Amaravati, January 06, 2026: Tourists face significant hardships at the starting point for Papikondalu boat rides near Gandipochamma temple in Devipatnam mandal, Polavaram district about 40 km from Rajamahendravaram.
With no proper seating, shade, toilets, or drinking water, visitors often stand for hours in the sun.
Garbage piles up, creating unhygienic conditions, and the lack of basic sanitation forces some, including elderly travellers, into uncomfortable situations in nearby forests.
The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation manages ticket sales at Rs 100 per person for the popular river journey through forested hills, while 14 boats operate under Forest Department oversight.
Authorities have responded by allocating Rs 40 lakh and issuing tenders for a waiting hall, coffee shop, and four toilets at the site.
