EAST GODAVARI

                             East Godavari District, which is one of the largest and most populous districts in the state of Andhra Pradesh, was successively ruled by Mauryas, Sathavahanas, Vishnu Kundins, Eastern Chalukyas, Cholas, etc., and then by the British. It was under the Raj, on April 15, 1925, that East Godavari District was formed as per G.O.No.502. East Godavari is one of the richest districts of the state, in terms of GDP, and is also both the cultural and tourist hub of the state. 

Area: 12805 Sq.Kms	Language: Telugu	Villages: 1681
Population: 52.86 lakhs	Male: 26,33,304	Female: 26,52,520

GODAVARI                                         River Godavari starts as a trickle at Nasik in Maharashtra. If flows through the States of Marashtra and Andhra Pradesh Pradesh and becomes mighty and majestic at Rajahmundry. It is the largest river in South India. Godavari, with its several Tributaries, occupies 1/10th of the country. Its total length is 1450KMs. In Andhra Pradesh, it flows to an extent of 927 kms.   Legend has it that the seven sages Gowthama, Vasista, Atri, Viswamitra, Kowsika. Bharadwaja and Agasthya (known as Saptha Maharushulu), each tributary is named after the sage whobrought it. At present, Gowthami and Vasista alone are visible. At Rajahmundry is 4 kms wide and at Dowleswaram it is 7 kms wide. River Godavari inspired Adikavi Nannayya (First poet in Telugu Language ) to undertake translation of Vyasa Mahabharata into Telugu from the Sanskrit original. It was not a mere translation. It was transcreation Nannayya very wisely borrowed the storyline and the ideas from the original and wrote in his own idiomatic way. But unfortunately he died after finishing 21/2 cantos (parvas), Yerrapragada completed the remaining parva closely following parvas in his won imitable style. This poetic trinity is held in high esteem by later poets. Scholar poet Srinadha also lived for many years at Rajahmundry. The very sight of river Godavari makes one poetical and lyrical. Many imaginative directors like Bapu captured the beauty of Godavari on the celluloid. A boat ride on the Godavari on a cool tranquil moonlit night is a thrilling and everlasting experience. MAREDUMILLI The arch with pictures of buffaloes greats you as you enter Maredumilli. The forest Department provides all comforts to visitors in the name of Eco- Tourism. Nandanavanam is situated at a distance of 3 km from Maredumilli, has many tourist attractions. Jalatarangini is situated at a distance of 7km from Maredumilli. One can see the beauties of the running brooks here. Madankunj: You can see here heaven kissing fine trees. Jungle Star Natural Camp is situated near Madankunj. Here you can experience the thrill of sleeping in the forest, If you spend time in Natural camp. RAMPA   Rampa, like Maredumilli, is a place of greet scenic beauty. Pinjara Konda is a thick forest area. The waterfall here is a feast for the eyes. It is perennial stream. Here at Rampa the legendary hero Alluri Seetharama Raju carried on his brave fight against the British for liberating our motherland from foreign yoke. He died a martyr for a noble cause and lives in our memory for ever and forever. PINJARA KONDA Waterfalls here enthrall you. Here, Lord Siva is worshipped as Madugu (Pond) Malleswara Swami as the Siva Lingam is underneath a big stone where there is perennial water currant torching Lingam. UPPADA- KOTHAPLLI Uppada is a littoral about 16km east of Pithapuram. Every your this village is subject to unabated erosion. To oblige the angry sea and escape its fury, the village moves back inland. Frank Moraes, the eminent writer and journalist once described the saree as the most beautiful feminine garb in the entire world. He was a much travvelled person and therefore we have to respect his considered opinion. In and around Uppada there are many families of weares. Weaving is their sole occupation. Men and women work at the loom round the clock without respite. The roaring sound of the undulating waves matches the rhythmical sound produced by the looms. It is tribute to the skills of these expert weavers that there is growing demand for their sarees even in this age of sophisticated machines. There is difference in the making of ordinary sarees and what are called Zandhani sarees. Much skillful handi work is required in the making of the letter. It is only on special order that they are made as they have gold and silver layers and lining but are light wear. That is why they cost more. Congress President Madam Sonia Gandhi as well as also some of the leading film actresses shows preference for Zandhani Sarees. HOPE ISLAND Hope Island as its name indicates, is the hope and prop of Kakinada. It is nature’s protective shield to the residents of Kakinada against the fury of cyclones. Hope Island is at a distance of 5 Km from Kakinada. It is 17 km long and 2 ½ km wide and is in the shape of crescent. It was formed 200 years ago by the sands washed into the sea on account of Godavari floods. The inhabitants of Hops Island lead a hopeless life without electricity, educational or medical facilities. It is a pity that after nightfall they have to content themselves by seeing the shimmering city lights of Kakinada. It is strange but true that inhabitants of Hope Island get fresh potable water even though it is surrounded by sea on all sides. If the immense potential of the Hope Island is fully tapped, it will become a great tourist attraction thereby, augmenting the material prosperity of its inhabitants.   