Tourism in Kakinada District | APPSC State Specific Preparation Course - APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) PDF Download

Eco-Tourism

• Eco tourism involves responsible travel to natural areas with the purpose of educating travelers while minimizing environmental and cultural impact.
• It primarily focuses on exploring forests and their wildlife in a sustainable manner.

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary

• The Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest mangrove forest in India, boasting 35 species of mangrove trees and over 120 bird species.
• Located 18 km from Kakinada, the sanctuary offers opportunities for ferrying in the backwaters of Gowthami and Godavari rivers.
• It is renowned for its saltwater crocodiles and features an 18 km long sandpit, the longest in the region.

Forest Tourism

• The district boasts 336 sq.kms of forest area, covering 32% of the district's total area.
• Forest tourism in the region is rapidly expanding, becoming a key segment of tourism statewide. It serves as a platform to endorse forestry management and bolster local communities.
• Visiting the forests allows tourists to engage with the local flora and fauna in their natural habitats, offering an unparalleled experience.
• The visit not only provides a chance to observe wildlife but also offers numerous intangible psychological benefits.
• Even those not typically drawn to forest life can appreciate the essence of these natural environments.

Popular Forest Destinations: Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary

• Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, located 18 km from Kakinada city, is home to a diverse array of plants and animals.
• Tourists can spot various plants, hear the melodies of birds, and encounter species like the golden jackal, sea turtle, and fishing cat.

Religious Tourism

• Religious tourism, also known as pilgrimage tourism, involves traveling primarily for pilgrimage to Temples, Churches, or Masjids.
• Kakinada District is renowned for its rich variety of temples and shrines, reflecting a deep-rooted tradition and historical significance.

Sri Chalukya Kumararama Sri Bhimeswaraswamy Vari Temple

• Located in Samalkot, about 12 km from Kakinada, this temple is one of the 'Pancharamas' and dates back to the 9th century.
• The temple houses the Ekashila Shiva Linga and the Ekashila Nandi, with the Shiva Linga present on the first floor.
• The site also features goddess Shri Bala Tripura Sundari and a Pushkarini (lake).

Sri Talupulamma Ammavari Devasthanam

• Talupulamma Lova, known as 'god's own district,' is situated near Annavaram town and is home to Talupulamma Thalli.
• Local beliefs suggest that Talupulamma Thalli offers protection from accidents and dangers as a 'Swayambhu' entity.
• This destination, located 70 km from Kakinada, is a favored spot for nature and adventure enthusiasts.

Pandavula Metta

• Pandavula Metta, a hillock close to Peddapuram, was believed to have been inhabited by the Pandavas during their exile.
• Visitors can witness Bhima's footprints and explore two natural caves on the hill facing east after climbing 108 steps.
• This site, approximately 20 km from Kakinada, holds historical significance related to the Mahabharata epic.

Sri Sri Veera Venkata Satya Narayana Swamy Vari Devasthanam

• Annavaram is a renowned holy shrine in Dravidian style, popular for Sri Satyadeva, Anantha Lakshmi, and Sri Shiva.
• People across India perform 'Sri Satya Narayana Vratham' at this temple for wealth and success.
• Newly married couples visit for blessings of a good and healthy relationship.
• The temple is also famous for its divine 'prasadam' served in dried leaves.

Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple

• Gollala Mamidada houses the Suryanarayana Swamy temple amidst coconut groves and green fields.
• The temple features a 170-feet high gopuram with intricate carvings based on different epics.
• It is known as 'Chinna Bhadrachalam' and offers a visual feast for devotees.

Sri Kukkuteshwara Swamy Temple

• The temple dedicated to Sri Shiva is located in Pitapuram and attracts devotees during 'Maha Shiva Raathri'.
• It is a 'Swayambhu' in the form of a cock's head, drawing worshippers from various parts of the state.

Sri Srungara Vallabha Swamy Varu

• Tholi Tirupati, an ancient temple 27km north of Kakinada, is considered the first among 108 Tirupatis.
• The idol of Sri Venkateswara here has unique features compared to other Balaji idols.

Andhra Sabarimala

• Andhra Sabarimala is a temple dedicated to Swamy Ayyappa, located about 64km from Kakinada. 
• It serves as a replica of the Swamy Ayyappa temple in Kerala. 
• This site is believed to offer an alternative for devotees who are unable to visit Sabarimala in Kerala. Additionally, the premises house several other temples for visitors to explore.

Adurru (Buddha Stupas)

• Adurru, an ancient Buddhist site dating back 2400 years, is situated west of Vianetaya. 
• It is one of the three most renowned Buddhist Stupas globally, with the other two being in Ranchi and Sarnath. 
• The Mahastupa, a significant structure at the site, is constructed resembling a giant wheel with a diameter of 17 feet.

Tourist Places

Annavaram

• This location is known for its prominent pilgrimage site, housing the temple of Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swami atop the sacred Ratnagiri Hill. The main idol, standing at about 4 meters tall in a cylindrical shape, symbolizes different deities - Lord Brahma at the base, Lord Vishnu at the top, and Lord Shiva in the middle. This representation of the Hindu Trinity is a unique and captivating feature of the temple.
• Visitors can also find a Sundial within the temple premises, displaying Indian Standard Time. Many individuals choose to solemnize their marriages at this revered site. The Kalyana Mahosthavam ceremony held during Vaisakha Ekadasi in May is a significant event that draws pilgrims from various parts of India.

