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Khammam is an ancient town and its history
can be traced from the early centuries of the Christian era. It is an
important seat of administration even as far back as 1299 AD and was under
the rule of the Kakatiyas of Warangal.
Stambhadri Fort
The
most important place of interest in the town is the massive fort
constructed on the hill known as Stambhadri. The city appears to have
derived its name from this hill. The stones of the hill were tall and
capable of supporting the ceilings of temples and Mantapas.
As 'Stambhams' (supporting pillars) could be made out of these stones of
the hill, the town was also called 'Stambhadri', 'Stambhagiri' and
'Khammamett', the last of which is a Telugu translation of Stambhadri. The
name of the place Khammamett underwent a further change in course of time
and it came to be known as Khammam. The legendary Muneru River flows past
the city. It is a trade and commercial centre having inward and outward
traffic in a variety of items.
Khammam Fort
This fort is located on the Stambhadri hill and the stones of the hill
were tall and capable of supporting the ceilings of temples and 'Mandapas'
here.
Lakshminarasimha Temple
The chief places of Hindu worship in Khammam are the shrines of
Stambhadri Lakshminarasimha and Venkateswara also known as "Balaji".
Of these, the temple of Stambhadri Lakshminarasimha, located on a big hill
is an ancient one. There are two ponds, one at the foot of the hill and
other on the top of it. The latter is so big that its banks appear to be
two hills and it provides shelter to huge aquatic animals. The stone image
of sage 'Moudgalya' is to be seen on this hill shrine.
Bhadrachalam
Bhadrachalam set amidst thick forests is famous for the temple of Sri
Rama. The town itself is built on a bank of the River Godavari. The annual
festival held here on Sri Ramanavami day is attended by thousands of
pilgrims from all over the country.
Kinnerasani
Sanctuary
Lying on the right-bank of the Godavari River, this sanctuary has a wide
variety of animals and birds, including tiger, leopard, and sloth bear can
be seen here.
Somavaram
31-km from Khammam, the Wyra Dam, built across the River Wyra, is located
close to this village.
Nelakondapalli
Nelakondapalli is also famous of being the Birth Place of "Kancharla
Gopanna, "popularly known as "Bhakta Ramadas". There were
some very ancient temples in the village. The old Residence of Bhakta
Ramadas was named as "Bhakta Ramadas Dhyana Mandir".
The Kalyanotsavam of Stambhadri Lakshmi Narasimha celebrated for five days during April-May is widely known festival attended by thousands of devotees even from the neighboring districts.
Air:
The nearest airport is at
Hyderabad , which
is 257-km away.
Rail:
Khammam is an important railway station in the district from which
several important express and passenger trains pass through, connecting it
with all the important places within and beyond the state. It has 3
Junctions and the Chennai
to Delhi railway line
passes through Khammam.
Road:
Private and government bus services are available from major cities and
towns of Andhra Pradesh. For local
transportation, buses, taxis, auto and cycle rickshaws are available.
Hotel Sridhar
Hotel Krishna
Hotel Metro
Hotel Manasa
Hotel Venus
Hotel Kinnerra
Climate: Tropical
Temperature Range (deg C):
Summer- Max 42, Min 23.2
Winter- Max 30, Min 13.5.
Rainfall: 82.5 cm. (June to September)
Clothing: Light Cottons
STD Code: 08742
Launch Ride To Papi Hills
Khamam District is treasure of natural wealth and resources with
delightful scenarios appearing in the major part of its agency areas. As
part of the tourism development package the district administration of
Khamam has introduced a launch ride from Kunavaram to Papikondalu - the
cloud-laced hill range.
The launch ride from Kunavaram- the confluence point of Sabari River with
Godavari where from the river turns brown and turbid- is a pleasant
experience. As the launch gets closer to the jungles, which cover the
river route all along, is a visual delight and feast of colors. Tribal
people inhabit the jungles around the area.
A remote tribal village "Prentalapalli" situated 80-kms from
Bhandrachalam
has glorious beauties hidden in its fold. Owing to importance of this
place, the District Tourist Department has recently started a package tour
from Bhandrachalam to Papi hills through Perantalapally.
Sri Ramakrishna Muni Vatanam
An Ashram named after "Sri Ramakrishna Muni Vatanam" of Sri
Balananda Swamy" (who worked for the development and for improving
the living standards of tribals here) reciprocates the mythological
atmosphere. Women here maintain the Ashram and the tourists visit the
place daily through launch ride on Godavari River.
At about 3-kms away from the place, two mountains named after "Bali
and Sugreeva" will appear. It is believed that, Lord Rama killed Bali
and entrusted the kingdom to Sugreeva and the mountains have remained as
the symbols of the ancient episode. Apart from this, the historians say
that Goddess Sita threw her ornaments on the hills while Ravana was
seizing her and hence this place is called as "Sitampet" in this
regard.
During the return journey, one can have the 'darshan' of Lord Yoga Rama
at the pilgrimage center " Sri Rama Giri". People believe that
Lord Rama used to be under "Yoga Samadhi" while he was spending
the days in "Dandakaranya".
Somavaram: 31-kms
Prentalapalli: 80-kms
Climate: Tropical
Temperature Range (deg C):
Summer- Max 42, Min 23.2
CLICK HERE FOR MAP OF KHAMMAM
CLICK HERE FOR ROAD MAP
OF KHAMMAM
CLICK HERE FOR RAILWAY
NETWORK MAP OF KHAMMAM