. Some stupas are as high as a two stored building. 

This part of the state has relics of all the three phases of Budhism - Hinayana, Mahayana and Vijrayana. So in one hill there are status of Buddha and in other there are many stupas available. 

On the Bojjanna Konda hill there are prayer halls where places marked in elevated platforms in semi circular shape for Gurujee and in circular shapes for the followers. The rooms of the followers are still available and each room has grooved place on the wall for lamps. There is a cave with single rock cut four pillars with Buddha Status and another cave with nine pillars. There are wells built by cutting the rocks for storage of water. 

This is an isolated rural area so accommodation is available in small hotels at Anakapalle or at main hotels in Visakhapatnam.

Bhadrachalam

Bhadrachalam is one of the major pilgrim centre in Andhra Pradesh for Hindus. This city is famous for the temple of Sri Rama built by Bhakta Ramadasa during 1630 AD. Ramadasu was a devotee of Lord Rama. The temple has been constructed beside the banks of river Godavari and has been renovated recently. Situated in Khammam district of Andhra Pradesh, the place is also surrounded by Chattisghad and Orissa states. There will be a festival in each year during the month of April (Rama Navami day) in Bhadrachalam.

Reaching Bhadrachalam

Bhadrachalam is situated 120Kms from Khammam and 320kms from the Andhrapradesh state capital Hyderabad. Hyderabad is the nearest town for airport. Nearest railway station is Kothagudem located just 40Kms away. This railway station is mainly meant for Singareni coal mines and hence passenger trains from Khammam are limited. This is the end station. The convenient train traffic is more for Khammam head quarters itself. Many tourists prefer visiting Bhadrachalam via Rajahmundry by launch journey in the river Godavari. This one is a twelve (12) hours journey in the river between Rajahmundry and Shri Ramagiri. And two hours bus journey between Sri Ramagiri and Bhadrachalam via Konavaram.

Visiting places in Bhadrachalam

Around Bhadrachalam

Godavari Launch to Bhadrachalam
Rajahmundry

The main attraction of Bhadrachalam is Sri Rama temple. The temple timings are from morning 4.30am to 5.00am. Temple reopens at 7.00am and will be opened till night 9.00pm. It is believed that Sri Rama, Laxmana and Sita stayed nearer to Bhadrachalam in a place called Parnashala, 35kms from Bhadrachalam. It is from this place Ravana kidnapped Sita. On the way to Parnashala to the left, crossing the river Godavari, a small water falls can be seen which is quite a pleasant place. One more water falls called Kinnerasani is located approximately 40Kms from Bhadrachalam. A well known paper mill (Bhadrachalam Paper Boards Limited) is situated nearer to Bhadrachalam (7-8 kms away).

Accomodation and food at Bhadrachalam

Temple accomodation nearer to the temple are available at a very reasonable rate. People who want a better kind of lodge can opt for private hotels. Budget hotels starting from INR 300 are available. It is possible to have booking the hotels for both temple and private in advance. Good south Indian food is available

Antarvedi

Also referred to as the Dakshina Kashi (southern Kashi) locally, Antarvedi has importance of having a tributory of river Godavari meeting the sea (Sagara Sangamam). Whereas the temple of lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy is located at the other side, almost nearer to the bank of Godavari, also called, Vasishta Godavari. There is also a light house near the meeting point but there is no way to reach the place. Antarvedi is in the East Godavari district of Andhrapradesh state in India, situated at the interior part at East coast. The surrounding is rich with irrigated land because of several tributories of river Godavari. Speciality of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple is that, the God is facing towards West instead of East (usual direction of other temples in India). Vashishta Sevashram is available nearer to the river where one can have a trip to a small island.

How to reach

Antarvedi is located at the East coast of Andhrapradesh and is remotely situated in East Godavari district of Andhrapradesh - India. People travelling from North India have to reach the main city called Annavaram on National Highway - 5, Kolkata - Chennai connecting road, after Visakhapatnam. Tourists have several choices from Annavaram to reach Antarvedi. Travellers can travel Upto to a place called Kathipudi, 12Kms from Annavaram on NH-5 and take left turn to proceed towards Kakinada (40Kms from Kathipudi). One more way to reach Kakinada is to proceed upto Samalkot and going towards Kakinada. 
There are boats available to reach Antarvedi from Narasapur. The distance is only 10 Kms. 

