Bhadrachalam to Rajahmundry by River Steamer

steven_ber · Apr 18th, 2006, 12:06

I'm considering getting the overnight train from Hyderabad to Bhadrachalam, then (after a couple of days) getting the steamer down the Godavari River to Rajahmundry. (I think the steamer goes from Burgampad)

It's difficult to find info about this route on the internet (I have all the train details), there's a chance that the steamer no longer operates and that I'll have to get to Kunavaram by road and take a 'Motor Launch' from there to Rajahmundry, can anyone confirm if the steamer is still in service?

I can only do this river route around the 17th September, I'm aware that this is very close to the end of the monsoon and that there has been flooding in recent years in this area at that time of year.

Even if there is no flooding, the river should be close to it's peak and I'm worried that ANY boat trips along the river will not be operating until after the monsoon, does anyone have any info about this?

Bhadrachalam seems to be an interesting place, however, my main reason for going is for the river trip to Rajahmundry, so I'd be unlikely to go if the weather prevented me from travelling along the river.

Thanks for any info.

rajkumar · Apr 18th, 2006, 14:02

Post monsoon, the road to Rajahmundry from Bhadrachalam is also scenic. Most of it is through 'agency area' forests and hills. That is in case the ferry is not available. Last I heard the boat is operational.But there are fears that the upcoming dam project will make this jouney through Papikondalu impossible. Why don't you contact AP tourism by email or phone?

steven_ber · Apr 19th, 2006, 11:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by rajkumar

there are fears that the upcoming dam project will make this jouney through Papikondalu impossible.

This makes it even more important to do this journey by river as soon as possible, do you know a good link to an article about the Dam proposals?

Quote:

Originally Posted by rajkumar

Why don't you contact AP tourism by email or phone?

I'll try e-mailing them.

Thanks for the info.

capt_mahajan · Apr 19th, 2006, 14:30

according to ap tourism on the phone

the "houseboat" service exists, and should be there in september.

charges vary, Rs 2500 seems to be minimum for 2 people (have to pay even if one person travelling, apparently).

the guy told me on the phone "more information" was available on +91 (0)9848780824.. cellphone

hope this helps

jyotirmoy · Apr 19th, 2006, 14:48

steven since u are going to this area check out this:

Coringa Wild Life Sanctuary
Situated 20 Kms from Kakinada and 70 Kms from Rajahmundry, this sanctuary is a part of river Godavari and has a rich growth of Mangrove plantation. A unique feature of this sanctuary is that it's located on the back waters of the sea. Otter, a protected specie is found here. Among other animals which include Fishing Cat, Jackal, Sea Turtle and Estuarine Crocodile which are found in the creeks. The common birds found are Snipes, Ducks, ,Sea Gulls and Flamingos.
Best season to visit is from October to May.
Accommodation is available at forest rest houses located at Coringa and Rajahmundry

steven_ber · Apr 19th, 2006, 14:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by capt_mahajan

according to ap tourism on the phone

the "houseboat" service exists, and should be there in september.

charges vary, Rs 2500 seems to be minimum for 2 people (have to pay even if one person travelling, apparently).

the guy told me on the phone "more information" was available on +91 (0)9848780824.. cellphone

hope this helps

Thanks for calling and for the extra telephone number.

There seems to be a bit of confusion though.

The tourist 'houseboats' go from Dindi, near Narsapur (I'll be going there from Rajahmundry), they do 6-hour, 12-hour and 23-hour cruises around the Godavari river, the area is said to rival Kerala for natural beauty, so I'm very much looking forward to staying in the area.

It's good to know the houseboat tours have started, I've found it very difficult to get any info about them, the last I heard is that they would start the tours when an AP tourism guesthouse opened in Dindi, and that was expected to open in May.

The steamer from Bhadrachalam and the 'motor launches' from Kunavaram (both going to Rajahmundry) are ordinary everyday services as far as I'm aware.

