Travelling Info

Travelling Info
East Godavari & West Godavri is well connected through Rail, Road, Water and Air. The National Highway 5 connecting Chennai and Howrah passes through this district. The Chennai to Howrah rail line also passes through these districts. The East district has an airport at Madhurapudi(Rajahmundry Rural), which is 10 km from Rajahmundry and 65 km from Kakinada. There are regular flights from Rajahmundry to Hyderabad, Chennai, Vijayawada etc. Kakinada
has sea port which is predicted to be a potentially important port after Chennai, Paradip and Visakhapatnam along the east coast of India.

Important Bus Stations and Bus Timings in EG & WG
These are the Important Bus Stations in East Godvari and West Godavari Dist's
Amalapuram download
Annavaram download
Eluru download
Kakinada download
Narsapur download
Rajahmundry download
Ravulapalem download
Tadepalligudem download
Tanuku download
* Note : Click the appropriate Bus Station names and get the information about the Bus Timings

Railway Stations In East & West Godavari Districts
Anaparti
Annavaram
Draksharama
Gangavaram
Godavari (station)
Gollaprolu
Kadiam
Kakinada
Kotipalli
Pithapuram
Rajahmundry
Akividu
Eluru
Kovvur
Narsapur, West Godavari
Nidadavole
Palakol
Tadepalligudem
Tanuku

Rajahmundry Airport
Airport Name Rajahmundry
City Name Rajahmundry
State Andhra Pradesh
Physical Location East of Andhra Pradesh
Distance & Direction from City 7.3 NM of Rajahmundry

Contact Us
Airport Controller
Address: Airports Authority of India
Rajahmundry Airport
Madhurapudi
Andhra Pradesh-533103
Telephone 91-883-2007838
Fax 91-883-2487852
Second in Command
Address: Manager(Tech.)
Airports Authority of India
Rajahmundry Airport
Madhurapudi
Andhra Pradesh-533103
Flight Timings

Arrivals

Origin		Arrival
Code	City	Flight	Sched
HYD	Hyderabad	(Kingfisher)IT 4817	10:35 AM
HYD	Hyderabad	(Jet Airways)9W 3553	11:45 AM
Departures
Destination		Departure
Code	City	Flight	Sched
HYD	Hyderabad	(Kingfisher)IT 4818	11:05 AM
HYD	Hyderabad	(Jet Airways)9W 3554	12:15 PM

గోదావరి బోటు ట్రిప్ PACKAGE

Details of trip package
Godavari river flows towards Rajahmundry from Bhadrachalam. So, the total duration of the journey may get reduced if one travels from Bhadrachalam in the launch to reach Rajahmundry. It is preferred to arrange the trip from Rajahmundry though it takes two hours more than the other way. The reason being, the Sun rise is gorgeous to see from river Godavari at Rajahmundry. If some one starts from Bhadrachalam, it takes one and half hour to two hours to reach Kunavaram or Sri Ramagiri where actual launch journey start. Tourists will be missing the magic of early hours beauty. 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.
So many launch services are available at Rajahmundry and Bhadrachalam. At Rajahmundry, Launch booking offices are available nearer to the river bank where Launch service starts. 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, Plenty of services available. 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. Travellers can consider carrying sufficient water if they want.

The normal time period to plan this trip is during September to December. 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.
The launch service at Rajahmundry start at early hours 3.00 am. 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. Better consider your journey to start at 4.30am. This makes people to be in the river away from the city area when sun rise starts. They can enjoy the atmosphere. If it is early people would miss it while sleeping and if it is late, it would not make any difference but for seeing the Sun rise at Rajahmundry.

Places to see during launch journey
After starting of the launch journey at Rajahmundry (4.30am), the first stop is at Pattiseema. Breakfast is also served here. A small temple is 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.
The fourth stop will be at Peranta Palli. People are served lunch at this place or sometimes before reaching this area, depends on the timing. Sri Ramakrishna Hermitage is the major attraction at Peranta Palli. People have to walk a little distance to reach the Hermitage. There is a small water fall in front of the hermitage flowing from the hills. The water is chilled and people get lot of relief taking a dip in the water. Beautiful butterflies are also seen in the area. The area is very calm and neat. One has to take bath if want to enter inside the Hermitage. Worshiping any other God near the Hermitage is not allowed. Variety of handicrafts are available which are made by local village people. Though the price is a little at the higher side, worth purchasing some. 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.

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 350 for an adult (above12 years) and INR 200 for a child above 5 years. This includes journey between Rajahmundry and Sri Ramagiri (or Kunavaram) and food.

Draksharama

Draksharama
Drakshrama is located in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh state in India. This place is very famous for one of the pancharama temple, Draksharama Bheemeshwara Swamy and located in a green belt due to river Godavari. The temple (along with Kumararama Bheemeswara Swamy temple at Samalkot) has been constructed by the East Chalukyan king during Nineth century. The temple also consists one of the Shakti peetha, Sri Manikyamba. Irrespective of the kind, people who perfom puja here will be free of their sins.

