Papikondalu is the narrowest stretch of the river Godavari - approx 200mtrs. The mountains here are very different than the rest of the topography. Sharply inclined slopes, whereas the rest of the mountain ranges are gently sloped. Deepest point is around 300feet, average depth of 40feet. When the river is in spate the large tracts of sand and rocks in the river bed create whirlpools that are big enough to swallow the boat we went in!!
Some more random pics...I have plenty of snaps, its difficult to say which ones do justice to the unspoilt beauty of this place...
the cruise is a real bliss. No connectivity, no sounds except the shallow rumble of the boat's motor.
It was pretty hot this time of the year. Best time to do this cruise is Sept-Nov.
The Pollavarm project is the center of controversy. This project being built near pollavarm will build a Dam across the Godavari, thereby submerging the Papikondalu and the neighbouring tribal hamlets.
There is a eco resort run by APTDC here near Papikondalu on the river.
This operates during the summer when water levels are low.
Water touches the roots of this tree during the monsoon season.
We're back at Pollavaram by 6:30pm. Catch the sunset by the river, and head back to our car, tired but elated at the wonderful sights of the mountains, the meandering river snaking thru the mountains, the peace and quiet.
There are private operators also who run this cruise. On weekends there is a airconditioned cruiser that APTDC runs for those who prefer. The fun is in watching the scenery from the upper deck.
The boat we took is a wooden boat made on the lines of the Kerala Boat houses.
Day 8: We rise late, and head to Hyderabad via Vijayawada, stopping for lunch at the Quality Hotel Manohar in Vijayawada. The GQ runs thru the city, so not much of a detour.
NH 9 between Hyderabad and Vijayawada is a 2 lane highway with significantly more traffic than the GQ. Wonder why this is not made to a 4 lane as yet. We're heading west with the sun blazing in front of us, the Llumar film keeps the heat out and the temp bearable. Start from Vijayawada at 1:30pm reach Hyderabad by 7:00pm.
Driving back to Bangalore weekend of May-3.
How did the Safari do ?
I've done close to about 2400kms till hyderabad, and should complete 3000kms when I'm back in Bangalore. Avg. FE was around 12.5 with A/C on at all times. The engine purrs like a cat at around 2.2k rpm / 100kph, engine noise virtually unheard. Wind noise is prominent.
My left front window packed up in Vizag, the rear door rattle has started and small squeaking noise from the suspension heard at times. Other than this the Safari lived upto its name of a 'Highway Cruiser' to the T. This car gives you the confidence to go anywhere...
I believe in AP, the Safari is the vehicle of choice for politicians! So whereever we stopped, people were trying to spot the mandatory Flag in the front and the light ontop!!! ( just kidding
).
I wish I could have seen more of the sea while driving. I believe there is another route branching right at Ongole that will head to Machilipatnam-->Kakinada-->Yanam-->Annavaram, which should be more scenic. Not sure of the roads though.
Any T-BHPians who've done the Razole HouseBoat cruise or have visited the Dindi resorts, do update your experiences.
I was surprised at the options APTDC has created for tourism in AP.
Kudos to them for creating such wonderful opportunities to experience AndhraPradesh.
Keep Drivin'