Cultural Tourism

Culture has always been a major object of travel. Culture plays an important role in tourism. Cultural heritage tourism is the fastest growing segment of the tourism industry because there is a trend towards an increase in the specialization among tourists towards Culture.

PAPIKONDALU

Bus will start from IRO office, Rajamahendravaram at 7.30 A.M and reaches Boating Terminal point at Gandipochamma Temple, Devipat

namMandal at 9.00 A.M return at 6:00 pm at Gandipochamma Temple. Boat returns to Rajahmundry by 7.30 P.M.

Facilities available in the Boat:

Boat Manager with Staff members and Guide Ground floor with seating having Toilet

 Ist floor in open deck with dias and audio sytem. Complimentary entertainment programmes Papikondalu are three in number situated like a wall in     the midst of holy river Godavari, nearly 100 KM far from Rajahmundry.  Every Tourist visited Papi hills on luxury cruise have enjoyed scenic beauty. The scenic beauty of the Papikondalu hills, lush greenery, and the tranquil river make it a delightful experience for tourists. Boat rides typically start from Rajahmundry and cover key points like Kolluru, Sirivaka, Papikondalu&Perantapalli. It’s a great way to enjoy nature and explore the picturesque landscape of the region.Embarking on Papikondalu boating from GandiPochamma Temple offers a serene journey along the Godavari River. Starting at this sacred site, the boat ride unfolds with breathtaking views of hills, rich greenery, and tranquil waters. Passengers can witness the natural beauty of the surroundings and may make stops at scenic spots. Overall, the boating adventure from GandiPochamma Temple provides a harmonious blend of nature, spirituality, and cultural exploration in the heart of Papikondalu.

GODAVARI HARATHI AT PUSKAR GHAT NEAR HAVELOCK BRIDGE

The evening Harathi at 6.45 P.M, PushkarGhat is a must see at sun set.  The location between the old Havlock Bridge and the New one is very scenic. Sitting by the banks of holy river GODAVARI & listening to the Loud ringing of Temple Bells is amazing. Evening Arti musical Instruments is truly an experience in itself. Its spectacular scene to watching the temple priests occupying floating podiums over water & performing rituals with lamps &lanterns at dusk. PushkarGhar is the place where one can take a holy dip in Godavari River while enjoying Train passing on bridge above. Nice stairs up to water and proper barricade or chain to ensure safety while taking a dip.

MAHASHIVALAYAM AT GAUTHAMI GHAT, RAJAHMUNDRY:

GoutamiGhat is one of the premier recreational places in Rajahmundry, it houses ISKCON Temple, Riverbay Resorts and Water park, Ayyappa Temple, KailashBhoomi.One can spend an entire day here because of the number of places to visit.

Sri Mahakaleshwar temple at Rajamahendravaram has started performing the BhasmaAarti (Abhisheka with cremation ash) to Lord Shiva. The BhasmaAarti is performed to Lord Shiva only at JyotirlingaKshetra, Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh.The Mahakaleshwar temple was built along with the crematorium and was  in April 2022. Similar to Ujjain, BhasmaAarti has become a specialty here as well. It is recognised as the first Mahakaleshwartemple in south India and Rajamahendravaram is known as the second Ujjain through the Mahabaleshwar temple.

MARKANDEYA SWAMY TEMPLE, NEAR PADMAVATHI GHAT

One of the ancient temples of Rajahmundry. The temple was rebuilt in 1818 which shows Lord Shiva along with all other deities in one place. It is located near Ghats of Godavari. Devotees generally have a dip in river Godavari before they enter the temple.On the Godavari river banks, the temple is established some 200 + years ago. The complex is having 6 temples of Markandeswaraswamy (lord Shiva), Parvatidevi, Ganesha, Sri Balaji, Subrahmanya, Shanidev, Ayyappam, Navagrahas. Considered by locals as one of the oldest temples in the region and must see whenever we are in Rajahmundry. From Godavari station, the temple is at walakable and very near to Kotagummam Cloth market. Opposite to the temple, the Godavari river and rail cum road bridge can be seen. Feast for shivabhaktas

ISCKON TEMPLE:

One of the most famous temples in Andhra Pradesh, Iskcon Temple is a Devotionalcentre in Rajahmundry. It is known as the second-largest Iskcon Temple in the Southern region of India after the Iskcon in Bangalore. Also known as GowthamiGhat, this temple is a popular worship spot and is definitely worth a visit. Built across 2 acres of land on the banks of the Godavari River, this temple was created by the Iskcon group which stands for International Society for Krishna Consciousness and is a temple primarily dedicated to Lord Krishna. Many Rishis are believed to have performed Tapasya or prayer here and has a few alternative names such as Sri Gopinath Temple and Ramananda Raya Gaudiya Math since it is believed that Sri Chaitanya and Ramananda Raya exchanged words on this site. It is one of the most modern temples with a number of facilities available for tourists and should be on the list for those who wish to see Hindu culture in South India.