Importance of Daksharama
Daksha vatika was the name in use earlier for this place. Kaksha Prajapathi performs a yagna without calling his daughter Parvathi and Shiva. Parvathi attends the function, she gets ill treated. She jumps into fire without tolerating the insult. Later the name Daksha Vatika got changed to Draksharamam.
Once upon a time Draksharama was considered as a Buddhist complex. The speciality of this Shiva Lingam is that, the early morning tender Sun light falls on the Linga. There are nearly 800 ancient scripts on the walls of the temple. The celeberations in this Devalayam started during 14th century in the period of Reddy Kings. On the Eastern door (Dwara) Goddess Gogulamma, Western gate Nookambika, Northern side Moodhambike and at Southern side, Ghattambike can be seen.
Shiva Lingam is nearly 9 ft hight and the top part is seen at the first floor. There are other small temples inside the main temple premises. To name a few, Praakara Bhairavudu, Viroopa, Natarajeshwar, Vaamana, Visheshwara, Dancing Ganapati, Dundhi Ganapathi, Goddess Kanakadurga and Goddess Annapurna. To the right side of Bheemeshwara Swamy temple, Kashi Vishweshwara Swamy temple (South facing) is situated. For performing puja (Abhisheka), water from Sapta Godavari is used as it is considered sacred.
Devotees come in huge number during Kartika Masam (November-December) for performing puja in this temple. Grand celeberations can be witnessed during Janmadinotsav (Birthday) i.e during Margashira Shudha Chathurdashi.
There is a choultry in the front side of the temple where free food is served for visitors. Travellers can relax here and refresh. Well maintained toilet and bathroom facility available. The maintenance of the temple is taken care by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Photography is restricted inside the Garbha Gruham, allowed outside the temple premises. Dormitory facility available at a very nominal cost which is available at a distance of half kilometer from the temple. Bigger one INR 200 per day and smaller one is INR 100 per day. The temple timings are given below.
Daily Dharma Darshan: 6.00AM to 7.00AM and night 7.00PM to 8.00PM
Wednesdays: 6.00AM to 11.30AM and 3.00PM to 8.00PM
Rest of the days: 6.00AM to 12 noon and 3.00PM to 8.00PM
There is a pond nearer to the temple which is called Sapta (seven) Godavari Kundam (pond).

How to reach
Draksharama is situated just 6 Kms away from Ramachandra Puram in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. Only bus facility is available to reach. Nearest Railway stations are Kakinada, Rajahmundry. Samalkot (junction) is one more nearest railway station where people can plan to get down in case they want to visit other places in this area. Few trains give stop at Annavaram also. Get proper information about the stoppage of trains in these stations as all the trains will not stop. Excellent bus facility is available from Kakinada and Ramachandrapuram.
People travelling by train from any part of the country, get down at Samalkot. If they get train upto Kakinada, get down at Kakinada. People can reach Kakinada by bus also. The distance between Samalkot and Kakinada is only 12Kms. From Kakinada, Draksharama is 28 Kms on the way to Kotipalli. There are frequent buses available to Kotipalli.
Visitors travelling by bus have several options. Travelling from Kolkata and other Northern part of India, have to take National Highway 5 and reach Annavaram after Visakhapatnam. After Annavaram take left turn at Kathipudi to proceed either to Samalkot or Kakinada. People coming from Hyderabad and other parts of the country, take right diversion at Ravulapalem before reaching Rajahmundry where green direction boards are installed on Highway. Ramachandra puram is only 45minutes journey from this point. From Ramachandrapuram, continue in the road going towards Yanam to reach Draksharama. Draksharama is at a distance of 470 Kms from Hyderabad.

Additional places of interest around Draksharama include Samalkot (Pancharama, Kumararama Bheemeshwara temple), Annavaram, Thalupulamma Thalli and Rajahmundry. Tourists better plan their stay either at Kakinada, Samalkot or Rajahmundry. Travellers can also make Rajahmundry as the center place for their trip.

ANNAVARAM

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 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. 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 this temple falls in right side and can be seen from the moving trains. Railway station and moving trains are visible from the temple also. There are so many parking places for private vehicles on the hill surrounding the temple. Well equipped lodge facilities available. Free darshanam is with normal que and special darshanam with additional fees of either INR 25/- or INR 116/- are also available. Prasadam counter is available on the national highway for those who are not able to visit the temple. This temple is located at a hill top. Vehicles are allowed to climb up the hill. At the top of the hill guest houses for staying 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 status 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. 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. From Anavaram Vizag 125 KM Rajahmundry 80 KM Some more places near Annavaram having importance of tourism include Samalkot, Thalupulamma Thalli and Draksharama. Travellers interested in visiting Simhachalam in Visakhapatnamcan reach as APTDC has arranged bus service directly from Annavaram to Simhachalam (

Antarvedi

Antarvedi

Antarvedi 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 ( Draksharama on 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.