
Standing as a silent spectator and witnessing the ever growing and fast changing developments, Rajahmundry has seen the many facets of its own city and people. It sure has come a long way from its Kings’ rule. But In spite of its multiple developments, it continues to be a city which holds a special place in its residents’ and denizens’ heart. They are very proud of its glorious royal past and are also proud of its never changing culture and heritage.
Why wouldn’t they!!???
Why wouldn’t they be proud!!???
Rajahmundry, the cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh situated in the banks of River Godavari, has awed people since the days of yore and has always been held in great esteem. The greatness of the city lies in its rich cultural heritage and glorious past. Rajahmundry or Raja Mahendri or Rajahmahendravaram or Rajahmahendramu or Rajamandramu or Rajahmundhri, as it was known in the olden days, was ruled by the brave and valiant Eastern Chalukya King, Rajaraja Narendra in A.D. 1022 and many more, the remnants of which, can be seen standing even to this day in the form of fine palaces and fort walls.
With the lineage of great poets, litterateurs, painters, musicians and scholars who wrote their epics here and a place of many revolutions and battles, Rajahmundry still maintains the past glory and reputation as the seat of learning and culture and center of religious and political activities. It was the birthplace of Telugu literature. It was and still is the meeting place of scholars, poets, learned men, dancers, painters and musicians, that commenced in the days of Vijayaditya Ammaraja--II and his half-brother prince Danamava, reached its zenith in the reign of Rajaraja Narendra and continued till the days of the fall of the Reddy dynasty in the middle of the Fifteenth Century, survives to this day. Nannaya, (Nannaya Bhattaraka), the poet laureate, who was known as 'Adi Kavi’ (The first Poet) of Telugu, belonged to Rajahmundry. He, along with Tikkana (Tikkana Somayaji) and Yerrana (also known as Errana or Yellapregada or Errapregada), who were popularly called the "Kavi Trayam"- "Trinity of Poets" were responsible for the translation of "Jaya", the Sanskrit version of
Mahabharata, into Telugu. It was also the residence of Srinadha Kavi who was respected as "Kavi Sarvabhouma" (the King of poets). It is also the birthplace of Telugu litterateur Kandukuri Veeresalingam, a great social reformer and also the author of Rajashekhara Charithra, the first Telugu novel.
Rajahmundry known for its adherence to its Hindu religion is also the home to many temples both ancient and recent.
MARKANDEYA TEMPLE
An ancient Lord Markandeya temple, this temple is on the Godavari bund. Lord Shiva resides in here in the form of Uma Markandeyeswara Swami. The temple was found in the ruins of an old Mosque near Chanda Satram (Choultry). On examination of the dilapidated mosque, the archaeological experts confirmed it to be a Shiva temple. A rich patron - Gundu Sobhanadriswara Rao in the year 1818, reconstructed this temple. The street on which he lived was named Gundu vari Street and the main entrance of this temple is on this street. Here’s a miracle that you've got to see to believe it- River Ganga flowing from Lord Vishnu's feet. This ancient temple has Lord Maha Vishnu carved out of a single, five-foot-high Saligramam (a rare fossil stone found in Nepal). Though the temple may not be great in terms of architecture, but it draws many pilgrims because of its sanctity and prominence.
KOTILINGESWARA TEMPLE
The Kotilingeswara Temple is a holy pilgrim center for Shaivites. Legend has it that in order to relieve himself of the curse Indra by Sage Gautama he installed a Shivalingam and anointed it with water from one crore rivers. Hence, this 10th century built temple is known as Kotilingeswara temple. Isn't one crore a figure that's unbelievable? One has to see it to find out. A visit to this temple after a dip in the holy waters of the river Godavari is believed to relieve one from all sins. Beautifully built steps and bathing ghats all along the riverbank make this point a visual treat for tourists.
