Maredumilli is a forest village in Alluri Sitharama Raju district, Andhra Pradesh, set in the Eastern Ghats not far from the Godavari. It is one of the state’s better-known community and eco-tourism areas, built around semi-evergreen forest, two seasonal waterfalls, forest-department nature camps, and the daily life of local Konda Reddi and Koya communities. This guide covers what to see, when to go, how to reach, where to stay, and the rules that keep the forest intact.
Maredumilli is a forest village roughly 85 km from Rajahmundry in Alluri Sitharama Raju district, Andhra Pradesh, known for Eastern Ghats semi-evergreen forest, the Jalatarangini and Amruthadhara waterfalls, bamboo-chicken cuisine, and Forest Department eco-camps run with local tribal communities. November to February is the easiest season.
Key takeaways
- Maredumilli sits in Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district, Andhra Pradesh; older government pages still file it under East Godavari, the earlier district before Andhra Pradesh reorganised its districts in 2022.
- The Incredible India portal recommends November to February as the best window; the waterfalls run fullest in and just after the monsoon (roughly June to October), when forest trails are also slippery.
- The nearest airport and railhead is Rajahmundry (RJA/RJY), about 85 km by road via the Rajahmundry–Bhadrachalam highway; Visakhapatnam is the larger airport alternative.
- The community eco-tourism area, including the Jungle Star campsite by the Valamuru river, lies about 4 km from Maredumilli village and is run by local Vana Samrakshana Samithi (forest-protection committee) members with the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department.
- Bamboo chicken (bongu chicken) is the signature dish, cooked inside hollow bamboo over a charcoal fire; the Konda Reddi are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group of the Godavari forests.
- Entry fees at individual waterfalls and camp tariffs change often and are collected on the spot; treat any figure here as a planning estimate and reconfirm with the Forest Department before you travel.
About Maredumilli and its forest
Maredumilli is a forest village and mandal headquarters in Alluri Sitharama Raju district, Andhra Pradesh, in the Eastern Ghats near the Godavari basin. The Incredible India portal, run by the Union Ministry of Tourism, describes its setting as semi-evergreen forest with undulating terrain and a varied ecosystem, and notes that the Forest Department is developing the area for eco-tourism.
The forest here is dense and layered, with bamboo stands, streams and wildlife typical of the northern Eastern Ghats. The East Godavari district administration’s older tourism pages call the tract “rich in biodiversity” and part of the Eastern Ghats, though they stop short of publishing species lists. If you want certainty on what lives here, ask camp guides rather than rely on blog claims.
One point of confusion is worth clearing up. Several government web pages, last updated in 2017, still place Maredumilli in East Godavari district. That was correct before Andhra Pradesh created new districts in 2022; Maredumilli now falls in Alluri Sitharama Raju district, as the current Incredible India festival listing (credited to Andhra Pradesh Tourism) confirms.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Forest village, Alluri Sitharama Raju district, Andhra Pradesh |
| Region | Eastern Ghats, Godavari basin |
| Nearest city / railhead / airport | Rajahmundry, about 85 km by road |
| Landscape | Semi-evergreen forest, bamboo, seasonal streams and waterfalls |
| Known for | Eco-camps, Jalatarangini and Amruthadhara falls, bamboo chicken |
| Local communities | Konda Reddi and Koya among others |
| Best season | November to February (Incredible India) |
Best time to visit Maredumilli
November to February is the best time to visit Maredumilli, the window the Incredible India portal recommends for comfortable weather. Days are mild, mornings are cool, and forest walks are pleasant. This post-monsoon-to-winter stretch also gives you the clearest trails and the steadiest driving conditions on the ghat road.
The monsoon, roughly June to September, is when the forest is greenest and the waterfalls run fullest, but trekking paths to the falls turn slippery and streams can rise quickly. If you travel then, treat guide advice on which falls are safe as the deciding factor. Summer (April to May) is hot, with daytime highs that the Incredible India page puts well above 40°C in May.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Nov–Feb | Cool mornings (Jan roughly 10.7–32.3°C); best for walks and camps |
| Summer | Mar–May | Hot (May roughly 19.8–42.1°C); falls low or dry; carry water |
| Monsoon | Jun–Sep | Lush forest, full waterfalls, slippery trails; check safety locally |
| Post-monsoon | Oct | Green cover, falls still strong, humidity easing (Dec roughly 11.0–31.4°C) |
How to reach Maredumilli
The simplest route to Maredumilli is by road from Rajahmundry, about 85 km away, which is also the nearest railhead and airport. Maredumilli lies on the Rajahmundry–Bhadrachalam highway, so the drive is straightforward once you reach the city. Shared jeeps and taxis cover the forest leg; the road climbs gently through the ghats.
