Draksharamam is located in East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, India. Major attraction of this place is Sri Bhimeswara Swamy Temple. Main festivals of this place are Dhanurmasam, Karthika Masam, Devi Navaratrhulu, and Maha Shivarathri.
What to see at Draksharamam:
Sri Bhimeswara Swamy Temple: Other name of this temple is Draksharama Temple. Temple is well known with this name itself. Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of Lord Bhimeswara Swamy. It is one of the Pancharama Kshetrams. Temple is situated on the banks of river Godavari. Consort of Lord Bhimeswara Swamy is Goddess Manikyamba. God Surya installed the idol of this temple. It is believed that this temple was constructed by Gods over a night. When it is about sunrise they had stopped the construction and left the place. At that time all the temple construction was completed except construction of the perimeter wall.
People constructed this incomplete perimeter wall of the temple. After few months it is again collapsing. Several attempted made to construct the wall so strongly but unable to make it. So they left the construct of that wall. But according to Government of India, this temple construction was started in 800 AD and completed in 11th century. Architecture of the temple is so excellent. Temple consists of two storied mandapa. Inner Temple is called Garbhagriha which so impressive with cultural work architecture. Pillars of the temple are decorated so beautifully with carved stones. On the stone walls scripts of Telugu, Devanagri, Tamil, and Dravidian can be seen. 108 Shivate temples were built around this temple.
Other attractions of Draksharamam: Other attractions of Draksharamam are Lord Vishnu Temple, Manikyamba Mata Temple, and Sapta Godavari Theertham.
What to see around Draksharamam:
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary: It is located 25kms away from Draksharamam. This is situated near backwaters of the sea. Sanctuary is home to endangered animals such as crocodiles, fishing cats, sea turtles. 35 varieties of mangrove plants can be seen here. Large variety of birds can also be seen here.
Kakinada: Kakinada Attractions are Shri Bhavanarayana Swamy Temple, Kakinada Port, Kakinada Uppada Beach, Lord Shiva Temple, and Jain Temple. It is located 28kms away from Draksharamam.
Bhimeswara Swamy Temple: It is located 48kms away from Draksharamam in Samarlakota. Lord Shiva is worshipped here. Temple is in rectangular shape. On the west side of the temple monolithic pillar can be seen. Architecture looks like the architecture of Drakshraramam.
Pithapuram: It is located 49kms away from Draksharamam. This is one of the oldest pilgrim places. Major attractions of this place are ancient Padagya Kshthram, Sri Venu Gopala Swamy temple, Kunthimadhava Swamy Temple, Sri Pada Vallabha Anaagha Datha Kshethram, Sri Kukkuteshwara Swamy Temples.
Adurru: Several excavated monuments found at this place. Archaeology department started excavations at this place in 1953. They found ruins of Chaityas, Viharas and Buddhist Stupas. Major attraction is Mahastupa which is 17feet in diameter. It is located 63kms away from Draksharamam.
Rajamundry: River Godavari is the major attraction of this place. Other attractions are First Godavari Rail Bridge, Kotilingalu Temple, Gowthami Ghat, Venkateswara Swami Temple, Kotilingala Ghat, Sir Arthur cotton museum in Dowleswaram. It is located 41kms away from Draksharamam
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Getting to Draksharamam: Draksharamam is well connected with road. From Kovvur, Rajahmundry, Kakinada, Hyderabad, Vishakhapatnam etc buses come to this place. Nearest railway station is located at Samarlakota. Nearest airports are located at Rajahmundry or Vijayawada.
Getting around Draksharamam: Buses and Taxis are available to visit the surrounding places of Draksharamam.
Best time to visit Draksharamam: Except summer all other seasons are the best time to visit this place as summer is too hot.
Where to stay in Draksharamam: Only budget hotels are available at this place. Plenty of accommodations are available at Kakinada.
Where to eat in Draksharamam: Only limited eating options in Draksharamam. Fancy restaurants should not expect at this place. Plenty of restaurants are available at Kakinada.