
Location, Access, Pricing & Visiting Hours of Papikondalu, East Godavari
Papikondalu,
Near Rajahmundry,
East Godavari District,
Andhra Pradesh,
India.
Explore the Top 10 Routes to Papikondalu: Travel Times, Costs, and Tips
1. Rajahmundry:
Take a local train (~1 h) or bus (~1 h 30 m) from Rajahmundry to Bhadrachalam Road, then board the 3 h government boat to Papikondalu. Total ≈ 4 h; fares ₹150–₹400 – cheap & effective with frequent connections and a scenic river cruise.
2. Visakhapatnam:
Board an express train from Visakhapatnam to Rajahmundry (~5 h), transfer to a local train or bus to Bhadrachalam Road (~1 h), then enjoy the 3 h boat ride. Total ≈ 9 h; fares ₹400–₹1000 – cheap & effective with AC coaches and reliable onward links.
3. Vijayawada:
Catch a fast express from Vijayawada to Rajahmundry (~4 h), then hop on a local train or bus to Bhadrachalam Road (~1 h) and take the 3 h boat. Total ≈ 8 h; costs ₹350–₹1200 – effective & mid‑range with AC/sleeper classes and comfortable river cruise.
4. Hyderabad:
Take a direct express train from Hyderabad to Bhadrachalam Road (~8 h), then board the 3 h Papikondalu boat. Total ≈ 11 h; fares ₹500–₹1600 – effective & mid‑range with AC coaches and a smooth river journey.
5. Chennai:
Catch an overnight express from Chennai to Vijayawada (~12 h), transfer by train or bus to Bhadrachalam Road (~5 h), then sail the 3 h boat to Papikondalu. Total ≈ 20 h; costs ₹800–₹2500 – effective & mid‑range suited for pilgrims with sleeper coaches and river cruise.
6. Bangalore:
Board an overnight train from Bangalore to Renigunta (~15 h), take a connecting bus or train to Bhadrachalam Road (~6 h), then enjoy the 3 h boat ride. Total ≈ 24 h; fares ₹1000–₹3000 – effective & mid‑range with AC sleepers and a memorable river experience.
7. Mumbai:
Travel by overnight express from Mumbai to Vijayawada (~18 h), proceed to Bhadrachalam Road by train/bus (~4 h), then take the 3 h boat. Total ≈ 25 h; costs ₹1200–₹3200 – effective & mid‑range with AC sleeper coaches and scenic river cruise.
8. Kolkata:
Take an express train from Kolkata to Visakhapatnam (~18 h), continue by train to Rajahmundry (~5 h), then to Bhadrachalam Road (~1 h) and boat (~3 h). Total ≈ 27 h; fares ₹1200–₹3000 – effective & mid‑range with AC 2/3‑tier and a relaxing boat ride.
9. Delhi:
Board a long‑haul express from Delhi to Vijayawada (~24 h), transfer to Bhadrachalam Road by train/bus (~4 h), then sail the 3 h boat. Total ≈ 31 h; costs ₹1 500–₹4 000 – effective & mid‑range offering 2A/3A comfort and a scenic cruise.
10. Pune:
Catch an overnight express from Pune to Vijayawada (~20 h), proceed to Bhadrachalam Road by local train (~2 h), then board the 3 h boat. Total ≈ 25 h; fares ₹1000–₹3000 – effective & mid‑range with AC/sleeper classes and a beautiful river journey.
Cost of Entry and Services
| Service | Fee |
| Entry Fee for adults | ₹10 |
| Entry Fee for children | ₹5 |
Visiting Hours
Note: Papikondalu does not have fixed timings like a park or temple, but the boat rides to Papikondalu follow specific schedules.
| Morning Timings | Evening Timings |
| 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
Papikondalu, East Godavari Links
Where to Stay During Your Visit to Papikondalu
Most people who visit Papikondalu don’t stay in regular hotels nearby. Instead, they choose more natural and simple options like bamboo huts, tents, or small camp stays near the river. These are usually part of a boat package that includes food like breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner. At night, you get to sleep in these cozy huts, and sometimes there’s even a campfire, which makes the trip special.
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🌍 Book Now on Hotels.comBut if someone prefers staying in a proper hotel with all modern comforts like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and restaurants, then Rajahmundry is the better option. It’s not far from where the boats start. Many people stay in Rajahmundry and take a full-day or overnight boat trip to Papikondalu. The tour packages usually include meals on the boat, so you don’t have to worry about food when visiting the hills.
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| HOTEL ADITYA PALACE | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1) |
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| HOTEL RIVER BAY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0) |
| BEESTAY HOTELS RAJAHMUNDRY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7) |
| MANJEERA SAROVAR PREMIERE | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3) |
| TRANSIT BAY | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0) |
These hotels are very close to the boat starting points in Rajahmundry. Many of them offer free parking, breakfast, and are easy to reach early in the morning if you have a tour booked.
Some boat tours also have music or small cultural shows on the way to make the trip more fun. If you choose an overnight camping package, it may cost between ₹4,500 and ₹7,000 per person. Day trips usually start from ₹1,200.
Boats often have restrooms and two levels, so you can enjoy the views from different angles. During the evening, people who stay overnight can also go for short nature walks or visit nearby villages to see the local lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions for Visiting Papikondalu
What is the best season to visit Papikondalu?
The best time is from October to March when the weather is cool and the Godavari river is pleasant for boat rides.
Is boating available every day?
Boating is available on most days, but it may be stopped during heavy rains or floods for safety reasons.
Are life jackets provided during the trip?
Yes, all licensed boats provide life jackets for safety.
Can I combine Papikondalu with other nearby attractions?
Yes! You can also visit Perantalapalli, Pattiseema, or Bhadrachalam along with Papikondalu in the same trip.
Are there any trekking options nearby?
Yes, some local guides offer short nature walks or trekking to nearby viewpoints.