Rajahmundry is an ancient town located in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh state. The town which is on the left bank of the river Godavari is called as the cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh. Kurnool is the birth place of the first poet of the Telugu Literature, Nannayya who wrote the first Telugu classic. The city has which has a rich cultural past was counted amongst one of the biggest cities in South India during the 19th century.
Today Rajahmundry is one of the main Hindu pilgrimage centres. There are many temples around Rajahmundry with most important temples being the Markandeya and Kotilingeswara temples on the bank of the Godavari. The Asia’s largest rail and road bridge constructed on the river Godavari linking Kovvur and Rajahmundry is another attraction of this place. The bridge is supported by 56 pillars and this bridge is a modern day engineering feat. Rajahmundry is the place where the Godavari Pushkaram is celebrated once in 12 years. During Pushkaram millions of devotees take a holy dip in Godavari.
Attractions & Tourist Places in Rajahmundry
There are several places of tourist’s interest in and around Rajahmundry.
Kotilingeswara Temple
Kotilingeswara Temple is a famous tourist destination in Rajahmundry. This 10th century temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are many bathing Ghats all along the river bank. It is also a ferry point to cross the river Godavari.
Markandeya Temple
This temple was reconstructed by Gundu Sobhanadriswara Rao In 1818. This ancient temple has idol of Lord Mahavishnu which is carved out of a single, five-foot-high Saligramam.
ISKCON temple
ISKCON temple located on the banks of the Godavari River is known for its architectural beauty. Also popularly known as Gowthami Ghat, this temple is a popular tourist attraction in Rajahmundry. It is considered as the second largest Iskcon temple in southern India after Bangalore.
Papi kondalu region
This is a famous outdoor spot and is known for its spectacular waterfalls and beautiful landscape. PapiKondalu is part of Eastern Ghats and is covered by dense forests. These hills are located in a village named Perantala Palli. Scenic beauty of Papi Hills resembles the scenery of Kashmir.
Pattiseema
Pattiseema 40 kms from Rajahmundry is well-known for Sri Veerabhadra Temple and the presiding deity is Lord Shiva. The temple is situated on a hill in the banks of river Godavari. Pattiseema is also a favourite destination for film shootings.
Ryali
Ryali is situated around 25 km from Rajahmundry. This is a very well irrigated area of Andhra Pradesh and is also known by the name of Kona Seema. The main attraction of this place is Jaganmohini Kesava swami Temple. The figurine of the deity which is 5 Ft in height and around 3 Ft in width is carved out of a single stone. The idol known for its architectural splendour looks like Sri Vishnu from front while from the rear side it resembles Mohini.
How to reach Rajahmundry
Rajahmundry has an airport with regular flights to Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Chennai, Bangalore etc. Rajahmundry lies on the Chennai to Howrah line and is well connected by rail to the rest of the state as well as neighbouring states. Rajahmundry is very well connected via road to all the parts of the state. There are many government and private buses that are available from Hyderabad to Rajahmundry.
Where to stay in Rajahmundry
Rajahmundry has ample accommodation options ranging from luxury to budget hotels which offer comfortable stay to its guests.