Rajahmundry: The Cultural Capital of Andhra Pradesh

Rajahmundry, known as the cultural capital of the Andhra Pradesh, one busiest and commercial city of the east Godavari. The Godavari river, flowing through the city, the lifeline of the city. People who come here as visitors/tourists enjoy sailing around on its water. Although a city by status, but far away from the shadows of modern city life. A place that guarantees the excitement and unfolds the bounties of nature.

The city connects well with the Vijayawada by buses and railways. However, the frequency of the bus service more frequent than any other means of transports. It located 150 kilometres away from Vijayawada and the bus fare ranges around RS 90 to RS 110. The time taken to cover the distance between the cities around four to four and a half hours.

Learn more about Vijayawada, how to reach there and its top attractions from this website.

Suitable arrangements for boat cruising on the Godavari river made by the Tourism department and some private travel agencies. A day's cruise on the river means covering 60 to 65 kilometres on boats over the water. The cruise charges (including lunch) RS 500 per head for the adults and RS 300 for the children below ten years.

However, the tour charges for two days and one night RS 1500 per head. First, the visitors taken from Rajahmundry to Purushottampur in a car. Next, they cruise on the boat. The river flows by the mountainside at its own pace. The view of the surrounding changes with the passing time and unfolds its everlasting beauty to the cruisers/visitors/travellers. The boat stops for the first time at the bank of the Gandi Pochamma Temple. An ancient temple where visitors love to pray and spend some time in the peaceful atmosphere.

Next, the visitors move ahead and sail for the Papikondalu. Here, they witness nature at its best displaying its broad characteristics. Several species of the country and international birds crowd over the river waters. While enjoying the boat cruise, visitors notice several small villages passing by. Finally, they reach the Pranta Palli Gram where the Shree Ramakrishan Temple and the ancient Shiva Temple located. The locals/villagers here make wonderful bamboo crafts in different shapes and sizes. People love watching these handcrafts and does not mind buying those as a memento of the place.

While returning, the awesome view of the sunset gets treasured in the soft corner of the heart of the visitors for long. Finally, the exciting tour finishes with the Godavari Puja or the Aarti.

Other nearby attractions of the place include Dowleswaram, Iskon Temple, Draksharama, Dvarka Tirumala, Veerabhadra Swami Temple, etc. Veerabhadra Swami Temple locates in the middle of the Godavari River on the Devakuta hill. One has to board a boat to cross the river to reach the temple.

The city famous for textile goods and has large markets where bulk purchase and sell of textile clothes take place. Besides, several small shops engage in regular business by selling these textile goods. Here, good quality of textile clothes available at cheap prices. Visitors who come here also enjoy shopping in these markets. Moreover, the city also sell quality furniture items sufficing the needs of the local households.

Some suitable hotels for comfortable stay available near the Kotipalli bus stand in the Rajahmundry. Some of these hotels mentioned below:

Hotel Siva Balaji Residency – Rent ranges between RS 400 to RS 800

Hotel Sai Krishna Inn – Rent ranges between RS 400 to RS 800

Hotel Devi Sridevi – Rent ranges between RS 350 to RS 700

Hotel Sangam – Rent ranges between RS 500 to RS 1500

Hotel Vaishali – Rent ranges between RS 500 to RS 1200

The check out time of all the hotels 24 hours. Service charges mandatory.