Travel - Papikondalu

The favorite destination for hundreds of nature lovers, Papi Hills is a lovely place and the beautiful scenery of Papi Hills, the waterfalls at Munivaatam, and the peaceful atmosphere at this tribal area give a pleasant look and peace to visitors, making it a special attraction for tourists.
It settled for ‘Papi Kondalu’ as the original name for this hill range was ‘Papidi Kondalu’. this range looks like a well designed partition that splits river Godavari, this name was coined.

Small water falls, water streams, thick rain forest and other flora and fauna adds to scenic beauty of PapiKondalu. A legend about Papi Kondalu is the Lord Rama and goddess sita dwelled here during the vanavasa.
Considerable percentage Telugu movies are shot in Rajahmundry and east Godavari district. (Papi Kondalu is important attractions for these movie makers). Ramadasu, Apadbhandavudu, Godavari, are few of the popular movies shot here. The boat takes you till Parentallapalli in Khammam district the abode of lord shiva

On weekend launch ride in Godavari is the trip down the river from kunavaram would lead to a different world where the nature delights the naked eye of Pilgrims and tourists with grand spectacles. The hilly countryside patch-worked with tiny farm plots, the landscapes dotted with tribal habitations, the river banks forested with the timber reserves, the fresh air and the deep river all blend tighter to make it a magic place. They present ideal settings to enjoy the nature. people stop and stare at The beauty of the uncrowned spaces all along the river.
The boat ride commences at Polavaram in summers because of low water levels and in Pattiseema at all other times.

The boat ride leads you to countryside patch-worked with tiny farm plots, the landscapes dotted with tribal habitations, the river banks forested with the timber reserves, the fresh air and the deep river all blend tighter to make it a magic place. They present ideal settings to enjoy the nature.
The beauty of the uncrowned spaces all along the river makes people stop and stare.Actual Papi Kondalu is a place where the width of Godavari is Narrowest less than a KM). From distance you would feel that both the hills are merging together however the boat cruises through the narrow width of Godavari and this is the best of the entire trip.

As part of tourism promotion packages the ride in the river has been introduced. It has become an enjoyable outing for the tourists who prefer to spend a weekend in the temple town. Powered with the engines of 100 to 150 hp the launches take six hours to cover journey.The river winds and twits through interesting rock formations the disallow the use of speed boats.This boat facility is from Rajamandri

A night stay on the river side near papikondalu cn be mind blowing. Star gazing while sleeping on the banks of the river Godavari will surely bring out poet in you.

Papi Kondalu Tourism in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is an Indian state that is rich in historical and cultural legacy. Historians suggest that Aryans were the original people that formed the ancient populations of Andhra Pradesh, who later migrated and mingled with different races.

King Ashoka ruled a substantial part of this state and his dynasty remained for several decades. Many sites still depict that Buddhism had its major significance and it was a prime Buddhist centre.

Andhra Pradesh is popularly known as “Food bowl of South”. Hyderabad is the capital of Andhra Pradesh, which is a rich cultural city with many places of interests, palaces, museums, parks and religious sites.

Andhra Pradesh is home to many wildlife and natural forest reserves with a large variety of flora and fauna. Diverse landscapes, deciduous forest, coastal belt, dense mangrove forest and many rivers of religious importance also originate in Andhra Pradesh. Largest Indian tiger reserve at Nallamai forest and pelican refuge at Kolleru Lake forms an important location for wildlife lovers.

Andhra Pradesh has numerous locations to visit and offer prayers on pilgrimage sites such as Tirupati, Srisailam and Basara. Sri Venkateshwara temple at Tirupati, Birla Mandir at Hyderabad and Sai Baba Ashram at Puttaparthi are few of the holy and pilgrimage sites. There are famous mosques and masjids to offer prayers.

There are waterfalls at Ettipothala, Gandipet and Kuntala. Keen visitors can visit caves at Undavalli and Borra. World famous hydel power projects and dams are located at Nizamsagar and Nagarjunasagar.

Hyderabad and Secunderabad often referred to as twin cities linked by Husain Sagar Lake offer a beautiful evening hang out for everyone. Char Minar, Golconda Fort, Salar Jung Museum, Mecca Masjid are sites of historical significance. Nearby places with important historical backdrop, include Warangal, Palampet, Vermulavada, Lepakshi and Bhadrachalam.

Andhra Pradesh has varied art culture in its pot. Bidri, Himroo and Nirmal are some of the art work that relates to metal and fabric specially originating in Andhra Pradesh. Kucchipudi Dance is an articulate form of dance prevalent here. Hyderabad considered as the pearl centre of India offers unique and exclusive quality pearls. Andhra Pradesh is a beautiful state with vast array of art, culture and religious virtues.