Again, thanks for the info.

steven_ber · Apr 19th, 2006, 15:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyotirmoy

steven since u are going to this area check out this:

Coringa Wild Life Sanctuary
Situated 20 Kms from Kakinada and 70 Kms from Rajahmundry, this sanctuary is a part of river Godavari and has a rich growth of Mangrove plantation. A unique feature of this sanctuary is that it's located on the back waters of the sea. Otter, a protected specie is found here. Among other animals which include Fishing Cat, Jackal, Sea Turtle and Estuarine Crocodile which are found in the creeks. The common birds found are Snipes, Ducks, ,Sea Gulls and Flamingos.
Best season to visit is from October to May.
Accommodation is available at forest rest houses located at Coringa and Rajahmundry

Thanks, the Coringa Wild Life Sanctuary was already on the list of places to visit (assuming it's open in late September).

The whole area seems to have a lot to offer, lets just hope there are no cyclones.

jyotirmoy · Apr 19th, 2006, 15:12

Yes steven cyclone is an issue at coastal Andhra... this year the weather is behaving crazy....

gopalk · Apr 19th, 2006, 19:38

I know the Pattiseema cruise has started some time in March. There was an article recently in Deccan Chronicle too (sometime in Apr). I will try to dig it up and post the info once I am back in Hyd.

Inanus · Apr 21st, 2006, 18:26

Quote:

Hi Steve. I tried doing the day trip from Rajahmundry to Bhadrachalam & back about six weeks ago. AP tourism has a package but I'm fairly sure you can do it independently (there are local ferries around Rajahmundry for sure). The trip involves breaks at several temples & scenic points, there are tribal areas around Papikondalu too. I think it cost Rs400.
The launch site at the time was about an hour upstream from Raj due to low water & the AP guy had to give me a lift there on his bike. When we arrived I was told that the tour was off as a party of 40 had cancelled the previous night but that I could go on another boat that same day & return the following day. I was too pissed off to go by that point, but I really regret not having done it. Even from the launch point the river was narrowing & the hills were beginning to show.
I wouldn't think you'd have a problem making the trip during monsoon, the river with be higher & more navigable at that time, probably more scenic too. I would suggest though, that you begin in Rajahmundry as it should be easier to arrange from there & the more attractive areas would then be towards the end of the trip. Be prepared for delays.
Best of luck!

I've just replied on LP. Patiseema rings a bell, I think it was the one I went for. As I said, the price at the time was Rs400, but the boat price was Rs7000 (should you want it all to yourself). I didn't look on board but the AP Tourism bloke said that there were only crappy plastic chairs on board (my words), even on the overnight one, but I'd double check.
Good look getting an email response from them...

sarathrs · May 31st, 2006, 17:51

hello,
this is sarath.im planning to go on steamer between bhadrachalam and rajahmundry next weekend with my friends.(jun 10th).
may i know whether this is suitable period to go or nnot.and also may i know fares and frequency of boats.how much time is the journey between them.

pgautham · Jul 11th, 2006, 21:05

Hi all,

I have just joined this forum(1st time I have joined one) and have read the different posts.
Hopefully I can provide some practical info.

Firstly there are no steamers on the Godavari.
Neither Steam engines nor steam whatevers.
There are only Dieselers.
Now I wish some one could introduce some steamers.. can make things more interesting...
Any way steamers sounds(and looks) better so let me continue using it. I will use the term steamers for the regular transport that is used by the villagers to transport themselves and cargo @Rs100/-.

Cruise for the luxury boats, thats normally used by the town folk. ABout Rs500/head. They play loud, jarring music. Prefarable for folks used to comfort.

I prefer the steamers; prefarbally with good silencers; except wehn its too crowdy. this happens during long holidays, impt festival at Bhadrachalam(like Sri Ramanavami)

Secondly, there are no steamers/cruises that go all the way through.

There are pristine villages through this route and if you venture out into these villages you can come across different ancient tribes and if lucky see their traditional dances.
If you do some trekking(I have not done this) you could see some good waterfalls in the Papikonda ranges in the Monsoon.

But most probably you could just cruise through the river. Thats enthralling enough. All year round is cruising season. Except may be May month when steamers/cruises may stop temp due to low water depth/ steamer maintance.

The monsoon months are fine too UNLESS there are actual floods.
In the case of a flood, the steamers are used by the Govt to supply food and medicines to the affected villages. This is VERY
RARE.

