Places To Visit In East Godavari: A Journey Through Rivers, Forests And Temples

East Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh is a historical, cultural and spiritual hub that welcomes you with a plethora of unique experiences. Being blessed with stunning natural wonders and a variety of ancient temples, there are a lot of places to visit in East Godavari. Often dubbed as the “Rice Bowl of Andhra Pradesh,” the beauty of the individual spots around East Godavari doesn’t require any introduction. With a blend of lush paddy fields, serene rivers, majestic temples, and historic sites, there are a lot of experiences that you can indulge in.

10 Places To Visit In East Godavari

Be it the beauty of the Godavari River, lush forests, and ancient temples, these places to visit in East Godavari offers a variety of unique experiences

1. Rajahmundry

Picturesque view of the Godavari bridge during a sunset, the sun hues reflecting on the serene waters

Photo: Tatiraju.rishabh / Wikimedia Commons

Among the top tourist attractions in East Godavari, Rajahmundry or Rajamahendravaram, is a historic city that you can’t miss out on exploring. It serves as the cultural and economic hub of the East Godavari district and lies on the banks of the pristine and holy Godavari River. The Godavari Bridge, one of the longest rail-cum-road bridges in Asia, is an iconic structure that offers panoramic views of the river. The city is also renowned for a variety of ancient temples including Kotilingeshwara Temple and ISKCON temple.

Location: Rajahmundry, East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh
Major Attractions: Kotilingeshwara Temple, ISKCON temple, and Godavari Bridge

2. Papi Hills

Scenic view of the forested Papi hills, one of the most popular tourist places in East Godavari

Photo: Ivaturi. Puja Ankitha / Wikimedia Commons

Also known as the Papikondalu Hills, Papi Hills are also named the Grand Canyon of India and are located along the Godavari River. This gorge, surrounded by lush green hills, offers a mesmerising blend of natural wonders and dense forest trails. One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Papi Hills is through a boat ride on the Godavari River. Getting to witness the surrounding greenery and camping along the banks of the river is an immersive experience.

Location: Near Rajahmundry, East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh
Major Attractions: Papikondalu National Park, Papi Kondalu, and Gandi Pochamma Temple

3. Draksharamam

Draksharamam temple is one of the must- visit tourist attractions in East Godavari

Photo: Anudeep43 / Wikimedia Commons

Home to the Bhimeswara Swamy Temple, Draksharamam is yet another one of the popular cities that you can explore around East Godavari. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is reportedly one of the oldest temples in South India. Like several of the other nearby temples in Andhra Pradesh, even this one features a staple Dravidian style architecture. Also, the temple’s origins reportedly date back to the 9th century.

Location: Draksharamam, East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh
Major Attractions: Bhimeswara Swamy Temple

4. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary

Majestic view of Mangroves lining the serene stream through the lush forests

Photo: Alex Gonzo / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Another one of the popular East Godavari tourist places you can’t miss out on is the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary. Primarily known for its bird population, the wildlife sanctuary also has the third-largest stretch of mangrove forests, which add to the charm of the place. Inside the sanctuary, you will find around 24 different mangrove tree species alongside 150 species of birds, which is truly fascinating for any nature lover.

Location: Korangi, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM (Tuesday closed)
Entry Fee: ₹10 for adults and ₹5 for children

5. Maredumilli

Beautiful road leading to Maredumilli, a town offering the ideal getaway into nature's lap

Photo: Adityamadhav83 / Wikimedia Commons

Maredumilli is one of the best places to visit in East Godavari, especially if you want to relax and unwind in nature’s lap. This village is a forest haven with dense nature trails and beautiful tall mountains around the Eastern Ghats. The diverse biodiversity of this place enables the tourists to truly get a closer look into the different kinds of wildlife and plant species. Some of the popular sightseeing spots in the village include Jalatharangini Waterfalls, Amruthadhara Falls, Sokuleru Vagu Viewpoint, Rampa Waterfalls, and Polluru Waterfalls.

