Introduction

Yanam, a former French colony, now a part of Pondicherry, is popular with travelers who come here to simply sit on the bank of the Godavari River and soak up its tranquil beauty. A quaint town in Pondicherry, Yanam nestles on the spot where the Koringa River branches off from Gauthami into two streams. In fact, the entire region comprising Yanam town and six villages is treated as a Municipality for purposes of home administration. Located on the East Coast of the Indian Peninsula, Yanam is surrounded on the East and South by river Godavari which ends its journey in the Bay of Bengal after flowing almost 14 kilometers (8.75 miles) towards south east from Yanam. The region is more or less flat, with alluvial soil appropriate for growing paddy, chilly and tobacco.

As you arrive into Yanam, you will notice that this little town has a character of its own, with meandering but clean roads and a number of statues lining both sides of the road. Enjoy a refreshing drive to Yanam’s most prominent landmark, the bank of Godavari that has a massive sculpture of two elephants showering water on a Shiva idol. Here you can embark on a river cruise and enjoy the sights and sounds of the legendary river. Sail down the waterway past evergreen mangrove forest of the coastal Andhra Pradesh, and enjoy the gentle breeze blowing from the river. An ideal time to take the cruise is late afternoon when the weather is favorable. Godavari looks surreal at sunset when the moon comes up over the horizon and the scarlet sun melts little by little into the river. Capture in your lens the profound beauty of the dark mangrove forests, the placid river tinged golden by the setting sun, merging with the colorful sunset sky.

Godavari is addictive, even after a memorable cruise you might not feel like going back to your accommodation. You can spend hours in the evening on its bank, sitting on the nicely done up stretch by the riverside, and gazing at the moon reflected in its still waters.

Spend a couple of nights at a guesthouse in Yanam and take up river cruises, visit the Catholic church, meet the locals, set out on nature walks, enjoy tea breaks and photography.
 

Special Attributes

Yanam is famous for river cruises on the serene Godavari River.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable

Connectivity

You have to take a private taxi to Yanam. 

Enjoyed by

Families, Kids, Backpackers, especially nature lovers

Exposure

You will be under the open sky. In the morning and evening, enjoy the fresh breeze wafting from the Godavari. But noon gets quite warm and the sun rays are rather strong. You are advised to wear a lot of sunscreen lotion, carry along sunshades and a bottle of drinking water. 

Avoidable Season

April, May, June, July, August, September

Facilities

You can sit back till late on the bank and watch the river or take up nature walks.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Late afternoon is the ideal time to take a river cruise, and witness to a spectacular sunset.

Type of site