According to Vaastu Shastra, the most suitable places to build temples are, either on the bank of a river, or near the seashore, or at the confluence of rivers, or on top of a mountain. It is true because this where, in the midst of the lush - green fields, coconut gardens, natural surroundings of the River Godavari area is AINAVILLI, where the "SIDDI VINAYAKA TEMPLE", a prominent pilgrimage centre, is situated. It is believed that he fulfills the wishes of his devotees quickly. Devotees take a vow to visit the temple again if their wishes are fulfilled.

One fine weekend we decided to go Annavaram. It was the first time I got a chance to visit this shrine. It is located in one of the very scenic locations on the hill top towards the outskirts of the Kakinada city. This temple is a place which sees immense pilgrim crowd every year. Apart from the fact that the place is sacred, tourists are also attracted to this place because of its immense natural beauty and panoramic views surrounding it. From this hill top you can get a panoramic view of the surrounding green fields and villages."Anna" means whatever you say or you desire and "Varam" means boon, hence whatever you desire will be given as boon by the Deity.

Also known as "Dakshina Kashi (Kashi of the South), Antarvedi, is an important pilgrim centre in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh state in India, situated at the interior part at East coast. Lord Brahma, in order to get freed from the sins he had committed against Lord Sankara, had performed Rudrayaga and installed Lord Neela kantheswara there. As that place was made a stage or "Vedik" to perform the Yagam, it was named as "ANTARVEDI" It is a small village in Sakhinetipalle Mandal which is located close to Narsapur near the Bay of Bengal Coast and Vashishtha River. This river is said to have been brought by Maharishi Vashishtha, one of the Sapthrishis(seven great sages) of Hindu Mythology.

I heard that it was just a remote village in Mamidikuduru Mandal of East Godavari District, but I was struck by the beauty of the place as I was nearing it. It was situated on the holy bank of river Vynateya and flanked by river Godavari on three sides and the Bay of Bengal on 4th side looking like an island, flanked by striking farms, wide spread paddy fields, cattle grazing and ploughing the lush fields surrounded by coconut gardens, plain Mango and Jack trees giving the impression as if it were a part of heaven which came down to earth!! A place one would always cherish!!

A blend of entertainment and education is the best package to grab for summer vacation and the famous Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary on the Kakinada city outskirts is offering it. The community-based eco tourism (CBT) package from the Forest Department is providing an opportunity to the public to go deep into the mangroves on the newly laid interior roads, besides enjoying a boat ride till the sea-mouth.

Draksharamam, is one of the most frequented pilgrim centre of South India. It is one of the Shiva Pancharamas and one of 18 Shakti Peethas. It is famous as both Shiva kshetra and Shakti kshetra. Lord Bheemeswara swamy and Manikyamba are main the deities here. This place is also called as Dakshina Kashi.

There is an interesting legend regarding the name of this place and existence of Lord Shiva in this place. During Tarakasura vadha, the Shiva Linga which was in the throat of Tarakasura broke into five pieces and one of the pieces fell here. Thereafter, it came to be known as Draksharamam.

Godavari, a mighty river, a haven of beauty and tranquility, brimming with mountains, rivers, grasslands and abundant breathtaking landscapes has since the days of yore, always enchanted and awed one and all with its beauty. From dawn to dusk, it is a myriad of captivating and stunning colours with the sky and the river competing with each other. A feeling of warmness spreads allover when one watches the sun rise and one can literally feel The Godavari stretching out its legs. It looks surreal at sunset when the moon comes up over the horizon and the scarlet sun melts little by little into the river and the placid river is tinged golden by the setting sun, merging with the colorful sunset sky.

Located at a distance of 60 kms from Kakinada, 20 kms from Rajahmundry and 110 kms from Amalapuram, is the Korukonda Temple, an ancient and historical temple, a Vaishnava Divya Kshetram, a prominent temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu Avataram. It is called Korukonda `where koru means wish and konda means hill in telugu'. Thus, it is a wishing hill or God who immediately heeds to the wishes of the devotees. The presiding deity here is Lord Sri Narasimha Swamy. Here at Korukonda, the Lord is known as "Satvika Narasimha'', because he is accompanied here by his consort, Lakshmi Devi.