By air: Rajahmundry Airport (RJA), about 69 km away, is the closest airport, with a limited set of domestic flights. Visakhapatnam Airport is the larger option, with wider connections, at a longer road distance to the east. From either, you continue by taxi or bus.
By rail: Rajahmundry (station code RJY) is the nearest major railway station, with trains to Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai, according to the Incredible India page. Confirm live train names and numbers on IRCTC or NTES before booking, as timetables change.
By road: The Incredible India page notes direct buses to Maredumilli from Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, and taxis and rental cars from Rajahmundry, Kakinada, Bhadrachalam and Visakhapatnam. If you are routing a longer Andhra trip, our Visakhapatnam travel guide and Vijayawada travel guide cover onward connections from both cities.
| From | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rajahmundry railway station | about 85 km | Nearest railhead; buses and taxis |
| Rajahmundry Airport | about 69 km | Nearest airport, limited flights |
| Rampachodavaram | about 26 km | Mandal town on the way in |
| Eco-tourism camp area | about 4 km from Maredumilli village | On the Maredumilli–Bhadrachalam road |
| Gudisa hill station | about 40 km | From the eco-tourism project |
Waterfalls and viewpoints
Maredumilli’s two best-known waterfalls are Jalatarangini and Amruthadhara, both seasonal and both reached by short forest walks. They are strongest during and just after the monsoon and can thin to a trickle by late summer, so set expectations by the season you pick. Entry is managed at each spot, and the walk itself is part of the appeal.
Jalatarangini is the closer of the two, a cascade reached on foot from a signed entry point along a trail that visitors describe as short but slippery. Amruthadhara is farther out and larger; local advice, echoed on travel guides, is to avoid trying to bathe directly under it and to follow any on-site warnings. Both sit within the managed eco-tourism zone.
For long views, the area has forest viewpoints, including those around the Valamuru river and the Vali-Sugriva Konda hill that overlooks the Jungle Star campsite. According to local belief, the hill is linked to a Ramayana-era episode between Vali and Sugriva; treat that as legend rather than recorded history.
| Spot | Why go | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Jalatarangini falls | Seasonal cascade on a short forest walk | Trail can be slippery; wear grip shoes |
| Amruthadhara falls | Larger seasonal fall, farther into the forest | Do not bathe under the fall; follow on-site warnings |
| Valamuru river / Jungle Star | Riverside camp and viewpoint over Vali-Sugriva Konda | About 4 km from the village |
| Forest nature walks | Birdwatching, bamboo stands, guided trails | Go with a camp guide |
| Maredumilli / Manyam viewpoint | Valley and forest panorama | Best in clear post-monsoon light |
Forest eco-camps and community tourism
Maredumilli’s eco-tourism is run as a community project with the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department rather than as a private resort. The main area sits about 4 km from the village on the Maredumilli–Bhadrachalam road and centres on the Jungle Star campsite beside the Valamuru river. The Forest Department is developing the wider area for responsible tourism.
According to the East Godavari district administration’s tourism pages, the eco-tourism project is managed by members of the Valamuru, Somireddypalem and Valmeekipeta Vana Samrakshana Samithi (village forest-protection committees) with the active support of the Forest Department. Academic descriptions of the “Vana Vihari” (literally, excursion to the forest) community project describe an 18-member committee running it, with early funding from the World Bank-aided Andhra Pradesh Community Forest Management programme. Reconfirm current management and booking directly with the department.
The communities around Maredumilli include the Konda Reddi and Koya, named by the Incredible India festival listing. The Konda Reddi are recognised by the Government of India as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) of the Godavari forests; they traditionally relied on forest produce, shifting cultivation and bamboo crafts. Visit as a guest: buy local produce and handicrafts, ask before photographing people, and treat villages as homes, not sights.
A suggested two-day itinerary
Two days is enough for an unhurried first visit to Maredumilli, using a forest camp or Rampachodavaram as a base. Keep the plan loose, because waterfall access depends on the season and recent rain.
