Konaseema, God’s Own Creation: Explore Andhra Kerala Delta!

Are you quite excited about exploring the ancient pilgrimage spots in India? Then it’s time to pack your backpacks. Konaseema, located in the state of Andhra Pradesh in southern India is one such destination where you will be spoilt for choice.

A group of beautiful islands situated in the B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, this place is also known as “God’s Own Creation” due to its striking resemblance with the Kerala backwaters. Adding to the beauty of this place, Konaseema is located between the tributaries of the Godavari River and the Bay of Bengal. 

Before heading for a trip to a particular location, it’s quite necessary to collect detailed information about the various places of tourist interest. In this travel guide, we take you through the top 10 tourist places to visit in Konaseema and it’s not just a vivid description of the various tourist spots.

To make your job easy, we have also included other details such as the best time to visit Konaseema and the various traveling options to reach this place. Blessed with an abundance of ancient pilgrimage spots such as Mandapalli, Ryali, Ainavilli, and Antarvedi, Konaseema offers a never before experience that you will cherish forever.  

Mandapalli

Famously known as the place where the holy Ashram of the sage Dhadhichi Maharshi was situated, Mandapalli is located 38 Km from Rajahmundry, 60 Km from Kakinada, and 30 Km from Amalapuram.

The other famous temples in Mandapalli include the Sri Brahmeswara Swamy temple where Lord Brahma performed a great yagnam, Sri Nageswara Swamy temple which is believed to be gifted by Saturn to the Maharshis and Brahmins and Sri Venugopala Swamy temple which holds the significance of being the temple where Gowthama Maharshi installed the idol of Lord Venu Gopala Swami.

Mandapalli is also renowned for its various festivals such as Kalyanam of Sri Swamivaru, Devi Navaratrulu, Karthika Masam, Lakshapatri Puja, and Sani Trayodasi Festivals. 

Ryali

One of the most frequented tourist spots in Andhra Pradesh, Ryali is a village located 3 km from Ravulapalem. The major attraction of this place is the temple of JaganMohini Kesava Swamy.

The Lord’s image is an exquisite piece of sculpture that cannot be found in any other temple in the country. The beauty of the five feet tall image with Kesava on the front and JaganMohini on the backside just cannot be described in words. During the months of March and April, the 5-day-long Kalyanotsavam is celebrated that is worth attending.

Antervedi

A village in the Sakhinetipalle mandal, Antervedi is also known by the name Antarvedipalem. Home to the renowned ‘Lord Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy temple’ constructed during the 15th and 16th centuries, Antervedi is popularly referred to as the “the second Varanasi by the grace of the Lord.”

Plan a visit to this temple in such a way that you can attend at least one of the famous festivals such as Kalyanamohasthavam from Magha Sudha Sapthami to Magha Bahula Padyami, Sri Venkateswara Swamy kalyanam which is held during Jesta Sudha Ekadasi and Sri Narasimha Jayanthi that happens during Vaisakha Sudha Chaturdasi.

Ainavilli

Ainavilli is a place flocked by devotees in large numbers to visit the famous Sri Siddi Vinayaka Swami Temple. It is 72 km from Kakinada, 55 km from Rajahmundry, and 14 km from Amalapuram away from this location. As per popular belief, Vyasa Maharshi installed the Ganapathi idol at the Sri Siddi Vinayaka Swami Temple.

Visitors to the temple make a commitment to return if their desires are granted. The famous festivals of this temple include Vinayaka Chavithi held in September, Karthika Masam which happens in November and Prabha Festival & Shivaratri which takes place during the months of February and March.

Muramalla

Situated in the I. Polavaram Mandal of the East Godavari district, Muramalla is visited by many devotees as it is home to the Sri Bhadrakali Sametha Sri Veereswara Swamy temple. As per popular belief, it was at Muramalla that Lord Shiva got married to Bhadrakali in Gandharva style. 

A significant chunk of the devotees consists of those whose children’s marriages are getting delayed and they come here with the belief that it will happen soon.  A significant event here is the Kalyanam which is performed every day night at 7 pm. The temple is open for visitors from 5 in the morning and closes at 8 pm.

Dindi

One of the most underrated tourist places, Dindi is nestled on the lap of the Godavari, India’s second-longest river. This place is located around 80 km from the town of Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh. The major attractions of Dindi include the amazing backwater canals, lagoons, and lakes where you can spend quality time with your loved ones.

