Sri Venkateswara Temple Tirupati from Hyderabad

About Sri Venkateswara Temple
	The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) of the Tirupati Hill, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini. It is by the Lord’s presidency over Venkatachala, that He has received the appellation, Venkateswara (Lord of the Venkata Hill). He is also called the Lord of the Seven Hills. The temple of Sri Venkateswara has acquired unique sanctity in Indian religious lore. The Sastras, Puranas, Sthala Mahatyams and Alwar hymns unequivocally declare that, in the Kali Yuga, one can attain mukti, only by worshipping Venkata Nayaka or Sri Venkateswara. The benefits acquired by a piligrimage to Venkatachala are mentioned in the Rig Veda and Asthadasa Puranas. In these epics, Sri Venkateswara is described as the great bestower of boons. There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord at Tirumala. The temple has its origins in Vaishnavism, an ancient sect which advocates the principles of equality and love, and prohibits animal sacrifice. The sanctum sanctorum which houses the awe-inspiring idol of the Lord of the Seven Hills is situated in the main temple complex of Tirumala. Conducted & Packaged Tours> Tirupati S.No Name of the Tour Darshan Type of Coach TARIFF (Rs.) Adult Child 1 Hyderabad – Tirumala Cellar Volvo 1650 1320 2 Bangalore – Tirumala A.A.D. Volvo 1370 1100 3 Bangalore – Tirumala Cellar Volvo 1270 1020 4 Bangalore – Tirumala (Weekend Package Tour) Token Volvo 1450 1160 5 Thumkur – Tirumala Cellar Volvo 1410 1130 From Bangalore 1270 1020 6 Chennai – Tirumala A.A.D. Volvo 1130 910 7 Chennai – Tirumala A.A.D. Non A/c 920 740 8 Chennai – Tirumala Cellar Volvo 1020 820 9 Chennai - Tirumala Cellar A/c 910 730 10 Chennai – Tirumala Cellar Non A/c 750 600 11 Mahabalipuram - Tirumala Cellar Volvo 1120 900 From Chennai 1020 820 12 Kalpakam -Tirumala Cellar A/c 1000 800 From Chennai 910 730 13 Thambram - Tirumala Cellar Non A/c 800 640 From Chennai 750 600 14 Coimbattore - Tirumala Cellar Volvo 1630 1310 From Erode 1530 1230 15 Tirupur - Tirumala Cellar Volvo 1630 1310 From Erode 1530 1230 From Salem 1480 1190 16 Karur - Tirumala Cellar Non A/c 1230 990 From Namakkal 1160 930 17 Kumbakonam - Tirumala Cellar Non A/c 1380 1110 From Tanjore 1330 1070 From Tiruchy 1280 1030 18 Coimbattore - Tirumala Token Non A/c 1260 1010 From Erode 1120 900 19 Chidambaram - Tirumala Token Non A/c 990 800 From Neyveli 940 760 From Villupuram 870 700 20 Mangalore - Tirumala Token Non A/c 1370 1100

Railway Tirupati tour package
Thursday April 3 2008 09:08 IST
ENS


HYDERABAD: The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is launching a one-day rail tour package to Tirupati known as Sri Balaji darshan-Govindam on April 8.

Itinerary : Day 1 : Departure from Secunderabad by train.No 2734 Narayanadri Express at 8.05 pm.

Day Two- Arrival at Tirupati at 6.05 am. Darshan of the Lord from 10 am. After darshan of Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru at Tiruchanuru, boarding Narayanadri Express at 6.25 pm.

Packed dinner will be served on train. The package includes rail journey, road transport, accommodation, darshan of Lord Sri Venkateswara and special darshan of Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru, breakfast and lunch at Srinivasam guest house.

On line booking can be done at www.railtourismindia. com. For more details contact phone : 040-2770240, 27702407, 27702408, 66201263, 66201264.

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Hyderabad to Bhadrachalam Sri Rama Temple

Bhadrachalam is situated on the banks of Godavari River, is 161 kilometres from Rajahmundry and 201-km from Vijayawada. It is considered to be one of the greatest holy shrines in South India as Lord Rama lived here for some time.

The legend associated with this place is that a saint called "Bhadra", son of 'Meru', did penance here to have a 'darshan' of Lord Sri Rama and Sri Rama appeared before him and the name of 'Bhadrachalam' or 'Bhadradri' is derived from his name.

Bhadrachalam is famous throughout India for its temple of Sri Seetaramachandra Swamy. Situated on the left bank of the mighty river Godavari it is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus, as it is considered to be one of the greatest holy shrines in South India with a historical background.

