In the lap of Godavari

Photo: Sohini Chakravorty

Sohini Chakravorty explores the uncharted territory of the scenic Konaseema delta, where the river embraces the sea

Traversing through a fertile region characterised by lush green fields and abundant coconut trees is the silent and mighty Godavari, about to meet the sea — that’s Konaseema for you.

Located in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, Konaseema is still an uncharted territory despite offering an expanse of natural beauty. The unexplored delta region and its surrounding villages have much to offer, but it has not the caught the eye of regular tourist. One reason could be the poor local transport. Without a private cab arranged in advance, backpacking across the region on your own may not be a good idea.

The nearest town from Konaseema is Rajahmundry, which is an overnight journey by train or bus from Hyderabad. A two-hour drive from Rajahmundry will take you to the village of Matlapalem near Kakinada. The Green Valley guest house, built on 80 acres, is an idyllic place to stay. The two-bedroom cosy cottage has a porch with a hammock that faces a huge pond and a bobbing boat which can be taken out for a midnight ride. The restlessness of the fishes in the pond is the only sound breaking the monotony of the silence of the surrounding greenery.

The AP Tourism Development Corporation has the Haritha Coconut Country Resort in Dindi, which is again an hour and half ride from Rajahmundry. The resort has 33 river-facing rooms. Also Konaseema Tourism, a group which actively manages and provides travel packages in the region, has a beautiful resort. The Konaseema Resorts, managed by them, has rooms that kiss the banks of the Godavari. Fishermen out with their nets and locals crossing the river with their bikes mounted on boats are quite an interesting sight from the balcony. The APTDC has also introduced two room houseboats which can be booked for 12 hours.

With N RAM Of THE HINDU at Rajahmundry

Shri N RAM Of THE HINDU at Rajahmundry, On our visit with him to the Barrage and Museum

My father Nyapathy Narasimha Rao is next to him along with Mr Bhaskar, The Hindu

Wondering why my blog is featuring travel maps ?

This is just to help those who have planned to take the trip by road in their vehicles, from Chennai towards Vizag, as train reservations are tough to get at short notice and buses are not an option.

I have travelled on this sector in my vehicle few times recently.

First time, i went on this route, it was quite an adventure ( read, exciting). I reached Rjy in 8 hours after halts at Nellore and Vijayawada, for tiffin and lunch respectively.
Roughly 620 Kms, door to door from Chennai to Rjy, the road was a carpet ..hope the rains havent played spoil sport.
Just before touching Nellore , we have a Reliance fuel outlet, last time i saw no fuelling in this outlet. But , there is a food plaza connected to it, with decent food. Once you pass this , it will be tough to find another. So, be sure to spot it and take that all important right turn into that outlet, and have breakfast !!

Also, Check the fuel tanks after / before touching Ongole, you may need to refill…, for sure we will get only the unleaded version of Petrol and not the BP SPEED or HP POWER on the highway, unless u go into the cities, which you may not want to!
Its imperative that you carry your vehicle’s Andhra Road Service numbers and defintely carryout a check on the car before embarking.

Start early ..Reach early !! Have a great journey !