- Day 1: Drive in from Rajahmundry in the morning (about 85 km). Settle into your camp or rest house near Maredumilli by midday. Walk to Jalatarangini falls in the afternoon with a guide, then return for a bamboo-chicken dinner and a quiet forest evening.
- Day 2: Start early for Amruthadhara falls and a guided nature walk for birdwatching and bamboo stands. After lunch, stop at a viewpoint on the way out, then drive back to Rajahmundry, or continue towards Rampachodavaram and the Godavari for a longer trip.
If you have a third day, add a Papikondalu (Papikonda) Godavari boat trip from Rajahmundry or a half-day around Rampachodavaram.
Where to stay
The main places to stay in and around Maredumilli are Forest Department eco-camps and rest houses, with fuller hotel options in Rampachodavaram and Rajahmundry. There is no dense hotel cluster in the forest itself, so book accommodation ahead, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Forest eco-camps (budget to mid-range): The Jungle Star campsite and similar forest-department accommodation offer basic cottages and tents close to the river and trails. Tariffs are set by the Forest Department and change often; treat any quoted rate as a planning estimate and confirm when booking.
- Abhayaranya Forest Rest House: A heritage rest house in Maredumilli village, built in 1914, with suites for visitors, per the district administration. An older listing quoted suite rates around ₹300–₹500 per day with reservations via the District Forest Officer, Kakinada; these figures are dated and indicative only — reconfirm.
- Rampachodavaram and Rajahmundry (mid-range to comfortable): For air-conditioned rooms, standard hotels and more dining, base yourself in Rampachodavaram (about 26 km) or Rajahmundry (about 85 km) and day-trip to the forest.
Food to try, including bamboo chicken
The dish to try in Maredumilli is bamboo chicken, locally called bongu chicken (chicken marinated and cooked inside a hollow bamboo segment over charcoal). The bamboo seals in moisture and lends a smoky, herbal flavour, and the preparation is rooted in the cooking of the Godavari forest communities.
Alongside it you will find bamboo biryani (rice and spices steamed inside bamboo), simple Andhra forest-style meals, and seasonal produce such as honey, aromatic coffee and millet dishes sold by local vendors and at the annual festival. Portions are hearty and spicing is on the hotter side, as across Andhra.
- Bamboo chicken (bongu chicken): marinated chicken roasted inside green bamboo over an open fire.
- Bamboo biryani: spiced rice steamed in bamboo, often vegetarian.
- Local produce: forest honey, filter and plantation coffee, and millet preparations.
Budget breakdown
A simple two-day trip to Maredumilli is inexpensive by Indian travel standards, with transport and the camp stay forming most of the cost. The table below is a planning estimate per person for two travellers sharing, excluding the journey to Rajahmundry. All figures are indicative — reconfirm, as of October 2026.
| Item | Planning estimate | Assumptions |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip taxi, Rajahmundry–Maredumilli | ₹2,000–₹3,500 | Shared between two; local cab |
| Camp / rest-house stay (1 night) | ₹1,000–₹2,500 | Forest-department accommodation; varies by type |
| Meals and bamboo chicken | ₹500–₹900 | Two days, local eateries and camp |
| Waterfall entries and guide | ₹200–₹600 | Nominal per-spot fees plus guide tip |
| Rough total per person | ₹3,700–₹7,500 | Excludes travel to Rajahmundry |
Permits, fees and responsible-tourism rules
No special entry permit such as an Inner Line Permit is required for Indian tourists to visit Maredumilli, but the area is a managed forest zone, so small entry fees are collected at individual waterfalls and camps. These are set by the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department, collected on the spot, and change without notice; figures reported by visitor guides (roughly ₹10–₹50 per person at the falls) are indicative only — reconfirm before you travel.
Because this is a community conservation and eco-tourism area, a few rules matter more than the fee:
- Carry out all plastic and waste; many forest zones in Andhra restrict single-use plastic.
- Do not play loud music, pick plants, or disturb wildlife on trails.
- Follow guides at the waterfalls; do not swim or bathe where you are told not to.
- Ask permission before photographing residents, and never treat villages or people as attractions.
- Check locally about drone use; forest and tribal areas often restrict it, and rules are set by the authorities on the ground.