Someswaram or Kotipalli (Kumararama) an important pilgrimage center in coastal Andhra Pradesh, one of the five well known pancharama shrines dedicated to Shiva in Andhra Pradesh is rich in legend and tradition and is held in great regard. Kotipalli also known as Koti Theertham is located at the confluence of the river Godavari with the sea. This holy river which is very famous for its sacred water was brought by Gowtham Maharshi. If a person takes a bath in these holy waters of Gowthami at Kotipalli they will be purified from all kinds of sins. For time immemorial it has been believed that a ritual bath in the river Godavari at Kotipalli is symbolic of a new beginning in life, a change in direction, of forgiveness of heinous sins committed by repentant souls especially in the month of Kartika, and on Maha Shivaratri.

Located at a distance of 20 Km from Kakinada, 58 Km from Rajahmundry and 65 Km from Amalapuram (Via Kotipalli), in the midst of coconut gardens, the green fields and natural surroundings, and on the banks of river "Thulya Bhaga" (Antharvahini) is a well known pilgrim centre known as G. Mamidada (Gollala Mamidada) which is also called as Gopurala Mamidada, famous for Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple. It is the second famous temple after Arasavilli(in Srikakulam). This temple was incepted by the Late Sri Kovvuri Basivi Reddy in the year 1920, who was the Jamindar of Gollalamamidada and great a philanthropist.

There comes a time in every persons life where they are affected by Shani Dasha (Period of Saturn). They undergo many a great hardship and it is during this time they offer prayers and do poojas to Shani to get some respite, to appease him, many pay obeisances from the effects of Shani Dasha.

The question is who is Shani? Shani is one of the most popular and yet the most dreaded and feared deities that the Hindus pray to ward off evil and remove obstacles. He is one of the Navagrahas (nine planets) which are the nine primary celestial beings in Hindu Astrology and is considered to be the strongest malefic.

Pithapuram may be a little known town in the East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, but is widely known as a pilgrim centre and a temple of great importance as it has many shrines of important Deities i.e. Sri Puruhootika Devi, Sri Kukkuteshwara Swamy, Sri Dattatreya Swamy, and Pada Gaya.

Pithapuram which was earlier known as Pithikapuram is one of the Ashta Dasha (Eighteen) Shakthi Peethas and it came to be known as such because this was the place where a part of Satidevi's body i.e. her left hand fell here. She is known here as Puruhootika Devi. Her temple is opposite to Sri Kukkuteshwara Swamy.

Situated between the rivers Vashishta and Gautami, tributaries of River Godavari, is a small village, Ryali, which is known for the temple of Lord JaganMohini Keshava Swamy. I had the blessed opportunity to visit this place last year. I was truly amazed and surprised when the priest who was performing the abhishekam (pooja) invited us in the Garbha Gudi (sanctum sanctorum). The reason is that the temples in the south do not allow the women in the Garbha Gudi. The priest was performing the pooja on one hand and on the other he was showing and explaining the history of this temple.

It has been written in the Puranas, that to visit a Shiva temple a person has to have the "yogam" / "Yog"(opportunity given by god/boon). I guess I had the Yogam!! My joy knew no bounds when I got the opportunity to visit the Kumararama Bheemeshwara Swamy temple at Samalkota!!! This temple usually sees very less crowds and is empty almost all round the year except during the festivals. Samalkota, also known as Samalkot/Samarlakota is a small town in the East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. It is the home to one of the Pancharama temples.

Having a vacation provides you to spend quality time with your family. If you want to have an alone time, then taking a break from long months of work will be a change of scene. It is not bad to take a vacation if you think you deserve it.

What better way to spend your vacation on a beach. Often a rarity, but we do come across a beach which de-stresses you with its serene beauty.

Wedged between 2 heavily forested hillocks, stands the Thalupulamma Thalli Lova Temple offering a breathtaking view of the valley below which is just a sample of the natural beauty of East Godavari, often claimed as "The God’s Own District". Located not far from the famous Temple town of Annavaram, is the abode of Thalupulamma Thalli. It is a fascinating and irresistible destination for both lovers of nature and adventure as well as pilgrims.Truck owners as well as car owners, particularly those who live in the Godavari and North Coastal Districts

Standing as a silent spectator and witnessing the ever growing and fast changing developments, Rajahmundry has seen the many facets of its own city and people. It sure has come a long way from its Kings’ rule. But In spite of its multiple developments, it continues to be a city which holds a special place in its residents’ and denizens’ heart. They are very proud of its glorious royal past and are also proud of its never changing culture and heritage.

