Antharvedi

Located about 130 Kms from Kakinada, 100 kms from Rajahmundry and 65 Kms from Amalapuram, Antharvedi is a land of majestic beauty; flanked by beautiful waters of the sea in the East and the South, the Godavari in the West and the Raktakulya River in the North.

This magnificent place is hailed as the second Varanasi that offered solace to many devotees who throng it at all times. There are five important spots of this Holy shrine ………

The Sea
The Sagar Sangam
The Vasishta River
The Raktakulya River
The Chakrateertham

It is said that a mere visit to this holy place washes off the sins of the people and confers abundant prosperity and happiness. It is said that there will be no re-birth on taking a dip at these places and on offering charities there and performing ceremonial formalities to one’s ancestors at this holy-shrine is equivalent to these done at Gaya and Ganges.

So famous is this place, that even people from distant place like Varanasi, also visit this place to just participate in Lord Narasimha's Chariot procession in the month of Phalguna (January) and dolepournami celebration in the month of Phalguna (March). The Lord is worshipped with panchamrita abhishekam. As this place shrine blesses the pilgrims with Mukti, it is also called the Mukti Kshetra. Antarvedi is also named after the Lord as 'Narasimhakshetra'.

A visit to this fine place is incomplete without a trip to the Razole Tq. of East Godavari District famous for one hundred and eight shrines of Lord Narasimha and annual Mela that runs for about nine days. At this period of time, it becomes kaliyuga Vaikuntha.

Rajahmundry

Rajahmundry (in the Vijayawada-Waltair section of the South Central Railway) is a place of great historical importance. It was known as Rajamahendravaram, being a capital of the Hindu kingdoms of the Deccan and a place of many revolutions and battles and many poets and scholars wrote their epics here. Rajahmundry still maintains the past glory and reputation.

It is situated on the left bank of the river Godavari in East Godavari district; it still maintains traces of the past with some fine palaces, fort walls, etc. Rajamundry is an important religious centre; pilgrims going to Kashi pay a visit to Rajahmundry and bathe in the holy river called Kotilingam Ghat. The place also abounds with a number of temples of which the Kotilingala temple on the bank of the Godavari is hailed as one

of the most important temples. The city sees huge influx of devotees during Godavari Pushkaram, celebrated once in twelve years. Legend has it that a dip in the Godavari on this sacred occasion is holy.

The commercial town of Rajahmundry has three modern rail-road bridges that facilitate brisk trade. It is also home to many art forms like dance, painting and music and is the birth place of several renowned poets, artistes, writers and social reformers.

Its major attraction is Asia's largest rail-cum-road bridge on the river Godavari linking Kovvur and Rajahmundry, considered to be an engineering feat and Dowlaiswaram anicut across the Godavari River. Other popular tourist attractions are………….

Paul Chowk
Seshaiah Metta
Kambham Choultry and Kambal Tank
Temple Of Lord Markandeya
lcot Gardens

Pattiseema

Located about 120 kms from Eluru, 40 kms from Rajahmundry and 25 kms from Kovvur, it is well-known for Sri Veerabhadra Temple that is situated on a lovely hill in the middle of river Godavari. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva and Sri Veerabhadra Temple is believed to be one of the Panchkasi Kshetrams of Shaivites.

The temple walls are decorated by carved images of dancing people, the life-size sculpture of Goddess Bhadrakali with pretty ornaments and a sword is in particular excellent. The temple also has a beautiful Nandi Vigraha.

Pattiseema also is home to another temple dedicated to Sri Bhavanarayalla Swamy can also be visited.

Papi Hills

It is a confluence point of Sabari river with Godavari River. A delightful hill that has an exotic collection of flora and fauna and its feast of colours is a treat for naked eye. Its scenery is equivalent to Kashmir’s scenery.

The jungles in the hill are inhabited by colourful tribal people and a fine temple dedicated to Lord Yoga Rama. People believe that Lord Rama used to be under Yoga Samadhi while he was spending the days in Dandakaranya.

The beautiful scenery of Papi Hills, the waterfalls at Munivaatam, and the peaceful atmosphere at this tribal village give a pleasant look and peace to visitors, making it a

special attraction for tourists. The idol of Lord Shiva under serpent shade was installed in Munivaatam

Legend says that Papi Hills is a place where all sins are cleansed.