Peddapuram Pandavula Metta

• This temple, located 22 km from Kakinada, 45 km from Rajahmundry, and 85 km from Amalapuram, has historical significance related to the epic Mahabharata. Sakuni, driven by a desire for revenge against the Kuru race kings, manipulated a gambling match where Duryodhana emerged victorious due to the mystical powers of Sakuni's father.
• Following the game's outcome, the Pandava brothers were compelled to spend 13 years in exile, including one year incognito. During their journey to Rameswaram, they resided in Peddapuram for a period. This hill, nestled between the Bay of Bengal and the Godavari River in the Dandakaranya jungle, served as a temporary abode for the Pandavas before they continued their pilgrimage to Rameswaram.
• Located in Andhra Pradesh, Pandavula Metta is a hill with two natural caves facing east.
• According to popular belief from the Epic Mahabharata, the Pandavas resided here during their Aranyavasa.
• Legends suggest the presence of a tunnel connecting this site to Rajahmundry.
• The hill's elevation is approximately 200 feet, with the sea situated just 22 km away.

Padagaya in Pithapuram

• Padagaya Kshetram, an essential Astadasa Peetha in Pithapuram, Kakinada District, is detailed in the Bheema Khanda and Skandapurana.
• Historically, Pithapuram in Andhra Pradesh was known as pedagaya, with the feet of Gayasura located in a nearby pool.
• The primary deity is Lord Shiva in the form of a rooster, hence referred to as Kukkuteswara Swami, still revered by devotees.
• This pilgrimage site is identified as one of the eighteen Sakthi Peethas, specifically referred to as "10th Pettam Puruhutika."
• Pithapuram also holds significance as the location where Satidevi's remains landed, making it a revered site.

Datta Pilgrimage

• Dattathreya, the offspring of the sage Atri and Anasuya, embodies the forms of Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheswara.
• His birthplace is Padagaya Kshetram in Pithapuram, as documented in the fifteenth chapter of Gurucharitra by Sree Vasudeva Saraswati Swamy.
• Sri Pada Sri Vallabha, another significant figure, also originated from Padagyla Kshetram.
• Swamy old temple in Pithapuram is a revered and sacred place.
• Kuntimadhava Swamy Temple and Kukkuteswara Swami Temple were constructed by the Eastern Chalukya dynasty in the 13th Century.

Samarlakota

• The Kumararama Bhimeswara Temple in Samarlakota is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
• The temple houses a 16-foot-tall limestone Linga that extends from the ground floor to the roof, where the Rudrabhaga is worshipped.
• With its mandapam supported by 100 pillars, the temple showcases remarkable architectural significance.
• An Ekasila Nandi, a bull carved from a single stone, guards the Shiva Lingam at the temple entrance.
• The temple shares similarities with the Bhimeswara Alayam in Draksharama.
• Features include the Koneti mantap and the Pushkarni (Koneru) lake.
• The temple is also dedicated to Goddess Bala Tripura Sundari.

Hope Island in Kakinada

• Located in the Bay of Bengal, Hope Island emerged as a sand spit over the past 200 years, stretching 16 kilometers.
• The area between Kakinada coast and Hope Island forms the Kakinada Bay, covering approximately 100 km2.
• Hope Island acts as a natural barrier, protecting Kakinada from cyclones, tidal waves, and tsunamis from the Bay of Bengal.
• It serves as a natural breakwater, ensuring safety for ships in Kakinada Bay and contributing to the city's reputation for having one of the safest natural ports on the Eastern Coast of India.
• The northern part of the island is known as the "Godavari point," offering views of the entry point into the Bay of Kakinada and the Kakinada harbor. The island currently accommodates a small fishing village and a few government structures. There are plans by the government to revitalize this area.

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary

• Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) is situated in the Konaseema District of Andhra Pradesh, approximately 20 km away from Kakinada, the district headquarters.
• History of the Sanctuary: The sanctuary was established in 1978 by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. It is currently managed by the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department.
• Geographical Location: Positioned on the Kakinada-Yanam state highway, the sanctuary is traversed by the deltaic branches of Gouthami and Godavari Rivers. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the larger Godavari Sanctuary, encompassing extensive mangroves and dry deciduous tropical forests. The sanctuary is intersected by the Coringa and Gaderu rivers and their branches. Covering an area of 235.7 sq km, the sanctuary comprises marshlands formed by the flowing rivers. Approximately half of the sanctuary area is comprised of mangrove forests' backwaters. Notably, the sanctuary houses an 18 km long sand pit within its backwater region. It is recognized as the most significant surviving patch of mangrove forests in Andhra Pradesh.
• There are no specific tourist attractions within the sanctuary.

Culture & Heritage Tourism

• Culture has always been a significant aspect of travel.
• It plays a crucial role in the tourism industry.
• Cultural heritage tourism is rapidly growing due to tourists' increasing interest in cultural experiences.

Kakinada Beach Festival

• Kakinada Beach, also known as NTR Beach, is a popular destination for beach enthusiasts.
• The festival attracts a large number of tourists.
• Celebrities from the Telugu Film Industry are a highlight of the event.
• The festival is enhanced by horticulture displays from Kadiyam.
• Water sports, supported by the aqua sector and Goa state administration, add to the festival's charm.

Pandava Metta

• Pandava Metta, a hill near Peddapuram, reveals the story of the Pandavas' exile.
• During their journey to Rameswaram, the Pandavas stayed on this hill in Peddapuram.
• The hill was named after the Pandavas due to their connection with the site.