Rajahmundry Tourism

City of Rajahmundry is one of the old cities of Andhara Pradesh state. Located between two main cities Visakahaptnam and Vijayawada of AP state. This is one of the oldest business centers of AP. By the side of Godavari River this city got its name from the King whose status 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.

Godavari river at Rajahmundry 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:

There are daily flights from Hyderabad and Chennai by air Deccan.
Around Rajahmundry
Godavari Launch to Bhadrachalam
Annavaram Temple
Antarvadi
Vizag
Bhadrachalam

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. Akshya Residency is located near rail cum road bridge at a walkway distance from the Godavari river bank A double bed A/c room is available at Rs 650 with 24 hours checkout time. But if you want to relax for a day by paying more then the best choice is River Bay hotel. This hotel is located just by the side of river Godavari and has got some excellent river facing rooms. Room tariff starts from Rs 995 for a single room. River facing rooms starts from Rs 1695 ( single ) and Rs 2045 ( double ). This hotel has got all the facilities like function hall , A/c conference hall, water park etc. For more Information on River Bay hotel pleas visit the official website.

Konaseema , Andhra Pradesh

Fast Facts
State: Andhra Pradesh
District: East Godavari
Famous for/as: Scenic
Languages: Telugu
Best Season: Oct - May
Weather: Summer 32-43°C, Winter 15-25°C
Pincode: 533201
STD code: 08856


Konaseema is a scenic delta that is located in the East Godavari District of the State of the Andhra Pradesh. Konaseema is situated with the River Godavari on one side and the Bay of Bengal on the other. The area is extremely pristine and green and the rich fertile land is home to many agricultural fields. The region is one of the most fertile places in the Coromandel Coast and many fields of Cashews, Mangoes and Paddy can be seen in the area. The area is prone to many cyclones due to its close proximity to the Bay of Bengal.

Konaseema is known for its excellent cuisine which is a combination of local produce and fresh sea food. The area was isolated until the bridge was constructed which connects it to the mainland. The main mode of transportation in the area is through the waterways and it is an idyllic way to see the place.

There are religious festivals during the Kartika Masamm and they are a must see for any travelers. Many small lamps are placed on the canals and they can be seen floating around the waterways in the pre dawn hours. The culture of the area resembles much of the other parts of the State.

Uppada Beach Kakinada

Located on Uppada Road, about 5 km from Kakinada, it is a major tourist attraction with its combination of gradual slope and wide shore. A neat and enthralling beach with clean waters, it is also home to a beautiful park that adds to its beauty.

Uppada village is a weaving village that is right next to the sea and is home to a sizeable fishermen population. The road to Uppada from Kakinada all along the sea is very picturesque.

Kadiyapulanka Nurseries

Located about 8 kms from Rajahmundry, it straddles National Highway-5 and is a nature’s paradise with an excellent collection of flowers and fruits and is popular for its thriving floriculture and horticulture trade.

The place abounds with dazzling colourful gardens of Jasmine, Roses, Chrysanthemums, Lilies and Kanakambaram and ornamental plants like Archaria, song of India, Johnny Fresh, Dracenia, and Arclias, etc. Every year in the month of January, an annual flower show is held when one can see a wide range of nature's most beautiful creations. Also, grafting and seedling of mango, cashew, guava and sapota are produced here and sent to different parts of the country.

Its nursery products are exported to every nook and corner of the country and its export potential to foreign countries remains untapped.

Hope Island in Konaseema

Konaseema is a scenic delta that is located in the East Godavari District of the State of the Andhra Pradesh. Konaseema is situated with the River Godavari on one side and the Bay of Bengal on the other. The area is extremely pristine and green and the rich fertile land is home to many agricultural fields. The region is one of the most fertile places in the Coromandel Coast and many fields of Cashews, Mangoes and Paddy can be seen in the area. The area is prone to many cyclones due to its close proximity to the Bay of Bengal.

Hope Island is a narrow stretch of sandy formation in the mighty Bay of Bengal which was responsible for the formation of the Bay of Kakinada. This enchanting island was formed during the last 200 years by the sand drifting from the tributary of Godavari River.

The picturesque island presents a beautiful view with backwaters on one side and sandy beaches on the side facing the Bay of Bengal. The northern part of the island is called the "Godavari point" which overlooks the entry point into the Bay of Kakinada and the Kakinada harbour.
Hope Island protects the city of Kakinada from the strong cyclone/tidal waves coming from the Bay of Bengal and offers shelter to ships which berth at anchor in the Kakinada Bay. Thanks to this protection, the port of Kakinada has become one of the safest natural harbours on the east coast of India

Experts disclose that Hope Island is fragile and should be protected to the maximum extent. They caution that there should be no construction activity on the Hope Island, as that would adversely affect the island and the town itself.