On Sreeramanavami (marriage anniversary celebrations of Lord Rama and his consort Sitadevi) an estimated three lakh people congregate here to witness the holy "Kalyana Mahotsavam" marriage ceremony.
The puranic and historic facts relate that Lord Rama long after he had shed his mortal coils manifested himself to save his devotee Bhadra Maharshi whom he promised 'moksha'. That is why the village is named after Bhadra as Bhadradri or Bhadrachalam. It is said that Srirama appeared in a dream to a woman called Pokala Dammakka and informed her about the existence of idols on Bhadragiri hills. To her surprise she found the idols and put up a modest structure. This was the origin of the present temple.
Later in the 17th century Gopanna commonly known as Ramdas had spent 6 lakhs of rupees to renovate the temple. He was the tahsildar in the court of Abul Hassan Tanashah and the money he spent for renovating the temple was the revenue collected by him.
Instead of remitting the money to the government treasury, he utilised the amount for the temple because of which he was arrested. One can still see the cell where he was confined in the Golconda fort. At this juncture Srirama himself appeared in Tanashah's dream produced a receipt which denoted payment of the amount back to the king in the shape of gold coins known as 'Ramamada' in 'Rama Tenki'. Next morning the Sultan personally came to the cell where Ramdas was interned and released him. The Sultan was awe struck by this miracle and bestowed a number of gifts on Gopanna and also restored him to his position of Tahsildar. He also announced grants to the temple which continued under the Nizam's Government. Some of the jewels like Kalikiturai, Pachala Pathakam, Chintaku Pathakam, presented to Lord Rama and Sita by Ramadas are still preserved in the temple and they can be seen even now.

APSRTC Buses from Hyderabad to Bhadrachalam

FROM BUS STATION : HYDERABAD (MGBS)
FROM	TO	FIRST BUS	LAST BUS	Type	ROUTE NO.	Adult Fare	KMs from this B/S	Frequency
ORIGIN BUS STATION	TO	VIA	Dep. Time	Type	Service No	Adult Fare	KMs	Reach Time
HYDERABAD (MGBS)	BHADRACHALAM	SRPT,KMM,KTG	03.15	DLX	8717	138	312	10.45
HYDERABAD (JBS)	BHADRACHALAM	SRPT,KMM,KTG	06.30	DLX	8715	153	312	14.00
HYDERABAD (MGBS)	BHADRACHALAM	SRPT,KMM,KTG	08.00	SL	8703	178	312	15.30
HYDERABAD (BHEL)	BHADRACHALAM	SRPT,KMM,KTG	09.30	SL	8711	178	312	17.00
HYDERABAD (MGBS)	BHADRACHALAM	SRPT,KMM,KTG	10.30	SL	8707	178	312	18.00
NIZAMABAD	BHADRACHALAM	SRPT,KMM	11.00	SL	7643	178	312	18.40
HYDERABAD (MGBS)	BHADRACHALAM	SRPT,KMM,KTG	21.00	SL	8709	178	312	04.30
HYDERABAD (BHEL)	BHADRACHALAM	SRPT,KMM,KTG	21.30	SL	8705	178	312	05.00
NIZAMABAD	BHADRACHALAM	SRPT,KMM	21.30	SL	7645	178	312	04.50
HYDERABAD (JBS)	BHADRACHALAM	SRPT,KMM,KTG	21.50	DLX	8719	153	312	05.30
HYDERABAD (MGBS)	BHADRACHALAM	SRPT,KMM,KTG	22.30	SL	8713	178	312	06.00

