At a distance of 17 km from Kakinada, 42 km from Rajahmundry, 65 Kms from Annavaram, 197 km from Vijayawada, 198 km from Vizag & 466 Kms from Hyderabad, Draksharamam is famous for one of the pancharama temples called Draksharama Bheemeshwara Swamy temple. This temple is situated in a green belt of river Godavari.
This temple was constructed by the East Chalukyan king during 9th century. The temple also consists one of the Shakti Peethas called Sri Manikyamba. The speciality of this Shiva Lingam in this temple is that, the early morning tender Sun light falls on the Linga. There are nearly 800 ancient scripts on the walls of the temple. The celebrations in this temple were started during 14th century in the period of Reddy Kings. Shiva Lingam is nearly 9 ft height and the top part is seen at the first floor.
There are other small temples inside the main temple premises. Once upon a time Draksharama was considered as a Buddhist complex.
It is easily accessible by Bus from Kakinada & Rajahmundry (40kms).
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Yanam
At a distance of 30 km from Kakinada, 62 km from Rajahmundry, 212 km from Vijayawada and 197 km from Vizag, Yanam is a town in the Indian union territory of Pondicherry; it is located in Yanam district, which forms a 30 sq. km enclave adjacent to East Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh.
Yanam was a Dutch colony prior to French takeover in the 1720s. Neelikundilu (indigo wells) are still found in the west of Yanam. The Dutch built a fort, which they used to store their currency, minted in nearby Neelapalli. The region was presented to the French general the Marquis de Bussy by the Vijayanagaram King as a token of gratitude for the help rendered by Bussy in his fight against the rulers of Bobbili.
For 200 years it was a French colony, and though united with India in 1954. It possesses a unique blend of French and Telugu culture prevailing in Andhra Pradesh. During French rule, the Tuesday market at Yanam was popular among Telugu people in the Madras Presidency who visited Yanam to buy foreign and smuggled goods during Yanam People's Festival held in January. Yanam is situated between the confluence of Coringa and Gowthami Godavari Rivers into Bay of Bengal. This place is surrounded by plenty of coconut trees.
There are number of places to visit in Yanam town. Sivalayam, Grand Mosque, Catholic Church, Yanam beach and Venkanna Babu Temple are the important tourist places in Yanam. The specialty of Venkanna Babu Temple is the Swamy Idol is having big mustaches. This temple was built by the kings of Rajamahendravaram in 15th Century. The Venkanna Festival is celebrated in the month of March every year in very grand manner.
Yanam beach is a beautiful beach. The pathway along the beach called the Ferry Road has a grand entrance with a massive idol of two elephants around a Shiv Linga. There is also a ship model here called Nagoor Meera Sahib Mandir at Ferry Road. One can hire boat and take a ride in mangrove forest on Gowthami Godavari River. Grand Mosque was built during French rule and has been remodeled a couple of times. St Ann's Catholic Church was built in authentic European style with all its decorative addition imported from France. The church is dedicated to Mother Mary.
The Government of Pondicherry in order to attract tourists has built a replica of the world-famous Eiffel tower in Yanam. The project with a budget of Rs 30 crore was built on a 14 acre-site at Guriampet overlooking the Bay of Bengal. The project was funded by Reliance Industries Limited and Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC). The tower has a circular shaped restaurant which can accommodate 160 people and a conference hall which can hold 50 guests. The tower will provide a panoramic view of the Bay of Bengal but entry will be restricted to the restaurant for safety reasons.
The best time to visit Yanam is post monsoons and winter.
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Uppada Beach
At a distance of 10 km from Kakinada Town Railway Station, 66 from Rajahmundry and 37 from Annavaram, Uppada Beach is located on Uppada Road and it offers a relaxed and rejuvenating ambience to enjoy the sun kissed sand and water. The wide shore is a major attraction of this beach. The clear water, the silver sand and the golden sun gifts the beach with a majestic beauty.
The wide shoreline and the gradual inclination into the water make it a safe beach. One can have a variety of activities at this beach. Shore activities like cricket, football, jogging and trekking can be fun and rejuvenating. The local fishermen along the beach are very friendly and also, one could get an experience of going along with the local fishermen for deep water fishing.
The sunrise and the sunset are very worth watching at this beach. This riveting seashore also has a beautiful well maintained park that adds to its beauty. One can find snack bars and local restaurants selling fresh seafood near the beach. Haritha Beach Resort situated Kakinada and Uppada Beach offers Accommodation, food and boating facilities.
This place Uppada is a village which is known for weaving, located on the shores of the sea and also is a home to many fishermen. It is also a very popular fishery station which is famous for prawns. The view of nature alongside the road from Kakinada to Uppada Road Beach is another attraction to the visitors.
