Papikondalu Tours

Papikondalu Tour Overview

Papikondalu is a range of forested hills where the Godavari narrows into a gorge, between Rajahmundry and Bhadrachalam. There is no road through the gorge, so you see it by boat. A typical tour boards in the morning, cruises upriver into the hills, stops at the riverside village and Shiva temple at Perantalapalli, and then either returns the same evening or continues to an overnight stay.

Papikondalu Boat Tour Packages

Pick a tour by where you are starting from and how much time you have. Each package page has the full itinerary. You can also browse all Papikondalu tour packages, including temple and forest trips.

How to Reach Papikondalu

Rajahmundry to Papikondalu

Rajahmundry (Rajamahendravaram) is the usual starting point for the Rajahmundry to Papikondalu one day tour. The city has a railway station and an airport, so it is the easiest base if you are coming from Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam or further afield.

Bhadrachalam to Papikondalu

Bhadrachalam, in Telangana, sits on the Godavari upstream of the gorge and is known for its Sri Rama temple. The nearest railway station is Bhadrachalam Road at Kothagudem. Start here for the Bhadrachalam to Papikondalu two day tour, or read about Bhadrachalam temple tours.

Best Time to Visit Papikondalu

October to March is the most comfortable time for the cruise, with cooler weather and clear views of the hills. In the monsoon the river runs high and trips are more likely to be rescheduled, and summer afternoons on the open deck are hot. Book a day or more ahead between November and February, the busiest months.

What to Carry on a Papikondalu Boat Trip

• A valid photo ID for every passenger
• Sun protection: a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Comfortable, non-slip footwear for boarding and the Perantalapalli stop
• Drinking water and any personal medicines
• Some cash for small purchases at stops
• For overnight trips: a warm layer and a torch

Safety on the Boat

• Life jackets are provided and must be worn during the boat ride.
• Follow the crew's instructions when boarding and at stops.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Tell us about any medical conditions when you book.

Cancellation and Refunds

Full refund if you cancel more than 48 hours before departure, 50% between 24 and 48 hours, and no refund within 24 hours. If we cancel for weather, you get a full refund or a new date. Read the full booking and cancellation terms.

Places to See on a Papikondalu Tour

• Papikondalu hills: the gorge itself, best seen from the upper deck
• Perantalapalli: riverside Shiva temple and village, reached by boat
• Gandipochamma Temple on the banks of the Godavari
• Sirivaka: riverside camping for overnight trips
• Bhadrachalam Sri Rama temple at the upstream end
• Parnasala, the Ramayana site near Bhadrachalam

Who Runs These Tours

Papikondalu Tourism is a Godavari boat tour operator based in Rajahmundry, running Papikondalu trips since 2004. We run our own three boats: Aswini (up to 120 passengers), Sri Godavari (up to 150) and Srilaxmi (up to 100). We are a private operator, not a government tourism department.

Talk to us directly on +91 9848323488 or aswinigodavari@gmail.com, or read more about us and our boats.

Frequently Asked Questions