Maredumilli, Andhra Pradesh is one of the best places to visit if you are in love with nature and cannot get enough of it. The village is a part of the East Godavari region where the sprawling eastern ghats greet you in their captivating glory and you get to explore scenic locations that are sure to steal your heart. You will be surprised to know that several South Indian films and television series were shot here in the past and the practice still continues. With the semi-evergreen forests, the melodious sounds of the waterfalls and the chirping of the seasonal birds, Maredumilli is a great place to relax and unwind.
Here’s everything you need to know about Maredumilli, Andhra Pradesh, places to visit in the region, the best time to visit and how to reach the scenic hamlet.
About Maredumilli, Andhra Pradesh
Maredumilli is one of the many villages you will find in the Alluri Seetharamaraju district of Andhra Pradesh state. The place is being developed as an eco-tourism hotspot and the government is putting in a lot of effort to promote the place. The mesmerising plains and the cascading waterfalls attract people from across the globe and every turn offers a picturesque view that you can capture in your photographs!
The region is inhabited by the Konda Reddy and Koya tribes. These people earn their living through agriculture and forest-related activities. The Konda Reddy tribe are known to indulge in shifting cultivation. They clear a patch of forest land, cultivate crops there for a year and move to a new location. The Koya tribe grows crops like maize, paddy and several other pulses. Both tribal clans are very well-versed in the forest and collect honey, tamarind and several medicinal herbs to sell in the village. The honey is also exported to other parts of the country.
Most of the people here speak Telugu, the regional language of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states. Maredumilli, Andhra Pradesh is close to cities like Rajamundry, Kakinada and Vishakapatnam. Anyone who comes here must definitely get their hands on the famous bamboo chicken!
This is a dish made with rich spices and juicy chicken meat, stuffed into hollowed bamboo sticks and grilled or roasted over fire. You will also find bamboo chicken biryani. Vegetarians must try the pulao made with bamboo sticks. It gives tough competition to the non-vegetarian varieties!
There are several hill stations in Andhra Pradesh, similar to Maredumilli and all of them have something to offer to their visitors.
Places to visit in Maredumilli
1 – Jalatharangini Waterfalls
Jalatharangini Waterfalls is one of the main tourist places to visit in Maredumilli, Andhra Pradesh. It is present in a dense forest area surrounded by lush green trees and heavy rocks. It is a multi-tier waterfall that cascades down beautifully, especially post the monsoon season when the water is restored after the fresh showers.
To access the waterfall, you will have to do a moderate trek that is about 150 metres away from the main road and it will take you about 30 minutes if you take it slow. The effort is worth your time because you’ll get to witness the most beautiful waterfall that you’ve ever seen! The waterfalls are taken care of by the local tribals and the government has put in tremendous efforts to clear the path and give tourists a safe route to reach the place. Also, you have ample space in the vicinity to park your vehicles.
Distance from Maredumilli village centre – 7 kms
Entry fee – INR 50
Timings – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
2 – Pamuleru Vaagu
Pamuleru Vaagu is a beautiful water stream that meanders its way through the majestic Eastern Ghats. The water is up to the brim during the monsoon months, a pleasant flow during the winters and plays hide and seek with you during the summers. People have to trek for a while to reach the viewpoint that lets them see the stream in its full glory. It is the main source of water for the tribal communities that live around the forest and is also used for irrigation purposes.
Adventure enthusiasts either trek their way to the viewpoint or go down much closer to the stream to enjoy activities like camping, swimming or fishing. The place is very serene, devoid of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is the perfect place to be for nature lovers who enjoy the tranquillity that Mother Earth offers. You have to travel 9 kms from Maredumilli centre on the Maredumilli-Badrachalam highway to reach the spot. You can ask the locals for the easiest way to reach the viewpoint and they would be more than happy to help.
Distance from Maredumilli village centre – 9 km
Entry fee – Free
Timings – Sunrise to Sunset
3 – Amruthadhara Waterfalls
Amruthadhara waterfall is a two-tier spectacle that captivates tourists with its natural charm. It is covered by evergreen forest and has steep rocks surrounding it. However, Amruthadhara is a seasonal waterfall and you will only see it at its best during the monsoon season or right after it. To reach the waterfall, you need to trek for about 1 kilometre from the entrance.
The path is moderately difficult to cover and is very slippery. You must watch your step. This is a relatively small waterfall in Maredumilli and people love to stay by the falls and spend some quiet time with their loved ones. However, it is not advisable to enter the stream seeing how the rocks are slippery all year round.
Distance from Maredumilli village centre – 15 kms
Entry fee – INR 20
Timings – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
4 – Manyam Viewpoint
Manyam Viewpoint is another Maredumilli place to visit during your vacation. It is present between the Jalatharangini and Amruthadhara waterfalls so you can plan to visit the place after you visit one of these waterfalls. Manyam Viewpoint has an elevated platform from where tourists can get the perfect view of the valley and the surrounding green canopies.
Be ready to see some rhododendron trees, towering hills, shrubs, creepers and the famous medicinal herbs of Maredumilli, Andhra Pradesh. Here, you will find photography enthusiasts clicking pictures of the perfect view. And then there are people clicking pictures of themselves with the terrific background! The nature enthusiasts like to sit here for a while and embrace the best that the village can offer.
