Khammam
General Information
District: Khammam, State: Andhra Pradesh, India
Area: 16029 Sq. Km.
Languages Spoken: Telgu
Long Distance Code: +91-8742
Importance:
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Description
Khammam was formerly a district, having all the taluks of the present Warangal district till A.D 1905, when Warangal was made the district headquarters. For effective administration Warangal was bifurcated on October 1st 1953 and Khammam district was created. The headquarters of the district was however, kept in the ancient town of Khammam.Location
Khammam derived its name from its headquarters town, which in turn appears to have derived it from a hill known as the Sthambhadri, located in the heart of the town. The town was known by various names as Sthambhadri, Sthambhagiri, Kambagiri and Khammamett. The district covers an area of 16,029 sq. km.
The sanctuary represents dry deciduous mixed type forests with teak, bamboo and terminals. Other species found here are Maddi, Yepi, Yegissa, Sommi Thandra, Bandaru, Amla, Mango, and Tendu. Main attractions of the sanctuary are the Deer Park, Kinnerasani Dam and Reservoir with Jaladrushyam Guest house. Many perennial springs known as "Togus" flow through this sanctuary along with Kinnerasani Rallavagu.
Bhadrachalam is situated on the banks of Godavari River, is 161 kilometers from Rajahmundry and 201-km from Vijayawada. It is considered to be one of the greatest holy shrines in South India as Lord Rama lived here for some time.\r\nThe legend associated with this place is that a saint called "Bhadra", son of 'Meru', did penance here to have a 'darshan' of Lord Sri Rama and Sri Rama appeared before him and the name of 'Bhadrachalam' or 'Bhadradri' is derived from his name.\r\nThe locales of Bhadrachalam were identified well with the `Aranyavasa'- the 14-year exile of Lord Rama. The area around Bhadrachalam has a number of signs, which the devotees take in evidence to support the belief that Lord Rama had sojourned here with his consort, Sita and brother, 'Lakshmana'.31-km from Khammam, the Wyra Dam, built across the River Wyra, is located close to this village.
Nelakondapalli is also famous of being the Birth Place of "Kancharla Gopanna, "popularly known as "Bhakta Ramadas". There were some very ancient temples in the village. The old Residence of Bhakta Ramadas was named as "Bhakta Ramadas Dhyana Mandir".