On the banks of Godavari is situated the city of Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the major places in the state in terms of culture, tourism and agriculture. Hence, it is a visited by a fair number of tourists and tourism is an important aspect of the place. Hotels in Rajahmundry offer warm hospitality and a comfortable stay to their guests. There are mid-range and budget accommodations for those looking for a reasonable tariff. Rajahmundry has several places of attraction as well.
The old name of the city is Rajamahendravaram. It is considered as the cultural capital of the state. The city was ruled under the Chalukya dynasty rule back in 1022. Many forts and palaces of that era are still existent as ruins in the city. Many archeological findings suggest that Rajahmundry might have existed much earlier than the stipulated 11th century. It is estimated that in the 9th century Amma Raja Vishnuvardhan I founded the city. Rajahmundry is the birthplace of Telugu Language and Adikavi Nannayya. The city has immense historic significance as this place was the center of many freedom movements during the 19th century.
Godavari Bridge of Rajahmundry is the most scenic architecture of the whole area. With the sweeping view of the sky stretched to miles above and the long bridge together offer a magnificent glimpse. Boats in the river below add more beauty to the whole scene and sunsets are the best time to watch the sight from this bridge, when birds returning home fly over the spot. Iskcon Temple is also a much visited tourist attraction of the city. It covers an area of 2 acres and devotees arrive here in large numbers to offer prayers to Lord Krishna. Kotilingeshwara Temple is also a popular site. This temple was made in the 10th century and it has several bathing ghats around it. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
About 40 km from Rajahmundry is the Draksharamam Temple. This is also a Lord Shiva temple. It is an old temple of a number of carvings and scriptures. There is a Sapta Godavari Kundam which is a pond that is considered holy. Shivaratri is celebrated here with a lot of religious fervor. Besides these places, one attraction not to miss in and around Rajahmundry are the Papi Hills. Situated on the Eastern Ghats, this site is one of the most scenic places in the region. It is also known as Papi Kondalu. With dense forests around the hills, it offers a nice natural scenery. There are many waterfalls and stream-lets here. This place is considered a blessed site that can redeem one from their sins. There is a Lord Yoga Rama temple inside the forests.
One more site among places to visit in Rajahmundry is the Sir Arthur Cotton Museum. It was built in 1998. It is a nice museum about dams and illustrates the works done by the British Engineer, Sir Arthur Cotton who was also called Cotton Dora.
