List of 10 Popular Yanam Tourist Places (River Beach, Hotels)

Tourist attraction of the year Yanam is located in Konaseema, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry State (Union Territory). It is a small town situated on the banks of river Gautami Godavari, a major tributary of river Godavari. The Godavari River meets the Bay of Bengal at Yanam. The French ruled the area for about 300 years, hence the name "French Yanam". Yanam is one of the most attractive tourist attractions with its beautiful natural beauty that includes Godavari river, coconut groves and beautiful mangrove forests. This article lists the best tourist places to visit near Yanam.

  10 Best Yanam Tourist Places :

1. Ferry Road :

Ferry Road is the main road through the beach along the river which travels 1.7 kilometers in Yanam. It is a top tourist spot in Yanam which attracts people with its beauty. Two elephants grace the huge Shiva lingam at the entrance (known as the Shiva Bath) as well as the statue of Mother Bharat and the statue of Jesus (a replica of Brazil's Christ statue) on the river bank. It is a wonderful sight. The ship pattern attracts visitors to the Nagur Meera Sahib Mandir. The park has food stalls where people relax with friends and family. It is a wonderful place for a leisurely afternoon or evening stroll. You can also do water based activities in this area.

2. St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church :

St. Ann's Catholic Church is one of the most famous places you will visit in Yanam where many devotees visit from all over the world to pray for Mary Ma. This church was built in 1846 by the French rulers. The furniture and decorations and plants around the church will attract your attention. The majority of the decorations were brought from France. Hill temples are an important attraction in this church. It is possible to visit the temple in March when an important festival is held every year.

3. Yanam Botanical Garden :

The Botanical Garden at the entrance of Yanam is a wonderful place for tourists. It is a nice and relaxing place with plants and trees where you can be with your loved ones or relax and breathe fresh air. The highlight of this park is the 16 feet Gandhi sculpture, glasshouse and nightly laser show.

4. Grand Mosque :

The mosque was built in 1978 and upgraded to Grand Mosque in 2000. First, a small mosque was built in 1848 on land donated to the French government. Ramadan as well as Eid al-Adha are major festivals celebrated every year.

5. Obelisk Tower :

The Obelisk Tower is a replica of the Eiffel Tower located 10 km from Yanam city, on Savitri Nagar Road, Yanam. It is a 100 meter high tower from which you can admire the magnificent views of the Godavari and the seas. The tower also has stunning views of the Yanam mangroves and the city's sightseeing spots. Obelisk Tower is a must see next time you visit Yanam.

6. Mesala Venkanna Temple :

It is a famous temple located in Yanam town which is currently undergoing renovation. The temple is dedicated to Mesala Venkateswara, who resembles Annavaram Satyanarayana Swamy, so the deity is known as Mesala Venkanna, which is not found in any Venkateswara temple. Venkannababu Kalyanotsavam Rathotsavam along with Brahmotsavam are held every year with grandeur. Every year, around 1.5 thousand devotees from different parts of Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry attend this festival to offer prayers in the name of Lord Venkateswara.

7. Yanam Shiva Temple :

It is the oldest temple in Yanam dedicated to Lord Shiva named Sri Rajarajeswara built on the banks of river Godavari by the Chalukya rulers from Rajamahendravaram in the fifteenth century. Sri Rajarajeswara Kalyanotsavam is celebrated every year in Yanam.

8. Koringa Wildlife Sanctuary :

Koringa Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful mangrove forest located 15 km from Yanam. Koringa Wildlife Sanctuary is the 3rd largest mangrove ecosystem in India and is a wonderful place to explore near Yanam. The beautiful wooden entrance and the "I Love Coringa" logo are sure to draw you in. A mangrove is a type of tree or shrub that grows in coastal wetlands. Hence, there is a wooden path four feet above the ground leading to the mangroves. Several aerial viewpoints allow you to view the stunningly beautiful mangroves as well as boating, which is an ideal way to observe the area's wildlife and birds. Koringa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the backwaters that connect Koringa close to the Godavari and is a must for all visitors. The sanctuary is home to 24 species of mangrove trees as well as 120 bird species including golden sea turtles, fox fishing cats and smooth-coated otters. You are indeed lucky to be able to identify these species.