ISKCON TEMPLE
The International Sri Krishna Consciousness Centre (ISKCON) a relatively modern temple, a huge temple built on the banks of River Godavari and supposedly the second biggest spiritual centre in South India, after Bangalore, draws devotees from all over the world. Popularly called as Gowthami Ghat, it is a major attraction for the young population as a recreational as well as a spiritual centre. This is the residence of Lord Krishna and his followers. Sri Krishna Chaitanya Maha Prabhu, who was worshiped as the incarnation of Lord Krishna about 500 years ago, was the first saint to launch `Hare Rama Hare Krishna' sankeerthana movement. Devotees are drawn to the simplicity of the experience and the air of serenity that pervades the temple and its verdant premises. Here, one can listen to the constant and yet familiar echoing of "Hare Rama, Hare Krishna" and lose yourself in Krishna's aura that has spread all over the world. This is the residence of Lord Krishna and his followers.
SRI SARANGADHARESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE
An ancient and famous temple on the Korukonda Road it is a Shiva Temple and the Lord here is known as Sarangadhareswara Swamy. It is said that after the Prince Sarangadhara’s hands and feet were severed, he started weeping and shouting with pain. Then he heard an "Aakash Vani" (celestial voice). The voice said that Sarangadhara had not committed any sin in this life but in his previous life and that's the reason why he had been punished. It is said that Sarangadhara’s cry reaches Meghanadha, a devotee of Lord Shiva who was performing penance on the hill nearby. Maghanadha advised Sarangadhara to penance to Lord Shiva. Sarangadhara obeyed his advice and prayed Lord Shiva who was pleased with his devotion and blessed him with his limbs and turned him to a handsome young man. Lord Shiva settled here at the request of Sarangadhara. The hill on which the lord settled came to be known as Sarangadhara Metta and Lord Shiva came to be known as Sarangadhareswara Swamy.
SRI SYAMALAMBA AMMAVARI DEVASTHANAM
There is no proper historical story about this temple mentioned in any chronicles. The denizens say that the Chalukyan King Raja Raja Narendra and some other Reddy Kings partronized this temple. They offered their "Kanukas"-offering to Somalamma Ammavaru. The local priests say that Syamalamba Ammavari temple is about 100 years old. It is said there was an idol of Somalamma Ammavaru that was replaced by the idol of Goddess Syamalamba. The temple was renovated on 1st November 1911 by one Gopalapuram landlord. There is an inscription found in the temple that gives the evidence of its renovation. People come here and offer the first "Tambulam" is as customary (offering of beetle leaves, flowers etc) to this goddess before beginning any festival or on important occasions (like purchasing of new vehicle etc).
SRI BALA TRIPURA SUNDARI ANNAPURNA SAMETHA SRI VISWESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE
Amidst continuous echoing of mantras stands this temple on the banks of River Godavari. This is a very prominent and famous temple that was constructed nearly 200 years back. It is said that a Lord Shiva devotee of one "Ganti" family had a Dream on one day in which the devotee was asked by Lord to construct a Shiva temple on the banks of the Holy River Godavari, in Rajahmundry. Thereafter a temple was constructed as per Lord Shiva’s request. Upto 1948 there was no progress to the temple. But later in 1956 the then Alaya Archaka (the head priest) late Sri Suri Satyam along with the people’s co-operation initiated the Prathista (installation) of Sri Chakra Sahita Sri Balathripura Sundari Ammavaru.
RALLABANDI SUBBA RAO MUSEUM
Established in the year 1967, The Rallabandi Subbarao Government Museum is famous for its cultural storage. Unravel the mysteries of the past through the interesting range of artifacts like coins, sculpture, pottery, inscriptions and palm leaf manuscripts. This museum is a tribute in itself strengthening the cultural field of Andhra Pradesh once more. The museum timings are from 10.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Fridays and public holidays.
GOWTHAMI GHAT
If you and your kids are looking for some simple fun where you can unwind and enjoy an outing with your family, then this is the place to be. Take a walk along the Ghat, and enjoy nature's beauty.
ARYABHATTA SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY
This museum cum knowledge centre was established in the year 2005. The galleries of this museum are filled with many exhibits. Some of the exhibits have been imported from China, Italy etc. This museum has many big halls and rooms which have various exhibits of various subjects like Physics, Geology and Geography etc. There are many preserved snakes and reptiles including a 10 feet long Python kept in Formalin liquid. There are also beautiful models of War ship, Submarine, Helicopter Ancient monuments etc.