During this season, the hills are green, the water red, gushing and full of mountainous minerals(perfectly drinkable even though it looks muddy) and if the rains are in season, you get a feeling of being in Kailash, with the clouds covering the tops of the hills. You may not do much/any swimming. You can see a couple of tiny waterfalls in the distance.

The winter months are cool, and the water crystal clear and sweet as nectar. You can swim around in some places which look more like sand beaches. DO check with the locals before venturing in to the river for there can be deep pools.

Summer time is exciting...the heat .. the sweat; if you can bear it.

The best part is when you jump of into the river for a holy, chilling dip.
Nothing more thrilling and enjoyable.

During the summer the Steamer(from Rajahmundry) stops much before its actual destination due to shortage in water. It stops near a tribal village called Koydha. The streamer is now empty except for the crew and starts back the next day morning. In the night it anchors in the middle of the river to avoid any wild animals boarding free :-)

There is nothing in this world like a night spent on the steamers roof top in the Summer after a long hot day and lazing off in the water and good hot spicy dinner either cooked by the crew(you give them a few bucks for the dinner) or eaten in the village.
Cool breeze wafts around, the water waves splash on the boat and(if you are there wehn the moon is full/nearfull) the river looks like running silver and ...well its literally an out of earth experience. I'am not a good enough poet/writer to describe it better.
There is not a hint of man made light. Only heavenly moonlight and the sounds of nature.. strange night birds singing away to glory..If you smoke, then smoke the Chutta(native cigar) which is much more satisfying in this scenario/condition. If you drink, Don't drink and spoil the natural feeling of bliss. Besides you will want to be in your senses.
DON'T play artificial music and shut out the divine music. Besides you wouldn't want to advertise yourself.

Soon you will doze off...

other places of stay if interested:
a) Kollur(at Kaigala Satyanarayana's place)
b) Parentapally(I heard that govt has constructed cottages.. need to verify)
c) APSTDC guest house at koruturu village just at the entrace of the Papikondalu.

There are two ways to travel. Upstream or downstream.

1. Rajamundry to Bhadrachalam(boat upto Kunnavaram):
------------------------------
Either by steamers or cruises.
Steamers are bi-weekly. I think Monday and Thursday nights(in the good old times, they were by the hour every day).
They leave at about 2am(night) and reach Kunnavaram at about 4pm next day. From there it is 50kms(about 1.5 to 2 hrs) to the temple town of Bhadrachalam by Bus.
Charge: ~ Rs100/- including Lunch.

Cruises I think run everyday; either from Rajahmundry or Pollavaram(or even pattisema??). From Rajahmundry, they start at about 6am, go to Pattiseema, Papi kondalu and upto Parentapalli; halt for some time there and then get back by late evening. They stop for lunch at the APSTDC guest house at Koruturu.
Charge: ~ Rs500/-

2. KOnnavaram to Parentapalli..
Boats run from Kunnavaram to Parentapalli and back.
Refer to this:
http://khammam.ap.nic.in/html/touris...ntalapalli.htm

The last part of the URL seems incomplete: tourism/perantalapalli.htm

Namaste
Gautham

steven_ber · Jul 16th, 2006, 22:45

Wow Gautham, awesome information and a great first post, very very useful.

Thanks and welcome to indiamike.com

Nick-H · Jul 16th, 2006, 23:16

Quote:

There is nothing in this world like a night spent on the steamers roof top in the Summer after a long hot day and lazing off in the water and good hot spicy dinner either cooked by the crew(you give them a few bucks for the dinner) or eaten in the village.
Cool breeze wafts around, the water waves splash on the boat and(if you are there wehn the moon is full/nearfull) the river looks like running silver and ...well its literally an out of earth experience. I'am not a good enough poet/writer to describe it better.
There is not a hint of man made light. Only heavenly moonlight and the sounds of nature..

Oh, natural darkness and moonlight on water: both exquisite

Your poetic description is very, very fine

Jorge Reverter · Jul 17th, 2006, 01:41

Pgautham and Steven,

Fantastic thread and information. I'm not sure if I 'll change my mind and route for my next trip in November, the places you mentionned sounds terribly appealing.

