🎋 Kolluru & Bamboo Huts
Overnight stay in eco‑huts | Riverside tranquility | Papikondalu’s hidden retreat
Slumber with the sound of the river. Kolluru is not a typical tourist destination – it is an experience. Accessible only by boat, this tiny cluster of bamboo huts and a forest rest house sits on the northern bank of the Godavari, deep inside the Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary. The huts are constructed entirely from local bamboo and thatch, blending seamlessly with the environment. Each hut has basic amenities (cots, mosquito nets, shared bathrooms) and a small veranda facing the river. The night here is magical: starry skies, the distant call of night birds, and the soft lapping of water.
During the day, you can explore the nearby Kolluru Viewpoint (a short trek), watch for elephants and langurs, or simply relax in a hammock. The package includes freshly cooked meals (veg and non‑veg options) prepared by local tribal women – try the bamboo chicken and river fish curry. Because the area is fragile, visitors are urged to avoid plastic, conserve water, and respect the silence. Kolluru is a perfect antidote to city life, but only for those who appreciate rustic simplicity.
⏰ Visitor Information
📍 Address & Access
Kolluru Bamboo Huts
Near Papikondalu Wildlife Sanctuary,
Kolluru Village, VR Puram Mandal,
Eluru District, Andhra Pradesh – 534 002
Accessible only by boat from Pochavaram (via Bhadrachalam) or from Kunavaram.
Nearest major town: Bhadrachalam (Telangana) – 70 km road + boat.
📞 Booking & Contact
Telangana Tourism, Bhadrachalam: +91-8743-232123
AP Tourism, Rajahmundry: +91-883-2471100
Package cost (2D/1N): ₹2200 per adult (with transport), ₹2000 (without transport). Child ₹1600/1400. Includes meals, bamboo hut stay, boat rides, guide.
🌐 Official Info
🕐 Timings & Best Season
Best season: November – March (pleasant, calm river).
Monsoon (July–Oct): Huts may be inaccessible; cruises suspended.
Check‑in: Day 1 of 2‑day tour – reach huts by late afternoon (~3–4 PM).
Check‑out: Next morning after breakfast (~9 AM).
Entry Fee: Included in package; separate camera fee may apply.
⚠️ Note
Kolluru is inside a wildlife sanctuary. Follow all forest rules: no loud music, no littering, no fire except in designated areas. Carry insect repellent, a torch, and a power bank (no electricity in huts, only solar lights).
🚣 How to Reach Kolluru & Bamboo Huts
From Bhadrachalam (most common route): Book the 2‑day Papikondalu tour package with Telangana Tourism. The itinerary:
- 8:00 AM – Report at Tourism office, Bhadrachalam.
- 8:30 AM – Road journey to Pochavaram (≈70 km, 1.5 hrs).
- 10:00 AM – Board boat, cruise towards Papikondalu (5‑6 hrs).
- Stop at Perantalapalli for Munivaatam darshan.
- 3:00–4:00 PM – Arrive at Kolluru, check into bamboo huts.
- Next day – Return boat to Pochavaram, then road to Bhadrachalam.
From Rajahmundry (AP side): AP Tourism operates overnight cruises that include Kolluru. Alternatively, private boat from Pattiseema/Polavaram with prior arrangement (requires forest permit).
Road access: There is no direct road to Kolluru. The nearest roadhead is Kunavaram (≈30 km by forest road then boat). Not recommended for independent travellers without a guide.
🏞️ What to See & Do Around Kolluru
🧭 2‑Day / 1‑Night Itinerary (Kolluru Stay)
Day 1 – Journey to the huts:
- 8:00 AM – Assemble at Telangana Tourism office, Bhadrachalam.
- 8:30 AM – Drive to Pochavaram (70 km) through forest roads.
- 10:00 AM – Board boat, cruise on Godavari. Photo stops at scenic points.
- 12:30 PM – Visit Perantalapalli (Sri Krishna Munivaatam & confluence).
- 1:30 PM – Lunch on boat (vegetarian).
- 3:30 PM – Arrive at Kolluru. Check into bamboo huts, freshen up.
- 5:00 PM – Optional trek to Kolluru viewpoint for sunset.
- 7:00 PM – Tribal dinner (veg/non‑veg) served near the common area.
- 8:30 PM – Bonfire (seasonal) and stargazing. Overnight in hut.
Day 2 – Return journey:
- 6:00 AM – Wake up to sunrise over the river. Tea/coffee served.
