80
km
away from Dindi, is Kotilingeshwara Temple. Constructed in the 10th century AD, it is one of the oldest and most renowned temples of Rajahmundry
Bhimavaram (38 km) is known for its Somarama Temple, a Lord Shiva Temple and one of the 5 Pancharama Temples Kakinada, 93 km from Dindi is a natural harbour and one of the major ports in India. Pithapuram and Draksharamam are two pilgrimage centres here
Nestled along the banks of the river Godavari, the ISKCON Temple of Rajahmundry is also worth a visit
Best time to visit
The monsoon season, from June to September, bestows its own charm upon the lush green virgin lands of Dindi
Kanyaka Parameshwari Temple, Penugonda
most of them temples — Penugonda, Ryali, Narsapur, among others. We drive between endless acres of lush green fields juxtaposing coconut and banana groves. Colossal palm trees add to the verdure, giving rise to one long green tunnel. Antarvedi, a small village situated at the confluence of Vasisht and the Bay of Bengal, entices us with its ancient monuments and beach. We visit the ancient temples of Lakshmi Narasimha, Vasishta Sevashram and, the Neelakanteshwara Shivalayam, supposedly established by Brahma himself. The Buddhist Site at Adurru and Draksharamam are also on our itinerary. The well-manicured lawns at Adurru throw up ruins of what was once a thriving Buddhist area. The half-broken stupa at the centre bears testimony to this. We make a slight digression on our way to Draksharamam, to visit the 2,000-year old Siddhi Vinayak Temple at Ainavalli. It is lunch time as we pay our obeisance to the various deities. With much gusto, we experience the culinary authenticity of Andhra as we partake of simple meals here. Our visit to Narsapur is particularly interesting. We ferry across a narrow www.railbandhu.in
How to reach Palakollu is the nearest railway station to Dindi at around 15 km. The station of Rajahmundry lies around 90 km away from Dindi. You can reach both these stations via Hyderabad station — the main connecting point for the state.
waterway to reach the town, famed for lace and two ancient temples. At the entrance to the Adi Kesava Emberuman Temple, a replica of the Ramanuja Temple at Sriperumbudur, Chennai, we meet a local school teacher who highlights features of the ancient shrine and suggests we visit the Lakshmaneshwar Temple. A unique aspect of the linga here is its white colour, claimed to have been installed by Lakshman of the epic Ramayana. The tower of Kanyaka Paremeshwari Temple at Penugonda is a sculptural beauty while the Kesava Jaganmohini idol in Ryali is unique in that it has a self-manifested idol of Vishnu on the front and Mohini on the observe! We wind up our holiday with a visit to Dwaraka Tirumala, a splendid Tirupathi-look-alike with its all-powerful Balaji. As dusk drapes its veil over Dindi, the region is impregnated with silence. The placid flow of the Godavari and the gusty breeze are harmonious with the gibbous moon which is playing peek-a-boo with the translucent clouds. We are lulled to blissful sleep with images of scenic vistas of Dindi and the friendly villagers of Andhra who endear themselves to us with their warm disposition. Rail Bandhu - May 2016 | 57