Kadiyapulanka

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.

Kakinada Port

Situated in the southern part of East Coast of India, it is an all weather Lighterage Port developed in a naturally sheltered bay called Godavari Sand Spit that offers excellent protection to the port from the vagaries of nature. It is today one of the most important minor ports in India.

It has a chequered history that dates back to year 1805, when the port of Coringa nearby had to be closed due to unavoidable circumstances. It has acquired strategic importance and is classified as an intermediate port and is all weather sheltered anchorage port. Its infrastructure was earlier found to inadequate for handling export/import industrial cargoes of companies like GFCL, POL, Hindustan Petroleum Ltd., etc. To rectify this problem and meet the growing requirements of modernisation, the Deep Water Port facility was created with 150 crore ADB financial assistance in 1996.

Kolleru Lake

Located about 95 km from Vijaywada, it is located between the wide deltas of Godavari & Krishna and is the largest fresh Water Lake in the country.

It receives water from four rivers, namely Budameru, Ramileru, Tammileru and Errakalva and 18 drains. This lake empties its water into the Bay of Bengal, every six months through an outlet called 'upputera'. Its majestic beauty comes alive during monsoons when it spans nearly 260-sq-kms.

It is home to a fine Bird sanctuary called Kolleru Sanctuary that attracts several species of birds. It is the largest pelican refuge that is a rich haven for migrating birds. The lake also supports a rich biodiversity and high biomass of fish, plankton that forms the source of food for birds. Pelicans arrive here during the nesting season to raise their young. Kolleru Lake witnesses great activity during winters. The place can also be reached from 1.5 km from Kaikaluru town, 3 km from Gudivakalankas and 15 km from Eluru.

Hope Island

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.

Coringa (Wild Life Sanctuary)

Located about 20 Km from Kakinada on Kakinada Yanam Road and 70 kms from Rajahmundry, this fine sanctuary is part of river Godavari. Its name comes from a tiny village called Coringa in East Godavari District. It is blessed with abundant mangroves and exotic flora.

Declared as a wildlife sanctuary by Govt of Andhra Pradesh, it attracts lot of people from surrounding places. A unique feature of this sanctuary is that it's located on the back waters of the sea and protected specie Otter is found here. One can also see other animals like Fishing Cat, Jackal, Sea Turtle and Estuarine Crocodile, birds like Snipes, Ducks, ,Sea Gulls and Flamingos.

One can easily reach this place from Kakinada which possess excellent transport network and also places such as Chollangi, Matlapalem or Ramannapalem which are located on Kakinada- Yanam Road that is about 10 - 15 Km. from Kakinada. The best time to visit this place is from October to May.

Tourist can find accommodation at Forest Rest Houses available at Coringa, Kakinada and Rajahmundry.

Adurru

Adurru is located near Nagaram in Razole taluk of East Godavari district and lies on the west bank of the Vainetaya, a branch of Godavari River 9.5 km. from the sea. It is about 30 kms from Amalapuram.

The place is home to the remains of stupas, chaityas and vinaras among which the Mahastupa, built on wheel shaped plan 17 feet in diameter with a raised platform running all round the drum and ayaka platforms on cardinal directions is extremely famous. The area also has Buddhist remnants in an area of approximately 2.04 acres.

The nearest railway station is 130 kms away at Rajahmundry and can also be reached by an excellent road from Amalapuram.

Talupulamma Lova

It comes under Loya Village, Tuni(m), East Godavari district. Located about 70 kms from Kakinada, 106 kms from Rajahmundry, 176 kms from Amalapuram via Rajahmundry and 8 kms from Tuni, it is home to the popular Sri Talupulamma Ammavari Devasthamam whose presiding deity Sri Talupulamma Ammavaru is extremely popular.

This temple is situated on a hillock sandwiched between DARAKONDA and TEEGAKONDA at a height of about 400 ft from the ground level at Lova village and its rituals are performed as per Grama Devatha Agama.

The area around the shrine is peaceful and serene. There is a tradition in this place that says that devotees will arrive at the morning and disburses by evening

Samalkota

It is a small pilgrim town in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh and about 165 west of Visakhapatnam. It is famous for the temple of Sri Kumara Rama Bheemeswara Swami, one of the Pancharamas as described in Sprint’s Beeswax Purana. The Suryanarayana Swami shrine at Peddapuram, 4 kms away is another spot worth visiting.