Jorge

Apr 18th, 2006, 12:06	#1
steven_ber Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: South of England. Posts: 11,573	Bhadrachalam to Rajahmundry by River Steamer I'm considering getting the overnight train from Hyderabad to Bhadrachalam, then (after a couple of days) getting the steamer down the Godavari River to Rajahmundry. (I think the steamer goes from Burgampad) It's difficult to find info about this route on the internet (I have all the train details), there's a chance that the steamer no longer operates and that I'll have to get to Kunavaram by road and take a 'Motor Launch' from there to Rajahmundry, can anyone confirm if the steamer is still in service? I can only do this river route around the 17th September, I'm aware that this is very close to the end of the monsoon and that there has been flooding in recent years in this area at that time of year. Even if there is no flooding, the river should be close to it's peak and I'm worried that ANY boat trips along the river will not be operating until after the monsoon, does anyone have any info about this? Bhadrachalam seems to be an interesting place, however, my main reason for going is for the river trip to Rajahmundry, so I'd be unlikely to go if the weather prevented me from travelling along the river. Thanks for any info. __________________ . How to get helpful replies to your transport/Itinerary questions. Train information. RAC & Waitlists explained.

May 31st, 2006, 17:51	#11
sarathrs Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: hyderabad Posts: 2	bhadrachalam to rajahmundry on boat hello, this is sarath.im planning to go on steamer between bhadrachalam and rajahmundry next weekend with my friends.(jun 10th). may i know whether this is suitable period to go or nnot.and also may i know fares and frequency of boats.how much time is the journey between them.

Jul 11th, 2006, 21:05	#12
pgautham Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bangalore, India Posts: 47	Godavari river adventure Hi all, I have just joined this forum(1st time I have joined one) and have read the different posts. Hopefully I can provide some practical info. Firstly there are no steamers on the Godavari. Neither Steam engines nor steam whatevers. There are only Dieselers. Now I wish some one could introduce some steamers.. can make things more interesting... Any way steamers sounds(and looks) better so let me continue using it. I will use the term steamers for the regular transport that is used by the villagers to transport themselves and cargo @Rs100/-. Cruise for the luxury boats, thats normally used by the town folk. ABout Rs500/head. They play loud, jarring music. Prefarable for folks used to comfort. I prefer the steamers; prefarbally with good silencers; except wehn its too crowdy. this happens during long holidays, impt festival at Bhadrachalam(like Sri Ramanavami) Secondly, there are no steamers/cruises that go all the way through. There are pristine villages through this route and if you venture out into these villages you can come across different ancient tribes and if lucky see their traditional dances. If you do some trekking(I have not done this) you could see some good waterfalls in the Papikonda ranges in the Monsoon. But most probably you could just cruise through the river. Thats enthralling enough. All year round is cruising season. Except may be May month when steamers/cruises may stop temp due to low water depth/ steamer maintance. The monsoon months are fine too UNLESS there are actual floods. In the case of a flood, the steamers are used by the Govt to supply food and medicines to the affected villages. This is VERY RARE. During this season, the hills are green, the water red, gushing and full of mountainous minerals(perfectly drinkable even though it looks muddy) and if the rains are in season, you get a feeling of being in Kailash, with the clouds covering the tops of the hills. You may not do much/any swimming. You can see a couple of tiny waterfalls in the distance. The winter months are cool, and the water crystal clear and sweet as nectar. You can swim around in some places which look more like sand beaches. DO check with the locals before venturing in to the river for there can be deep pools. Summer time is exciting...the heat .. the sweat; if you can bear it. The best part is when you jump of into the river for a holy, chilling dip. Nothing more thrilling and enjoyable. During the summer the Steamer(from Rajahmundry) stops much before its actual destination due to shortage in water. It stops near a tribal village called Koydha. The streamer is now empty except for the crew and starts back the next day morning. In the night it anchors in the middle of the river to avoid any wild animals boarding free :-) There is nothing in this world like a night spent on the steamers roof top in the Summer after a long hot day and lazing off in the water and good hot spicy dinner either cooked by the crew(you give them a few bucks for the dinner) or eaten in the village. Cool breeze wafts around, the water waves splash on the boat and(if you are there wehn the moon is full/nearfull) the river looks like running silver and ...well its literally an out of earth experience. I'am not a good enough poet/writer to describe it better. There is not a hint of man made light. Only heavenly moonlight and the sounds of nature.. strange night birds singing away to glory..If you smoke, then smoke the Chutta(native cigar) which is much more satisfying in this scenario/condition. If you drink, Don't drink and spoil the natural feeling of bliss. Besides you will want to be in your senses. DON'T play artificial music and shut out the divine music. Besides you wouldn't want to advertise yourself. Soon you will doze off... other places of stay if interested: a) Kollur(at Kaigala Satyanarayana's place) b) Parentapally(I heard that govt has constructed cottages.. need to verify) c) APSTDC guest house at koruturu village just at the entrace of the Papikondalu. There are two ways to travel. Upstream or downstream. 1. Rajamundry to Bhadrachalam(boat upto Kunnavaram): ------------------------------ Either by steamers or cruises. Steamers are bi-weekly. I think Monday and Thursday nights(in the good old times, they were by the hour every day). They leave at about 2am(night) and reach Kunnavaram at about 4pm next day. From there it is 50kms(about 1.5 to 2 hrs) to the temple town of Bhadrachalam by Bus. Charge: ~ Rs100/- including Lunch. Cruises I think run everyday; either from Rajahmundry or Pollavaram(or even pattisema??). From Rajahmundry, they start at about 6am, go to Pattiseema, Papi kondalu and upto Parentapalli; halt for some time there and then get back by late evening. They stop for lunch at the APSTDC guest house at Koruturu. Charge: ~ Rs500/- 2. KOnnavaram to Parentapalli.. Boats run from Kunnavaram to Parentapalli and back. Refer to this: http://khammam.ap.nic.in/html/touris...ntalapalli.htm The last part of the URL seems incomplete: tourism/perantalapalli.htm Namaste Gautham Last edited by pgautham : Jul 14th, 2006 at 13:41.

