Papikondalu | 2 Days trip and Nearby places to visit
The Papikondalu mountain range stretches along the Godavari River (West Godavari) and is located in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh. Papikondalu tour is a feast for the eyes in terms of its scenic beauty. As the hills get nearer and closer to the visitor, the width of the strong Godavari becomes narrower. Papikondalu Tour timings are from 06:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
In keeping with this view that resembles the parting between a woman’s hair, it was initially called ‘Papidi’ hills – Paidi means parting between a woman’s hair in Telugu. Later, it was called Papikondalu in the local language. The narrow river, twists and turns, and the Papikondalu hills create a breathtaking visual experience. Its beauty is often compared to Kashmir because the area around the ranges is exotic and rich. These ranges also have waterfalls at Munivatnam.
Things to do At Papikondalu
1. Papikondalu Hills
Papikondas are a series of mountain ranges running along the Godavari River. The mountain ranges are named after the Telugu word for “partition” because they look like a parting a woman would make in her hair when viewed from the sky.
3. Perantapalli Village
Perantapalli Village is a quaint little village located on the banks of the Godavari River. The Ramakrishna Muni Vatika (hermitage) and the Veereshwara Swamy Temple are the most popular tourist places.
The Parnasala Temple, located near Bhadrachalam in Telangana, is an important pilgrimage site associated with the legendary Ramayana. It is believed to be where Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana spent part of their 14-year exile in the forests.
The Bhadrachalam Temple, located in the town of Bhadrachalam in Andhra Pradesh, India, is one of the most revered and significant temples dedicated to Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is not only a place of worship but also an integral part of the cultural and spiritual heritage of the region. Bhadrachalam Temple timings are from 5:00 AM to 09:00PM.
If you want to go on a day trip, there are some places you might want to skip; however, it is recommended to stay for two days to experience the uniqueness of the Kollur bamboo houses on the shore.
Day 1: You can reach Rajahmundry or Bhadrachalam between 8:00 – 8:30 AM and board the 9:00 AM boat. At 10:00 AM, you will reach Gandi Pochamma Temple. The ship will depart at 11:00 AM, giving you an hour to explore the place.
After this, the next destination is Papi Kondalu, a journey amidst hills and mountains that is particularly noteworthy. Later, you can stop at Perantpali village to see the Ramakrishna Muni Vatika Ashram and Swami Veereshwara and take in the local sights. The last stop of the day is Kollur village, where you can get a bamboo hut and spend the rest of the evening relaxing.
Day 2: After breakfast in the morning, you can enjoy the local sights and hire a guide to explore the forest area. After this, you can take a boat back to the mainland in the afternoon. You will reach Rajahmundry or Bhadrachalam at 6:00 PM.
For Bookings Call to 8332999111.
The best time to visit the Papikondalu Tour
The best time to visit this place is from October to March. The summers in this region are hot and humid, so it is best to avoid visiting this place during this time. From July to September, the monsoons begin, which brings an exciting change in weather. The winters are also quite pleasant, making it an ideal time to travel to Papikondalu.
Accommodation
- Kondalu River Resort: Located on the banks of the Godavari River, this resort provides a peaceful and scenic environment. It offers comfortable rooms and a range of amenities, ideal for those who want to enjoy the tranquillity of the river and nature.
- Haritha Riverside Resort: Situated near Rajahmundry, this government-run property offers affordable accommodations with views of the Godavari River. It’s a perfect spot to unwind after exploring the region’s natural beauty.
- Papikondalu Eco Resort: Nestled amidst the hills, this eco-friendly resort provides a comfortable stay with basic amenities. It’s a great choice for nature lovers looking to stay close to the stunning Papikondalu landscapes.
- Vijaya Durga Lodge: A budget-friendly lodge in Rajahmundry, offering clean and simple rooms for those looking for a more economical option while still being close to the region’s attractions
- Godavari View Resort: Located on the banks of the Godavari River, this resort offers both luxury and scenic beauty. Guests can enjoy a relaxed stay with modern amenities and a beautiful river view.
- Riverside Camps: For a more adventurous experience, riverside camps near Papikondalu offer tent stays with bonfires and nature walks. It is ideal for those seeking a closer connection to nature.
Places to visit
Papikondalu, located in the beautiful Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, is a wonderful destination for nature lovers. The region is rich in natural beauty with lush green hills, pristine rivers and tribal culture. Here are some nearby places to visit that add to the charm of Papikondalu tour:
- Rajahmundry: A major city near Papikondalu, known for its cultural heritage and scenic beauty, is a great starting point for a Rajahmundry Yatra. The Godavari River flows through it, and the beautiful Godavari Bridge is a must-see. Rajahmundry is also famous for the Kambala Park and the Markandeya Temple.
- Bhadrachalam: Bhadrachalam, located 70 km from Papikondalu, is a holy town famous for the Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple is an important pilgrimage site that attracts visitors from all over India.
- Kavurala Koppu: This peaceful spot along the Godavari River is great for nature walks and river views. It is an ideal place to enjoy the surrounding beauty and relax.
- Papikondalu Trek: The area offers several trekking opportunities, with paths that pass through dense forests and lead to scenic viewpoints. Hiking to the top offers stunning panoramic views of the Godavari River and the surrounding hills.
- Sriramnagar: A peaceful and unexplored destination near Papikondalu, this village offers a quiet respite surrounded by hills and rivers. It is ideal for nature photography and picnics.
- Peranthalapalli Falls: Located 50 km from Papikondalu, these waterfalls are nestled in a tranquil forest area, offering a breathtaking escape for nature lovers.
How to Reach
By air:
The nearest airport is Rajahmundry Airport, located near Madhurapadi. Jet Airways and SpiceJet are the major airlines that offer regular services. They have flights from Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Vijayawada. You can hire taxis from the airport to take you to Papikondalu.
By road:
If you travel from Khammam district, you can use buses or taxis to reach Bharachalam. From East Godavari district, you can take a cab to Rajahmundry. From East Godavari, there is a 35 km ghat road to reach the Papikondalu range.
By train:
Papikondalu does not have a railway station; the nearest station is Rajahmundry station, which is one of the important stations in Andhra Pradesh. There are several trains connecting it to different parts of the country. It is 150 km from Vijayawada and 220 km from Vizag. Taxis are easily obtainable for hire from the railway station to Papikondalu.
ADDRESS:
Papikondalu, Papi Hills, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, India
FAQ'S
What is famous about Papikondalu?
You can uniquely experience staying in a kolluru (bamboo hut) along the beautiful hill range.
What is not so good about Papikondalu?
There is a lack of good eating places (it is better to carry your food).
Who should visit Papikondalu?
Papikondalu is one of the top places in Andhra Pradesh to explore. It is ideal for those who want a getaway filled with natural beauty. It is also suitable for camping and trekking. It is a perfect place to travel with family and friends
What is the local food in Papi Kondalu?
There are no good places to get food near Papi Kondalu. It is better to carry food in advance from Rajahmundry and Bhadrachalam. Small hotels serve good food, but it is better to have some with you if the food is unsatisfactory.