Location: Rampachodavaram Mandal, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh
Major Attractions: Jalatharangini Waterfalls, Sokuleru Vagu Viewpoint, and Rampa Waterfalls

6. Annavaram

Newly build Entrance arch at Annavaram, one of the most famous tourist places to visit in East Godavari

Photo: Adityamadhav83 / Wikimedia Commons

Annavaram is another popular town that you must add to your travel plans when visiting East Godavari district. Located on the banks of the Pampa River, the main attraction of this town is the Satyanarayana Swamy Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is located at an elevation, on top of the Ratnagiri hill. The temple is known for its unique rituals and the “Satyanarayana Vratham,” a special prayer that attracts devotees from across the country.

Location: Annavaram, East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh
Major Attractions: Satyanarayana Swamy Temple, Uppadu Beach, and Talupulamma Thalli Temple

7. Samalkot

Steps beside the pond of Sri Kumararama Bhimerswara temple, with tall palms in the background

Photo: Divya Talla / Wikimedia Commons

Another religious town that’s worth adding to your itinerary the next time you are in Andhra Pradesh is Samalkota. It is also known as Samarlakot and is one of the five Pancharama Temples. The beauty of this town comes from the central temple complex, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple in Samalkot is named Sri Kumararama Bhimeswara Swami and attracts devotees from across the country. The beauty of this temple stands out during Shivratri when the temple and the entire town are decorated with flowers and lights.

Location: Kakinada district, East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh
Major Attractions: Sri Kumararama Bhimeswara Swamy Temple

8. Rampa Waterfalls

Silver water cascading down the rocks into the serene pool surrounded by lush greenery

Photo: Rajib Ghosh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

One of the most popular places to visit in East Godavari district is the Rampa Waterfalls. It is also known as the Rampachodavaram Waterfalls. Located near the village of Rampachodavaram, these waterfalls are surrounded by lush forests and rugged terrain, making it a great spot for adventure enthusiasts. You can embark on a fun trekking and nature walking experience around the waterfalls. The area around the falls is also ideal for trekking, with several trails leading through the dense forests.

Location: Pedda Konda, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

9. Kakinada

Scenic view of Kakinada beach, one of the best places to visit in East godavari for a coastal getaway

Photo: Tisissid / Wikimedia Commons

Kakinada is a renowned coastal city, which is one of the top places to visit in East Godavari Andhra Pradesh. Featuring a blend of modernity and coastal charm, visiting Kakinada allows you to immerse in the local culture and heritage of Andhra Pradesh. While in Kakinada, you can explore a variety of amazing spots including Hope Island, Kakinada Beach and Sri Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple. Whether you are looking for a spiritual experience or want to immerse yourself in nature’s wonder, there’s a lot to explore.

Location: East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh
Major Attractions: Kakinada Beach, Hope Island, and Sri Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple

10. Antarvedi

View of Antarvedi temple, its colorful walls and roof carved with details, standing amidst lush greenery

Photo: Venkat2336 / Wikimedia Commons

Located at the confluence of the Godavari and Bay of Bengal, Antarvedi is a sacred pilgrimage site. The holy dip in the sacred waters is believed to cleanse one’s sins. Beyond the charm of the village itself, one of the main sites of attraction includes the Antarvedi Temple, which is dedicated to the Lakshmi Narasimha form. The temple is located in Sakhinetipalli Mandal and is often termed as “Second Varanasi.” This temple dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, constructed by the kings of the Pallava dynasty.

Location: East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh
Major Attractions: Antarvedi Temple and Antarvedi Beach

With so many tourist places to visit in East Godavari, having a solid itinerary ensures that you don’t miss out on any of the charm of this district. Be it ancient temples or laid-back beach and wildlife sanctuary exploration, there’s something for every traveller. For a well-rounded travel experience, ensure that you secure your bookings with TripXL for the absolute best time.

Cover Photo: Adityamadhav83 / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Like the other parts of Andhra Pradesh, the ideal time to visit and explore the East Godavari district is during the winter months, between October and March.
One of the main cities that is in the East Godavari district is Rajahmundry, which has a railway station and domestic airport. Once you reach this city, you can take public transportation to explore the district.
East Godavari is famous for its delicious seafood, especially prawns and fish curries. You must also try the local rice varieties and traditional sweets.
Some of the best hotels in east godavari for your stay are Serling Palavelli, Svenska Design Hotel Kakinada and Manjeera Sarovar hotel.
In addition to the popular tourist spots, East Godavari is home to several offbeat destinations, such as Maredumilli, Rampachodavaram, and the Konaseema region.

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