East Godavari - Rajahmundry

Headquartered at Kakinada, East Godavari is resplendent with its rich and varied places of tourist interest. From heritage to temples, the district has it all. Godavari Pushkaram is celebrated once in 12 years in a very grand way in Rajahmundry.

Kotilingalarevu This is the ferry point at “Rajahmundry” to cross the Godavari, with beautifully built steps and bathing ghats all along the river bank. The Kotilingeshwara temple built in the 10th-11th century is yet another attraction here. There's ample choice of accommodation, restaurants, and transport.

Kadiyapulanka Located at 8 km from Rajahmundry, it is a small, picturesque village. The centre of flourishing floriculture and horticulture trade, its dazzling, colourful gardens of Jasmine, Roses and others are a feast for the eyes. An annual flower show is held here in the month of January.

Antervedi Antervedi is located 20 km from Razole, 10 km from Narsapur at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and River Vasistha. Legend has it that this is where “Maharshi Vasistha” brought the river Godavari. It is famous for the temple of “Sri Laxmi Narasimha Swamy”, built during the 15th-16th century AD. APTDC accommodation and multi cuisine restaurants are available at Dindi, coconut groves 20 km away. It's called “Haritha Coconut Country Resort”.

Samarlakota Located at a distance of 15 km from Kakinada, Samarlakota is famous for a Shiva temple, considered to be one of the Pancharamams in the state. This Bhimesvara Swamy temple built during the 11th century, reflects the Chola-Chalukya style of architecture.

Draksharamam It is located at about 40 km from Rajahmundry and is considered to be a sacred pilgrimage destination in Andhra. Also known as Dakshina Kasi, the Bhimeswara Swamy temple here is thronged by devotees regularly. The architecture of the temple is splendid and is a perfect blend of both the Chalukya and Chola style. There are inscriptions dating from 1080 AD to 1434 AD, which are a pure delight for historians. In this temple, the Linga is 2.6 meters high is said to be made of one large crystal.

Annavaram Situated at 72 km from Rajahmundry and 51 km from Kakinada, it is famous for Lord Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy temple at the top of Ratnagiri hills, on the banks of river Pamba. The shrine is a two-storied structure, the lower one containing the Yantra and upper one housing the vigrahas (idols) of the Lord. Accommodation and transport is easily available. Also available are private restaurants.

Uppada A beach town located 20 km from Kakinada. It is also famous for its beautifully designed cotton sarees. Accommodation and restaurants are available at Kakinada.

Rampachodavaram (Eco-Tourism) One can drive down to Marademalli, which is just 20 km away, it's a little known hill station. The drive through the dense jungle is quite enjoyable and one can expect to encounter wildlife. At Maredumilli, coffee, pepper and rubber are cultivated by the tribals. Forest Department accommodation is available at Maredumilli. Or one can also stay at Rampachodavaram in the APTDC guest house.

Fazalabad Sri Valli Devasena Subramanyeswara Swamy temple was constructed by Sri Fazarlabad, 150 years ago. Devotees believe that if blind people worship the God here, he/she will definitely be able to see again. Also, those who are unmarried will get married if they perform special pujas like “Kuja Dosham” and “Rahu Dosham”. This temple is situated at a distance of 35 km from Rajahmundry.

Kotipalli The Someswara Swamy temple here was built in 13th century. It is situated 39 km from Kakinada. Legend has it that if you take holy dip in Gowthami river, flowing in this region, all your sins will be washed off and you will once again be a pure human.

Pitapuram Kukunteswara Swamy is the most famous feature here. As per legend Vyasamaharshi with his disciples worship Kukkuteswara Swamy. The Swamy is shaped like a Kukkutam (cock) with wings on either side of the Lingam.

Pyaina Raju Palem Sri Suryanarayana swamy temple is situated here. It's believed that if childless couples worship the God here they will be blessed with children.

Coringa Forest and Hope Island Situated 20 km from Kakinada and 70 km from Rajahmundry, this sanctuary is a part of river Godavari and has a rich growth of Mangrove plantation. A unique feature of this sanctuary is that it's located on the back waters of the sea. Otter, a protected species is found here among other animals which include Fishing Cat, Jackal, Sea Turtle and Estuarine Crocodile. The common birds found are Snipes, Ducks, Sea Gulls and Flamingos. Accommodation is available at the forest rest house, at Coringa and Rajahmundry. Best season to visit is between October and May.

Sringara Vallabha Swamy temple (Tirupati) Peddapuram Mandal The temple is nearly 12 km away from Samarlakota. On the way to Kirlampudi route, As per the inscriptions, the temple was built a thousand years ago.

Dhawaleswaram Sir Arthur Cotton Museum was started here in 1998. The Museum narrates the construction of present Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage constructed with the advance engineering skill. It is the only civil engineering museum in the state.

Dindi This village in Malkipuram mandal is on the banks of river Godavari. Houseboats in these banks offer special services to tourists. These have been introduced by AP Tourism Development Corporation. APTDC has also started Haritha Coconut Country Resort, which has accommodation, restaurant and a swimming pool.

Ryalli Jaganmohini Kesava Swamy temple is in this village was constructed way back in the 11th century. The architecture of the temple is very famous.

Maredumilli Jungle Star Nature Camp is a nature lover's paradise. The camp provides an excellent opportunity to explore the eastern ghats. Located adjacent to the river Valamuru, the camp has a stream flowing on 3 sides overlooking the Vali-Sugriva of the Ramayana era. The remarkable variation of the battle ground with the presence of grass lands, encircled by forests on the other hillocks draws the attention of visitors to this epic story.

Gollalamamidada Located at a distance of 25 km from Rajahmundry, this small village is famous for the Sri Kodanda Rama temple. The Gopuram of this temple towers over 160 metres and the beautiful idols of Sri Rama, Sri Sita Mahalakshmi and Sri Lakshmana, are fascinating.

Other interests Kakinada is famous for Kakinada Khaza & Madata Khaza (Sweets), do not forget to sample these delicacies before you leave the place. Tapeswaram is a famous for Khaza, Just 50 km from Rajahmundry. Another specialty of the region is Putarekulu, a thin sugar coated sweet famous at Atreyapuram.