APSRTC Buses from Bhadrachalam to Hyderabad

FROM BUS STATION : BHADRACHALAM
ORIGIN BUS STATION	TO	VIA	Dep. Time	Type	Service No	Adult Fare	KMs	Reach Time
BHADRACHALAM	HYDERABAD (BHEL)	KTG,KMM,SRPT,HYD	08.30	SL	8704	178	350	17.15
BHADRACHALAM	HYDERABAD (BHEL)	KTG,KMM,SRPT,HYD	22.00	SL	8710	178	350	06.45
BHADRACHALAM	HYDERABAD (JBS)	KTG,KMM,SRPT,HYD	09.30	DLX	8714	161	327	17.45
BHADRACHALAM	HYDERABAD (JBS)	KTG,KMM,SRPT,HYD	20.30	DLX	8718	161	327	04.45
BHADRACHALAM	HYDERABAD (KPHB)	KTG,KMM,SRPT,Hyd	22.00	EXP	8742	138	335	06.30
JAGADALPUR	HYDERABAD (MGBS)	KMM,SRPT	00.00	EXP	1226	138	312	07.10
BHADRACHALAM	HYDERABAD (MGBS)	KTG,KMM,SRPT	07.30	SL	8702	178	312	15.00
BHADRACHALAM	HYDERABAD (MGBS)	KTG,KMM,SRPT	11.00	SL	8706	178	312	18.30
BHADRACHALAM	HYDERABAD (MGBS)	KTG,KMM,SRPT	13.00	DLX	8716	138	312	20.30
BHADRACHALAM	HYDERABAD (MGBS)	KTG,KMM,SRPT	16.30	EXP	8720	138	312	00.15
KUNTA	HYDERABAD (MGBS)	KMM,SRPT	20.55	EXP	1224	138	312	04.15
RAVULAPALEM	HYDERABAD (MGBS)	RJY,RCV,CTR	21.00	EXP	2887	138	312	05.15
RAVULAPALEM	HYDERABAD (MGBS)	RJY,RCV,CTR	21.00	EXP	2887	138	312	05.15
BHADRACHALAM	HYDERABAD (MGBS)	KTG,KMM,SRPT	21.30	SL	8708	178	312	05.00
VISAKHAPATNAM	HYDERABAD (MGBS)	VJA,TN	22.30	DLX	3375	155	316	06.15
BHADRACHALAM	HYDERABAD (MGBS)	KTG,KMM,SRPT	22.30	SL	8712	178	312	06.00
BAILADILLA	HYDERABAD (MGBS)	KMM,SRPT	23.00	DLX	1228	153	312	06.05
HYDERABAD (MGBS)	JAGADALPUR	BCM	21.30	EXP	1225	122	259	04.00
BHADRACHALAM	JEYAPOOR	CNTR, SLR,	07.00	EXP	8764	131	310	17.40
BHADRACHALAM	KAKINADA	CTR,MRML.GKM	10.00	EXP	2704	104	235	17.00
BHADRACHALAM	KAKINADA	CTR,MRML.GKM	15.00	EXP	2703	104	235	22.00
BHADRACHALAM	KAMAREDDY	KTDM,WGL,KRMR	04.00	EXP	7867	168	381	14.45
BHADRACHALAM	KAMAREDDY	KTDM,WGL,KRMR	07.30	EXP	7867	169	381	18.05
BHADRACHALAM	KAMAREDDY	KTDM,WGL,KRMR	17.45	EXP	7867	168	381	04.05
BHADRACHALAM	KORAPUT	CNTR, SLR, MLKGR, JPR	05.30	EXP	8763	152	363	17.00
BHADRACHALAM	KORUTLA	KRMR,HNK	15.30	EXP	7489	143	357	01.00
BHADRACHALAM	KOTHAGUDEM	---	11.30	EXP	8953	18	40	12.30
BHADRACHALAM	KOTHAGUDEM	---	17.00	EXP	8951	18	40	18.00
BHADRACHALAM	KOTHAGUDEM	---	21.00	EXP	8950	18	40	22.00
HYDERABAD (MGBS)	KUNTA	BCM	02.30	EXP	1223	33	75	04.30
VIJAYAWADA	KUNTA	BCM	11.15	EXP	3930	32	71	13.15
BHADRACHALAM	MACHERLA	KTG, KMM, MLG	10.15	EXP	8728	134	304	18.30
BHADRACHALAM	MACHILIPATNAM	KTDM,TVR,NZD,HJN,GDV	15.45	DLX	3720	115	233	22.45
BHADRACHALAM	MANCHERIYAL	PRKL	06.00	EXP	8039	171	387	17.10
BHADRACHALAM	MANCHERIYAL	PRKL	19.00	EXP	8037	171	387	05.00
BHADRACHALAM	MANUGURU	---	18.45	EXP	8906	18	40	19.45
BHADRACHALAM	MIRYALAGUDA	KTG, KMM	04.45	EXP	8750	95	214	10.15
BHADRACHALAM	MIRYALAGUDA	KTG, KMM	06.15	EXP	8750	95	214	11.45
BHADRACHALAM	MIRYALAGUDA	KTG, KMM	07.10	EXP	8750	95	214	12.40
BHADRACHALAM	MIRYALAGUDA	KTG, KMM	11.30	EXP	8750	95	214	17.00
BHADRACHALAM	MIRYALAGUDA	KTGD	12.15	EXP	8750	95	214	17.45
BHADRACHALAM	MIRYALAGUDA	KTGD	12.45	EXP	8750	95	214	18.15
BHADRACHALAM	MIRYALAGUDA	KTGD	14.30	EXP	8750	95	214	20.00
BHADRACHALAM	MIRYALAGUDA	KTGD	15.15	EXP	8750	95	214	20.45
BHADRACHALAM	NALGONDA	KTGD	13.30	EXP	2190	106	240	19.30
BHADRACHALAM	NIRMAL	KTDM	07.15	EXP	8002	211	478	19.35
BHADRACHALAM	NIZAMABAD	KMM,SRPT,MGBS	06.30	SL	7644	281	492	19.40
BHADRACHALAM	NIZAMABAD	KMM,SRPT,MGBS	21.00	SL	7646	281	492	09.20
BHADRACHALAM	PARAKAL	NARSAMPET, HNK	03.30	EXP	8491	109	246	09.35
