Religious Tourism

Religious tourism is also referred to as pilgrimage tourism, where the primary purpose of travel is for pilgrimage to Temples, Churches or Masjids.  Kakinada District is a notable place with its rich and varied temples and shrines. It is a place of rich tradition, heritage and historical significance. Here, we provide a list of some historical, most visited and famous pilgrimages in Kakinada district along with their details.

SRI CHALUKYA KUMARARAMA SRI BHIMESWARASWAMY VARI TEMPLE

1. SAMALKOT: Samalkot is about 12kms from Kakinada. It is famous and one of the ‘Pancharamas’. This was built in the 9th century. Sri Bhimeswara Swamy appears as Ekashila Shiva Linga along with Ekashila Nandi. Darshan of Shiva Linga is at first floor, along with goddess shri Bala Tripura Sundari, and Pushkarini (lake) can be seen.

SRI TALUPULAMMA AMMAVARI DEVASTHANAM

2.TALUPULAMMA LOVA : Talupulamma Lova is often claimed as “gods own district” located not far from Annavaram town. It is abode of Talupulamma Thalli. People believe she would protect from accidents and dangers. It is said to be “Swayambhu”. It is a fascinating and irresistible destination for lovers of nature and adventure and is located 70km from Kakinada.

Pandavula Metta

3. PANDAVULA METTA: Pandavula Metta is a hillock nearer to Peddapuram. This hill was in midst of a jungle. It is believed that Pandavas had lived here for some time during their exile. One can also see Bhimas feet even today. One should climb 108 steps to reach the temple and can find two natural caves on hill facing east. It is about 20kms from Kakinada.

Sri SRI VEERA VENKATA SATYA NARAYANA SWAMY VARI DEVASTHANAM

4. ANNAVARAM: Annavaram is one of the most famous holy shrines enjoying popularity next to Tirupati. The temple is built in Dravidian style. The Sri Satyadeva with Anantha Lakshmi and Sri Shiva on other side took his abode on Ratnagiri. Every Hindu performs ‘Sri Satya Narayana Vratham’ throughout India for wealth, education and success. Especially, the newly married couple comes here and performs poojas for good and healthy relationship. It is also very famous for the god’s “prasadam” which is served in dried leaves till today.

SRI SURYANARAYANA SWAMY TEMPLE

5. GOLLALA MAMIDADA: Gollala Mamidada is located 20kms from Kakinada. It is in the midst of coconut groves and green fields. Suryanarayana Swamy temple is situated here. It has 170 feet high gopuram. The temple is situated in 16 acres. The whole gopuram consists of 100’s of carvings which are said to be an eye feast and takes lot of time to see every carving which is constructed based on different epics of god & goddess. It is also known as ‘Chinna Bhadrachalam’.

Sri KUKKUTESHWARA SWAMY TEMPLE

6. KUKKUTESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE: It is dedicated to Sri Shiva. It is a ‘Swayambhu’ in the form of cock’s head. It is located in Pitapuram which is 56km away from Rajahmundry. People from many parts of the state throng to the temple during ‘Maha Shiva Raathri’.

SRI SRUNGARA VALLABHA SWAMY VARU

7. THOLI TIRUPATI: This temple is 9000 years old, it is said that there are 108 Tirupatis throughout the country and this is the first of all. It is about 27km towards north from Kakinada. We can see smiling posture of Sri Venkateswara, Shanka & Chakra are in altered positions in comparison with other Balaji idols.

SRI AYYAPPA SWAMY VARU, ANDHRA SABARIMALAI

8. ANDHRA SABARIMALA: This is a replica of Swamy Ayyappa temple at Kerala. It is about 64kms from Kakinada. It is said that the devotees who cannot go to Sabarimala (Kerala) can offer their prayers here. There are many other temples located in the same premises.

Buddhist Stupas

9. ADURRU (BUDDHA STUPAS): It is a 2400 year old Buddhist site located on the west of Vianetaya. Amongst the 3 most popular Buddhist Stupas in the world, the first is in Adurru, the second is in Ranchi and the last one in Sarnath. The famous Mahastupa was built like giant wheel with 17 feet diameter.