Palakollu

Also known as Ksheeramam, it is situated in West Godavari District. It is about 21 kms from Bhimavaram and 10 kms from Narsapur. It is the abode of Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple, which is one of the five Pancharama shrines in Andhra Pradesh.

Legend has it that Upamanyu, the son of Kaushika muni, requested Lord Shiva to grant him the adequate quantity of milk for the performance of his daily rituals. Lord Shiva made the Ksheera Pushkarini tank to overflow with milk from the mythical Ksheera Saagaram (the milky ocean). The temple

was built during the 10th and 11th centuries by the Chalukyas. It reflects the Chalukya architectural style and has a 9- storied gopuram. The Shivalingam in the sanctum is made of white marble and is called as Ramalingeswara Swamy or Ksheeraraameswaraswamy.

A visit to this place is incomplete without a trip to Natta Rameshwaram temple, about 20 km from Palakollu. This temple’s Lingam is made of shells and conches.

Kotipalli

Located about 38 Km from Kakinada, 60 Km from Rajahmundry and 15 Km from Amalapuram, Kotipalli is a famous pilgrimage centre, which is situated on the Bank of River Godavari according to Brahmanda Puranam and Gowthami Mahatyam. Three idols of Lord Indra, Lord Lord Chandra and Kasyapa Maharshi are found here.

The Holy River Gowthami in this place is famous as it was brought by Gowtham Maharshi and it is said that if any person takes a bath in these

waters can get rid of his sins. It is also known as Koti Teertha Kshetram as a number of water currents are flowing in these waters. Here there is no difference between Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva.

Major Festivals

Magha Bahula Chathurdasi (Mahasivarathri) (Feb/Mar).
Sri Swami Vari Kalyanam (Vysakha Suddha Ekadasi) (May).
Sarannavarathri festival (Aswayuja Suddha Padyami to Dwadasi) (October).
Ksheerabdi Dwadasi Teppotsavam during Kartheeka Masam (November).

Mamidada

Located about 20 Km from Kakinada, 58 Km from Rajahmundry and 65 Km from Amalapuram, it falls under Peddapudi Mandal, East Godavari District that has been a popular pilgrim centre
for the last hundred years. It is situated on the banks of the river Thulya Bhaga alias Antharvahini and is also called as Gopurala Mamidada. Its presiding deity is Lord Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Varu.

Rituals in this temple are performed as per Sri Vyshanava Samradaya and have acquired much importance. Its tenets are of Vyshanava Sampradaya

and attract scores of pilgrims on all days, particularly on Sundays.

Major Festivals

Radha Sapthami on Maga Sudda Sapthami (February Month).
Bhishma Ekadasi in the month of February every year.

Dwaraka Tirumala

Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, also called as Sudersana Kshetram, is situated between Krishna and Godavari rivers. Its presiding deity is Lord Venkateshwara whose self manifested idol was unearthed by a saint named Dwaraka after a severe penance in a valmikam (anthill).

The best feature of Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple is the two main idols of the Lord, seen under one Vimana Sikharam; one idol is a full and complete statue and the other is a half statue of the upper portion of the Lord. Another

notable feature of this temple is that no Abhishekam (ceremonial cleansing of the Lord's idol) is performed here because even a small drop of water that falls down is said to disturb the red ants beneath the idol.

Also as per temple tradition, two Kalyanotsavams are performed every year during the months of Vaisakha (April and May) and Aswayuja (September and October).

Draksharamam

Located in the village of Ramachandrapuram in East Godavari District, it is about 26 km from Kakinada and 48 km from Rajahmundry and also called as "Dakshina Kashi" (Southern Banaras). It is described as a very holy place that is next only to Benaras, the holiest of Shiva temples in the country.

The temple is one of most ancient shrines of India and possesses one of the most important 'Shaiva Aramas'. The Inscriptional evidences in the temple indicate its origin to 11th century, when the Chola king Rajaraja was reigning at Rajahmundry.