HYDERABAD (KPHB)	PERURU	KMM	03.00	EXP	8743	64	145	07.00
BHADRACHALAM	PERURU	----	13.00	EXP	8742	64	145	17.00
BHADRACHALAM	RAJAHMUNDRY	KTG, SPL, JRG	09.30	EXP	8753	104	235	16.00
BHADRACHALAM	RAJAHMUNDRY	KNV,CTR,MRML	12.00	EXP	2804	96	218	18.30
HANAMKONDA	RAJAHMUNDRY	JRG	12.30	EXP	8389	104	235	19.10
BHADRACHALAM	RAJAHMUNDRY	KNV,CTR,MRML	13.30	EXP	2805	96	218	19.50
BHADRACHALAM	RAJAHMUNDRY	KTG, SPL, JRG	21.00	EXP	8755	104	235	03.30
HYDERABAD (MGBS)	RAVULAPALEM	RCV,CTR	04.00	EXP	2888	102	230	11.00
HYDERABAD (MGBS)	RAVULAPALEM	RCV,CTR	04.00	EXP	2888	102	230	11.00
BHADRACHALAM	RAVULAPALEM	KNV,MRML	05.00	EXP	2885	111	251	12.35
BHADRACHALAM	RAVULAPALEM	KNV,MRML	05.00	EXP	2885	111	251	12.35
BHADRACHALAM	RAVULAPALEM	KNV,MRML	08.00	EXP	2885	111	251	15.50
BHADRACHALAM	RAVULAPALEM	KNV,MRML	08.00	EXP	2885	111	251	15.50
BHADRACHALAM	RAZOLE	STP,TPG,TNK	20.30	EXP	2847	144	327	06.00
GUNTUR	REKAPALLY	TRVR,BCM	04.30	EXP	8739	18	40	06.00
HYDERABAD (MGBS)	REKAPALLY	KMM,BCM	07.15	EXP	8721	26	57	08.45
BHADRACHALAM	REKAPALLY	KNVRM	16.30	DLX	8718	28	57	18.00
BHADRACHALAM	REKAPALLY	KNVRM	18.00	EXP	8738	26	57	19.30
BHADRACHALAM	REPALLE	KTDM, TVR, VJA, TNL	06.00	EXP	4727	119	269	13.30
BHADRACHALAM	SRISAILAM	KTG,KMM,MLG,MCRL,DRNL	04.00	EXP	8761	206	468	17.00
BHADRACHALAM	TANUKU	KTGD, STPL, JRG, RJY	04.00	EXP	4988	109	284	11.00
BHADRACHALAM	TIRUPATHI	KTG, VJA, ONGL, NLR	12.00	DLX	8758	290	594	03.15
VIJAYAWADA	UPPER SILERU	CHINTOOR	02.30	EXP	3934	70	157	07.20
BHADRACHALAM	VEMULAWADA	KTG, HNK, KRMR	12.00	EXP	8760	140	316	20.25
BHADRACHALAM	VIJAYAWADA	KTG, VMB	03.00	EXP	8745	81	182	07.00
BHADRACHALAM	VIJAYAWADA	KTGD,TIRUVUR	03.30	EXP	3648	81	182	08.00
BHADRACHALAM	VIJAYAWADA	KTG, VMB	03.45	EXP	8745	81	182	08.00
BHADRACHALAM	VIJAYAWADA	KTGD,TIRUVUR	05.00	EXP	3650	81	182	09.30
BHADRACHALAM	VIJAYAWADA	PALVONCHA,KTGD,VJA	05.45	EXP	3806	81	182	13.00
BHADRACHALAM	VIJAYAWADA	KTGD,TIRUVUR	06.30	EXP	3654	81	182	11.00
BHADRACHALAM	VIJAYAWADA	PALVONCHA,KTGD,VJA	07.15	EXP	3808	81	182	14.15
KOTHAGUDEM	VIJAYAWADA	KTG, TVR	08.15	EXP	8950	81	182	13.00
BHADRACHALAM	VIJAYAWADA	KTGD,TIRUVUR	09.00	DLX	3652	90	182	13.30
BHADRACHALAM	VIJAYAWADA	PALVONCHA,KTGD,VJA	09.15	EXP	3806	81	182	16.15
KOTHAGUDEM	VIJAYAWADA	KTG, TVR	11.00	EXP	8952	81	182	15.45
BHADRACHALAM	VIJAYAWADA	KTG, VMB	13.30	EXP	8745	81	182	17.30
UPPERSEELERU	VIJAYAWADA	KTDM,TVR	14.00	EXP	3935	81	182	18.30
BHADRACHALAM	VIJAYAWADA	KTG, VMB	14.15	EXP	8745	81	182	18.30
BHADRACHALAM	VIJAYAWADA	KTGD,TIRUVUR	14.30	EXP	3640	81	182	19.00
BHADRACHALAM	VIJAYAWADA	KTGD,TIRUVUR	15.00	EXP	3642	81	182	19.30
BHADRACHALAM	VIJAYAWADA	PALVONCHA,KTGD,VJA	15.45	EXP	3806	81	182	22.45
BHADRACHALAM	VIJAYAWADA	KTGD,TIRUVUR	16.00	EXP	3644	81	182	20.30
BHADRACHALAM	VIJAYAWADA	PALVONCHA,KTGD,VJA	16.30	EXP	3806	81	182	00.30
KUNTA	VIJAYAWADA	KTDM,TVR	17.00	EXP	3931	81	182	21.30
BHADRACHALAM	VIJAYAWADA	PALVONCHA,KTGD,VJA	19.00	EXP	3806	81	182	08.30
BHADRACHALAM	VIJAYAWADA	KTGD,TIRUVUR	22.20	EXP	3646	81	182	03.00
KOTHAGUDEM	VIJAYAWADA	KTG, TVR	23.00	EXP	8953	81	182	03.30
HYDERABAD (MGBS)	VISAKHAPATNAM	VJA,TN	00.30	DLX	3376	182	370	11.00
BHADRACHALAM	VISAKHAPATNAM	SILERU	08.30	EXP	3468	163	370	20.00
BHADRACHALAM	VISAKHAPATNAM	SILERU	18.30	EXP	3470	163	370	05.30
BHADRACHALAM	VIZIANAGARAM	NRPM,AKP,VSP	05.00	EXP	3116	186	422	17.15