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Apr 18th, 2006, 14:02	#2
rajkumar Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: India Posts: 265	Post monsoon, the road to Rajahmundry from Bhadrachalam is also scenic. Most of it is through 'agency area' forests and hills. That is in case the ferry is not available. Last I heard the boat is operational.But there are fears that the upcoming dam project will make this jouney through Papikondalu impossible. Why don't you contact AP tourism by email or phone?

Apr 19th, 2006, 14:30	#4
capt_mahajan Infidel Sufi Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: styx Posts: 13,608	according to ap tourism on the phone the "houseboat" service exists, and should be there in september. charges vary, Rs 2500 seems to be minimum for 2 people (have to pay even if one person travelling, apparently). the guy told me on the phone "more information" was available on +91 (0)9848780824.. cellphone hope this helps

Apr 19th, 2006, 14:48	#5
jyotirmoy Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 5,223	steven since u are going to this area check out this: Coringa Wild Life Sanctuary Situated 20 Kms from Kakinada and 70 Kms from Rajahmundry, this sanctuary is a part of river Godavari and has a rich growth of Mangrove plantation. A unique feature of this sanctuary is that it's located on the back waters of the sea. Otter, a protected specie is found here. Among other animals which include Fishing Cat, Jackal, Sea Turtle and Estuarine Crocodile which are found in the creeks. The common birds found are Snipes, Ducks, ,Sea Gulls and Flamingos. Best season to visit is from October to May. Accommodation is available at forest rest houses located at Coringa and Rajahmundry

Apr 19th, 2006, 15:12	#8
jyotirmoy Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 5,223	Yes steven cyclone is an issue at coastal Andhra... this year the weather is behaving crazy....

Apr 19th, 2006, 19:38	#9
gopalk Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 252	I know the Pattiseema cruise has started some time in March. There was an article recently in Deccan Chronicle too (sometime in Apr). I will try to dig it up and post the info once I am back in Hyd.

Jul 16th, 2006, 22:45	#13
steven_ber Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: South of England. Posts: 11,573	Wow Gautham, awesome information and a great first post, very very useful. Thanks and welcome to indiamike.com

Jul 17th, 2006, 01:41	#15
Jorge Reverter Maha Guru Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Murcia - Spain Posts: 1,466	Pgautham and Steven, Fantastic thread and information. I'm not sure if I 'll change my mind and route for my next trip in November, the places you mentionned sounds terribly appealing. Jorge