Tourists willing to visit Pancharama temples can reach Samalkot and Ramachandrapuram ( Draksharamaon the way to Kakinada from Samalkot) where both the places have one of Sri Rama temple. Travellers can then proceed towards Yanam (under Pondicerry, an Union Territory, 27Kms from Kakinada). From Yanam, continue the journey towards Mummudipalem (15Kms from Yanam), Amalapuram (16Kms from Mummudipalem), Ambajipit (8 Kms from Amalapuram), Gannavaram and Rajole (30Kms from Amalapuram). From Rajole, Antarvedi is 30Kms. People have to take left turn in the road proceeding to Palakollu to reach Antarvedi. 
People travelling from Vijayawada and Krishna district of Andhrapradesh, have to reach the place called Bheemavaram first. Bheemavaram and Palakollu have Sri Rama temples which are considered as Pancharama temples. They can add these two places in their visiting places while visiting Antarvedi. From Palakollu, travel towards Rajole. Before reaching Rajole, take right turn to proceed towards Antarvedi. 

Importance of Antarvedi

The main attraction of Antarvedi is the sea meeting point of river Godavari (a tributory) to Bay of Bengal. This is one of the place in Kona seema (East Godavari district of Andhrapradesh - India). Vasishta Sevashram is located just nearer to the river Godavari. Hence this tributory is called Vashishta Godavari. Opposite to Vasishta Godavari, Lord Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy temple is located. Nearer to Lakshminarasimha Swamy temple, Lord Shiva temple is also located (Neelakanteswara, Brahma stapana). Launch facility is available to visit a small island at the other bank of the river Godavari (bank of Brother and Sister). The Mahameru Sahita Sri Kurma pratishtapana of Vasishta devalayam was done during 2005-06. 
There will be a fair during January or February (Bhishma Ekadashi day) when Lakshmi Narasimha swamy kalyanam is celeberated. Devotees in huge number attend and take holy dip at the sangamam (Saptha Sagara Sangamam). 

Tourists can even travel till the end of the sea and river meeting point if interested. The cost varies depends on the number of people. If limited number of people are willing to visit the island, a nominal amount of INR 350 will be charged. If more number of people are available, INR 50 will be charged for each person. 
No standard package is available to visit Antarvedi from any of the travel agents. Tourists have to plan their trip personally. Additional places to visit in this area are Palakollu, Bheemavaram, Draksharama, Samalkot. These four places include one each of the Shiva temple considered as the Pancharama temples (Kumara Rama, Daksha Rama, Soma Rama and Ksheera Rama). One more temple is situated in Amaravati at Guntur district (Amara Rama). 
No food is available at Antarvedi. People have to plan at either Rajole or Amalapuram for their stay. Good South Indian food and budget lodges are available in these places. Train facility is available to reach Kakinada, Rajahmundry, Samalkot. Nearest airport is Visakhapatnam. 
There is a monthly magazine available and the subscription can be taken by the Manager of the temple. The magazine is related to Yoga, Education and science. Yearly subscription is INR 150. One can avail this facility through post also. Below is the contact address. 

Annavaram Temple

Annavaram temple of Lord Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy is located at a distance of 125 KM from Visakhapatnam and 80 KM from Rajahmundry. National Highway number 5 passes through Annavaram. The bypass road (NH - 5) goes straight and to visit the temple take right turn ( while travelling from Vizag to Rajahmundry ) in the junction near the Annavaram. It takes two and half hours from Visakhapatnam and from Rajahmundry side it will take 2 hours. Separate pooja halls are available for offering special pujas. 

This temple is located at a hill top. Vehicles are allowed to climb up the hill ( one way ) from south side road ( toll fee Rs 20 ) and down by north side road. At the top of the hill guest houses are available. Many mirages are preformed here so during this seasons you may have to book in advance if you a plan to stay here. There is a facility of quick Darshan in busy seasons. The main statue is covered in two floors. The ground floor is for Pada darshan or to view the feet of the god. The first floor is the upper part of the Lord Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy. Free darshanam is with normal que and special darshanam with additional fees of either INR 25/- or INR 116/- are also available.

Annavaram By Rail

Annavaram railway station is located at main Chennai – Howrah (Kolkatta ) railway line. Many trains stops here and from the railway station the temple is 3 KM. While going towards Chennai side ( from Vizag ) this temple falls in right side and can be seen from the moving trains. Railway station and passing trains are visible from the temple also. Annavaram devasthanam operates buses from Railway station to temple and there are Autos available to reach the top of the hill near temple. Super fast trains does not have stoppage here.

By Air

Nearest airport is Visakhapatnam or Rajahmundry

Accommodation at Annavaram

Annavaram devasthanam has many budget and standard accommodations at the hill top. All reservations done at Central Reservation Office near the temple main entrance. There is no online reservation facilities available but you can enquire availability position by phone

Annavarm temple Central Reservation Office phone number : 08868-239173

AC and Non AC accommodation available in main guest house. 
There are many parking places for private vehicles on the hill surrounding the temple.
Below the hill at main market are of Annavaram there are many lodges and hotels having AC and Non AC rooms.