FAMILY HEALTH CLUB OF GOLLALAMAMIDADA ‘Health is Wealth’ is the age old saying. Without a healthy body and mind, all wealth is useless. Since some years past, people have become health conscious. The result is proliferation of health clubs in cities and big towns. But a Family Health Club in a remote and tiny village like Gollalamamidada is a matter of surprise. Still more surprising is the fact that it has ultra modern facilities not to be found even in their counterparts in towns. It must be said to the credit of the people of Gollalamamidada that its costs of Rupees Five Crores did not deter them. This Health Club situated in four acres of land has walking track, open auditorium, indoor stadium, swimming pool, gymnasium, training centre for catering and sewing etc., for indigent ladies. The claim of the organisers of the Health Club that it was established to propagate healthy living through physical exercises and meditation is fulfilled. ODALAREVU A place of natural beauty providing an avid of east for the eyes and for the mind. DINDI ‘Haritha Coconut Country Resorts’atDindi in Malkipuram Mandal on the banks of Vasistha Godavari is recent phenomenon. Affluent people are slowly taking to river culture. The Tourist Department as well as Dindi Resorts provide all comforts, conveniences and culinary requirements of tourists. FINE RESTING PLACE Water is indispensable for our daily sustenance. It is essential for our drinking and washing. Without water there is no cultivation. There are many places in our State and Country where water is a scarce commodity. But we are very lucky. We have abundance of water everywhere – the vast sea on one side and the tributaries of the Godavari on three sides; paddy fields and coconut trees provide an ocular feast for us. Country Resorts are ready to offer their services to enable you to enjoy the ineffable beauties of the River Godavari. KONASEEMA Konaseema is a natural island. It is a land of coconuts and plantains. Its insular situation is both its boon and bane. For a very long time people here were averse to mobility, because they could afford it. But that is a story of the past.   Agriculture, horticulture and pisciculture are the triple cultures one finds in abundance here. Konaseema is famous throughout India for its Vedic scholars and experts well versed in performing Yajnas and homams. In any language correct pronounciation is essential, much more so in Sanskrit. Scholars say that a mispronounciation of certain words may spell doom. Vedic scholars of Konaseema are admired throughout the country for their impeccable intonation. You hear to a rendering of vedichymns (Panasa) in a chorus by a group of Pundits. You may not know their meaning but you are enthralled. Such is the magical effect of their musical rendering. Lord Vighneswara was the amanuensis of sage Veda Vysya when the latter dictated the Mahabharatha. It is common knowledge that in a Hindu household any auspicious function, be it cradle ceremony, betrothal, sacred thread ceremony, marriage or house warming ceremony, the function will be commenced only with singing the glory of Lord Ganesa. He is believed to be remover of all obstacles. Lord Vinayaka’s temple at Ainavilli near Mukteswaram is a fomous temple. Now-a-days it is attracting pilgrims from far and wide. At Mukteswaram, there is the temple of Lord Sive. Mukti means salvation. It is popular belief here that if you worship Lord Siva in this temple, he will bless you with instant salvation. In Razole Taluk, there is the famous Balaji Temple. RyaliJaganMohini Swami Temple is well worth a visit. One should visit VadapalliVenkateswara Swami Temple. The Mosque in Nagaram in RazoleTaluq is famous. Canals flowing glitteringly in the sun, paddy fields on either side of the canal and chirping of lovely birds and heaven kissing coconut trees – this is a familiar sight in Konaseema. The mighty Godavari at Razole affords a panoramic view and creates an optical illusion of the sky and river meeting far away. Watching the Godavari sitting under the big trees on the river bund near the temple at the ferry point is an indescribable experience. RAMACHANDRAPURAM FORT Ramachandrapuram is East Godavari District is called Kota Ramachandrapuram because of the For (Kota). Empires and Kingdoms and Zamindaries have all become things of the past, but the forts remain as relics of past glory. Ramachandrapuram fort is one such. This fort was built in 1865. There is a beautiful garden in the compound. As you enter the main fort, the stuffed tigers frighten you. These tiger skins are of the many tigers killed by the old Raja in his hunting expeditions. This fort is so beautiful that throughout the year you can witness shooting of films. The late Raja and Sri Raja Kakarlapudi Gopala Narasa Raju and his son Late S.R.K. Ramachandra Raju served as Municipal Chairmen and legislators. His sons S.R.K. Gopal Babu and S.R.K. Krishna Babu are at present residing in the for. Gopala Babu and his wife Smt. Vijaya Devi served the town as Municipal Chair persons. SAGARA SANGAMA YATRA Under the management of Konaseema Tourism and Entertainment Private Limited, A.C.Boatsare plied from Yanam. One can see the littoral villages as also the Abhayaranyam. It takes about 8 hours for the pleasure ride on the river. The big island formed at Brahma Samedyam is a special attraction. Words are no substitute for the actual experience.   