Andhra Pradesh is home to several spiritual towns and cities and Annavaram is one that you must visit at least once in your lifetime. Home to the coveted Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple, millions of devotees visit this town to seek blessings from the Lord. Beyond being a prominent pilgrimage site, Annavaram is also home to a variety of natural wonders. Once you are done exploring this spiritual town, there are numerous places to visit near Annavaram as well to enhance your travel experience.
10 Places To Visit Near Annavaram
There are several places to visit near Annavaram, each catering to the interests of history enthusiasts, nature lovers and spiritual seekers.
1. Pithapuram
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Also known as the “Kashi of the South,” Pithapuram is a town renowned for its spiritual significance. The town is renowned for its wide range of temples and ancient monuments, which add to the significance of this spiritual town. The main attraction here is the Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and believed to be one of the 18 Shakti Peethas. Inside the temple, you will be enamoured by the shrine that is dedicated to Goddess Puruhutika. If you are an ardent Shakti worshipper, visiting this temple on your next vacation here is an absolute must.
Distance From Annavaram: 27.6 km
Major Attractions: Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple, Puruhutika Temple, and Sripada Srivallabha Temple
2. Draksharamam
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Draksharamam is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras, a group of five ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. So, it’s one of those places that has a lot of religious significance, especially among the Lord Shiva worshippers. The main temple that you must visit is the Bhimeswara Swamy Temple, whose origin dates back to the 9th century. This particular shrine is believed to be associated with Sage Vyas who performed his penance there. You can also visit the Kotipalli Someswara Temple, which draws in devotees from across the country. It is one of the attractions near Annavaram.
Distance From Annavaram: 75.6 km
Major Attractions: Bhimeswara Swamy Temple, Kotipalli Someswara Temple, Sri Manikyamba Temple, and Draksharamam Village
3. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary
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If you are a wildlife enthusiast, consider heading to Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the best places to see near Annavaram and is home to the third-largest mangrove ecosystem in the country. Due to its lush vegetation, it is home to a diverse range of birds. You can spot critically endangered white-backed and long-billed vultures. The sanctuary also allows you to indulge in boat rides, allowing visitors to explore the mangrove forests and have a unique perspective on the sanctuary and its surroundings. You can also spot a variety of mammals like jackals, fishing cats, and reptiles.
Distance From Annavaram: 52 km
Major Attractions: Mangrove forests
Things To Do: Bird watching and boat rides
4. Uppada Beach
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To unwind and soak in some coastal fun nearby, Uppada Beach is the perfect hideout spot. While water sports aren’t that extensive here, you get to unwind and listen to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. The gentle waves make it a great option for tourists to enjoy swimming. Also, Uppada Beach is quite close to Kakinada Beach, making it a great spot for you to visit and explore. The beachside eateries offer a taste of local seafood delicacies, adding to the overall experience. You can also explore the surrounding coastline and interact with the local fishermen.
Distance From Annavaram: 29.3 km
Major Attractions: Kakinada Beach
Things To Do: Beach activities and seafood
5. Rajahmundry
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If you are looking for one of the good places to visit near Annavaram, Andhra Pradesh where you can appease your shopping cravings and explore local markets and sightseeing experiences all at once, Rajahmundry is the place to be in. Known as the cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh, the city is located on the banks of the Godavari River and is known for the picturesque landscapes around it. The city is also home to a variety of temples including ISKCON Temple and the Kotilingeshwara Temple. Don’t miss out on exploring the stunning Dowleswaram Barrage.
Distance From Annavaram: 82 km
Major Attractions: Godavari River, ISKCON Temple, Dowleswaram Barrage, and Kotilingeshwara Temple
6. Amalapuram
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Alternatively known as the “Panchalingapuram,” Amalapuram is another one of the top tourist attractions near Annavaram. The town is home to five ancient Shiva temples, which are the town’s main attractions. Beyond exploring the temples around the town, it is also renowned for its coconut and rice production, which explains why sweet dishes like Putharekulu are quite famous. The town’s vibrant festivals and cultural events provide visitors with an opportunity to experience the local traditions and lifestyle. You can explore the surroundings of the town, indulging in the local culture and trying the local foods too.
Distance From Annavaram: 105 km
Major Attractions: Panchalinga temples
Things To Do: Coconut plantations and cultural festivals
7. Samarlakota
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Another small town that’s located near Annavaram is Samarlakota, renowned for the Kumararama Bhimeswara Swamy Temple. It is one of the few towns in Andhra Pradesh that is home to the Pancharama Kshetras dedicated to Lord Shiva. This specific temple dates back to the Chalukya period, which is an architectural marvel and is renowned for its intricate carvings and the gopuram right around the entrance of the temple. Since it is home to one of the most popular Shiva temples, you get to celebrate the Maha Shivaratri with thousands of other devotees there.
Distance From Annavaram: 42 km
Major Attraction: Kumararama Bhimeswara Swamy Temple
8. Ryali
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Ryali is a destination to visit near Annavaram, especially if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The primary attraction is the Jaganmohini Kesava Swamy Temple, which stands out for its spiritual significance. Inside the temple, you will find the idol, which represents both Lord Vishnu and Goddess Mohini. In the idol, the front side represents Lord Vishnu while the back side of the idol is Goddess Mohini. Due to the uniqueness of the idol and the tales of the spiritual power that exudes from this temple, it is one of the most popular sightseeing spots.
Distance From Annavaram: 118 km
Major Attractions: Jaganmohini Kesava Swamy Temple and serene village landscapes
9. Ainavilli
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Next on the list of places to travel near Annavaram is Ainavilli. It is a fairly small village that many tourists either aren’t aware of or don’t bother visiting. However, the laid-back nature of this spot explains why it is a great spot to visit if you want some respite from city life. The Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Temple is one of the most important temples in the village, dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple is one of the oldest in the region and is believed to have been established by Sage Vyasa.
Distance From Annavaram: 106 km
Major Attraction: Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Temple
10. Kakinada
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The last spot that you can explore from Annavaram is Kakinada. Known for its modernism, beaches and temples, there are several sightseeing spots to explore in the city. Among them, the most popular is the Sri Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple. Besides that, you can also visit the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary to witness the beauty of the mangrove forests around. Home to an extensive number of historical spots like Adurru, there are a lot of mysteries to explore and unfold when you are in Kakinada. You can also explore the Kakinada Port, which is one of the busiest ports in India.
Distance From Annavaram: 43.3 km
Major Attractions: Sri Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple, Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Adurru and Kakinada Port
There are numerous places to visit near Annavaram, each catering to the interests of a diverse range of travellers. Be it ancient temples, wildlife sanctuaries or modern cities and their shopping centres, you can indulge in a variety of unique experiences around Annavaram. For a flawless and streamlined travel plan, get all your bookings sorted with TripXL to avail the best deals and discounts.
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