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About West Godavari

West Godavari is one of the 13 districts in coastal Andhra Pradesh. The district headquarter is at Eluru. The district occupies an area of about 7700 sq. km. It is in the delta region of Krishna and Godavari rivers.

West Godavari district is surrounded by Khannam district on the north, East Godavari district to the east, Krishna district to the south and the Bay of Bengal to the west.

Given below is the location guide of West Godavari district.

About West Godavari

History of West Godavari

Rajahmundry, which was initially known as Rajamahendravaram, was a part of the Vengi, a Buddhist kingdom. The eastern Chalukyas ruled the region from 700 to 1200 and Pedavegi was the capital of the dynasty. Later the region came under the rule of the mighty Kalinga Empire. Eluru became a part of the Kalinga Empire in around 1471. Later it fell into the hands of the Gajapathis. In 1515, Sri Krishna Deva Raya captured it. Once the Vijayanagar Empire fell, the region and Eluru especially came under the rule of Sultan of Golkonda, Kutub Shah.

It was in 1925 that West Godavari was formed and Eluru was declared to be its headquarters. Experts say that it was formed by dividing Krishna and Godavari districts. Godavari district was renamed East Godavari and the new formed district was named West Godavari.

Demography of West Godavari

According to 2011 census the total population of West Godavari district was recorded to be 3,934,782. The district has a population density of 508 inhabitants per square kilometer and literacy rate of 74.63%. The sex ratio was 1004 females for every 1000 males.

Climate of West Godavari

Owing to the geography and location of the region, West Godavari district has tropical climate. The summers are hot and dry while winters are cool and pleasant. The temperature rises up to 48 degree during the summer months. Monsoon (July to November) is the best time to visit the region. The rivers overflow, lush green paddy fields all over and the overall beauty of the place is mesmerizing during the rainy season.

Administration in West Godavari

Mandals
There are 48 madals and 4 revenue divisions in West Godavari district. These 4 divisions are –
  • Eluru
  • Kovvur
  • Narasapuram
  • Jangareddigudem
West Godavari district also has 1 municipal corporation – Eluru. There are 7 municipalities in the district which are –
  • Kovvur
  • Narasapuram
  • Palakol
  • Nidadavolu
  • Tanuku
  • Tadepalligudem
  • Bhimavaram
West Godavari has 5 census towns –
  • Dwaraka Tirumala
  • Gavaravaram
  • Sanivarapupeta
  • Satrampadu
  • Tangellamudi
Constituencies in West Godavari
Earlier there were 2 Parliamentary constituencies and 16 Assembly constituencies which were reduced to 15. The Parliamentary constituencies are – Eluru and Narasapuram. The 15 assembly constituencies are – Achanta, Bhmavaram, Chintalapudi, Denduluru, Eluru, Kovvur, Nidadavole, Polavaram, Undi, Tanuku, Narasapur, Palakollu, Unguturu, Tadepalligudem and Gopalapuram.

Tourist Attractions around West Godavari

Eluru

Eluru is the district headquarters of West Godavari district. There are many famous tourist attractions in and around Eluru. Some of the most popular being –
  • RCM church
  • Ambica Devi Temple
  • Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple
  • Dwarka Tirumala
  • Kolleru Lake


Kolleru Bird Sanctuary

About West GodavariAtapaka Bird Sanctuary is located around Kolleru Lake, thus, it is popularly referred to as Kolleru Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary falls under Kaikulur Forest Range and is home to thousands of pelicans. The bird sanctuary is visited by a humungous 2,00,000 birds, which include Asian openbills, painted storks, etc. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between October and March, when migratory birds from Siberia, Australia, Philippines and Egypt flock to the sanctuary. A perfect place for wildlife photographers, nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. It is located at a distance of about 65 km from Vijaywada and can be easily reached via public and private transport.

Kolleru Lake

About West GodavariKolleru Lake is located between the deltas of Krishna and Godavari rivers. It is an ideal picnic spot and a favorite among nature lovers and photographers. Kolleru Lake is one of the largest man-made lakes in India and is located just 20km from Eluru. Apart from being a scenic and beautiful tourist attraction, the lake serves as a natural flood balancing reservoir for Krishna and Godavari rivers. Many birds migrate here in winter, such as Siberian crane, ibis, and painted storks. The lake was an important habitat for an estimated 20 million resident and migratory birds, including the grey or spot-billed pelican.

Gunupudi Someswara Temple

About West GodavariGunupudi Someswara Temple was built in the 3rd century and is a popular religious tourist attraction of the region. It is considered to be the temple of Soma Rama and is one of the Panchrama temples. The Shiva lingam is called someshwara as it is believed that this lingam has been installed by Lord Chandra. It is said that the color of the Shiv Lingam changes during full moon and Amavasya. Mass marriages (especially during Shivarathri) are being conducted at the temple's premesis. The local people say that couple getting married at the temple is blessed with a happy and blissful married life.

Timings – 5:00 am to 11:00 am and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, everyday

Dwarka Tirumala

Dwarka Tirumala is a village in West Godavari district. It is famous as a religious pilgrimage. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. Dwarka Tirumala Devasthanam is situated on the top of the Seshachala Hill. It is Swayambhu. The feet of Lord Venkateswara are in Valmikam (Ant-hill). Legends believe that it was Sage Dwarka who picked up and unearthed the Lord from Valmikam and whole-heartedly worshipped the deity. Thus, the shrine got its name Dwarka Tirumala. A unique feature of Dwarka Tirumala is that two idols are placed in the same sanctum sanctorum. The temple is also popularly known as Chinna Tirupati which means ‘Small Tirupati’. The main temple is located 40 km from the district headquarters, Eluru. Direct buses are available from Eluru, Hyderabad and Vijaywada.

Konaseema

About West GodavariKonaseema is a popular tourist attraction in the region. It is known for its picture perfect lush green paddy fields and nature’s bounty. Some of the most popular places to visit in Konaseema are –
  • Bandamur Lanka beach
  • Adurru
  • Ainavalli Sidhi Vinayaka temple
  • Vanapali temple
  • Brahma Samavedyam
  • Palivela
  • Kakinada


Palakollu

About West GodavariAnother pilgrimage in West Godavari district is Palakollu. It is famous for the Lord Shiva temple which is popularly known as Sri Kshira Rama Lingeshwara swamy. It is one of the Panchrama Kshetras. The height of the temple is 120 ft and is said to be constructed during the 9th century, the Chalukya period. The temple has a pristine white Shiv Lingam and 72 pillars made from black stone. The Shiva Lingam (Moola Virat) can be seen from all the four sides through windows in the Garbha Gruharam.

Timings – 5:30 am to 11:30 am and 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm, everyday.


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