Bhadrachalam

Bhadrachalam is a hill town above the Godavari in Bhadradri Kothagudem district, best known for its 17th-century Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple. Tradition places it within the Dandakaranya forest of the Ramayana, through which Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are said to have passed during their exile, and the temple walls carry carvings and old inscriptions.

The great festival is Rama Navami, in March or April, when episodes of the epic are re-enacted. Boat trips on the river give views of the temple and town, and the banks host religious rites at festival time. About 35 km away is Parnasala, where the exiles are believed to have lived and where Maricha appeared as the golden deer; close by are Sita Vaagu, the stream where Sita is said to have bathed, and sculptures of Ramayana scenes. Yetapaka, about 2 km off, is linked with Jatayu's fight against Ravana.