Papikondalu boat services and pilgrim tours restart in Andhra Pradesh

After a four-month break, boat services to the picturesque Papikondalu region in Andhra Pradesh have resumed, inviting tourists back to explore this scenic river paradise. The boat journeys begin at the Gandi Pochamma temple boating point in Gonduru village, Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district, located 35 kilometers from Rajamahendravaram. The first trip was met with enthusiasm, symbolizing a new start for tourism along the Godavari River and providing a boost to the local economy.

The boat ride to Papikondalu offers an eight-hour journey along the River Godavari, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty. The tours kick off from Rajamahendravaram at 7:30 am, with visitors reaching the boating point by 9:30 am. The Tourism Department's divisional manager, Ch. Pavan Kumar, emphasized that special arrangements have been made for safety and comfort, including practice drills conducted before the relaunch. These measures ensure that tourists can enjoy a safe and pleasant experience throughout their journey.
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The services were resumed after the end of the monsoon and cyclone season, with authorities taking a careful approach to reopening tourism in the area. Coordination among the Tourism, Irrigation, and Kakinada port authorities has led to the approval of 15 boats for Papikondalu trips.


Tickets are priced at Rs 1,250 for adults and Rs 1,000 for children aged 3-10 years, and bookings can be made on the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) website. The affordability of these tickets makes this adventure accessible to families and solo travelers looking to explore the region’s beauty.

Additionally, boat services have also resumed at Pochavaram point in the Chintur division of the ASR district, offering tourists more options to explore the breathtaking Godavari landscape. These initiatives aim to attract more visitors to the area, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
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In a further effort to enhance tourism, Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh has introduced a one-day pilgrim tour in Rajahmundry. The tour, available every Saturday starting at 6 am, takes visitors to key spiritual sites including Korukonda, Annavaram, Draksharamam, Samalkota, Pithapuram, and Vadapalli temples, and concludes with the Akhanda Harati at Pushkara Ghat in Rajamahendravaram at 6:30 pm. This blend of spiritual and natural attractions offers a meaningful experience for visitors.
The resumption of boat rides to Papikondalu and the launch of the one-day pilgrim tour reflect a coordinated effort to revive tourism in Andhra Pradesh. With careful planning and safety measures in place, these offerings provide an exciting opportunity to experience the state’s rich culture and stunning landscapes.