Khammam History

Khammam History         Khammam district is a treasure trove of natural wealth and a repository of ancient architectural wonders. While thick forests, gurgling streams, tumbling waterfalls delight and soothe the senses - historic forts, temples and sculptures arouse admiration & awe at the superb artistry and craftsmanship. Truly, to an eager tourist looking for adventure and a glimpse of the India of yore, Khammam provides all the ingredients for an excitingly memorable trip. Khammam fort: An important seat of administration in 13th century under the great Kakatiyas of Warangal was the Khammam town. The Quila(Fort) is in the center of Khammam town. The History reveals that during Kakatiyas' regime, Khammam Fort was constructed in the year 950 AD. Velma Reddy and Laksham Reddy constructed Khammam Fort during Kakatiyan regime. The hill Stambhadri on which the fort situated. The ceiling of the temples and mandapas are supported by the tall pillar like stones used as pillars found on this hill. for development of Khammam Fort and other parts of the region Golconda Sultans took over the regime from Kakatiya Administration strived hard. the reciprocation both Hindu and Muslim culture si this Khammam Fort. Kinnerasani Dam: One of the important tributaries of Godavari is the Kinnerasani River. The scenic beauty of the course along Kinnerasani River is eye catching and panoramic. surrounded by greenery and natural landscape the Kinnerasani Dam is very beautiful. improved the spot as a tourism place by Singareni Collieries at Kinnerasani constructing Glasses Rest House . Among charming surroundings the Kinnerasani project is located at Yanambile. For power generation and also for irrigation facilities to the nearby farmers through lift irrigation the dam provides water to KTPS at Palvoncha Indira Gandhi inaugurated Kinnerasani dam, which is constructed on the Kinnerasani River. for its breath taking view from the dam, this spot is very famous. It is a storage reservoir constructed across the Kinnerasani River in the Godavari Basin near Yanamboil (V) of Paloncha (M) completed at a cost of Rs. 558.00 lakhs for power generation. Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctury: Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary is an important tourist destination in Andhra Pradesh is Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary. This Wildlife Sanctuary lying on the Right Bank of the Godavari River forms a part of the Dandakaranya forests. For varieties of species of wild animals, birds and reptiles The sanctuary is the homeland. The green vegetation, the lively wildlife makes a perfect blend for the sanctuary and the store house of exotic life and tourists can easily spot the animals in their natural habitat where they are given all the scope to enjoy their life and regenerate.         Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary an important tourist destination in Andhra Pradesh is Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary . The tourists visit the Deer park, which is near the Dam. for varieties of species of wild animals, birds and reptiles the sanctuary is the home . a perfect merge for the sanctuary is made by the green vegetation and lively wildlife. The sanctuary is located along the Kinnerasani River. Papi Kondalu:         The favorite destination for hundreds of nature lovers, Papi Hills is a lovely place and the beautiful scenery of Papi Hills, the waterfalls at Munivaatam, and the peaceful atmosphere at this tribal area give a pleasant look and peace to visitors, making it a special attraction for tourists. It settled for 'Papi Kondalu' as the original name for this hill range was 'Papidi Kondalu'. this range looks like a well designed partition that splits river Godavari, this name was coined.Small water falls, water streams, thick rain forest and other flora and fauna adds to scenic beauty of PapiKondalu. A legend about Papi Kondalu is the Lord Rama and goddess sita dwelled here during the vanavasa.         Considerable percentage Telugu movies are shot in Rajahmundry and east Godavari district. (Papi Kondalu is important attractions for these movie makers). Ramadasu, Apadbhandavudu, Godavari, are few of the popular movies shot here. The boat takes you till Parentallapalli in Khammam district the abode of lord shiva. Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary is an important tourist destination in Andhra Pradesh is Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary. This Wildlife Sanctuary lying on the Right Bank of the Godavari River forms a part of the Dandakaranya forests. For varieties of species of wild animals, birds and reptiles The sanctuary is the homeland. The green vegetation, the lively wildlife makes a perfect blend for the sanctuary and the store house of exotic life and tourists can easily spot the animals in their natural habitat where they are given all the scope to enjoy their life and regenerate.         The boat ride commences at Polavaram in summers because of low water levels and in Pattiseema at all other times.The boat ride leads you to countryside patch-worked with tiny farm plots, the landscapes dotted with tribal habitations, the river banks forested with the timber reserves, the fresh air and the deep river all blend tighter to make it a magic place. They present ideal settings to enjoy the nature. The beauty of the uncrowned spaces all along the river makes people stop and stare.Actual Papi Kondalu is a place where the width of Godavari is Narrowest less than a KM). From distance you would feel that both the hills are merging together however the boat cruises through the narrow width of Godavari and this is the best of the entire trip.         As part of tourism promotion packages the ride in the river has been introduced. It has become an enjoyable outing for the tourists who prefer to spend a weekend in the temple town. Powered with the engines of 100 to 150 hp the launches take six hours to cover journey.The river winds and twits through interesting rock formations the disallow the use of speed boats.This boat facility is from Rajamandri A night stay on the river side near papikondalu cn be mind blowing. Star gazing while sleeping on the banks of the river Godavari will surely bring out poet in you. Bhadrachalam Sri Ramulu Vari Gudi:         The temple is associated with puranic and historic facts. At Bhadrachalam, the most famous temple in the country dedicated to Lord Rama the Sree Seetharamachandra Swamy shrine, is situated on bank of the mighty river Godavari. It has become a major pilgrimage center for Hindus from all over the country and one of the most holy temples in South India.On Sreeramanavami day to witness the "Kalyana Mahotsavam" or the auspicious wedding ceremony of Lord Rama and Sita more than three hundred thousand devotees throng this temple.         On this occasion special archanas and pujas are held. Devotees visit Bhadrachalam to seek the blessings of Lord Rama round the year. the idol of Lord Rama has a bow in one hand along with Shanku and Chakra, amalgamation of two avatars - Vishnu and Rama and also unlike in other temples Sita is seated on Rama's lap is the uniqueness of the temple.An indelible impression in the minds of the pilgrims will be left by the visit to this shrine. Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana during their stay at Dandakaranya has trodden The holy soil is the belief of the devotees.         According to the puranas, an ardent devotee of Lord Rama rishi (sage) named Bhadra, son of Meru, who was promised moksha by Rama. Until Tretha yuga was over and Lord Rama, who was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was back to his original avatar Bhadra Maharishi did intense penance. He appeared in the form of Lord Rama (as per Bhadra's wishes) and granted him moksha pleased by Bhadra's devotion. Bhadra Maharishi did penance and attained moksha on this hillock which is called Bhadragiri / Bhadrachalam after the rishi.                 "This explains the unique form of the deity at Bhadrachalam." Parnasala:         According to the puranas(Ramayana), it is said the Lord Sri Ram spent some of the 14 years of exile at this location. the imprints in "Radhagutta" justifies locals faith that Mata Sita had took her bathe in the nearby streams. Lord Ram killed Maricha who came in masquerade of a golden deer to swindle Sita is the another story about Parnasala.         In the suburbs of Badrachalam, Parnasala, a popular picnic spot is believed to be the place where the demon king Ravan abducted Sita Devi. the major events of Ramayana with flamboyantly painted sculptures of Sri Ram, Laxman, Sita , Ravan is the main attraction in Parnasala. A tiny hut, which portrays this events is also an attraction.         A place of great historical and religious significance, its tousled and ramshackle state would make the devotee pain stricken. There is much in Parnasala to rejoice. Places that attract tourist are the tiny tribal settlements, extensive greenery of the lush paddies, and roads fringed with beautiful trees in the majestic background of the holy Godaveri River are enough to please the wandering tourists.