Once you reach this destination, you just cannot miss visiting the famous tourist spots such as Dindi Beach, Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple, Pydithalli Ammavari Temple, and Papikondalu.

The picturesque village #Dindi is famous for #Backwaters, #BoatHouseRide, Coconut Plantation and Countryside Resorts. It is 80 km approx.. from Rajamahendravaram. One can reach to Dindi by road. #DindiBeach, #DindiLightHouse are another touristic attraction. pic.twitter.com/yylnMHjzZR

— AP Tourism (@Tourism_AP) November 19, 2021

Haritha Coconut Country resort, an initiative by the Andhra Pradesh tourism department with all the amenities such as a swimming pool, spa, gym, etc. is also a great place to stay.

Ramachandrapuram Fort

Ramachandrapuram in Konaseema District is popularly known as Kota Ramachandrapuram due to the fort situated here. Built-in the year 1865, the fort offers visitors a view of the rich legacy of the past. The sight of the stuffed tigers at the entrance of the fort is quite scary.

Apparently, these tiger skins are the remains of the hunting expeditions of the Raja in the olden days. The beautiful garden situated in the compound of the fort is another aspect that deserves special mention. Ramachandrapuram fort is a venue where movie shootings happen throughout the year.

Draksharama

Draksharama holds the distinction of being one of the five Pancharama Kshetras that is sacred to Lord Shiva, the Hindu god. Formerly known as Dhakshatapovana and Dhakshavatika, Draksharama is located in Draksharamam town of Konaseema district.

Going by the inscriptions at this temple, Draksharama was constructed between the 9th and 10th centuries CE by Bhima, the Eastern Chalukyan king. A blend of Chalukyan and Chola architectural styles, the stunning big mandapam at the temple will captivate you due to its beauty.

It is believed that Daksha Yagnam happened at this temple. The major festivals associated with this temple are Maha Siva Ratri and Dasara.

Dwarapudi

A village, Dwarapudi is located in the Mandapeta Mandal in the East Godavari District of the state of Andhra Pradesh. From Kakinada, the district headquarters, there is a distance of 38 Km to this place and Mandapeta is just 2 Km away.

Renowned for its cattle market, clothes markets, and Ayyappa temple, Dwarapudi is also referred to as Andhra Sabarimala as the Ayyappa temple was constructed long back with a design that holds resemblance to the Sabarimala temple.

Poor people who cannot financially afford to visit Sabarimala visit the Ayyappa temple here during the “maala dharana” in Karthika masam.

Razole

Surrounded by the river Vashishta (Godavari), Razole is a town famous for its coconut and palm trees. Due to its natural beauty, many Telugu film directors have chosen Razole as the shooting location for their movies.

For those who are on a pilgrimage, the Balaji temple located in Razole taluk and the mosque in Nagaram are the major places worth visiting.

Best time to visit Konaseema

Plan a visit to Konaseema during the months of December and January. It will be the winter season and the weather will be quite pleasant for sightseeing.

How to reach Konaseema

By flight – If you prefer flight travel, then Visakhapatnam is the closest airport to Konaseema. After Visakhapatnam, the next nearest airport is Rajahmundry. The other option is to fly from Bangalore and Chennai to Visakhapatnam and then drive by road to Konaseema.

By train – If you love to travel by train, then Rajahmundry and Kakinada are the closest railheads to Konaseema.

By road – If you prefer to travel by road, opt for the route via the highway (NH-16) that connects Hyderabad to Konaseema. From Hyderabad, there is a distance of 429 Km to Konaseema. A road trip comes with the benefit of covering the beautiful landscapes of Konaseema.

Conclusion

When compared to a leisure trip, going on a pilgrimage offers an altogether different experience. After reading this travel guide, hope you are all excited to explore the unseen wonders of Konaseema.

For those who are planning a pilgrimage, there are few very places in India that house as many temples as Konaseema does. Starting from the amazing Sri Brahmeswara Swamy temple at Mandapalli to the spectacular JaganMohini Kesava Swamy temple at Ryali, this place will leave you awestruck for sure. And it’s not just temples that Konaseema holds in store for its visitors.

The stunning Ramachandrapuram fort and the marvelous Razole thickly populated with coconut and palm trees are some of those wonderful tourist spots that offer unforgettable memories for the Konaseema visitors.

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