Trains from Hyderabad to Bhadrachalam

Machilipatnam Express From Secunderabad

Trains from Bhadrachalam to Hyderabad

Link Secbad Express from Manuguru (Station Bhadrachalam Road - Kothagudem)

There are many buses from Kothagudem Bhadrachalam Road Railways station to Bhadrachalam Temple. Fare is 18-20 rupees

Hotels in Bhadrachalam

Bhadrachalam is a major pilgrim town in Andhra Pradesh in Southern India. Centre of attraction is the temple of Sri Ram built by Ramadas in 1630 AD. Ramdas was then tax revenue collector (or tahsildar). He collected money from people to build this temple and when the collections were not sufficient, used tax collections and consequently was jailed for 12 years by the king Tani Shah of Golconda (now Hyderabad). Moved by the plight of his devotee Sri Ram and his brother Laxmana repaid the money owed to the king and got Ramadas released.

[edit] Get in

Bhadrachalam is connected by road and rail network. The nearest railway station is Bhadrachalam Road (station code: BDCR), 40 km from the town. Locally, Bhadrachalam Road Railway Station is more commonly referred to as Kothagudem Railway Station. It takes approximately 50 minutes to travel from Kothagudem Railway Station to Bhadrachalam by bus and the fare is about Rs 20.

Bhadrachalam is: 120 km from district head quarters, Khammam 325 Kms from the state head quarters, Hyderabad, where the nearest airport is (Begumpet) By road from Hyderabad follow this route: Hyderabad – Suryapet – Khammam – Kothagudem– Paloncha - Bhadrachalam. Buses ply from Vijayawada and other major towns in Andhra Pradesh.

If you want to get to Bhadrachalam Road from Hyderabad by train, board the 7050 Dn Secunderabad - Machilipatnam/Manuguru express at Secunderabad station at 10:45 p.m. This train runs daily, and gets you to BDCR by around 4:50 am the next morning. ______________

[edit] Get around

From Devastanam accommodations (also called cottages)you can get to the temple complex by walk.

Three wheeler taxis (called 'auto rickshaws') can be found everywhere, clogging the streets of Bhadrachalam. They don’t carry meters hence fares are to be bargained based on distance (or your perception of it). At the time of writing (March, 2007) fares to and from most places in the bus stand and temple areas were between 10 and 15 rupees.

[edit][add listing] See

• Bhadrachala Rama Temple [1] is the main temple complex and the abode of Lord Sri Ram – it also has smaller temples of other gods and goddesses. Temples of Lord Shiva and Narasimha are quite close by.