Restaurants

Canteen facility is available at the hill top for the devotees. The best restaurant is available while coming down from the hill by the side of Pumpa Lake. Abhay AC restaurant is a comfortable place to take food and the view of Lake by the side is another attraction here. With wide parking place this place is little away from the crowed temple area within the hill top. 

Prasadam counter is available on the national highway No 5 for those who are not able to visit the temple. 
From this hill top you can get a panoramic view of the surrounding green fields and villages. There is a river water barrage with boating facility and it can be visited while going up or while returning from the temple, available nearer to the main entrance of the hill. This place is called Pampa Sarovara. Boat ride gives a memorable experience to the visitors.
Inside the main temple complex photography is not allowed. However, around the temple there are so much of panoramic view available for viewing and enjoying the nature's beauty. 

Godavari River Package trip from Rajahmundry

From Rajahmundry there are two types of tour packages available for tourists. One is by road to different visiting places around Rajahmundry and other one is by river cruise on Godavari river. Usually two main destination from Rajahmundry upto Papi hills ( papikondalu ) and Bhadrachalam. Tourist can go for single day package or one night two days package starting early morning from Rajahmundry. Return time to Rajahmundry is around 9 PM so plan your onward journey accordingly. Here are some suggested tour for you. You can discuss with your tour operator and finalize your visiting plan.

One Day Papi Hills ( Godavari river cruise )

Starts from Rajahmundry at 7.30 AM and you can returns at 9 PM. Breakfast and vegetarian lunch will be provided on boat. Reporting place in morning is Godavari Bund road , Sankara Mattam. From here by road you will be travelling to Purushothapatnam ( 35 KM ) from here you will board the houseboat .
In this package you will be visiting Gandhi Posamma temple, Papi Hills, Perantapalli temple

Price Rs 600/- per person and Rs 400/- per child, read more on this one day river package

2 days one night Papi hills river package tour

Starts at 7 AM from Rajahmundry and you will return next day night 9 PM. 
Visiting places are , Gandhi Posamma temple, Papi Hills , Perantapalli temple. 
Night stay at Kolluru Bamboo Huts ( Tribal village ) with campfire. Four members can be accommodated in one hut. 

2nd day visit Pamuleru canal by walk in forest hill area and bathing. 
Breakfast , lunch ( with non-veg ) , evening snacks , dinner ( with non-veg ) , 2nd day breakfast & lunch will be provided. 

Package Price Rs 2000/- per person and Rs 1700/- per child.

2 days one night river cum road package for Papi hills, Bhadrachalam & Dwaraka tirumala

Tour starts from Rajahmundry at 7 AM 
Rajahmundry to Pattiseema by road ( 35 KM ) ,1 hour journey
Pattiseema to Koyada ( tribal village ) by boat ( 85 KM ) 7 hours journey
Koyada to Bhadrachalam by road ( 80 KM ) 2 hours journey 
Breakfast , lunch ,evening snacks will be provided in boat. 
Reaching Bhadrachalam by 8 PM and dinner & night stay at Bhadrachalam

2nd day visit to temple at 5.30 AM for direct darshan of lord Rama & Breakfast at Bhadrachalam 
Bhadrachalam to Parnasala (80 KM )& Back – 2 hours journey 
Lunch at Bhadrachalam 
Bhadrachalam to Jangareddigudem via Aswaraopeta ( 135 KM ) 3 and half hour journey, visit Maddi Anjaneyaswamy temple 
Jangareddigudem to Dwaraka Tirumala ( 30 KM ) , 45 minutes visit lord Venkateswara swamy temple
Dwaraka Tirumala to Rajahmundry via Bhimadolu ( 90 KM ) 2 hours journey. Reaching Rajahmundry by 9 PM 

Package Price Rs 2400/- per person and Rs 2000/- per child.

