Are you looking for a refreshing and adventurous getaway from the hustle and bustle of Hyderabad? Do you want to experience the beauty and diversity of nature, culture, and history in one place? If yes, then you should definitely visit Papikondalu, the miniature Himalayas of Andhra Pradesh.
Papikondalu, also known as Papi Kondalu, Papi Hills, or Papikonda, are a series of hills that form a gorge on the Godavari river in Andhra Pradesh. The name Papikondalu means the partition of a woman’s hair in Telugu, as the hills resemble the shape of a woman’s hair parted in the middle. Papikondalu are known for their scenic beauty, wildlife, culture, and mythology. They offer a range of activities and attractions for tourists, such as boating, camping, trekking, visiting temples, exploring villages, and spotting animals and birds.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive travel guide to Papikondalu and its nearby places. We will cover everything you need to know about Papikondalu. So, let’s get started!
Things to do in Papikondalu
One of the best ways to enjoy Papikondalu is to take a boat ride on the Godavari river and witness the majestic hills and valleys. The boat ride starts from Rajahmundry or Bhadrachalam and takes you through the narrowest part of the gorge, where the hills are only 100 meters apart. The boat ride also includes stops at various places of interest along the way, such as:
Gandi Pochamma Temple:
This is an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Gandi Pochamma, who is believed to protect the travelers from evil spirits. The temple is located on the banks of the river Godavari and has a colorful and intricate architecture. You can offer prayers and receive blessings from the goddess here.
Perantapalli Village:
This is a quaint village that has an ashram and a temple visited by tourists. The ashram is called Ramakrishna Muni Vatika and was established by Swami Rama Krishna Paramahamsa. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known as Veereswara Swamy Temple. You can explore the village and learn about its culture and lifestyle here.
Jammalapuram Temple:
This is a temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara located in Jamalapuram village. The temple is also known as Khammam Chinna Tirupati, as it resembles the famous Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh. The temple has a rich history and legend associated with it. You can trek to the temple and admire its architecture and history here.
Papikondalu National Park:
This is a forest reserve that covers a vast area and hosts various species of animals and birds. The national park is home to tigers, leopards, deer, monkeys, crocodiles, peacocks, parrots, and many more. You can camp at the national park and spot the wildlife here.
You may also like to check out: Papikondalu: Experience the Godavari
Places to visit near Papikondalu
If you think Papikondalu is the only attraction in this region, you are mistaken. There are many other places that you can visit near Papikondalu that offer more attractions and activities for tourists. Here are the 5 best places that you should not miss near Papikondalu:
Pattisam:
This is an island that has two temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu respectively. The Shiva temple is called Shri Bhava Narayana Swamy Temple and the Vishnu temple is called Shri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple. The temples are located on opposite sides of the island and are connected by a bridge. The temples are known for their architecture, sculptures, and festivals. You can visit the temples and participate in the rituals and ceremonies here.
Bhadrachalam Temple:
This is a historically significant temple devoted to Lord Rama and Sita located in Bhadrachalam town. The temple is also known as Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The temple has a legend that Lord Rama visited this place and blessed a devotee named Bhadra. The temple also has a connection with the famous saint-poet Tulsidas, who composed the Ramcharitmanas here. You can visit the temple and admire its history and legend here.
Maredumilli:
This is a forest village that has eco-tourism campsites, waterfalls, and tribal culture. The village is located in the Eastern Ghats and is surrounded by dense forests and hills. The village offers various eco-tourism activities, such as trekking, camping, birdwatching, nature walks, bamboo huts, tribal dances, and more. You can visit the village and enjoy its natural beauty and culture here.
Kolleru Lake:
This is the largest freshwater lake in India that is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The lake is located between Krishna and Godavari deltas and covers an area of about 900 square kilometers. The lake is a Ramsar site and a wildlife sanctuary that hosts thousands of migratory birds every year, such as pelicans, flamingos, storks, ducks, herons, egrets, and more. You can visit the lake and watch the birds here.
Rajahmundry:
This is the cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh that has many temples, bridges, museums, and parks. The city is located on the banks of the Godavari river and is one of the oldest cities in India. The city is famous for its literary, artistic, and religious heritage. Some of the attractions in the city are Godavari Bridge, ISKCON Temple, Rallabandi Subbarao Government Museum, Sir Arthur Cotton Museum, Kadiyapulanka Flower Garden, Dowleswaram Barrage, Pushkar Ghat, and more. You can visit the city and explore its culture and history here.