• Tiny museum within the temple complex has jewellery Ramadas and others got made for deities of this temple. (The dates of Ramdas’ and Abul Hassan Tanasha birth and death given on their painted portraits indicate that Ramadas lived for 32 years and Tanasha for 17 years which is rubbish).

Edicts issued by Ramadas in late 17th century

Dilapidated hut in Parnasala

• Edicts made by Ramadas on stone guiding administration of the temple, poojas and other rituals are inside the temple complex written in Telugu.

• Parnasala is a popular (nearby) place frequently visited by tourists and is 35 Kilometers from Bhadrachalam. This is said to be the place where Ravan abducted Sita. A small hut with gaudily painted sculptures of Sri Ram, Sita, Laxman and Ravan depicting key events from Ramayan is what Parnasala is about. This is an extraordinarily unkempt and dilapidated place. Monkeys, beggars and insistent vendors hogging tourists, weathered sculptures, a botched attempt to replicate the sculptures with fiber glass, lack of maintenance make it a sad and frustrating experience. However, passing through tiny tribal hamlets and expansive fields of paddy by a spooky tree lined road plus the serene Godavari River are the saving grace. Police in normal clothing might accost you with scary looking rifles and stenguns on this road – they are looking for local terrorists (also called Naxalites) and want to make sure you are not one.Unless you have lot of time to spend in Bhadrachalam, avoid this place. You are likely to be lead into visiting Parnasala hence the avoid recommendation.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Visit the main temple.

• Sit and absorb the atmosphere in the peaceful (on working days) temple premises.

• Perform different types of pooja – fees for which can be paid right outside the main temple.

• Attend sessions of Kirtanas written by Ramadas and others in honor of Sri Ram (after 8 pm)

• Walk along river Godavari through tiny hamlets if the weather is pleasant.

• Papikondalu Hills - 50 km away from here – for a steam boat ride on River Godavari enjoying views of the River and setting sun. Available as a package of one day including 5 to 7 hours of boat ride. During summer, with the receding water levels in the Godavari, diesel-powered boats start from Koonavaram, about 50 Kms from Bhadrachalam. On the way you can also see the perantallapally, a temple of lord shiva ,where u can find a small water fall coming from the thick forests. On the way you can also visit Sriramagiri temple.

Enquire for details outside the main temple complex. It is always better to take water, fruit and food with you on the steam boat ride.

[edit] Do not

[edit][add listing] Buy

Inexpensive memorabilia like posters, fridge-magnates, copper coins, silver statuettes, pictures depicting pictures of Sri Ram, Sita and Laxman; small collection of books, tiny boxes of pearls used in last Sri Rama Kalyanam can be bought right outside the main entrance (past the flight of steps) in the outlet managed by the temple administration. 'Dasarathi Satakam' an anthology by Ramadas and other books (in Telugu) of his lyrics are available in this shop.

Avoid buying anything at shops other than this one outside the temple complex – prices tend to be exorbitant.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Prasadam (food offered to the main deity of the temple) sold outside the main entrance can be a good breakfast as well – especially Laddu (deep fried lentil paste soaked in syrup garnished with dry fruits and rolled into balls - costs about 13 cents or 6rs @ exchange rate of 45rs a US $), Chakrapongali (sweet tasting rice and lentil dish cooked in melted butter with generous cardmom) is available only before 8.30 am – demands exceeds supply – costs a mere 3rs. These two are recommended. Pulihora can be tried. Patikabellam sold in small sachets doesn’t perish and tastes sweet.

'Kalki' (also known as Sri Kalki) offers better vegetarian food than some others in the town. Few restaurants offer non-vegetarian food too. Other restaurants are on the same side of the road where bus stand is and offer the same food fare. Price of a meal is about 50 cents. Cuisine is South Indian ‘thali' (if you have come up to Bhadrachalam, you must be familiar with this word already) and snacks like:

• Idli (steamed rice+lentil with chutney and spicy sambar)
• Vada(deep fried rice+lentil with chutney and spicy sambar)
• Poori(deep fried flour pancakes with spicy curry and chutney)
• Dosa (variants of rice+lentil pancakes with chutney and spicy sambar) etc.

Tea and Coffee (always with milk) are served in small stainless steel tumblers – tend to be cloyingly sweet unless otherwise specified.

