🌿 Papikondalu (Papi Hills)
Silence whispers through the Eastern Ghats | Godavari’s breathtaking gorge | Tribal paradise
An oasis of enchanting beauty. Silence whispers through the Eastern Ghats as the boat wobbles gently along the riverbed. Papikondalu takes travellers through a canopy of greens covered by tropical and deciduous rain forests. Here, one can forget all worries and just sink into the peaceful arms of nature. The boat journey from Bhadrachalam or Rajahmundry reveals a constantly changing panorama – from wide, serene stretches to narrow gorges where the hills almost touch the water. Colonies of migratory birds perch on the banks, and the locals double up as knowledgeable guides, sharing stories of the land and its significance.
For birders and nature enthusiasts, the best time is November to March. During monsoons, high water levels submerge half of the Papi Hills, making it inaccessible. Yet, when accessible, the experience is unforgettable. Try the local cuisine – bamboo chicken or a unique fish curry prepared by tribal communities. The place, however, faces an uncertain future: the Polavaram irrigation project threatens to submerge large parts of Papikondalu, turning this paradise into a memory. Visit soon to witness its untouched beauty.
⏰ Visitor Information
📍 Address & Access
Papikondalu (Papi Hills)
Godavari River stretch between Bhadrachalam (Telangana) and Rajahmundry (AP)
Nearest towns: Bhadrachalam (Telangana) – 70 km to Pochavaram boating point
Rajahmundry (AP) – 80 km to Pattiseema / Polavaram boating point
📞 Tour Package Booking
Telangana Tourism, Bhadrachalam: Near Sitarama Temple, Opp: Kalyana Mandapam.
Phone: +91-8743-232123 (enquiries)
Packages: 1‑day & 2‑day as detailed below.
🌐 Official Info
🕐 Timings & Best Season
Best season: November – March (pleasant, migratory birds present).
Monsoon (July–Oct): Cruises suspended due to high water levels.
Reporting time for 1‑day tour: 7:30 AM at Bhadrachalam tourism office.
Reporting for 2‑day tour: 8:00 AM.
Entry Fee: Included in package; separate camera fee may apply.
⚠️ Note
Polavaram project threatens submergence – visit before the landscape changes. Carry sunscreen, hat, binoculars, and a change of clothes. Limited mobile network; inform family about your itinerary.
🛶 Papikondalu Tour Packages (Bhadrachalam Departure)
Reporting Place: Telangana Tourism office, Near Sitarama Temple, Opp: Kalyana Mandapam, Bhadrachalam.
🚣 1‑Day Tour Package
Adult: ₹650 | Child (5‑10 yrs): ₹450
Without transport: Adult ₹500 / Child ₹300
Includes: Breakfast, Veg lunch, evening snacks on boat.
Itinerary: 7:30 AM report → 8:30 AM road to Pochavaram (70 km, 1.5 hr) → boat journey (60 km, 5 hrs) → view Papikondalu, Perantalapalli tribal village, Rama Krishna Muni Vatam, Swayambu Visweswara temple → return by road to Bhadrachalam temple by evening.
🏕️ 2‑Day / 1‑Night Package (Bamboo Huts)
Adult: ₹2200 | Child (5‑10 yrs): ₹1600
Without transport: Adult ₹2000 / Child ₹1400
Fresh‑up charge: ₹100 extra
Includes: Day 1: B/fast, veg lunch, evening snacks, non‑veg dinner, night in Bamboo huts. Day 2: B/fast, veg/non‑veg lunch, evening snacks.
Itinerary: Day 1: Bhadrachalam → Pochavaram → boat to Papikondalu → Perantalapalli → Bamboo huts (night). Day 2: boat back to Pochavaram → road to Bhadrachalam temple (drop). Optional Rajahmundry drop (₹100 extra) – reach Pattiseema / Polavaram by 6:30 PM, then road to Rajahmundry railway station.
Visiting places covered: Pochavaram, Papikondalu (Papi Hills), Perantapalli, Kolluru, Bhadrachalam.
Note: Due to merger of certain mandals (VR Puram, Kunavaram, Chintur) into Andhra Pradesh, some spots like Kolluru and Perantalapalli are now in AP. Packages are subject to change; confirm with tourism office.
🏞️ Key Sights along the Papikondalu Cruise
🧭 Detailed Itinerary – 2 Days / 1 Night
Day 1:
- 8:00 AM – Report at Telangana Tourism office, Bhadrachalam.
- 8:30 AM – Depart by road to Pochavaram boating point (70 km, ≈1.5 hours).
- 10:00 AM – Check into boat, begin Godavari river journey (60 km, ≈5 hours).
- 11:30 AM – View Papikondalu hills from the boat – breathtaking twists and turns.
- 1:00 PM – Lunch on boat (veg).
- 2:00 PM – Reach Perantalapalli tribal village. Visit Rama Krishna Muni Vatam, Swayambu temple. Interact with locals, optional bamboo chicken tasting.
- 3:30 PM – Proceed to Bamboo huts (Kolluru area). Check into huts.
- 6:00 PM – Evening snacks and dinner (veg/non‑veg). Overnight in bamboo huts.
