INTERESTING PLACES

The following are the important places located in Reserve Forests from aesthetic and tourist point of view.

1. Gubbalamangamma Gudi Area in Nagavaram Muttah R.F. in J.R. Gudem Range: It is located in dry deciduous forest area at a distance of 35 km., from J.R. Gudem, which is very near to Khammam District boundary. There is a stone cave with a waterfall and temple inside the cave. People from neighbouring villages and nearby by towns come on holidays just for recreation and worship. There is a bore well also dug out in the area for drinking water. The waterfall over the cave is perennial.

2. Jaltharu Kalva-Location: The check dams constructed by Wild Life Management Division, Rajahmundry and Forest Range Officer (territorial), Polavaram across Jaltaru kalva have enhanced the aesthetic value of the kalava itself and the surrounding forests. These structures are acting as water storage tanks in the core area of Papikonda Game Sanctuary in Polavaram Range. The check dams provide water throughout the year for wild animals. Surplus water from Jaltharu tank falls down just like a waterfall. As the place is surrounded by good dry deciduous forests, bamboo clumps and is motorable, it is a good spot from aesthetic point of view.

3. Godavari River in Papikonda Hill Gorge: River Godavari as it comes from Perantapalli, where a temple is located, enters the Papikonda Hills and passes through a narrow gorge over a length of about 5 km, the width of gorge being ½ km and depth extending to 100 m. Southern boundary of gorge falls in West Godavari District and Northern boundary falls in East Godavari District with good natural forests on either bank. Travelling in a launch to the gorge with natural forests on either bank gives a thrilling experience. In the Rest Houses of Territorial division and Wild Life Management division, three suits are available at the entrance of gorge to stay. The view of the gorge and the river Godavari is very appealing from Koratur Rest House.

4. Bhuddist Remains, Guntupalli : The remains of this ancient Sangarama include a Circular rock - cut changer initiating a thatched hut, similar to those in the Barabar hills near Gaya of Ashok times, though slightly later in date, two groups of Rock-cut chamber opening in to common halls forming a large and small monastery (Vihara), the ruins of a Brick - built chaitya hall and many stupas of different sizes mostly rock cut .The Rock-cut viharas with their arched gables and timbering etc,, recalls similar one in Western India of Contemporary times. The entire group Typifies a Random developmental and extensors during the centuries of its growth Second Century B.C. to 3rd A.D. devoid of any coordinated plan.