TRADITIONAL TREAT   In his busy age, we have become accustomed to using plastic etc., and throw it away after use. The Government very wisely banned the use of plastics to save our ecology. But here in Matlapalem you are served meals on an almond leaf, big spoons are made of Palmyra leaves. Tea in all its glory, is served in cups made of plantain leave. MADA FOREST 60 varieties of trees and 108 varieties of birds are in Mada Forest range. There are many facilities provided for the comfortable stay of visitors. KORANGI   Forests, like rivers are boons conferred by Nature for the benefit of mankind. Thick forests along sea coast or river bund prevent erosion. They help us get rains. They serve as shelters for wild animals and birds. They contain many rare life saving medicinal plants. There are about 34 varieties of trees in Korangi Abhayaranyam. Every year several migratory birds come here from far off countries for a brief sojourn. About 32,300 people belonging to 7221 families in 26 villages in the neighbourhood live by fishing and earn about 2 ½ crores every year. The lighthouse built by the British can be seen here. A private firm of Hyderabad organises conducted boat tours called Godavari SagarSangamaYatra with all modern conveniences and comforts. KAKINADA   Pensioners’paradise, second Madras, planned city – these are the pet names of Kakinada which is the headquarters of the East Godavari District. It is the second biggest town in the District next only to Rajahmundry which is the seat of the Principal District and Sessions Judge’s Court. Though it is comparatively of recent origin compared to Rajahmundry, Kakinda has a rich historical past. It was here that the 38th in session of the Indian National Congress was held under the Presidentship of Moulana Mohammed Ali, the famour editor of Comrade. Kakinada is an important seat of learning. The Maharaja of Pithapuram established a College in the year 1884 by donating a large tract of land. The college was named after the Maha Raja. Favouring its takeover it was named Government P.R. College. This college was served by a long line of distringuished Principals and Professors. Rangaraya Medical College and Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University are also famous throughout the State. At present, there are a number of colleges and convents in and around Kakinada. There is a beautiful beach 3 km from Kakinada. The Kumbhbhisheka Alayam, Port, Shipping Harbour and Vakalapudi Light House are worth seeing. The Om building which is in the heart of the town is an important land mark. Its unique arehitectural symmetry and beauty are marvellous. In Sambamurthy Nagar there is Gandhi Mandir which carefully preserves the mementos of Mahatma Gandhi. It is called Gandhi Bhavan. It has a good library with many interesting pictures depicting Gandhi’s life as student, barrister and Satyagrahi. There is a bronze figure of Gandhi in spinning posture. The 38th Congress was held at Kakinada in December, 1923 in a vast extent of 120 acres. It is at present called Gandhinagar. McLaurin High School is a very famous and old Christian Educational Institution. Kakinada is famous for its fine arts, thanks to the initiative and drive of late Kommireddy Suryanarayana Murthy Naidu, a prominent public man. Suryakala Mandiram was constructed nearly 100 years ago. Musical concerts are held every year under the aegis of Saraswathi Gana Sabha during Dasara. It is a matter of prestige for any musician of standing to give performance here. Many a fledgling usician who rose to dizzy heights gave a concert here. Sri Rama Samajam, Young Men’s Happy Club and Andhra Seva Sangham are some of the famous institutions of Kakinada. Baptist Church: Centenary Baptist Church situated in Jagganaickpur is more than a century old. 1904 R.E. Smith of Canada laid the foundation stone for this church. To convey the message of Jesus, this church was established and on January 7, 1906 Rev.John Craze dedicated it to the Worshippers. It was designed by G.S.T. Harris Gothic, then Architect in the Government of Madras. Though it was built more then a century ago, it looks as though it was recently constructed. There are other churches at different places in the town. District Collectorate: Till 1907 the Collector Office was housed in the present P.R. College building. On Devember 4, 1903, Ampthill, then Governor of Madras laid the foundation for the present Collectorate. It was completed by 1907. The present Collectorate is as strong as granite despite its 100 years. There are other Government buildings in the same compound. Light House: The oldest light house in the State is situated in Vakalapudi, Kakinada Rural Mandal. It is at a distance of 10 km from Kakinada. The Maharaja Pithapuram donated 6 acres of land for it. Its construction took 4 years. It was started in 1874. Its height is 23 metres. Its light reaches upto a distance of 23 nautical miles (36 km). By the side of this light house another house was constructed at a cost of Rs. 50 lakhs. There are light houses at Antarvedi and Kandikuppa also. DATA TAKEN FROM APGOVT WEBSITES