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.

Scenic locations in "Raavan" Movie

Everyone who has seen the movie "Raavan"(raavanan in Tamil) must have remembered the scenic locations in that movie.Those locations are really unforgettable.Manirathnam sir has taken much care in showing them more charming in that movie.But are those locations in India???/ The answer is Yes..they are..
Want to know more..

Malshej Ghats(Maharashtra)

 

Malshej Ghat (Marathi) is a mountain pass in the Western Ghats range in Pune district of Maharashtra, India. The site is nestled in the lofty rugged hills of the Western Ghats. The best time to visit is between August and September. At this time of the year, the hills are clothed in a soothing shade of mint green and the weather is cool due to the monsoons.

Known for its misty tops and ice cold cascades at this time of the year, the site is a very popular weekend getaway for most of the city's residents at that time of the year. It has got number of waterfalls and the greenery is just awesome during the monsoons

Getting there
Malshej ghat is situated in Pune district near the borders of Thane and Ahmednagar districts. It is at a distance of 154 km from south Mumbai towards northeast and 130 km north of Pune. The nearest railhead is Kalyan near Mumbai. To go to Malshej ghat by road from Mumbai, take NH3 to Bhiwandi and turn towards Murbad or take state highway via Kalyan, Murbad, Saralgaon and Vaishakhare to reach the ghat. To go to Malshej ghat from Pune, take NH50 (Pune-Nasik highway), turn left at Narayangaon and pass through Junar. State Transport buses are cheaper and available from Kalyan, Karjat and Pune at regular intervals.

Accommodation
Since the area is at a considerable distance from a small town, there are not many posh restaurants and shopping malls. Flamingo Hill is a resort run by MTDC – Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation in the vicinity. You need to book hotel rooms in advance, especially at weekends during the monsoon. Hotel booking can be done from any MTDC tourism office or online at http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in
he MTDC resort has improved over the years. The resort is huge and the view is fabulous. Unlike Lonavala where one gets to see only other resorts, the view from MTDC is that of mother nature i.e. greenery and the valley. The restaurants has mix of veg and non-veg options but the options are very limited. One has to order in advance to get a decent meal. The prices are reasonable.
However, during rainy season (July and August)one would hardly find a vacant room in this huge resort. But other than MTDC resort, there are other private resorts where you can spend a day or two. Resorts are cheap but prices may hike in rainy season.


Athirappilly(Kerala)

Athirappilly is a first grade Grama Panchayath with 489.00 km² area in Mukundapuram Taluk, Thrissur district in Kerala, India. It is located 60 km from Thrissur city , 70 km from Kochi city, 55 km from Cochin International Airport, and 30 km from Chalakudy town

Tourism
Athirappilly is popular among tourists. Athirappilly Falls is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. Another popular waterfall to visit is the Vazhachal Falls. Athirappilly Falls is a part of Chalakudy river and it is approximately 80 feet in height. Athirappilly is easily reachable from Chalakudy by taking a vehicle for rent or by bus from the Chalakudy private bus terminal.

Proper precautions are taken on site to prevent mishaps while swimming and a police camp is always positioned there. Athirappilly is situated on SH-21 highway connecting Tamil Nadu and Kerala, night driving is not advised. But you can enjoy the adventurous drive in the middle of jungle.

Maniratnam, has a huge fascination for this spot that a lot of his movies are shot here. Raavan was almost fully shot in this location. The movies Dil Se, Kannathil Muthamittal, Iruvar, Guru have songs shot here.

How to reach
Coimbatore-Pollachi 40 km-Valparai 65 km From Pollachi onwards, the road climbs up steeply thorugh tea estates to Valparai. From Valparai, the road goes through dense wild jungles after Malakkiparai. Route is as follows: Valparai-Malakkiparai 22 km-Sholayar 24-Peringalkuthu Dam 25-Vazhachal 5-Athirapalli 5-Chalakudy 33 km.

There is absolutely no human settlement between Malakkiparai and Peringalkuthu Dam. Wildlife - elephants and bison - spill over onto the road, and night driving is discouraged. Both Vazhachal and Athirapalli are on the same Chalakudy river.

Athirapalli falls is best visited during rains, rest of the year there is water flow but hardly the spectacle it is during Jun-Oct.