Tourism

Andhra Sabarimala Temple was constructed at Siddhivaripalem of Pedamallapuram village in Sankhavaram mandal and is sprawling one lakh square yards. The temple is located at a distance of 65 km south west from Narsipatnam and is about 30 km from Annavaram temple in East Godavari district.

Temples for Lord Ayyappa, Kannimula Mahaganapati, Sri Subrahmanyaswami, a mosque for Vavarswami, Pandala Rajapuram, and a universal education and spiritual centre was constructed on the premises of Siddhivaripalem Village.

Andhra Sabarimala Temple envisages construction of a replica of Swamy Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala in Kerala. Chairman of Andhra Sabarimala project is  Mr. Bhupati Kusumachi Srinivasa Rao.

The idea to construct a replica of Sabarimala temple occurred to him after witnessing the lack of facilities at the main temple in Kerala which he visited as many as 18 times so far. The temple land is on a plain area adjoining a hill. About one lakh devotees was participated in the foundation stone laying programme in the presence of several religious heads, peethadhipatis and philanthropists.

There are two waterfalls located on the way of Narsipatnam to Andhra Sabarimala road. One waterfalls is situated near Siddhivaripalem Village and other one is situated at Rowthalapudi Village. Lord Siva’s temples are located near by these waterfalls. Andhra Sabarimala is a holy place attracts large number of devotees every year. Number of tourists came here to enjoy the natural beauty.

phone no ;-9397925007

Mampa Village is situated at a distance of about 53 km west from Narsipatnam and is located at a distance of 5 km from Koyyuru Village. Mampa Caves are located at a height of 1 1/2 km above the hill from Mampa Village. These caves are naturally formed and it was a meeting place of Freedom Fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju.

Alluri Sitarama Raju Smarakam is situated near Mampa Vagu, Which is the place was first time the Alluri Sitarama Raju arrested by british police while washing his injuries in Mampa Vagu. 

In 1924 on may 7th early at dawn, When the Sun is about to rise, He finally surrendered to the British on the banks of a river let at Mamapa Village. Major Gudal set aside the diplomatic courtesy made him tied to a tree and shot at in a Brutal Manner. Rama Raju laid down his life heroically and become a martyr. For every bullet when he was shot at he praised the land by giving slogans with full throat voice Vandemataram. He was set like an evening setting Sun. But he had risen and stay permanently in the hearts of Millions of Indians.

Mampa is one of the beautiful hilly area located in Koyyuru Agency and is a nice picnic place. There is a waterfalls located near by Mampa Caves, Which attracts the number of people. The water flows here around the 365 days.

Borra Caves are located at a distance of 92 Km north of Visakhapatnam and is located at a distance of 150 km north from Narsipatnam. The caves open with 100 meter on horizontal plane and aobut 75 meters on vertical plane. These caves spread over an area of one square KM and the origin of river Gosthani which flows through the district. This you must see if you are in Araku Valley or in Visakhaptanam. This location is at a height of 800 to 1300 meters from MSL. William King the British geologist discovered this million years old cave in the year 1807. Breath taking hilly terrain, beautiful landscape, semievergreen moist deciduous forests, and wild fauna of the area are a visual feast. This cave is the biggest in India considering the area it has spread geographically.

On your journey to Araku by train you can see picturesque Landscape with greenery, peaks and valleys. Before reaching Borra Guhalu Railway station the train passes through 42 tunnels. Before Borra Caves you can take a jeep ride to Katiki Waterfall. Timings are 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM ( 1.00 to 2.00 lunch break).  Entry fee is Rs 60/- for adults, Rs45/- for child, Rs 25/- for cell with camera and Rs 100/- for digital and video cameras. From marketplace you need to take right turn to travel towards Railway station. Left side road will take you to the entrance of the cave. Vizag to Kirandul passenger is the only train passes through this line. Retiring room is available at Railway station. There are 2 rooms with 4 beds capacity. Charge of each room is Rs 110/- for 12 hours. Train timings are 10:00 AM (Visakhapatnam to Kirandul) and 05:00 PM (Kirandul to Visakhapatnam).