How to reach:

Every bus from Yanam to Kakinada passes through Koringa Wildlife Sanctuary road entrance on NH 216 highway. Then a 2 km walk.

If you prefer, you can take an auto or taxi to reach there.

Timings : All days from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on Tuesdays.

9. Sri Vireswara Swamy Temple :

Sri Bhadrakali Sametha Sri Veereswara Swamy Temple is located at Muramalla in Konaseema about 10 kms from Yanam which is a must visit place near Yanam. It is a magnificent shrine dedicated to Sri Veerabhadra Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Ritwikku Kalyanam is performed daily in this temple like Vishnu temple. A large number of devotees from all parts of Andhra Pradesh attend to perform this Kalyan. It is believed that unmarried devotees get married only after doing good to God. Major festivals here include Mahashivratri, Laksha Rudraksha Archana, and Brahmotsavam celebrated annually with great pomp.

How to reach:

Every bus going from Yanam via Amalapuram stops at Muramalla village. Autos are available to take you from the village to the temple.

If you want, you can take taxis or autos to go to the temple.

10. Draksharam Bhimeswara Swamy Temple :

Draksharamam Bhimeswara Swamy Temple is located at Draksharamam town in Konaseema about 20 km from Yanam. It is one of the oldest shrines discovered in India and was built by the Chalukya king Bhima in the 10th century. It was built in a mixture of Chola and Chalukya styles. The beautifully designed temple gopuram and walls as well as the pond adjacent to the temple will amaze you. The peaceful atmosphere around the temple will calm your mind. In this temple complex, devotees worship Lord Bhimeswara (Shiva is worshiped as Lord Bhimeswara and a 14 feet high crystal linga) Manikyamba, Virupaksha, Nataraja, Anjaneya and Ganesha. Every day many tourists visit this temple. Draksharama Temple is a tourist attraction near Yanam as it is also Pancharama Kshetra and Shakti Peetha.

According to legend, Daksha Prajapati conducted the Yochana at Draksharama in the year 2000. Sati devi has beautified herself at this place.

How to reach:

Buses departing from Yanam can take you to Draksharamam Temple.

If you prefer, you can use the auto-route to reach the temple.

How to reach Yanam:

The bridge named GMC Balayogi Varadhi is a part of NH 216 over river Gautami Godavari connecting Yanam and Yedurlanka and is the main route to Yanam. Thousands of people pass through the bridge every day. The bridge is named after GMC Balayogi, former Speaker of Lok Sabha.

Bus: Several buses are available to reach Yanam from nearby cities like Kakinada, Visakhapatnam and Amalapuram.

Train: The nearest station for trains is Kakinada where there are several buses to reach Yanam. It is 30 km from Yanam.

Air: The nearest airport is Rajahmundry, which is 90 km away. From there, you can opt for auto or cab service to reach your destination Yanam.

Where to Stay in Yanam:

Hotel Servine, GVS Residency, The Regency Hotel and Pondicherry Government Guest House are all available for affordable accommodation in Yanam.

Complete your Yanam vacation with your family and friends by visiting these places. As I mentioned in the introduction, it's short, which means you can make your visit in a day while taking advantage of affordable accommodation and travel costs. It is the cheapest tourist destination. Oh! I didn't mention the Tuesday market. Be sure to visit the market if possible. Yanam is a must visit tourist destination to experience the love of Yanam people, flavors of seafood along with vast green fields, sprawling coconut trees and majestic Godavari nature.

1. Was Yanam a French colony? Do French nationals live here?

A: Yes! Yanam was one of the five French colonies in India. Some residents of Yanam still hold French citizenship.

2. What is popular in Yanam?

Answer: Yanam is famous for its natural beauty and beach and delicious seafood options like Pulas and Seeramanu. Prawns are a specialty of Konaseema as well as non-vegetarian food items offered by many restaurants and dhabas. Additionally, as a union territory, the cost of diesel, electricity, petrol and liquor is less expensive when compared to Andhra Pradesh.

3. What is the best time to visit Yanam?

A: The best time to visit Yanam is during winter and spring (December to February).