Day 2:
- 7:00 AM – Breakfast at huts.
- 8:30 AM – Board boat for return journey (≈30 km, 2 hours) to Pochavaram.
- 10:30 AM – Reach Pochavaram, then road journey back to Bhadrachalam.
- 12:30 PM – Lunch (veg/non‑veg) en route or at Bhadrachalam.
- 2:00 PM – Drop at Bhadrachalam temple. Tour ends.
- Optional Rajahmundry drop (add ₹100): After Pochavaram, boat continues to Pattiseema/Polavaram (6:30 PM), then road to Rajahmundry railway station (7–8 PM).
🍛 Local Cuisine & Tribal Way of Life
The Koya and Konda Reddi tribes have a simple, rhythmic lifestyle. When at Perantalapalli or Kolluru, do not miss the bamboo chicken – chicken stuffed inside bamboo shoots and roasted over fire. Also try the unique fish curry made with local spices and river fish. The tribals also offer millet rotis (jonna or ragi) and bamboo shoot pickle. These meals are prepared with traditional knowledge and have flavours you won’t find elsewhere. Support the local economy by buying handcrafted items like bamboo baskets, tribal jewellery, and gurjams (a type of sweet).
Locals double as excellent guides, sharing information about flora, fauna, and mythology of the region. Their stories of the Ramayana (the area is part of Dandakaranya) add a spiritual layer to the journey.
⚠️ Polavaram Project – A Threat to Paradise
Papikondalu faces an uncertain future. The Polavaram irrigation project (Andhra Pradesh) will submerge large parts of the Papi Hills, including famous spots like Perantalapalli, Kolluru, and Sriramagiri. Already, the merger of seven mandals (including VR Puram, Kunavaram, Chintur) into residuary Andhra Pradesh has created administrative confusion. Tourism infrastructure planned by Telangana (theme park, tribal haat, cottages) has been stalled. Many fear that once the dam is completed, Papikondalu may be reduced to a beautiful memory. Visit now to experience its pristine beauty before the waters rise.
📝 Essential Tips & Safety
⚠️ Safety first: Listen to boat crew at all times. Do not lean over the rails – current is strong. Swimming is prohibited in deep river stretches. Be respectful when photographing tribals; ask for permission. Carry motion sickness medication if prone. Monsoon cruises are not available; check with tourism office before planning.
🏨 Where to Stay & Eat
Accommodation (Papikondalu area)
- Bamboo Huts (Kolluru): Included in 2‑day package – basic but scenic, with shared amenities.
- AP Tourism Haritha Resort, Rajahmundry: Comfortable rooms, book cruises from AP side.
- Telangana Tourism Guest House, Bhadrachalam: Budget stays for before/after cruise.
- Private lodges in Bhadrachalam: Many options near temple (Hotel Sara, Grand Sree).
Food & Dining
- Packages include breakfast, lunch, dinner (veg/non‑veg).
- Try bamboo chicken and tribal fish curry at Perantalapalli (extra cost).
- Carry your own snacks, biscuits, and water – no shops inside the sanctuary.
- Bhadrachalam has many vegetarian restaurants (Annapurna, Sai Krishna).
🗺️ Location Map
🌤️ Seasonal Guide – Best Time & What to Expect
November to March (Peak season): Pleasant weather (15°C – 28°C), ideal for cruising and birdwatching. Migratory birds flock to the riverbanks. The river is calm, and water levels are safe.
April – June (Summer): Hot and humid (up to 42°C). Cruises still operate but can be uncomfortable. Low water levels reveal more sandbanks.
July – October (Monsoon): Heavy rains cause high water levels; half the Papi Hills submerge. Cruises are suspended for safety. The landscape is lush but inaccessible.
Important festival: Godavari Pushkaram (once in 12 years) – massive crowds; plan well in advance.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can we visit Papikondalu on our own without a package?
A: It is difficult – private boats are rarely available. Best to book through Telangana Tourism or AP Tourism packages.
Q: Is the 2‑day package worth it?
A: Yes, especially for the bamboo hut stay, sunset views, and more relaxed exploration of Perantalapalli village.
Q: What about mobile network?
A: Jio/Airtel works intermittently near villages; no network in deep forest stretches.
Q: Is Papikondalu affected by Polavaram dam?
A: Yes, large areas will be submerged once the project is completed. Many fear permanent loss of the scenic gorge.
Q: Are non‑veg meals included in packages?
A: The 2‑day package includes non‑veg dinner and lunch; 1‑day package is veg only. Confirm at booking.
Q: Can we stay in Rajahmundry and take a cruise from there?
A: Yes, AP Tourism operates cruises from Rajahmundry via Pattiseema. It covers a different section (Polavaram to Papikondalu).
Q: What should we wear?
A: Light cotton clothes, comfortable footwear, and a rain jacket if visiting in early winter. Carry a hat.
📚 References & More Information
- The Hindu – Oasis of Enchanting Beauty
- Telangana Tourism – 1‑Day Package
- The Hindu – Merger impact on tourism
- Wikipedia – Papikonda National Park
- Punnami Tourism – Boat bookings
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