Itinerary
If you are planning to visit Papikondalu and its nearby places, you can follow this sample itinerary for a 2-day or 3-day trip. This itinerary will help you cover the major attractions and activities in this region.
Day 1: Rajahmundry to Papikondalu
Start your journey from Rajahmundry, where you can board a boat that will take you to Papikondalu. The boat ride will take about 4 hours and will offer you a spectacular view of the hills and valleys.
On the way, you will stop at Gandi Pochamma Temple, where you can offer prayers and receive blessings from the goddess.
You will also stop at Perantapalli Village, where you can explore the ashram and the temple.
You will reach Papikondalu by afternoon and check into your campsite at the Papikondalu National Park. You can relax and enjoy the nature and wildlife there.
In the evening, you can join the tribal dance and music program organized by the locals. You can also have a bonfire and barbecue dinner at the campsite.
Day 2: Papikondalu to Bhadrachalam
After breakfast, you can trek to Jammalapuram Temple, where you can admire the architecture and history of the temple.
You can then board the boat again and head to Pattisam Island, where you can visit the two temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu respectively.
You can then proceed to Bhadrachalam, where you can check into your hotel and have lunch.
In the afternoon, you can visit the Bhadrachalam Temple, where you can worship Lord Rama and Sita and learn about their legend.
In the evening, you can enjoy the cultural program and aarti at the temple.
Day 3: Bhadrachalam to Rajahmundry
After breakfast, you can check out from your hotel and head to Maredumilli, where you can enjoy the eco-tourism activities such as trekking, camping, birdwatching, nature walks, bamboo huts, tribal dances, and more.
You can then proceed to Kolleru Lake, where you can watch the migratory birds and enjoy the lake view.
You can then return to Rajahmundry, where you can visit some of the attractions in the city such as Godavari Bridge, ISKCON Temple, Rallabandi Subbarao Government Museum, Sir Arthur Cotton Museum, Kadiyapulanka Flower Garden, Dowleswaram Barrage, Pushkar Ghat, and more.
You can then end your trip and depart from Rajahmundry.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Papikondalu and its nearby places is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. This is also the peak season for tourism in this region, as many festivals and events are celebrated during this time. Some of the festivals that you can witness are:
Dussehra:
This is a 10-day festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated in September or October every year. During this festival, you can see colorful processions, cultural programs, fireworks, and more. You can also visit the Bhadrachalam Temple during this festival, as it is decorated with flowers and lights.
Sankranti:
This is a harvest festival that marks the beginning of a new year. It is celebrated in January every year. During this festival, you can see kite flying competitions, bull races, rangoli making contests, bonfires, and more. You can also visit the Kolleru Lake during this festival, as it hosts a bird festival that attracts thousands of birdwatchers.
Maha Shivaratri:
This is a festival that honors Lord Shiva. It is celebrated in February or March every year. During this festival, you can see devotees fasting, praying, and offering milk, flowers, and fruits to Lord Shiva. You can also visit the Pattisam Island during this festival, as it hosts a grand fair and a boat festival that attracts thousands of pilgrims.
Nearby places to Visit
Apart from the places mentioned above, there are some other places that you can visit near Papikondalu, such as:
Konaseema:
This is a delta region that is known for its coconut groves, green fields, and backwaters. You can enjoy the scenic beauty and rural charm of this place. You can also visit the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a mangrove forest that hosts various species of animals and birds.
Polavaram:
This is a town that is famous for its irrigation project, which is one of the largest in India. You can see the dam and the reservoir that are being constructed on the Godavari river. You can also visit the Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a forest reserve that hosts various species of animals and birds.
Dindi:
This is a village that is known for its coconut plantations, palm trees, and houseboats. You can enjoy the serene and tranquil atmosphere of this place. You can also visit the Antarvedi Beach, which is a beach where the Godavari river meets the Bay of Bengal.
Also read: A weekend getaway to Papikondalu from Hyderabad
We hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned more about Papikondalu and its nearby places. Papikondalu is a perfect destination for anyone who loves nature, adventure, culture, and history. It offers a variety of activities and attractions that will make your trip memorable and fun.