Branded bottled water (also referred to as Mineral Water, which it isn't) of well known brands are available all over the town. A liter costs around 30 cents.(10 rupees)

[edit][add listing] Drink

This is considered a holy town hence there are fewer Wine shops (selling liquor actually) than can be found in other towns of same size. Ironically there is one near the Muncipal Office quite near the main temple complex. Liquor is prohibited in all accommodations run by temple administration. Some hotels also claim to do the same.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

• Devastanam (temple administration) accommodation offers good value: Sita Nilayam (also called ‘vanda gadulu’)is one such located near the main temple, - several new and big rooms costing between 200rs to 350rs with A/C. No room service. If all the rooms are booked enquire about other so called 'cottages'
• Hotel Kalki, Godavari, Gitanjali are other smaller hotels.
• State run Punnami Bhadrachalam has dormitories for 150rs.
• Sri Venkateshwara Lodge: At near by town kothagudem, MG Road. Around 40KM from badrachalam. A good place to stay, If you are traveling by road from HYD or Vijayawada its recommended to stay at kothagudem for a night. Cost ranging between 200 rs to 500 rs depending preferences.

[edit] Mid range

• State run Punnami Bhadrachalam has A/C Suites at 1500rs, A/C at 1000rs and without A/C at 700rs
• Hotel Ratan, located near the Bus Stand - has ambient and clean rooms - twin rooms. It is noisy with constantly ringing phones resounding through the hotel building (especially in the nights). Room service is non-existent.

Bus station is on the main road where most hotels and restaurants are.

I think it is better to stay all tourists

Try also:

How to Go To Chilkur
Sri Venkateswara Temple Tirupati from Hyderabad
Hyderabad to Bhadrachalam Sri Rama Temple
Hyderabad to Kanipakam Varasidhi Vinayaga Temple
Hyderabad to Aragonda Hanuman Temple (Arthagiri Hanuman Temple)
Sai Temple @ Miyapur
Hemadurga Temple @ Miyapur
Durga Temple @ Alwynn Colony Miyapur
Telangana Temples - Basar Saraswathi - Nirmal
Telangana Temples - Peddamma Talli Temple
Telangana Temples - SRI UJJAINI MAHAKALI Temple

Sai Temple - Annadanam - Kondapur

Hyderabad to Kanipakam Varasidhi Vinayaga Temple

Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaga Temple Kanipakkam

Kanipakam is a Hindu temple for the god Ganesha located in Irala mandal of Chittoor district, Andra Pradesh in South India. It was constructed in the 11th century CE by the Chola king Kulothunga Chola I and was expanded further in 1336 by the Emperors of Vijayanagara. Local legends claim that the idol of Ganesha continuously grows in size.

This temple came into prominence only in the past 10-15 years. Prior to this it was popular only in and around Chittoor district. The prominence could be attributed to the fact that AP Government gave lot of importance to tourism in the recent years. In addition, Kanipakam became a place to visit for the pilgrims visiting Tirupati, since the number of buses plying from Tirupati to all the local temples increased recently.

[edit] Legend

According to the legend of the temple

there were three brothers and each one is handicapped Viz.Dumb, Deaf and Blind. They were earning out their livelihood by cultivating a small piece of land. In olden days water was drawn from the well by way of Piccota System. As one of them used to irrigate the field through the channels, the other two used to play on the Piccota. On one such operation they found that the water in the well got dried up and they could no longer continue their job. One of them got into the well and started digging it up. He was taken aback to see the iron implement hitting a stone like formation. Later, he was shocked to see blood oozing out from it. Within in a few seconds the entire water in the well, turned blood red in colour. Thus, startled by this divine sight, all the three became normal getting rid of their deformities. As soon as the villagers came to know about this miracle, they thronged to the well and tried to deepen the well further. But their attempt proved futile because the swayambhu idol (the self-manifested) of Lord Vinayaka emerged from the swirling waters.

Ultimately they offered many coconuts with prayers before the new idol. The coconuts water flowed for an of more than one and a quarter acres. This incident led to the modification of the usage of the Tamil word Kaniparakam into Kanipakam. Even today the idol is in the original well and the springs of the well are perennial. During the rainy season, the holy water from overflows the well even today.

Another striking and strange feature of the idol is that it is growing in size. At present, we can see the knees and the abdomen of the idol. Smt. Lakshmamma, an ardent devotee had offered a 'Kavacham' (Armour) to the Lord, fifty years ago but today it is out of size and doesn't fit the idol. The holy water from the well is offered to the devotees as theertham.

[edit] The legend behind Bahuda River

Long ago there lived two brothers Sankha and Likhita. They were on a pilgrimage to Kanipakam. As the journey was tiring, the younger brother Likhita felt hungry. Disregarding the advice of the elder brother he plucked a mango from the mango grove. Sankha felt bad and reported this to the ruler of that area and pleaded for punishment for the sin committed during the pilgrimage. Thus Likhita was punished severely being deprived of both arms.

Later they took bath in the river near Kanipakam temple. Lo Behold! The chopped arms were restored to Likhita as soon as he had a dip in the sacred waters of the river. These incidents lead the ruler to rename the river as Bahuda (Bahu means human arm). Thus the river beside Kanipakam temple is now known as 'Bahuda River'.