Before 1 km from Borra Caves cavesat Gatevalsa you will be stopped by Jeep drivers offering you a trip to Katiki Waterfalls. This water fall is nearly 7 km from this point. You need to change your vehicle as rugged Jeep is required to cover the narrow muddy road passing through Jungle and by the side of Gosthani river. Jeep will take you upto the railway track nearly 6 km from Gatevalsa point and from here you have to trek half km and climb up after crossing the railway track. Your Jeep driver will tell you to return within one and half hour from the dropping point. The last 15 minutes of the trek upto the base of the waterfall is stiff climbing. Steps are there upto the water fall for safe climbing. You can take bath at the base of the waterfall. On your trekking rout to water fall there will be temporary shops setup by the local tribes selling biscuits and most important is Bamboo chicken. Marinated chicken is backed by keeping them inside Bamboo trunks and offered to tourist. It is Chicken Kabab but prepared by using bamboo sticks and cooking is done by keeping them inside Bamboo tree trunks. Locally collected Honey is also available in bottles in these shops. Charge of jeep for each member is Rs 100/-.

Anantagiri is a village on the main Vizag to Araku road and it is further 3 km from Borra Junction. From Ananthagiri market you have to take a left turn to enter into village road which will pass through two villages and ends at waterfall which is at a distance of 2 km from the main road if you are staying at Anatagiri resort you can go for a walk and reach the waterfall there is a parking fee of Rs 15 collected by locals. You can go down and reach the foot of the waterfall and take bath in flowing water over rocks. Walking through the local villages is another attraction of visiting this waterfall. From Ananthagiri you can walk this 2 KM to reach the waterfall. View point is located on the main Vizag to Araku Road, Which attracts number of tourists. 

Araku is a famous hill station of Andhra Pradesh. It is located at a distance of 120 km from Visakhapatnam and is situated at a distance of about 123 km north from Narsipatnam. It is famous for its scenic beauty. Located on the eastern ghats, it has valley, waterfalls and streams flowing by the side of the train track and roads. The journey to Araku Valley is the most enjoying as the rail passes through tunnels, hill sides and streams. It is better to go to Araku by train and return by road.

Padmapuram Garden is one of the main attraction is tree top cottages located in the middle of green surroundings of Araku valley. These tree huts (hanging cottages) are ten feet above the ground level and one can experience rare swing along with trees. Huts are attached with toilet and continuous water supply. Tribal welfare department has one Horticulture nursery cum training center at Padmapuram. It is open from 08:00 AM to 12:30 PM and again on 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM. There is a toy train in the Padmapuram Garden for the tourists. 

Rana Jilleda Waterfalls is located at a distance of 5 km from Padmapuram Gardens. This waterfalls situated in between two hills and it attracts tourist can enjoy. Santhamani Devi Temple and Gangamma Thalli Temple are famous temples located at center of the town. Every year Santhamanidevi festival is celebrated, and it attracts large number of devoties. During the festival temple committee members conducts Anna Prasada Vitharana to all devoties.

Tyda is an eco-tourism project located at a distance of 75 km from Visakhapatnam and is situated at a distance of about 45 km from Araku Valley. It is a right place for bird watching, rock climbing, trekking and over night stay.

At the Araku town behind APSRTC bus stand there is a coffee House. Here you will get all variety of Coffee. This is more of a museum of coffee plantation and production of India and world. There is a light and sound show on coffee plantation for 15 minutes with an entry fee of Rs 25/-. Inside you will get history of coffee plantation in Africa, Europe and India. You can buy chocolates, cakes and different of coffee related products under one roof.

There is a Tribal Museum on tribal heritage, living system and culture. Near the museum boating facility is also available. Ticket cost is Rs 10/- & Rs 5/- for child. It is open from 08:00 AM to 01:30 PM and again on 02:30 PM to 06:30 PM. Bamboo Chicken is very famous in Araku Valley.

Railway station is located at center of the town. Most of the resorts are available within 2 to 3 km distance from railway station. Visakhapatnam Kirandul passenger reaches in morning 11:05 AM while travelling from Visakhapatnam to Kirandul. And Kirandul Visakhapatnam passenger reches in afternoon 04:05 PM while travelling from Kirandul to Visakhapatnam. Araku Railway station inquiry phone number is 08936249632. Retiring room is available at Araku Railway station. Charges for each room of 3 bed capacity for 12 hours is Rs 165/-. Dormitory of 7 beds capacity is available at a cost of Rs 40/- per bed. There is a holiday home available for railway employees.