3 Days 2 nights Papi hills, Bhadrachalam & Maredumilli

Tour starts from Rajahmundry at 7 AM 
Rajahmundry to Pattiseema by road ( 35 KM ) ,1 hour journey
Pattiseema to Koyada ( tribal village ) by boat ( 85 KM ) 7 hours journey
Koyada to Bhadrachalam by road ( 80 KM ) 2 hours journey 
Breakfast , lunch ,evening snacks will be provided in boat. 
Reaching Bhadrachalam by 8 PM and dinner & night stay at Bhadrachalam

2nd Day Early morning Darshan of Lord Rama then visit Parnasala & Back ( 80 KM )
Break fast and check out rooms.
Proceeded by road to Maredumilli Via Chinturu 135 KM
By 1 PM at forest guest house at Maredumilli , after vegiterian lunch transfer to Jungle Star Nature camp site situated in deep forest area, military tent. Night non-veg dinner 

3rd Day , After breakfast 8 AM proceeded to Swarnadhara, Amruthadhara water falls in ghati area, then trecking hill area into water falls spot and return to Maredumilli guest hourse 30 KM
1 PM lunch and later visit Jalatarangini water falls, Nandhana Vanam, Nagarjuna Vanam. 
6 PM return journey, reaching Rajahmundry by 9 PM

Price of the Package Rs 3500/- per person.

Godavari river Launch journey

The launch journey or cruise on river Godavari from Rajahmundryto Sriramagiri or Kunavaram is one of the best tourist attraction in Andhrapradesh state of India. The journey covers approximately 100 kms of travel by launch (diesel motor cruise). The total duration is nearly 12 hours from Rajahmundry to Sri Ramagiri. Another half an hour journey is required if travellers are willing to travel upto Kunavaram by the same launch. 
The journey is through various temples and hill stations and very scenic for the beautiful greenery surrounding the river Godavari. Some important places which can be seen in this river journey are, Pattiseema, Maha Nandiswara temple, Polavaram Project area, Gandi poshamma (Pochamma) temple, Papi kondalu (papi hills), Shiva temple, Peranta Palli, Sri Rama temple at Sri Ramagiri.

Details of trip package

Godavari river flows towards Rajahmundry from Bhadrachalam. Trip packages are also available to cover half of the journey and return to the starting place, either Bhadrachalam or Rajahmundry. Papi Kondalu (Papi Hills) being the main attraction, this hill range is covered more from Rajahmundry side. So, consider the trip from Rajahmundry as the advantages are more. 

Launch Booking office

Plenty of launch services are available at Rajahmundry and Bhadrachalam. At Rajahmundry, Launch booking offices are available nearer to the river bank . For those who start from Bhadrachalam side, though the launch service start either from Kunavaram or Sri Ramagiri, booking is to be done only at Bhadrachalam. Different launch operators have particular schedule. But the service is available on most of the days. Most of the people prefer travelling on Fridays. The reason being, evening they can have darshan at Bhadrachalam temple. Next day they can have local site visit and return back on Sunday either by road or same launch service. Breakfast (tiffin), coffee, tea, lunch, evening snacks are included in the package. 

Best time to Visit

The normal time period to plan this trip is during September to December and continue till Feb - March. October is the best time as the water in river Godavari is optimum. If rains occur, better to avoid the journey. If the water level is less in the river Godavari, launch service will be limited to Peranta palli. So one third of the launch journey will be missing. October is also the season for depressions at Bay of Bengal, so take your precautions. 
Launches with 50, 80 and 120 members capacity are available. One can purchase the ticket near the starting point in the booking office. Advance booking is also available if people are travelling in groups. If the entire launch is to be booked exclusively, minimum 75 members are needed to operate on any day of the week. APTDC also conducts the same Godavari launch service trip package but the days are fixed.

At Present due to low water level at Rajahmundry, all boats starts from Pursathapatnam at around 10 AM , so reporting time at Rajahmundry is 7.30 AM. Tourist will be taken to Pursathapatnam by road ( one and half hour duration , 35 KM )

By road from Rajahmundry to Pursathapatnam ,35 KM

All the booking offices including AP tourism are located at Godavari river Bund road by the side of the river. Tourist were asked to report at office of the travel agent between 7 and 7.30 AM. However the vehicles start around 8 AM. Different type of tourist vehicles are used for taking tourist upto Pursathapatnam ferry terminal . Some tourists prefer to take their own vehicle to reach the Jetty point. During this road journey Godavari river will be at your left side and you will be travelling upstream direction of the river flow. The road passes through highly fertile sugarcane cultivated areas. The villages here have modern agriculture equipment with rich rural economy.

Places to see during launch journey

After boarding the boat , breakfast will be served. Around 10 AM the boat starts from Pursathapantam. These boats have two floors and the lower flower is having AC facility. Top floor is the open deck with cover at top for sun control. Toilet facility is available at bottom floor. Initially all tourists prefer to sit at top of the boat but as the journey progress it is the lower floor where all will assemble to enjoy different entertainment programs organized. These boats have good music system with high power speakers at both the floors. There will be continues Announcements and information were given about the areas while travelling using these speakers. 