[edit] Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka as up-holder of Truth

The swayambhu idol of Kanipakam is the up-holder of truth. Day to day disputes between people is resolved by taking a 'special oath'. The people in the dispute take a holy dip in the temple tank and swear before the lord. It is taken as gospel truth.

There are instances when the person who committed that sin voluntarily agrees as soon as he had the dip and much before entering the temple itself. It seems the Lord lawns invisibly on the sinner and makes him repent & feel guilty for his sinful deeds.

Thus the glory of Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka spread far and wide and the honorable courts uphold the 'special oath' in their judicial pronouncements.

[edit] Bramhostavam

Bramhostavam is held in Kanipakam for Lord Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka every year. It starts from Vinayaka chavithi and goes on for 20 days. The Utsavamurthi (Festive idol) is taken out in procession into town different Vahanams.

The place can be accessed from Hyderabad through Tirupati or Chennai. There

Kanipakam is a small village on the bank of Bahuda River. "Kani" means wetland and "Pakam" means flow of water into wetland. According to the legend of the temple there were three brothers and each one had a handicap. Viz., Dumb, Deaf and Blind. They were earning out their livelihood by cultivating a small piece of land. In olden days water was drawn from the well by way of 'Piccota System'. As one of them used to irrigate the field through the channels, the other two used to ply on the Piccota. On one such operation they found that the water in the well got dried up and they could no longer continue their job. One of them got into the well and started digging it up. He was taken aback to see the iron implement hitting a stone like formation. Later, he was shocked to see blood oozing out from it. Within in a few seconds the entire water in the well, turned blood red in colour. Thus, startled by this divine sight, all the three became normal getting rid of their deformities. As soon as the villagers came to know about this miracle, they thronged to the well and tried to deepen the well further. But their attempt proved futile because the 'swayambhu' idol (the self-manifested) of Lord Vinayaka emerged from the swirling waters. Ultimately they offered many number of coconuts with all prayers- modesty kneeling before the new idol afford “MAGALHARATHI” etc. They declared the ideal of “SWAYAMBHU” and tendered number of coconuts. The coconuts water flowed into the channel to a distance of more than one and a quarter acres. The indication of this led to the modification in the usage of the Tamil word “KANIPARAKAM” and later pronounced as KANIPAKAM. Even today the idol is in the original well and the springs of the well are perennial and the eternal. During the rainy season, the holy water from the well overflows even today. Another striking and strange feature of the idol is that it is still growing in size. At present, we can see the knees and the abdomen of the idol. Smt. Lakshmamma, an ardent devotee had offered a 'Kavacham' (Armour) to the Lord, fifty years ago but today it is out of size and doesn't fit the idol. The holy water from the well is offered to the devotees as theertham. The legend behind Bahuda River Long ago there lived two brothers Sankha and Likhita. They were on a pilgrimage to Kanipakam. As the journey was tiring, the younger brother Likhita felt hungry. Disregarding the advice of the elder brother he plucked a mango from the mango grove. Sankha felt bad and reported this to the ruler of that area and pleaded for punishment for the sin committed during the pilgrimage. Thus Likhita was punished severely being deprived of both arms. Later they took bath in the river near Kanipakam temple. Lo Behold! The chopped arms were restored to Likhita as soon as he had a dip in the sacred waters of the river. These incidents lead the ruler to rename the river as 'Bahuda' (Bahu means human arm). Thus the river beside Kanipakam temple is now known as 'Bahuda River'. Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka as up-holder of 'Truth' The swayambhu idol of Kanipakam is the up-holder of truth. Day to day disputes between people is resolved by taking a 'special oath'. The people in the dispute take a holy dip in the temple tank and swear before the lord. It is taken as gospel truth. There are instances when the person who committed that sin voluntarily agrees as soon as he had the dip and much before entering the temple itself. It seems the Lord lawns invisibly on the sinner and makes him repent & feel guilty for his sinful deeds. Thus the glory of Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka spread far and wide and the honorable courts uphold the 'special oath' in their judicial pronouncements. Try also: How to Go To Chilkur Sri Venkateswara Temple Tirupati from Hyderabad Hyderabad to Bhadrachalam Sri Rama Temple Hyderabad to Kanipakam Varasidhi Vinayaga TempleHyderabad to Aragonda Hanuman Temple (Arthagiri Hanuman Temple)Sai Temple @ MiyapurHemadurga Temple @ MiyapurDurga Temple @ Alwynn Colony MiyapurTelangana Temples - Basar Saraswathi - NirmalTelangana Temples - Peddamma Talli TempleTelangana Temples - SRI UJJAINI MAHAKALI Temple Sai Temple - Annadanam - Kondapur