Paapi Kondalu

Papi Kondalu or Paapi Hills are a part of the Eastern Ghats through which the river Godavari flows where the width is barely one kilometer with a depth of about 100-130 ft. The panoramic view of the hills is spellbound attraction to the visitors. The scenic view, the grandeur of the hills and the flowing of river Godavari cannot be explained in words. One must visit and experience. The green lush rain forest on the hills reflect in the waters of Godavari add much more beauty to the on looking tourists. There is a legendary story behind Papikondalu is that during vanavasa period Lord Rama and Sita stayed in this region.
One can reach Papikondalu either from Rajahmundry (East Godavari District) or Bhadrachalam (Khammam District). The actual boat journey from Rajahmundry side starts from a small village about 20 kilometers away from a village named Pattisam or Pattiseema. This village is famous for an ancient Hindu temple of Lord Veerabhadraswamy. The journey from this village to Papikondalu takes about three hours in a mechanized boat run by several private boat owners and the A.P. Tourism. The boat takes the tourists up to a village Peranatallapalli. The boat journey gives a pleasure and peace of mind to the visitors with the cool breeze from Godavari waters, and the picturesque view of the hills. From Bhadrachalam side the boat journey starts from a village named Sri Ramgiri or Kunuru about one and half hours Journey from Bhadrachalam. Both Bhadrachalam and Rajahmundry are well connected by rail and busses.
For the boat journeys one can hire a boat entirely or can also purchase individual tickets and travel. Generally the fare of the boat journey includes breakfast, lunch and evening snacks. Enjoying the sight seeing of the scenic beauty along with the hospitality and the food served by the boat’s management staff is an experience by itself. One can also enjoy the panoramic view of the hills and the twists of Godavari River by sitting on the terrace of the boat which is an unforgettable experience to anybody. The best period to visit is from September to December where the rain fall is less with optimum waters in the river. If there are rains it is better to avoid the journey.



















Places of interest to see on the way to Papikondalu:
1. Pattisam or Pattiseema: The boat journey for Papikondalu starts from this village. It is a small village situated on the banks of river Godavari. A temple is located on the top of a hill for the God Sri Uma Nandeeswara Swamy constructed during 12th century which is worth seeing.
2. Polavaram Project: This can be seen from the top of the hill situated on the back side.
3. Gonduru: The next stop is at Gonduru a small village where a temple was constructed for the Goddess Gandhi Pochamma.
4. Papikondalu: The final stop of the journey to Papikondalu is at a village named Peranatallapalli after viewing the Papikondalu. At this village Sri Ramakrishna Hermitage is worth visiting. A small water fall flowing from the hills can also be seen. Lot of varieties of handicrafts made by the local people is available for sale worth purchasing.
The whole of the Journey from Pattisam to Papikondalu and back takes about six hours which is very exciting and enjoyable one must get experienced.