Distance from Maredumilli village centre – 14 kms
Entry fee – Free
Timings – Open at all hours
People who love the valleys in India will definitely enjoy their time at Manyam Viewpoint in Maredumilli, Andhra Pradesh.
5 – Bhupathipalem Reservoir
Bhupathipalem Reservoir is a medium-sized irrigation project built on Seethapalli Vagu, a stream that is a tributary of River Godavari. The water from this reservoir is the source of drinking water for about 32 surrounding villages, which is about 11,600 acres of tribal land and also aids in their agricultural activities.
The earthen dam is surrounded by pine and coniferous trees that sway to the tunes of the wind. The reservoir has a mini island around it and you can explore the entire place with the right guide and permissions. You can lay out your picnic blanket here or go on a bike ride during the sunset to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Distance from Maredumilli village centre – 21 kms
Entry fee – INR 10
Timings – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Things to do in Maredumilli
When you are in Maredumilli, Andhra Pradesh, here are some of the activities that will keep you busy and also make your vacation very memorable.
1 – Trekking
Trekking is one of the main activities that you can explore in Maredumilli. To reach waterfalls like Jalatharangini and Amruthadhara, you will have to trek for a short distance through a terrain that is slippery and moderately challenging. These treks will take you through dense forests where you can explore the flora and fauna of the place. There are several trekking trails that cater to the needs of beginners as well as experienced trekkers. On the way, you will get to see scenic viewpoints, streams and several medicinal plants that you’ll not find elsewhere.
2 – Bird Watching
Maredumilli, Andhra Pradesh has dense forests with rich vegetation and diverse birds – both local and migratory. You will be surprised to know that you will always find birds in these forests, no matter the time. Morning, afternoon and evening – just set your time and grab your binoculars to see the beautiful species occupy the skies or stay perched on the trees. It would help to have a bird guide in hand, something that you can easily download from the internet or get from the local tourist guides.
The bird-watching experience in Maredumilli is no less than exploring the famous bird sanctuaries in India.
3 – Nature Photography
There are several spots in Maredumilli, Andhra Pradesh where you can get the perfect pictures with your camera. Most waterfalls let you capture their cascading beauty. These are the best places for macro photography. The viewpoints give you scenic views of the hills and valleys where you can get the best wide-angled shots. You can also venture into the Maredumilli forest area and click pictures of the plants, flowers and even the animals in their natural habitat. We suggest that you capture the pictures of the breathtaking sunrise and sunset in the region.
4 – Camping
Camping is one of the fun-filled, secluded and relaxing activities to take up in Maredumilli, Andhra Pradesh. Bhupathipalem Waterfalls is one of the best places where you can set up your camping gear. It is surrounded by trees, has a silent environment and overlooks the water of the reservoir. It is also a great spot for stargazing at night. You will also find campers putting up their tents in the forest region of Maredumilli. Certain parts of the forest are safe to light up the bonfires and you can enjoy the sounds of nature at night.
5 – Fishing
Fishing is an unmissable activity to do when you visit Maredumilli. There are several open streams (vaagus) where you can catch fish, take them back home or even better, take them to the locals and they’d cook them for you! Tourists can also interact with the locals and tag along with the local fishermen to see how they catch the fish with precision.
6 – Picnics
The charming spots in Maredumilli, Andhra Pradesh are ideal for family picnics or simple dates with your partner. You can enjoy your sandwiches and snacks amidst the beautiful natural setting. We suggest that you grab a parcel of Bamboo chicken from the village, lay down your blanket and enjoy a family outing while admiring the peaceful environment.
If you love having picnics with your loved ones, you must check out picnic spots in and around Visakhapatnam and explore them too.
7 – Boating
You must experience the joy of boating at the Bhupathipalem Reservoir, especially during the sunset time. The paddle boating facilities here are very good and you can glide over the water while the temperature starts to dip and the sky turns into a beautiful canvas.
Best time to visit Maredumilli, Andhra Pradesh
You can visit Maredumilli, Andhra Pradesh all year round and enjoy the adventure activities here. However, most of the people prefer to come here during the monsoon season or post it. During the rainy season, the region receives moderate to heavy rainfall and it is a treat to explore the tourist places or simply to set out on a road trip.
We must tell you that this experience will only be enjoyable if you have a liking for the rain. The ones who don’t like wetness come to Maredumilli post the monsoon season when the waterfalls are filled, streams are more active and the temperature is ideal for sightseeing.
How to reach Maredumilli village?
By Air
The nearest airports are Rajahmundry Airport, which is about 70 kms away and Vishakapatnam Airport which is roughly 234 kms away. You can hire a taxi or take the local buses from these cities to Maredumilli.
For people coming from the north, we suggest that you take a flight to Vishakapatnam, book a hotel in Vishakapatnam, rest for a while and set out on an overnight bus trip to Maredumilli.
By Rail
You can take a train from any of the Indian cities and reach Rajahmundry Railway Station first. If you are coming from the northern states, consider a train to Vishakhapatnam, Hyderabad or Vijayawada and then try to take a train to Rajahmundry. From here, you can use APSRTC buses to reach Maredumilli.
By Road
There are APSRTC buses that run between Vishakapatnam, Vijayawada, Hyderabad, Kakinada and Maredumillli. People considering a road trip should stay on NH 516E to reach Maredumilli.
Have you been to Maredumilli before? Tell us all about the adventure-filled activities that kept you busy in the scenic hamlet. Leave your stories in the comments section below!