SIR ARTHUR COTTON MUSEUM
Sir Arthur Cotton Museum was constructed here in 1998. This museum was constructed in memory of Sir Arthur Thomas Cotton, a British irrigation engineer. Sir Arthur Thomas Cotton also known as "Cotton Dora", who constructed the Dowleswaram Barrage is revered in the Godavari Districts for his efforts in transforming River Godavari from a threatening and deadly natural force into a tame and fertile water resource. Sir Cotton is popularly known as the 'Delta Architect' of the Godavari District because of his pioneering works in irrigation engineering through his construction of the anicut system. The Museum narrates the construction of present Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage constructed with the advance engineering skill. It is the only civil engineering museum in the state. It contains many pictures describing the working of the dam and display of the tools used during the construction.
SRI GOWTHAMI GRANDHALAYAM
A huge library, The Gowtami Grandhalayam is a combination of Vasuraya Grandhalayam (established by Vasudeva Subbarayadu) and Ratnakavi Grandhalayam (established by Kokkonda Venkatratnam). Later many small libraries came into being and were finally merged in to this big Library. It was named in 1898 and was registered in 1920. One can find rare books and manuscripts which time and again are being referred by the research scholars. It has an amazing collection of about 60,000 books on various subjects in different languages are here.
DAMERLA RAMA RAO ART GALLERY
Named after the renowned painter Damerla Rama Rao who was born on March 8, 1897 at Rajahmundry to Physician Dr. Damerla Venkata Rama Rao and Lakshmi Devi and who was intensely inclined towards the art of painting and sketching since childhood. He along with his father went to Sisil N. Burns, who was the Dean of arts in Mumbai School of Arts in 1916 to show his sketches to the Dean who in turn was surprised and impressed resulting in his admission directly into the third year of fine arts course.
CHITRANGI BHAVAN
This is a palace and the royal residence named after Chitrangi, the second wife of king Raja Raja Narendhra. There is a legend about the king Raja Raja Narendhra and his second wife Chitrangi, which had been made in to a popular play. The story was that Raja Raja Narendra married Chitrangi, who was originally intended to be his son Sarangadhar’s bride. Unable to overcome her love for Sarangadhara, Chitrangi, plotted and made the Prince visit her palace in the King’s absence. Her advances towards him, was rejected by the righteous Prince. To avenge her insult she went to the King, concocted a story and falsely accused the Prince of molesting her. As a result, the King punished the Prince and ordered that the prince’s hands and feet be severed as punishment.
KAMBHAM CHOULTRY and KAMBALA TANK
This is the only choultry in the country where death ceremonies used to take place. It was constructed by Mr. Kambham Narasinga Rao Pantulu, during 1845-1850 with his own resources. Kambala Tank also known as Kambhala Cheruvu and Kambham vari Cheruvu was also the dug during this time. The soil that came after digging this pond was used for making bricks to construct the choultry. People used to come from different parts of the country to conduct ceremonies to this choultry. But now this choultry is in ruins now. The water from different villages and other places join this pond as result we can find water in this pond in all the seasons. It is believed that The Government had thought about converting the Khambala Tank into a stadium but, had to rethink, when the public opposed the idea and had approved of converting it into boating club & amusement park.
ALCOT GARDENS
This garden, which had witnessed the assemblies of the Divya Gyana Samaj, has been named after the leader Mr. Alcot who conducted their meetings.
SRI KANDUKURI VEERASALINGAM
The house in which ‘Yugapurusha’ Sri Kandukuri Veersalingam was born on 16-04-1848 has been declared as an Ancient Monument by the State Archaeology Dept. and is being maintained as a Research Library. The house was constructed by his grand-father. Sri Veersalingam, One can find his personal belongings here.
TOWN HALL
This is the first town hall in the state. It was constructed in the year 1891 by the social reformer-cum poet Sri Kandukuri Veersalingam Panthulu from his own pocket for the sake of people. One can find a rich Library here. It was visited by National Leaders like Bipinchandra Pal, Mahatma Gandhi, Motilal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose and Ravindranadh Tagore.
