Bhadrachalam (Telugu: భద్రాచలం) is a major pilgrim town on the banks of the Godavari River in Telangana in Southern India.
The main attraction is the temple of Sri Ram built by Kancharla Gopanna, popularly known as Bhakta Ramadas, in 1630 AD. Ramdas was then tax revenue collector (also called as Tahsildar). He collected money from people to build this temple and when the collections were not sufficient, used tax collections and consequently was jailed for 12 years by the king Tani Shah of Golconda (now Hyderabad). Moved by the plight of his devotee Sri Ram and his brother, Laxmana repaid the money owed to the king and got Ramadas released.
Two festivals are most important at Bhadrachalam:
Bhadrachalam is connected by road and rail network.
The nearest international airport is Hyderabad and domestic airport is Vijayawada.
From Hyderabad follow this route: Hyderabad – Suryapet – Khammam – Kothagudem– Palvancha - Bhadrachalam. Buses ply from Vijayawada and other major towns in Andhra Pradesh.
The nearest railway station is Bhadrachalam Road (station code: BDCR), 40 km from the town. Locally, Bhadrachalam Road Railway Station is more commonly referred to as Kothagudem Railway Station. It takes approximately 50 minutes to travel from Kothagudem Railway Station to Bhadrachalam by bus and the fare is about ₹20. Bhadrachalam is:
It will be around 315 km from the capital city Hyderabad. The tourism department buses also ply to Bhadrachalam. It will take you non-stop with a break at the Guest House on the Highway near Narketpally. It will be a 7 hours journey from Hyderabad to Bhadrachalam. Suppose if you start from Hyderabad at 10PM, you will reach by 5AM the next day.
The courtesy and the behaviour of the temple administration are excellent. You can feel that everyone there is ready to extend cooperation, and they talk to you politely. Perhaps it is the manners of Sri Rama embedded into atmosphere.
Three wheeler taxis (called 'auto rickshaws') can be found everywhere, clogging the streets of Bhadrachalam. They don’t carry meters, so fares are to be bargained based on distance (or your perception of it). Fares to temple areas are ₹10-15 per person (August 2013). Never book an auto rickshaw in advance for trips to the temple as the Darshan (to see the deity) time may vary depending on demand and day of the week (Mondays, Tuesdays and weekends are busy). You can always find auto rickshaws once your Darshan is over.
Bhadrachala Rama Temple. Is the main temple complex and the abode of Lord Sri Ram – it also has smaller temples of other gods and goddesses. Temples of Lord Shiva, Panchamukha Anjaneyala and Narasimha are quite close by. The temple is kept open from 4AM in the morning for Suprabatha Seva, rests till 8AM and reopens to stay till 1PM. The temple usually remains closed during the noon hours, and reopens in the evening at 4PM. The temple will be closed in the night after the last pujas (Pavalimpu Seva) are performed by 9PM.
Tiny museum within the temple complex has jewellery Ramdas and others got made for deities of this temple. (The dates of Ramdas’ and Abul Hassan Tanasha's birth and death given on their painted portraits indicate that Ramdas lived for 32 years and Tanasha for 17 years which is rubbish.)
Edicts made by Ramadas on stone guiding administration of the temple, poojas and other rituals are inside the temple complex written in Telugu.
Parnasala is a popular (nearby) place frequently visited by tourists and is 35 km from Bhadrachalam. This is said to be the place where Ravan abducted Sita. A small hut with gaudily painted sculptures of Sri Ram, Sita, Laxman and Ravan depicting key events from Ramayan is what Parnasala is about. This place has great historical importance but weathered sculptures, attempt to replicate the sculptures with fiber glass, lack of maintenance make it a little less satisfied experience. However, passing through tiny tribal hamlets and expansive fields of paddy by a spooky tree lined road plus the serene Godavari River are the saving grace. Its would be a worth while to visit this place if you plan to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Badrachalam. Avoid recommendations from local guides about this place and make your own call.
Prasadam (food offered to the main deity of the temple) sold outside the main entrance can be a good breakfast as well – especially Laddu, Chakrapongali, Pulihora and Patikabellam (misri) are sold at nominal price right in the temple complex.
For breakfast go to Veeranna Hotel near Amba satram to have delicious idly with spicy Ginger chutney.
For lunch there is mess at Tata gudi centre to have delicious Telugu vegetarian food.
Most restaurants are near bus station and offer the same food fare. Cuisine is South Indian ‘thali' and normal South Indian snacks like Idli, Vada, Poori and Dosa.
Tea and coffee (always with milk) are served in small stainless steel tumblers – tend to be cloyingly sweet unless otherwise specified.
Branded bottled water (also referred to as Mineral Water, which it isn't) of well known brands are available all over the town.
It is considered to be a holy place. Drinking alcohol may not be a suggested activity here.
Bus station is on the main road where most hotels and restaurants are. Do check the room you are offered before you pay up.
2nd-order administrative division
Primary administrative division