Rajahmundry in its earlier days was called Rajamahendravaram, derived from the Sanskrit name Rajamahendrapuram (The city of King Mahendra). During the British colonial era it was referred to as Rajahmundry. On 10 October 2015, the state government of Andhra Pradesh officially renamed the city with its original name, Rajamahendravaram.

The Rajamahendravaram city is known for its historic traditional, cultural, agricultural and economic backgrounds and hence, it is known as the Cultural Capital of Andhra Pradesh. One of the longest road cum rail bridges across Godavari River, connects the city with the town of Kovvur. The Kotilingeshwara Ghat temple on the banks of Godavari river is one of fifty five Shakti Peethas.

The city has produced many well-known artists in the Telugu film industry such as S.V.Ranga Rao, Ali, Raja Babu, Jaya Prada, Sameera Reddy, Sriman, Meghna Reddy, Thotakura Venkata Raju, Uma Pemmaraju, Ramesh, and J. D. Chakravarthy.

Places to Visit in Rajahmundry‎:

1. GODAVARI BRIDGE (Road Cum Rail Bridge): The Godavari Bridge or Kovvur-Rajahmundry Bridge is truss bridge spanning Godavari river in Rajahmundry, India. It is Asia’s second longest road-cum-rail bridge crossing a water body, after the Sky Gate Bridge in Kansai International Airport, Osaka. It is second of the three bridges that span the Godavari River at Rajahmundry.

The road-cum-rail bridge is built across the Godavari River (largest river in South India at over 1,000 Kilometres (620 mi) length) as it enters into the deltaic reach before debouching into the sea 60 Kilometres (37 mi) downstream of the bridge, the second largest river in India.

2. ISKCON TEMPLE: Iskcon Temple, popularly known as Gowthami Ghat, is a recreational centre and is among the popular tourist attractions in Rajahmundry.

3. GOWTHAMI GRANDHALAYAM (LIBRARY): GOWTHAMI GRANDHALAYAM or Sri Gowthami Regional Library was started by poet and social reformer Nalam Krishna Rao in 1898 in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, India.

4. APPM Ltd (International Paper Mill): International Paper APPM Ltd. is one of the largest integrated paper and pulp manufacturers in India. Established in 1964, the company produces writing, printing and copier papers for foreign and domestic markets. Our production facilities at Rajahmundry and Kadiyam (includes a recycle unit) have a total production capacity of 240,000 TPA.

5. VANAPALLI (TEMPLE): It is located at a distance of 55 Km from Rajahmundry and 70 Km from Kakinada (Via Ravulapalem). The Deity of the temple Sri”Pallalamma” Ammavari is situated in the village of Vanapalli of Kothapeta Mandal in East Godavari District. This temple is one of the greatest temples of Deities in Andhra Pradesh and having much power. Vanapalli village is situated by the side of “Gowthami River”.

6. DINDI RESORTS: The Little Village on Godavari Banks. The tranquil and panoramic village of Dindi is about 80 Kilometres from Rajahmundry. This village is renowned for its virgin backwaters that ooze of charm and splendor. The serene palm-fringed canals, lakes, lagoon sand rivulets offer the perfect place to enjoy a soothing houseboat cruise. The quaint villages nestled a midst coconut groves have pristine beauty that can leave one mesmerized.

7. KONASEEMA (GREENERY): Konaseema is an area in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, India, between the two branches of the Godavari river and the Bay of Bengal. Konaseema is known for its scenic greenery and culture of hospitality. Coconuts are a major local product, but production was reduced in 1996 after a cyclone hit the area.

The Maredumilli Forests of East Godavari District are having rich biodiversity and the area is having semi evergreen forests with undulating terrain, which forms part of the Eastern Ghats.The Maredumilli community Conservation & Eco Tourism area is situated on Maredumilli –Bhadrachalam road, nearly 4 Km away from Maredumilli village. The area is having many streams flowing over the undulating rocks in the deep woods and any visitor feel thrilling experience in the Nature. The Eco-tourism project is managed by the local indigenous tribal community of Valamuru, Somi Reddypalem and Valmiki Peta Vana Samrakshana Samithi people with the active support of Andhra Pradesh Forest Department.

9. PAPI HILLS: A boat trip on the Godavari River in the Papi Hills region is quite spellbinding and romantic. Boat trips are available from Bhadrachalam, Rajahmundry and Kunavaram. You can choose from a wide variety of trips depending on the time limits.

10. PATTISEEMA (TEMPLE) : PATTISEEMA – Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple
Pattiseema is a village in Polavaram mandal of West Godavari Dist Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located on the bank of the River Godavari. It is very famous for Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple. Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, Pattiseema, which is picturesquely located on a hill known as Devakuta Parvatha in the middle of the Godavari river. Pattiseema is 120 kms from Eluru. The place held a pleasant surprise for city dwellers.

For more: http://www.rajahmundry.net/places-to-visit/