Why wouldn’t they!!???

Nowadays, taking a vacation has become one of the most common things. And people in India have woken up to it. To celebrate different occasions, to party, to spent some quality time with the family and also for honeymoon, people are taking up vacations to hill stations, waterfalls, beaches, etc. And surely why not?

Since vacations and holidays are meant to be a break from the hectic work schedule and a means to be away from the bustle of the cities, it becomes a matter of solitude for many going to vacations.

Get up, go to work, go home, go to bed, repeat – are you tired of the rat race? Have you had enough of the monotony of daily life and just want to get away? It doesn’t matter if you want to get away for a week, a month...whatever!!!You just want a break!!!! To picturesque locations, to the countryside, to a resort from where one can overlook the life-skiff-fishermen launch their cockleshell boats, large flocks of domesticated ducks waddle down to the water from thatched houses on the banks, aimless cattle graze in fertile pastures, lotuses float here and there in small shallow lakes,

Known for its spectacular beauty, Konaseema is one of the fertile lands on the Coramandal Coast. Comprising of major towns viz. Amalapuram, Ravulapalem, Razole, Mummidivaram, and Kothapeta, Konaseema is an oasis of enchanting beauty, peace and tranquility that is a dream tour destination for all. It allures and beckons one and all with its magnificent landscape, artistic temples, lavish greenery, lustrous coconut grooves and fields and its resilience that takes your breath away!! Whether travelling by train, boat or bus, a glance at the surrounding countryside is enough to capture the cultural wealth and geographical variety of this paradise on earth.

On the banks of River Gauthami, a branch of River Godavari, flanked by striking farms, wide spread paddy fields, cattle grazing and ploughing the lush fields surrounded by coconut gardens stands proud, the Sri Bhadrakali Sametha Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple of Muramalla. It is believed that devotees who still haven’t got married, who find it difficult to get good proposals, get married with just a mere visit to this temple. Not only that, childless couples, and couples who do not get along will find respite here.

Situated on the banks of the rivulet Kowntheyi (aka Kowsiki) in the town of Palvalapuram, flanked by Kowsiki River on the East, Chandrabhanga River on the West, Mandavu Rivver on the North, Kowntheyi and Palavala River on the South, there was a Lord Shiva Temple who was called Lord Agasteswara Swamy which was installed by Sage Agastya which later came to be known as Uma Koppulingeswara Swamy. As time went by the River Palavala became an "Antarvahini" (unseen).

Ask any kid about Mahabharata, the greatest epic ever written, he will tell you right away. Hmmnn... It’s true!! The story of the Mahabharata is not new to us. We all know about it, we have heard about it as it has been passed on to us since generations. But the question is how much do we really know about it? I guess not much. Right!!?? The various tales that took place in between till the battle, the nitty gritties one missed out on while watching it on the television, for e.g. the places they toured during their exile, the stories that your grandmother forgot to mention and many such stories. Tsk Tsk!!! Need we say more?

Situated on the banks of River Gowthami, where every second person is named as either "Pallamraju", or "Pallamma", or "Pallalamma" as a mark of respect and devotion to the Goddess, is the Temple of Sri Pallalamma Devi of Vanapalli. It is regarded as one of the greatest and the most powerful Temples in Andhra Pradesh.

This village Vanapalli, back then, was under the administrative control of Maharaja (king) of Pithapuram. One day the Maharaja dreamt about Sri Pallalamma Devi who asked him to offer fruits to her and thereby promising in return to give him and his family health and wealth.

Andhra Pradesh is an illustration of the diverse styles of temple building in the Indian subcontinent. The Chalukyan, Dravidian, Nagara and the Orissa idiom are seen in the construction of temples in this southern state. Among the various dynasties that ruled over this region, the Eastern Chalukyas who ruled over Coastal Andhra had a lion's share in shaping the destiny of the temples of East Godavari.

The temples of East Godavari owe their grandeur to the contribution of Eastern Chalukyas who were well known for their typical Dravidian style of art and architecture.