Apart from these, one can also visit Paul Chowk, Seshaiah Metta, Subrahmanya Maidanam, Merakaveedhi Telagalu, Nagula Cheruvu, Sri Vyasa Ashram, Jagadguru Peetham, Shraddhanand Ghat, and many more.
HOW TO REACH
To reach Rajahmundry, you don't have to go through the numerous travelogues. Reaching here is easy, with plenty of options to choose from. All made possible due to its excellent connectivity with major cities of the country. One can access it:
By Road : National Highway number 5 between Chennai and Kolkatta connects this city. By road on NH 5 it is 200 KM from Visakhapatnam (towards north or Kolkatta side) and it is 160 KM from Vijayawada (south or Chennai side ). Chennai is 600 Km from Rajahmundry. From Visakhapatnam it is 3 hours journey by road.
By Rail : Rajahmundry is connected by Chennai – Howrah main train line. All super fast and express trains stops at Rajahmundry station.
By Air : There are daily flights from Hyderabad and Chennai by Air Deccan.
ACCOMMODATION
One of the key factors to every memorable trip is finding the right kind of accommodation that suits you. Comfort, convenience, security and value for money are everyone's priority. Rajahmundry offers some very good accommodation facilities. Ranging from Government approved, to the star rated ones, one will have plenty to choose from. And that's not all; these hotels are located in prime locations and are convenient enough for the tourists to reach different places of interest. They are:
Name | Address | Phone | Pin code | |
River Bay Resort | #5-1-36 to 43, River Bay Road, Near Goutami Ghat, Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, INDIA |
+91 883 2447000 Fax :+ 91 883 2447006 |
533101 | - |
Hotel Anand Regency | 26-3-7, Jampet, Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, INDIA | 0883 2461201 |
533103 | info@hotelanandregency.comWebsite: http://www.hotelanandregency.com |
Hotel Sangam Residency | Temple Road, Rajahmundry |
0883 2461040 |
533101 | - |
Hotel Bommana Residency | Fortgate down, Pushkar Ghat Road, Rajahmundry |
0883-2432104, 2432105, 2470457, 2429734 Fax: 0883-2432104, 2432105, 2470457, 2429734 |
- | bommana_residency@yahoo.co.in |
Akanksha Inn | #2-40-159/1, Alcot Gardens Opp. Rjy Railway Station, Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, India |
08813-2477775 08813-2477776 08813-6453222 08813-6453223 08813-2477773 |
533 101 | akanksha.inn@gmail.com |
Hotel Jetty Grand | Hotel Jetty Grand |
0833-2477815, 0833-2477816, 0833-2477817, 0833-2477818, Mobile No: 9963467070 |
- | reservations@hoteljettygrand.comWebsite: www.hoteljettygrand.com |
Hotel Chandana | Hotel Chandana |
0883-2444391, 9396545749 |
- | Info@hotelchandana.com |
Hotel Dwaraka | Hotel Dwaraka |
0883-2471851, 2471853 |
- | - |
Hotel La Hospin | Hotel La Hospin |
0883-2465231, 2466567 Fax: 0883-24652 |
- | - |
SHELTON HOTEL | Shelton Hotel, RTC Complex Road, Beside Ramakrishna Theatre, Rajahmundry |
0883-2465059 |
533103 | NAWebsite: NA |
HOTEL CHANDRALOK | Hotel Chandralok, SaiKrishna Theatre Road, Innespeta, Rajahmundry |
0883-2464235, 6650838 |
533101 | NAWebsite: NA |
SRI ISWARYA RESIDENCY | Sri Iswarya Residency D.No.4-6-2, Opp. Rajahmundry Railway Station, Rajahmundry |
0883-2473143, 2437314 |
533101 | NAWebsite: NA |
SIVA BALAJI RESIDENCY | Siva Balaji Residency Syamala Centre, Stadium Road, Rajahmundry |
0883-2460665, 6650665 |
533101 | NAWebsite: NA |
Apart from these, there many other staying options available to the tourists which are within their budget.
Come enjoy the atmosphere of Rajahmundry and enjoy a memorable, nice, and quiet stay at the banks of the gentle lapping River Godavari!!