Chaaparai is only 15 km from Araku Valley on the way to Paderu. Only road transportation is available to Chaaparai from Araku. And is located at a distance of 110 km north from Narsipatnam.

Chaparai is a well known picnic spot in Araku valley. A scenic place with water falls and surrounding forest area makes people relax and spend their holiday joyfully. Usually people who visit Araku valley won't miss this place as it is very nearer to the main Araku valley place. It is better not to enter into water flow area during rainy season as the water current will be high and dangerous.

During winter season the water flow is less and people can enjoy their stay here. Landscapes and gardens are located surrounding this place. One can experience the beauty of water gushing through natural rocks. There is a entry fee of Rs 10/- collected by locals here, no fee for camera or any other photography equipments. 

Matsyagundam is a beautiful pool in the Araku valley, about 115 km from Visakhapatnam and is located at a distance of 92 km from Narsipatnam. This is a famous tourist destination with fish of many varieties and sizes. Popularly known as fish pool, Matsyagundam draws a large number of tourists.

A century old temple called Shri Matsyalingeshwara Swamy Temple is the nearby attraction. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Machkhand River flows through nearby. Sangda Waterfall is easily accessible from this spot. The nearest railway station is at Araku and Visakhapatnam Airport is the nearest airport.

Matsyagundam is known for its centuries old Sri Matsyalingeswara Swamy Temple. The Mythological story is that a fight between the Snakes (Singarajulu) and fishes (Matsyarajulu) took place. The Mother fish brought all the fishes here from a place called "Gemmili" for safety from the snakes and ever since then the fish have liveed here giving it the name Matsya Gundam. It is belived that these fishes continue to be protected by Lord Matysyalingeswara Swami.

The villagers neither eat not hunt the fish. The mother fish still fighting at Gemmili. People from the entire agency area and from the surrounding districts gather once in a year to celebrate Maha Shivarathri for three days, to perform poojas and cultural programs (locally called Jaatara).

Paderu village is located at a distance of 80 km north from Narsipatnam.Paderu is a village and a Mandal in Visakhapatnam district in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. Paderu is the most important town in the Manyam area of Visakhapatnam district. Paderu is the center of Visakha agency.

Sri Sri Sri Modakondamma Ammavari Padalu is famous place located on the way of Narsipatnam and Paderu Road. Before going to the Paderu Modakondamma Temple people visit Sri Modakondamma Padalu. Modakondamma Padalu is located on the agency village called Modapalli Junction (Padalu). Minumuluru Waterfalls is one of the best place located at a distance of 5 km from Modapalli Junction.

Sri Modakondamma Temple is one of the famous temple in Paderu attracting daily a number of devotees. Sri Modakondamma Ammavaru is a powerful deity of the Paderu . There is a staunch belief among the devotees that their sins are washed off and desires fulfilled by offering prayers to the deity. Accordingly the number of visiting pilgrims/devotees to this temple has over the years considerably increased. The important religious observation will be celebrated every year attracts a large number of pilgrims and especially fire works will entertain the viewers, like any thing.All devottess of Sri Modakondamma Ammavaru are requested to join our community.

Etikoppaka is a small village on the banks of Varaha River in Visakhapatnam District of Andhra Pradesh. Etikoppaka village is situated at a distance of about 28 km south east of Narsipatnam. Etikoppaka village is knoown for wood toys made with lacquer colors. Ankudu Wood and Lacquer Ware Colors are used for making of toys. Etikoppaka Handycrafts are famous hand maded toys in Andhra Pradesh.  

Etikoppaka is a small village with many people occupied in field of farming. Also many people of this small town are well versed in creative field. They have indulged themselves in making of several artifacts in order to sustain their living. Approximately there are 200 people of Etikoppaka region who are artisans and have introduced themselves in manufacturing of ear rings, bangles, toys, boxes and mythological carvings and figures.