Draksharama is one of the five Panchaarama temples and legend says that the Shivalingam held by the demon Taraka, splintered into five pieces and fell at the five Panchaaraama kshetrams one of which is Draksharama

The temple is an architectural marvel whose grand appearance and Linga’s unique height attracts many devotees. Thousands of pilgrims attend the 'Bhimesvaraswami Kalyanam', which is celebrated for five days during January-February

The place is also sacred to the Muslims. The mosque and the tomb of Syed Shah Bhaji Aulia are greatly revered by them.

Bhimavaram

Located in West Godavari district, it has several temples and among these 'Bhimesvara' and 'Somesvara' temple are most important ones.

The Shiva Lingam in the temple of Bhimesvara, which is 5ft (1.52m) in height is said to be a "Svayambhu" (self-manifested) and the festival of Shivaratri celebrated here is attended by scores of devotees every year.

Legend has it that Tharakasura, a rakshasa who had the `Amruthalingam' protecting him from death, used to create problem for the gods, who approached Kumara Swami for a solution.

Kumara Swami manages to take away the `Amruthalingam' from Tharakasura. The places at which the five pieces of the `Amruthalingam fell are called `pancharamas,' which are located at Bhimavaram, Palacol, Amaravathi, Draksharamam and Samalakota

Biccavolu

Located about 33 Km from Kakinada, 40 Km from Rajahmundry and 60 Km from Amalapuram, it is popular for the beautiful stone temple of Lord Shiva, which was built by Eastern Chalukyas between 9th-10th centuries. A stone sculpture of Ganesha in the same place is said to be a marvel and a masterpiece of Chalukyan craftsmanship. The place reeks of divine sanctity so well described in the Vaastu Sastra.

There exist several important temples and some of the popular ones are Sri Golingeswara Swamy temple, Sri Rajaraja Temple and Sri Chandrasekhara Swamy. The artwork in these temples is stunning and speaks highly of the genius of the craftsmen.

Achanta

Located about 28 Kms from Tanuku & 48 Kms from Tadepalligudem, it boasts of an ancient Sri Raneswara Swamy temple. The temple has a Gopuram at the entrance with a pair of lions on top and a big dwaja Sthamba at the Mukha Mandapam. One can also see a beautiful sculpted Nandi in a resting posture on an elevated platform.

Annavaram

Located about 500 kms from Hyderabad, 72 kms from Rajahmundry and 142 kms from Visakhapatnam, it is a sugar granary.

There is a famous temple atop a delightful hill dedicated to Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy, whose consort is Sri Anantalakshmi Satyavathi Ammavaru. The temple is constructed in the shape of a chariot with four wheels on its sides, according to the architectural norms of Agni Purana and one can also see the shrines of Vana Durga and Kanaka Durga. The temple attracts scores of devotees that is next only to Tirupati. It is said

that those who perform His 'Vratam' (a religious observance propitiating the Lord) with devotion in Kali Yuga secure his abundant grace and protection. It is estimated that on an average about one lakh couples perform 'Vratas' every year. Marriages and thread ceremonies (Upanayanams) are also performed in this shrine.

Holy River Pampa flows at the foot of the hill as if washing the feet of the Lord. Since there is no Pushkarini or tank in the temple premises, pilgrims take bath in the river before going to visit the Lord. Separate bathing ghats exist for men and women. Pampa River is also known as
Viraja of Goloka (the cosmic world) who melted in her ecstasy of faith and took birth as this rivulet to stay in the presence of the Lord. Archanas to the idols and to the 'Yantra' are conducted thrice a day regularly, besides the very powerful Salagramams and the crystal 'Sri Chakra.'

Bhishma Ekadasi, which occurs during January-February, Kalyanotsavam, and Vysakha Ekadasi during April-May, is important festivals. Annavaram Satyanarayana Swamy is ever merciful and will not disappoint His devotees.

Mori

Located about 21 Km from Amalapuram, 85 Km from Rajahmundry and 18 Km from Palacole it is a quiet place situated besides Malikipuram

The temple of Lord Sri "Mahalakshmi" Ammavaru is said to be one of the greatest temples in Andhra Pradesh with divine healing powers.

Pooja and Archana karyakramams are performed as per tradition of "Gramadevatha Agama Sastra". Every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday are important days for devotees.

Gudapalli

Located about 21 Km from Amalapuram, 85 Km from Rajahmundry and 18 Km from Palacole it is a quiet place situated besides Rakthakulya River.

