Papikondalu or Papi Kondalu that means ‘Papi Hills’ is a series of mountains located near Rajahmundry and spread across Khammam, East and West Godavari districts, Andhra Pradesh, India. Papikondalu Mountain Range is famous for Godavari Boat Rides. Papikondalu mountains run alongside the river Godavari, one of the largest rivers in India; and are known for their wildlife. Papikondalu wildlife sanctuary is main tourist attraction other than boat rides on Godavari river and is home to animals like tiger, leopard, boars, sambar deer, spotted deer, antelopes, hyena, sloth bear, muggers, gharials, snakes, and Indian bison.
Papikondalu falls en-route between Bhadrachalam and Rajahmundry and is peppered with deep gorges and forests, making it ideal destination for weekend trips. Papikondalu allows nature lovers; a chance of peace and quite as much of the location has no mobile coverage. Thus, if anyone wants to stay off the grid in peace and tranquility for couple of days, this is the location. The area is also famous for Kolluru Huts, a bamboo hut design peculiar to this region. Tourist coming to Papikondalu must try out the special delicacy called ‘Bamboo Chicken’, which is chicken cooked inside bamboo sticks.
State government to boost tourism has also started a few camp sites where tourist can stay with all civic amenities. As there are no permanent accommodations, tourist can stay in numerous hotels, lodges, guesthouses in either Rajahmundry or Bhadrachalam as per budget. Papikondalu mountain range, originally called ‘Papidi Kondalu’ translating to partition in Telugu language, can be best viewed by boat ride on steamer or motor boat on Godavari from Rajahmundry to Bhadrachalam and vice versa. Tourism in Papikondalu itself is centered around Papikondalu Wildlife Sanctuary.
Other places worth visiting in the surrounding areas include Pattisam, Bhavanarayana Swamy dedicated to Vishnu and Veerabhadra Swamy temple dedicated to Shiva at Pattisam, Perantalapalli tribal village, Gandipochamma temple at Gonduru, Polavaram dam, Bhadrachalam, Ram temple, Munivaatam waterfall, and Rajahmundry. Government and private tour operators run regular ferry/boat services at regular intervals but advance booking is must.Legend has it that these mountains were visited by Rama and Sita during their 14 year exile. The best way to reach is by full day boat rides from Rajahmundry or Pattisam, Polavaram, Kunavaram and Sriram Giri.
However, boat journey from Rajahmundry towards Bhadrachalam that passes through ‘papi hills’ is the best as it gives the traveler, a grand view of Godavari river, valleys, surrounding forests and sandy beaches. The best time to visit the area is in post monsoon season from October to January; when Godavari is in full flow. Rajahmundry, Bhadrachalam are well connected by road and rail with rest of India; air-link is provided by Rajahmundry to reach Papikondalu.
While in Papikondalu; tourists besides enjoying the scenic beauty of the beautiful hills, valleys and waterfalls, they can also engage in camping and trekking to nearby forests accompanied by registered guides during their breaks at Perantalapalli in Velerupadu mandal, West Godavari district. While trekking tourist also interact with local tribal communities living in villages surrounding these hills. Tribals are mainly involved in fishing, agriculture, and making bamboo handicrafts.
If possible tourists can also buy bamboo handicrafts from their shops. Perantalapalli tribal village is the place to buy bamboo handicrafts, it is completely cut-off from power grid and depends on solar power for electricity. Tourists can also visit mountains called Bali and Sugreeva, named after monkey kings of Ramayana. Non-vegeterian food and animal hunting is strictly prohibited here. Tourist can stay at bamboo resorts of Kolluru, Shivagiri, and Srivaka. All these eco-friendly resorts are famous for their beautiful environment and their non-veg food especially freshly caught river/sea fish, prawns, and crab.
Papikondalu is ideal for one-day trip, but some tourists prefer two-day trip, for them these resorts are best place to stay. Sunsets at Papikondalu are mesmerizing. Tourist can visit various places in Rajahmundry end like Godavari Bridge, Asia’s second longest road-cum-rail truss bridge on Godavari river. Tourists can also visit the over 100-year old Havelock Bridge and new Godavari Arch Bridge. Boat ride on Godavari is also advised. The best time to visit this area is from October to March. People can visit Ram temple in Bhadrachalam end, which bears festive look on Ram Navami, Navratri and Brahmotsavams; when it is literally flooded with devotees.