These Etikoppaka toys are user friendly as well as eco friendly. The articles used in it are of good quality as well as of friendly nature. Small kids can play with the Etikoppaka toys as the color used in it does not contain any adhesive or other synthetic materials. All natural color and dyes are used in it. Additionally a wide number of craftsmen manufacture some lacquer and wood vermilion boxes to candle stands. Numerous foreigners make purchases of Etikoppaka toys not only for decorating the home but also for gifting to their near and dear ones. These toys usually comes in various price ranges and are economic.

Making Of Toys

Etikoppaka toys remind one the exquisite lacquer finished products of wood. The making of the toys are traditionally followed since years and years. Many artifacts are composed from wood and are also colored with natural dyes such as from seeds, lacquer, bark, roots and leaves. Moreover the wood used to make the toys is soft in nature and many children and women collect it from Eastern Ghats hills. They leave the woods for dryness in their courtyards. Also for making the Etikoppaka toys some other tools are used such as colors and brushes. Furthermore every craftsman makes sure to make eco friendly and non toxic products or toys so that they do not harm the small children. Even these toys contain no synthetic dyes and materials so that even small babies can enjoy them off without any harm.

Additionally the process of making the Etikoppaka wooden toys is known as the Turned wood Lacquer craft. While making the Etikoppaka toys, lac is used this is a colorless secretion resinous of numerous insects. These insects secrete resinous substance and then go into a pupa stage. The remaining part is collected on the tree which is known as stick lack. The cleaned vegetable dyes are then mixed to the lac with the process of oxidation. After this process an end product is obtained which is rich and colored lacquer. Anciently lac dye was used in India as a skin cosmetic and also as a dye for silk and woolen industry. Now days it is used for decorating the Etikoppaka toys so that people can buy them and put in their homes as a decoration item.

Panchadarla (its original name is Dharapalem) one of the site seeing places in Andhra Pradesh, it is in Visakhapatnam district. Panchadarla village is situated at a distance of about 10 km north east of Yelamanchili and 50 km from Narsipatnam, it derived its name from the five Jets of water coming out of five fountains which receive their supplies from a natural perennial spring.

Nearby there is lingam on which are carved other lingams in 12 rows of 85 each and which is consequently known as the Kotilingam or Crore of lingams. There are several inscriptions on the pillars of the Mandapam in the temple and two of them dated in AD 1407 and 1428 contain a genealogy of chiefs who claimed Eastern Chalukya ancestry and bore the Eastern Chalukya titles of Sarvalokasraya and Vishnu Vardana.

Umadharmalingeswara Swamy temple, Radha Madhava Swamy temple and Kalyana Vinayaka (Dwimukhi Vinayaka) temple are famous in this place.

Upmaka village is located at a distance of 1 km from Nakkapalli and is located at a distance of 38 km from Narsipatnam. On the hill near Upmaka there is a well known shrine of Lord Venkateswara is one of the important worship places for the devotees. Upmaka Kshetram is prominently known as Place Of Pavalimpu (Rest) to Swamy. In other words it is place of rest, to lord. How fortunate it is to Upmaka Kshetram, which is endowed with this divine providence. It is the experience of every devotee that lord venkateswara - upamaka guards with invisible arms and fulfills their needs. If one once gets darshan of lord venkateswara, one would develop attachment with upamaka unwittingly. Such is the charisma and magic of the lord.

MAHATMAYAM

Blessed because it is the place of Lord of Lords Sri Venkateswara. Holy because it is a magnificent ancient temple. It is Swayambhoo. It is a place of Apada Mokkulu. This is called as Upamaka meaning that there is no other place equal to this. The prominence of this holy place is spread over the entire region. Any fervent prayer begets immediate boons. It is a strong belief, nay-practical experience of one and all. The Lord is known as giver of Progeny. The Temple is famous for its Sculptur and Architectural Beauty.

DELINEATION OF TEMPLE

The top of the Garudadri Hill is the abode of Lord Venkateswara. The Hill looks the shape of Garuda to the viewers yonder. Seated on Horse along with Lakshmi, The Horse facing the north, the Lord gives Darshan to Bakthakoti (Devotees). Underneath of Hill, there is a temple of Sri Venugopala Swamy. Mythological background of the temple reveals that it is sage Narada who made Prathista of the temple. Sri Venugopala Swamy is known as the pervader of this holy place.