The temple of Lord Sri "Nukalamma" Ammavaru is said to be one of the greatest temples in Andhra Pradesh with divine healing powers.

Pooja and Archana karyakramams are performed as per tradition of "Gramadevatha Agama Sastra". Every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday are important days for devotees.

Vanapalli

Located about 21 Km from Amalapuram, 55 Km from Rajahmundry and 70 Km from Kakinada via Ravulapalem, it is a quiet place situated besides Gowthami River.

The temple of Lord Sri "Pallalamma" Ammavaru is said to be one of the greatest temples in Andhra Pradesh with divine healing powers. Every year, in the month of "Vysakha", a festival is performed on Tuesday after Vysakha Poornima that continues for one month and attracts scores of devotees.

A statue of "Jackal" can be found under the feet of Sri Pallalamma Ammavaru and Sri Ammavaru is seated putting her leg on the other leg. Also, a statue of "Ganapathi" facing "South" is said to be auspicious. Pooja and Archana karyakramams are performed as per tradition of "Gramadevatha Agama Sastra". Every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday are important days for devotees.

Ryali

Located about 40 Km from Rajahmundry, 74 Km from Kakinada and 34 Km from Amalapuram, it is an enchanting place situated between the rivers Vashista and Gautami, the tributaries of the mighty river Godavari.

The famous temple Jagan Mohini Kesava Swamy is located here and its exquisite idol, made of black stone depicting Maha Vishnu and Mohini can be seen on its front and rear sides. This 5 feet height and 3 feet width shrine is itself the form of Sri Maha Vishnu, with the idol of Sree Kesava Swamy varu of "Sri Mahavishnu" on front side and Jagan Mohini on back side. One can also

catch a glimpse of the ten incarnations Lord Sree Maha Vishnu with consorts, Sri Devi, BhooDevi, Sage Narada, Thumbura, Rambha, Urvasi, Kinnera and Kimpurusha PLUS Lord Krishna with Govardhanagiri, Adiseshu, Garuda and Ganga.

A major highlight is the flow of Ganga waters from the feet of Sri Maha Vishnu that is said to be the origin of Akasa Ganga. The shrine is also referred to as "SWAYAMBHU" and devotees who visit the shrine believe that the shrine is not man made but a creation of the Lord himself.

Major Festivals

Sri Jaganmohini kesava Swamy kalyanam will be conducted from Chaitra sudha Navami to Pournami (March/April)
Sri Rama Satyanarayana Swamy kalyanam will be conducted from Visakha Sudha Ekadasi to Pournami
Sri Venugopala Swamy kalyanam will be conducted from Jyesta Sudha Ekadasi to pournami (June)
Sravana Bahula Astami Sri Krishnastami (August)
Karthiaka sudha Dwadasi (Ksheerabdi Dwadasi) (November)
Devi Navaratrams (October)
Mukkoti Ekadasi.
Bheeshma Ekadasi.

Accommodation

A Guest House AND choultry can be found in this place.

Palivela

Located about 90 km from Kakinada, 50 Km from Rajahmundry and 25 Km from Amalapuram, it is a popular pilgrim centre, one among the many pilgrim centres of Bhima Mandalam.

This village comes under Kothapeta Mandal of East Godavari District and has a fine history behind it. It is said that the Lord’s (known as Sri Uma Koppulingeswara Swamy) idol installation in the temple was performed by famous saint Maharshi Agastya. The Kalyana Mahotsavam of the Lord on

Mahasivarathri takes place in kalyana mandapam and attracts lot of devotees who particularly adore watching Kalyanotsavam, Radhotsavam (Chariot Festival).

It is said that there used to be 7 Mantapams in the premises of the temple and one can see even today Somavari Mantapam, Mangalavara Matapam, Vuyyala Mantapam, Nityastana Mantapam and Chiluku Dwadasi Mandapam, while others are in ruin.

Major Festivals
Ganapathi Navarathrulu
Devi Navarathrulu
Karteeka Masam
Subrahmanyeswara Swamy kalyanam and Sasti
Dhanurmasam
Kalyana mahothsavam Lord Sri Uma Koppeswara Swamy Kalyanam.

Accommodation
Decent accommodation is available at Guest House Palivela Dharma Satram and one can contact Palivela Dharma satram here.