Practical tips
The most useful preparation for Maredumilli is to treat it as a low-connectivity forest trip: carry cash, download maps offline, and keep your plans flexible around the weather. A few specifics help.
- Network and cash: Mobile signal is patchy inside the forest. Carry enough cash, as UPI and card acceptance are unreliable away from Rajahmundry.
- Health and safety: The nearest larger hospitals are in Rampachodavaram and Rajahmundry. Carry a basic first-aid kit, any personal medicines, and insect repellent.
- Footwear and clothing: Waterfall trails are slippery; wear shoes with grip. Pack light cottons for the day and a layer for cool winter mornings; add a rain shell in the monsoon.
- Solo and women travellers: The eco-tourism area is managed and generally calm; go with a guide on trails, travel in daylight on the ghat road, and share your plan with your camp.
- Guides: Hire local guides for the waterfalls and nature walks; they know safe routes and support community livelihoods.
Nearby places
Maredumilli pairs well with the Godavari-belt towns to its south and west, so it is easy to fold into a longer Andhra Pradesh trip. The table below lists the usual add-ons with approximate road distances.
| Place | Distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Rampachodavaram | about 26 km | Mandal town, gateway with hotels and forest drives |
| Rajahmundry | about 85 km | Godavari city, railhead, airport, temples and ghats |
| Papikondalu (Papikonda) | via Rajahmundry/Godavari | Godavari gorge boat trips through forested hills |
| Bhadrachalam | on the Rajahmundry–Bhadrachalam road | Riverside temple town in neighbouring Telangana |
| Gudisa hill station | about 40 km | Higher forest viewpoint and camping |
Frequently asked questions
Which district is Maredumilli in?
Maredumilli is in Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district, Andhra Pradesh, in the Eastern Ghats near the Godavari. Older government web pages still list it under East Godavari, which was correct before Andhra Pradesh reorganised its districts in 2022. The current Incredible India festival listing, credited to Andhra Pradesh Tourism, places it in ASR district.
What is the best time to visit Maredumilli?
November to February is the best time to visit Maredumilli, the season the Incredible India portal recommends for mild weather and clear trails. The monsoon, June to September, makes the forest greenest and the Jalatarangini and Amruthadhara waterfalls fullest, but trails turn slippery. Summer is hot, with May highs above 40°C, and the falls run low.
How do I reach Maredumilli from Rajahmundry?
Reach Maredumilli by road from Rajahmundry, about 85 km away on the Rajahmundry–Bhadrachalam highway, by taxi, rental car or bus. Rajahmundry is the nearest airport and railway station. Direct buses also run from Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, per Incredible India. The forest leg is scenic but has patchy mobile signal, so carry cash and offline maps.
What food is Maredumilli known for?
Maredumilli is known for bamboo chicken, or bongu chicken, which is marinated chicken cooked inside a hollow bamboo segment over charcoal for a smoky flavour. You will also find bamboo biryani, simple Andhra forest meals, and local honey and coffee. The dish is rooted in the cooking traditions of the Godavari forest communities.
Do I need a permit to visit Maredumilli?
No special permit such as an Inner Line Permit is needed for Indian tourists to visit Maredumilli. It is a managed forest zone, so the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department collects small entry fees at the waterfalls and camps, set on the spot and changing often. Follow plastic, photography and trail rules, and reconfirm any fee before travelling.
Where can I stay in Maredumilli?
Stay at Forest Department eco-camps and the heritage Abhayaranya Forest Rest House in and near Maredumilli village, or choose hotels in Rampachodavaram (about 26 km) or Rajahmundry (about 85 km) for air-conditioned rooms. Camp tariffs are set by the Forest Department and change often, so book ahead and confirm the rate when you reserve.
Last updated and sources
Maredumilli suits travellers who want quiet forest, waterfalls and a low-key community stay rather than resorts and nightlife. Go between November and February for the easiest conditions, or in the monsoon if you want the falls at full flow and do not mind slippery trails.
Last updated: 17 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Incredible India — Maredumilli (Ministry of Tourism); Incredible India — Maredumilli Tourism Festival (Andhra Pradesh Tourism); East Godavari district administration — eco-tourism; Andhra Pradesh Forest Department — Eco Tourism Initiative; Konda Reddi tribe (PVTG) background. Accessed September 2026.