- 7:00 AM – Breakfast (pongal, upma, or idli with chutney).
- 8:30 AM – Board boat for return cruise (≈2 hours to Pochavaram).
- 10:30 AM – Reach Pochavaram, then road journey to Bhadrachalam.
- 12:30 PM – Lunch en route or at Bhadrachalam (included).
- 2:00 PM – Drop at Bhadrachalam temple. Tour ends.
- Optional Rajahmundry drop (add ₹100): Instead of returning to Bhadrachalam, boat continues to Polavaram, then road to Rajahmundry railway station (reaches by 7‑8 PM).
🎋 Bamboo Huts – What to Expect
The bamboo huts at Kolluru are built by local tribals using traditional techniques. Each hut has:
- Two cots with clean bedsheets and mosquito nets.
- Solar‑powered LED light (limited; charging not available – carry power bank).
- Shared bathroom (Indian style, with water from river – limited hot water on request).
- Small sit‑out area overlooking the river.
What to carry: Torch, power bank, towel, soap, insect repellent, personal medicines, and a light blanket in winter. The experience is rustic – do not expect luxury. But the authenticity, peace, and natural beauty more than compensate.
Safety: Forest guards and tour guides stay nearby. Avoid walking alone after dark. Keep hut doors closed to keep out insects and small animals.
📝 Essential Tips & Eco‑Rules
⚠️ Leave no trace: Kolluru is a fragile ecosystem. Carry back all non‑biodegradable waste. Refuse single‑use plastic. Respect tribal customs – ask before photographing. Do not feed wildlife or approach elephants. The bamboo huts operate on a community‑based model; your visit directly supports the Konda Reddi tribe’s livelihood.
🏨 Alternative Stays Near Kolluru
Forest Rest House, Kolluru
- 4 basic rooms with attached bathrooms.
- Requires advance booking through Divisional Forest Officer (AP), Kunavaram.
- Ideal for larger groups; no meals provided (arrange with local cook).
Bhadrachalam (70 km away)
- Hotel Sara International, Telangana Tourism Guest House, many lodges.
- Ideal for before/after the cruise if you don’t stay overnight at Kolluru.
Kunavaram (30 km by boat)
- Basic guest houses and a private resort (Kunavaram Riverside Resort).
- Access by road from Khammam or Bhadrachalam.
Rajahmundry
- Full range of hotels; good for those taking AP Tourism cruises.
🗺️ Location Map – Kolluru Area
🌤️ Seasonal Guide – When to Experience Kolluru
November – March (Peak): Cool, dry weather (12°C – 28°C). Perfect for trekking, bonfires, and stargazing. River level is moderate; boat cruises operate smoothly.
April – June (Summer): Very hot (35°C – 42°C). Huts can be uncomfortable, but the river offers some relief. Less crowd; wildlife sighting near waterholes improves.
July – October (Monsoon): Heavy rains, river swells, cruises are suspended. The huts are not accessible. Avoid.
Tip: December and January nights can be chilly (10°C) – carry a warm layer.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Kolluru & Bamboo Huts)
Q: Is it safe to stay overnight in bamboo huts?
A: Yes. Forest department and tour operators have security arrangements. Do not wander alone in the dark.
Q: Are there charging points?
A: No. Only solar lights. Carry a power bank for your phone/camera.
Q: What about toilets and bathing?
A: Shared Indian‑style toilets with water from the river. Limited bucket‑heated water on request. Carry your own toiletries.
Q: Can we book only the huts without the full package?
A: Generally no, because the huts are part of the 2‑day Papikondalu package. Independent travellers may contact AP Forest Department for permit + hut booking – but it is cumbersome.
Q: Is non‑veg food available?
A: Yes, the 2‑day package includes non‑veg dinner (bamboo chicken/fish) and lunch on day 2. Veg options also available.
Q: Are there mosquitoes?
A: Yes, especially near water. Huts have mosquito nets, but carry repellent.
Q: Can we see wildlife from the huts?
A: Langurs and birds are common. Elephants may be seen near the riverbank early morning. Maintain safe distance.
Q: Is mobile network available?
A: No. BSNL may work rarely. Inform family before departure.
📚 References & More Information
- Telangana Tourism – 2‑Day Papikondalu Package Details
- The Hindu – Impact of mandal merger on Kolluru tourism
- Punnami Tourism – Boat and hut bookings
- Konaseema Tourism – Kolluru package
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