Papikondalu by Boat Cruise on Godavari River

About Papikondalu

"Papi kondalu" or the "Papi Hills" are series of mountain range that are located in Rajahmundry in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. Papikondalu Mountain range runs along River Godavari, one of the largest and vivacious rivers in India. The mighty river narrowing and passing with twists and turns along the Papi Hills is every visitor's delight. Papikondalu mountain range spreads over a vast area, covering about three districts of East Godavari, West Godavari and Khammam Districts.

To get the real essence of Papikondalu, one has to go for the boat journey either from Rajahmundry or Bhadrachalam. There are small motor boats with capacity of five including the rider or River Streamers carrying about fifty to sixty people. The journey takes about 8 hours and the adventure begins the moment you step on to the boat. The ups and downs of the river water, the drifting sand, the cool breeze, small fish that can be spotted in the clean water and the fresh air from the Papikondalu Hills, give you one of the best experiences to travel.

Come any season except summer, these hill ranges offer one of the best places to visit in AP in terms of scenic beauty, variety of animal, bird species, which are found here.

The flooding river (especially during rainy season- July to September) gives you a thrilling experience to travel. Sometimes the increased water level in the river makes the boat journey precarious. It is the skill and experience of the local sailors, who makes your journey most memorable.

There are several sights that fall on the way like Perantalapalli and Pattiseema that are must-see. Several tribal communities have made their dwellings on these hills whose main occupation is agriculture, fishing or handicrafts-making. If you are a real adventure lover with a group of more than five and not with elderly people, one of the fascinating things you can do is camp at the river side overnight. You can carry your tents, fishing rods and eatables, go trekking the hill towards dusk and spend time at the riverside. You can then start the onward journey the next day. This would be one of the thrilling, exciting and best adventure you can have, but at your own risk.

On the same route, there is another small but interesting place called "Pattisam". Pattisam is a small island that is famous for the temple of Lord Veerabhadra, a warrior of Lord Shiva's army. The village is said to be named as "Pattisam" after one of the weapons of Lord Shiva.

All in all, the view of the never ending Papikondalu all along and all through your boat journey truly ignites a desire to visit again.

Local Info

Once you book the boat either from Rajahmundry or Bhadrachalam, you will be provided with food on your boat journey. During summer, humidity will be high so it is advisable to carry towels, water bottle, snacks with you. Though you get some snacks on boat, they are not branded and are locally made.

When you halt at Perantalapalli, don't forget to buy the local handicrafts - small bamboo huts, flowers and other toys, which can be a souvenir of your trip.

Accommodation: Other than the city if you want to spend your nights in the forest guest you can stay in the forest rest houses which are at Rajahmundry, Maredumilli and Kannapuram. These guesthouses are not very luxurious but very well maintained, clean and hygienic. Generally couple of forest guards, watchmen will be available in the premises throughout the Day and Night. You can ask these people for any help. These people will be great source of regional attractions, news and culture. Have a chat with them you will be amazed at the knowledge they will have. Try to be as courteous as you can be with these people. You can also find accommodation in Perantalapalli where you have government cottages and APTDC Guest House at Koruturu Village.

How To Reach

From the Rajahmundry railway station this place is about 50kms and you can hire a car, which is available near bus stand or the railway station. If you are staying in a hotel you can ask the hotel manager to order for a Cab that is safe.

Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation conducts daily trips from Rajahmundry. The trips are both one day and two day's.

A one-day trip costs Approx Rs 500 per adult and Rs 400 per child. The tour starts from Pattiseems by boat and covers Gandipochamma temple, Polavaram, Devipatnam, Papikondalu and Perantalapalli. The places you visit might vary depending on the tour operator you go with.

The journey starts from Pattiseema, Kolluru (Papikondalu) and back to Pattiseema.