
Ertiga / Carens
Family with elderly parents; 2–3 day circuits
The five ancient Shiva temples of coastal Andhra — the Pancharama Kshetras — whose lingas are traditionally said to originate from a single great linga.
The Pancharama Kshetras are five revered Shiva temples across the Godavari–Krishna delta, each enshrining a portion of a single mythic linga broken by Kartikeya. They range from Amararama at Amaravathi to Draksharama, an important site linked to the Shakti Peetha tradition.
Spread across the coastal towns of Andhra, the five are naturally completed by road over two to three days, and are often combined with the Godavari ghats — a circuit steeped in Shaiva legend and delta heritage.
Draksharama, near Kakinada, is one of the revered Pancharama Kshetras and is traditionally associated with a fragment of a great Shiva lingam. The presiding deity, Bhimeswara Swamy, is worshipped in a tall lingam said to have been established by celestial beings. The temple is also counted among sacred Shakti sites, adding to its significance. Its distinctive two-storey structure, spacious prakarams and ancient inscriptions from the Chalukya era reflect a rich architectural and historical legacy cherished by devotees.
Pilgrims usually take darshan of the towering lingam, which is viewed from an upper level, and the temple is fairly accessible with some steps. Traditional attire is customary. Maha Shivaratri and Kalyanotsavam are celebrated with devotion. Cooler months are generally comfortable for travel through the Godavari delta. Draksharama is often the anchor of the Pancharama circuit, and pilgrims commonly plan the five temples together, combining the visit with the region's Godavari sites.
Amararama at Amaravathi, on the banks of the Krishna river, is one of the Pancharama Kshetras, dedicated to Amareswara Swamy, a form of Shiva. The tall white lingam is traditionally revered as having been worshipped by Indra and the gods, from which the name Amararama is derived. The historic town of Amaravathi carries deep antiquity, once a great Buddhist centre, and the temple stands amid this layered heritage, drawing devotees and history enthusiasts alike.
Darshan of the lofty lingam is the focus, and the riverside setting adds serenity to the pilgrimage. The temple is broadly accessible, with some steps within the complex. Traditional attire is customary. Maha Shivaratri and Navaratri are observed with fervour. Cooler months are generally pleasant for travel along the Krishna belt. Amaravathi's ancient Buddhist stupa site nearby is a popular add-on, and the temple forms one leg of the Pancharama journey across the delta region.
Somarama at Gunupudi in Bhimavaram is one of the Pancharama Kshetras, dedicated to Someswara Swamy. The lingam here is traditionally believed to change colour with the lunar phases, appearing lighter or darker through the month, a feature devotees hold in reverence. Legend links the temple's establishment to the Moon god, from which the name Somarama arises. The temple complex includes a shrine to the goddess Annapurna and reflects the region's enduring Shaiva devotional tradition.
Pilgrims come for darshan of the lingam and the associated shrines, and the temple is set on generally level ground with an ancient tank nearby. Traditional attire is customary. Maha Shivaratri is the principal festival. Cooler months are broadly comfortable for travel across the West Godavari region. Being centrally placed among the five, Somarama is conveniently combined with Ksheerarama at Palakollu and the other Pancharama temples in a single pilgrimage.
Ksheerarama at Palakollu is one of the Pancharama Kshetras, dedicated to Ksheera Ramalingeswara Swamy. The lingam is traditionally described as milky-white in hue, from which the name Ksheerarama is drawn, and it is revered as one of the sacred sites linked to the legend of the great lingam divided among these temples. The shrine is noted for its exceptionally tall gopuram, among the highest in the region, which rises strikingly over the town and guides pilgrims from afar.
Darshan of the white lingam is the centrepiece of a visit, and the temple stands on level ground with easy access suited to elderly pilgrims. Traditional attire is customary. Maha Shivaratri draws large gatherings. Cooler months are generally pleasant for travel through the delta. Palakollu is close to Bhimavaram, so Ksheerarama and Somarama are frequently paired, completing the western arc of the Pancharama circuit across the Godavari districts.
Kumararama at Samalkota, near Kakinada, is one of the Pancharama Kshetras, dedicated to Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy. The temple is traditionally associated with Lord Kumara Swamy (Kartikeya), who is believed to have installed the lingam. The tall lingam rises through two storeys of the sanctum, and the temple is admired for its Chalukyan architecture, spacious courtyards and finely carved pillars, reflecting the artistic heritage of the eastern Godavari region cherished by generations of devotees.
Pilgrims view the towering lingam from an upper level, and the temple has some steps within its structure. Traditional attire is customary. Maha Shivaratri and Kalyanotsavam are celebrated with devotion. Cooler months are broadly comfortable for travel near Kakinada. Kumararama, together with Draksharama, forms the eastern pair of the Pancharama Kshetras, and pilgrims commonly complete all five temples across the Godavari delta in a well-planned yatra.
Amaravathi and Samalkota.
Draksharama and Palakollu.
Bhimavaram, then return.
Recommended for this circuit — we finalise by your group size and luggage.
The Pancharama Kshetras — Five Shiva Abodes covers Amararama (Amaravathi), Somarama (Bhimavaram), Ksheerarama (Palakollu), Draksharama, Kumararama (Samalkota), driven from Vijayawada / Rajahmundry over 3 Days / 2 Nights.
This is a direct road trip — a SARA CAB chauffeur-driven vehicle departs from Vijayawada and runs the entire circuit.
We recommend Ertiga / Carens, Innova Crysta / Hycross, Tempo Traveller (12–20), chosen by your group size and luggage.
This circuit is quoted on request — airfare, season and permits vary — so share your dates and group size for an exact, all-inclusive quote.
Fare on request
Quote on request
Share your dates & group for an exact, all-inclusive quote.
Pick your dates and vehicle for an exact cab fare.