Godavari River Trail: Rajahmundry, Papikondalu and Konaseema

A small museum beside the Dowleswaram barrage about the British engineer who first tamed the Godavari for farming. Models, old photos and tools. Closed days are not clear, so your driver checks the day before.

Kilometres of plant nurseries along the road, with flowers, palms and shaped hedges. Walk in at one of the big nurseries, most let you look around for free.

A large white Krishna temple on the river bank, calm and clean, with a garden. Leave shoes at the counter.

One of the oldest ghats of the city, with a Shiva temple at the top of the steps.

Sunset is around 5:30 PM in December, with the old Havelock bridge and the arch bridge across the wide river. The evening harathi with lamps and chanting usually starts around 6:30 PM. It is free.

Boats board at the Gandi Pochamma ferry point and run only between 9 AM and 5:30 PM. Everyone must wear a life jacket. You pass the Gandi Pochamma temple and then enter the gorge, where the river narrows between green hills. Breakfast is served on board. Ticket included.

The boat stops at a small village on the bank with a Shiva temple and a quiet ashram. Walk up a short path, there are no shops to speak of.

The boat turns back down the river. Sit on the upper deck for the best view of the hills in the late afternoon light.

One of the five Pancharama temples of Shiva, with a tall Shiva lingam over two floors and old stone walls carved with dancers and musicians. Cover shoulders and knees. General darshan is free.

Watch the sun go down over the wide river from the resort lawns or the bank. Sunset is around 5:30 PM in December.

A big temple of Lord Narasimha near the sea, open from about 6 AM to 1 PM and again in the afternoon. General darshan is free. Cover shoulders and knees.

Here the Vasishta Godavari, one arm of the Godavari, flows into the Bay of Bengal. Walk on the sand to see river and sea meet. The current is strong, so do not swim.