There is a small temple located on top of a small hill. The temple is for the god Sri Uma Maha Nandiswara swamy. There is some information saying that there was an under ground way to reach kashi from this temple. The temple is constructed during 12th century. The Polavaram project can be seen from the temple area at the back side. 
The second stop is at Gonduru, just one hour journey from Pattiseema. Goddess Gandi Poshamma temple can be seen here. The view of river Godavari is also pleasant from the temple premesis. Entrance ticket is to be taken for INR 2 and for special darshan (only on Sunday and Tuesday) INR 5. Additional amount is to be paid for special pujas. Photography is not allowed near temple premesis. 
There will be one more stop at a check post before entering into Papikondalu (papi hills) area. This one is for a very short duration. Then the journey is through Papi hills which is very scenic. The journey is through thick forest surrounded by hills both the sides. The atmosphere is very pleasant and quiet. This part of the journey is quite for a longer distance and also the major one.

Papikondalu

Slowly the boat will enter into hilly areas where Godavari will be flowing through big hills on both sides. This area is know as Papikondalu or Papi hills. At Rajahmundry the width of Godavari is nearly 5 to 6 KM but at Papi Kondalu the width reduces to nearly 500 ft only. Depth of water is more here. With rocks and hills on both sides navigating through boat is a tough job here. Small water streams flowing from hills will be joining Godavari River on both sides. 

Kolluru Bamboo Huts

After lunch the boat will pass through Kolluru Bamboo Huts. These huts are constructed over river sand at right side bank of Godavari. Each hut can accommodate 4 persons ( one family ) and there are nearly 100 huts available at these places. From here Perantalapalli hill is visible. Similarly the colourful bamboo huts are visible from Perantalapalli. These huts can be booked for one day including boat journey from Rajahmundry for Rs 2000/ per head. This package includes veg and non vegetarian food for 24 hours. While staying here tourist can enjoy Jungle atmosphere by staying in a traditionally constructed huts. Tourist reach this point around 1 PM and enjoy the evening sunset here. Camp fire is organized here. Next day morning tourist visit the Local tribal village and take bath at a nearby waterfall. 

This is a mixed experience of enjoying local hospitality inside Jungle. ( These are not included in one day package trip and you can't get a chance to get down from boat at Kolluru Bamboo Huts) 

Perantalapalli

At left bank of Godavsdari river this place is just 2 KM from Kolluru Bamboo huts. People are served lunch at this place or sometimes before reaching this area, depends on the timing. Tourist need to climb steps to come out of the river bank the road passes through tribal huts and reaches the Sri Krishna Munivaatam. Balananda Swami established this as a temple and Ashram. Inside the Ashram photography is prohibited. Sri Ramakrishna Hermitage is the major attraction at Peranta Palli You can carry your gadgets but never try to use it. Even Mobile camera is also not to be used. There is water stream flows by the side of the temple. 
Local tribes sale beautiful hand made flowers and crafts made of Bamboo leafs and slices. There will be some special occassions during Vijaya Dashami (Dasara), Mukkoti Ekadashi and Maha Shivarathri (February or March). The Hermitage has been started by Sri Swamy Balananda. 
Your boat will give you 20 minutes to complete the trip and return to boat. From the top of the river bank the view of Godavari is spectacular. There is a camera man available who can take your photo and handover you the print when you return after visiting temple. 

This is the last point for the tourist who came for One day trip from Rajahmundry and return to same place. Others can continue their journey beyond Perantalapalli towards Bhadrachalam

After Peranta Palli, there will not be any more stops. Some launch service people consider giving one more stop near some resorts constructed recently at Koneru area. This area too is surrounded by Papi hills. People will be reaching Sri Ramagiri around 4.30pm. Before that, evening snacks will be served. Some launch services proceed upto Kunavaram. Better to consider Sri Ramagiri as the end point. Because the temple of Sri Rama can be seen here which is supposed to be older than the temple at Bhadrachalam. Temple Darshan can be availed. 
If travellers have not booked the vehicle from Sri Ramagiri to Bhadrachalam, it will be difficult to proceed as the direct transportation is not available. One or two APSRTC buses come but during peak season heavy rush occurs. If vehicles are not booked in advance, one can consider travelling towards Rekha palli (Rekapalli). Rekhapalli is just 6 Kms from Sri Ramagiri. Auto riksha facility is available at a nominal price. Plenty of buses available from Rekapalli to Bhadrachalam. One and half hour to two hour journey from Rekhapalli to Bhadrachalam. 
For the total trip, the cost for an adult is INR 650 for an adult (above 12 years) and INR 400 for a child above 5 years. This includes journey between Rajahmundry and Sri Ramagiri (or Kunavaram) and food. 
To know the accurate and exact route map for this cruise click on the first image at the top of this page.