(Regd. No. 349/2013)

(Regd. No. 349/2013)

Editor Sabbella Sivannarayana Reddy M.A., M.P.Ed., N.I.S(Yoga), P.G.D.J., GODAVARI by Sabbella Sivannarayana Reddy Sri Vinayaka Publications, Kakinada. August 2013 Photos : Srinivas Koyyana, IIPC, FIP Mem., Kakinada. 9848095060 Layout & Design : Badde Raja Srinivasu, Samalkot. 9391947579, 9393 533440 Typeset at : RM Graphics, #18-13-2/5, Pleadergari Thota, Ganapathi Nagar, Samalkot - 533440. For Copies : Sudhita Book Centre, Opp. Super Bazar, Main Road, Kakinada. (0884) 2358677, 2368678 Sri Vinayaka Publications, Kakinada. Cell: 9849611888, 87123 11000 Price : ` 1199/- Printed at : Pragati Offset Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad Website : www.godavariyatra.in

10East Godavari District 14Godavari 16Beauties of Godavari 18 East Special 20 Enter Sankranti 26 Glory of Godavari on Silver Screen 30 Folk Arts 32 Tastes 38 Buddhist Relics 42 Master Maestro 44 Industries 46 Health is Wealth 48 Ramadurgam 50 Legendary Hero Alluri 52 Traditional Treat 53 Grama Devathalu 54 Festival of dazzling lights 56 The Eternal Vedas 58 Arthamuru 60 Uppada 62 Patha Kottam 64 Amalapuram 66 Konaseema 68 Ainavilli 70 Mukteswaram 71 Muramalla 72 Mummidivaram 74 Kothalanka 76 OdalaRevu 78 Antarvedi 80 Dindi 82 Sompalli 84 Appanapalli 86 Palivela 88 Vanapalli 90 Dhanamma Marri 92 Mandapalli 94 Ryali 96 Vadapalli 98 Kakinada 100 Kakinada 104 Repur 106 Hope Island 108 Pithapuram 110 Samalkot 112 Sarpavaram 114 Gollala Mamidada 116 Coringa 118 Yanam 120 Peddapuram 122 Peddapuram 124 Tholi Thirupati 126 Annavaram 128 Santhi Ashram 130 Andhra Sabarimalai 132 Lova 134 Ramachandrapuram 136 Dwarapudi 138 Balabhadrapuram 140 Biccavole 142 Ramachandrapuram 144 Adivarapupeta 146 Draksharama 148 Kotipalli 150 Rajahmundry 152 Papi Hills 154 Rajahmundry 158 Korukonda 160 Tanti Konda 162 Dowleswaram 164 Kadiyam 168 Gummileru 169 Chintaluru 170 Rampachodavaram 172 Rampa 174 Maredumilli 180 Pinjara Konda 182 Some Resorts from the District

10 East Godavari District which is the largest and the most populous district in the state of Andhra Pradesh, was successively ruled by Mauryas, Sathavahanas, Vishnu Kundins, Eastern Chalukyas, Cholas, Kakatiyas, Musunuri Chieftians, Kondaveeti Reddy Kings, Gajapathis, Kutubshahis and others. It was only with the advent of the English, who ruled by proxy through the native Zamindars, that the District attained identity. From 1794, three Collectorates were formed and the district was formed with Rajahmundry as its centre. In 1859, the District headquarters was shifted to Kakinada. On April 15, 1925, East Godavari District was formed as per G.O.No.502.

11

Godavari which is one of the oldest rivers in the world started as a trickle at Nasik and flows through Andhra Pradesh and branches off into tributaries at Rajahmundry and ultimately joins the sea (Bay of Bengal). Our district is not only the most populous but also the most prosperous district in our state. It can be geographically divided into Konaseema, Delta, Chagalnadu, Coastal belt and forest area. Konaseema which is an island is the most fertile area of our district. Heaven kissing Coconut trees, Mango groves, Paddy fields on both sides of the canals - this is a familiar sight wherever you go in Konaseema. You will be captivated by the ubiquitous greenery of the district. No wonder Konaseema is likened to Kerala. Thanks to the anicut built on Godavari at Dowleswaram by the immortal engineer Sir Arthur Cotton, large tracts of land came under paddy cultivation. Upland area lies at the foot of Eastern Ghats. It has red soil. Yeleru river brought some land under wet cultivation. Small mounds of green earth, bushes and shrubs and Palmyrah trees lend a peculiar look to this area. 12

Chagalnadu is known for its red soil. You find here several tanks big and small. With the onset of monsoon the area acquires a verdant look. Coastline. The area from Antarvedi to Tondangi covering a distance of 144 kms is the most prominent. All along the coast line, many families of fishermen live and make a living by sea fishing. From Antarvedi to Yanam we find Coconut trees, Casurina Plantations and thick bushes. Mada forest is situated between Chollangi and Kakinada. The Major part of the district is occupied by Forest Hills and dales, running brooks, perennial cascades, sky high teak trees, bamboo trees, Saul trees cover an area of 8 lakhs acres ie nearly 1/3 rd of the total area of the district. Kadiyam nurseries are the star attraction of the district. Their fame transcended natural boundaries. Our district is well known for its communal harmony. Hindus, Christians, and Muslims live like members of joint family sharing their joys and sorrows. The hospitality of our people is proverbial. There are several Resorts with all comforts to cater to the varied tastes of tourists. If you want to enjoy the myriad beauties of our district, you have to come and see them. Words are a poor substitute for actual experience. So a hearty welcome to our district with family and friends. 13

River Godavari starts as a trickle at Nasik in Maharashtra. It flows through the States of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh and becomes mighty and majestic at Rajahmundry. It is the largest river in South India and is regarded as holy as River Ganga in North India. Godavari, with its several tributaries, occupies 1/10th of the area of the country. Its total length is 1450 KMs. In Andhra Pradesh, it flows to an extent of 927 kms. Legend has it that the seven sages Gowthama, Vasista, Atri, Viswamitra, Kowsika, Bharadwaja and Agasthya (known as Saptha Maharushulu), each brought a tributary or paya, and for that reason each tributary is named after the sage who brought it. At present, Gowthami and Vasista alone are visible. At Rajahmundry it is 4 kms wide and at Dowleswaram it is 7 kms wide. River Godavari inspired Adikavi Nannayya (First poet in Telugu language) to undertake translation of Vyasa Mahabharata into Telugu from the Sanskrit original. It was not a mere translation. It was a transcreation. Nannayya very wisely borrowed the storyline and the ideas from the original and wrote in his own idiomatic way. But unfortunately he died after finishing 21/2 cantos (parvas). Yerrapragada completed the remaining parva closely following Nannayya's style. Thikkana Somayaji wrote the remaining parvas in his inimitable style. This poetic trinity is held in high esteem by later poets. Scholar poet Srinadha also lived for many years at Rajahmundry. 14 The very sight of river Godavari makes one lyrical. Many imaginative directors like Bapu captured the beauty of Godavari on the celluloid. A boat ride on the Godavari on a cool tranquil moonlit night is a thrilling and memorable experience.

End of Preview. Rest of the book can be read @ http://kinige.com/book/east+godavari+ Yatra * * *