Yanam Beach: All you Need to Know

Yanam, a region of the Pondicherry Union Territory, is a location rich in culture and history and is referred to as the “little French equivalent” of India. The region, which was a small portion of French India under colonial authority until 1954, exhibits French characteristics and enjoys the shadow cast by the earliest European colonies. 

The main language here is still French. In 1954, this little coastal community, which is close to the Godavari River’s delta, joined the Indian Republic. Yanam tourist places are something you should visit on your next holiday because of its unique and enticing fusion of Telugu and French culture. 

How to Reach Yanam?

By air 

Tourists can board a flight to the Rajahmundry Airport, which is 60km from the town, and from there, you can commute to the main town via a taxi.

By train

The train station connected to all major cities that are near Yanam is Kakinada Railway Station, and it’s 26km from the main town.

By road

One can board buses to the Yanam bus stand, which is located in the heart of the city.

 

15 places to visit when in Yanam

Puducherry Museum

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The Puducherry museum beautifully narrates the tale of the city’s rich cultural past. The museum houses artefacts like jewellery, rocks, coins, and statues, which were unearthed on the Arikamedu cultural site. 

Distance: 20 km from Thondamanatham Bus Stand

Timings: 09:00 AM to 06:30 PM

Entry Fees: Rs 5 and Rs 10 for kids and adults, respectively, Rs 50 for foreigners.

Best Time To Visit: October to March

How to Reach: Buses/Cabs or drive yourself there

Puducherry State Obelisk Tower

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About 11 km separate the centre of Yanam from where this tower is situated on the city’s outskirts. The tower, which is 101.6 metres long and mimics the Eiffel Tower, is topped by a huge set of stairs. 

The elderly can utilise a lift that is available as well. However, taking the stairs is advised because of the breathtaking views offered by various vantage points. A view of the Godavari river and its tributary may be seen from the tower’s highest point.

Distance: 28.2 km from Yanam Bus Stand

Timings: 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM

Entry Fees: Rs 25

Best Time To Visit: October to March

How to Reach: Buses/Cabs or drive yourself there

Rajiv Gandhi Beach 

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The main draw is the beach, which lies one kilometre from the city’s centre. The view of it is completely mesmerising, with a gigantic Shiv Linga idol situated between two sculptures of elephants. The statue of Christ the Redeemer is just a few metres away. 

The bronze statue of Bharat Mata, which stands 26 feet tall, is the beach’s more well-known feature. 

An unusual museum in the shape of a boat is located a little bit from the riverbank as well. The large promenade together with the enormous statues contributes to the beach’s allure. It is among the most well-liked tourist destinations in the city.

Distance: 27 km from Yanam Bus Stand

Timings: Open 24 hrs

Best Time To Visit: October to March

How to Reach: Buses/Cabs or drive yourself there

French St. Ann’s Catholic Church 

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Among the oldest churches, it is situated in the centre of the city. The church was built in 1846 by French immigrants and contains some of its design aesthetics. The majority of the church’s furniture originates from France. 

Additionally, there is a memento in honour of Michel Lecnam, who placed the church’s cornerstone but did not survive to see it completed. Even after several renovations, it still has a brand-new appearance. A shrine is a location that has both religious and historical importance.

Distance: 26.2 km from Yanam Bus Stand

Timings: 06:00 AM to 09:00 PM

Best Time To Visit: October to March

How to Reach: Buses/Cabs or drive yourself there

Buddha Park

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A distance of 1.3 kilometres separates the park from the city’s centre. A Buddha statue, which is a lovely sight, is located in the centre of the circular path. The footpath and the statue are connected by a short bridge.

Distance: 25.8 km from Yanam Bus Stand

Timings: 06:00 AM to 09:00 AM and 04:00 PM to 09:00 PM

Cost: Rs 50 for photo permission

Best Time To Visit: October to March

How to Reach: Buses/Cabs/Tuk-tuk or drive yourself there

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary

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The Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the biggest mangrove preserves in the nation, lies tucked away between the deltas of the Gouthami and Godavari rivers. 

The sanctuary is home to a large variety of birds as well as several endangered species, including crocodiles, otters, turtles, and other creatures. It also has a wealth of rich reservoirs. 

The entire sanctuary is surrounded by dense, lush mangrove foliage, and it is also home to many other plant species. Pedal boating in the middle of nature is an intriguing activity to take part in at the Sanctuary.

Distance: 15 km

Timings: 09:00 to 05:00 PM, Tuesday closed

Cost: Boating price varies, and the entry fee is INR 5 and INR 10 for kids and adults, respectively

Best Time To Visit: October to May

How to Reach: Buses/Cabs/Tuk-tuk or drive yourself there

Hope Island

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Off the Yanam’s shore, Hope Island is a tiny island with a tadpole-like form. The island is so named because it is well recognised for offering natural protection to sailors from the effects of the wind and tide. 

The island is among the richest natural ports in the area. Hope Island, with its remarkable environment, offers some outstanding vistas against Yanam’s clear blue skies.

Distance: 28.6 km to Kakinada port then you have commute via boat

Timings: 06:00 AM to 01:00 PM and 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Cost: Boating price varies 

Best Time To Visit: October to May ; avoid monsoons

How to Reach: Boat from Kakinada port

 

Sri Veereswara Swamy Temple

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On top of a hill in Yanam stands the spiritual sanctuary known as Sri Veereswara Swamy Temple. It is one of the most important Vaishnavite pilgrimage sites. 

According to a myth, worshippers who enter the temple and have marital problems or who are still single can find relief from all of their problems with only one trip. 

Throughout the year, the temple is decorated for the events that are held there. Numerous festivals are held in the temple, and they are all celebrated with great passion and fervour.

Distance: 15 km

Timings: 09:00 to 05:00 PM, Tuesday closed

Cost: The entry fee is Rs 5, and Rs 10 for kids and adults, respectively

Best Time To Visit: October to May

How to Reach: Buses/Cabs/Tuk-tuk or drive yourself there

Kakinada Port

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Take some time to explore the Kakinada port, among the best small ports in the nation, while you are in Yanam. This is further defined by the harbour’s untamed position and the natural surroundings’ provision of refuge. 

As the centre of communication, the port makes significant contributions and benefits the community. 

The location has recently received several modifications and improvements. The Kakinada Port is a well-liked vacation spot for both visitors and travellers. The location draws a lot of visitors and offers a variety of water sports.

Distance: 28.6 km 

Timings: Open 24 hrs

Cost: Boating price varies 

Best Time To Visit: October to May; avoid monsoons

How to Reach: Bus/tuk-tuk/ cabs/ Train boarding till kakinada port station

Shivam Bath at Night

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The gateway of Godavari River Front, where the river beachfront walkway begins, is where you’ll find Shivam Bath.

Beautiful elephants sprinkle water on a large Shiva lingam as they pass by. A nice site to visit, especially in the evening when the large statues are much more beautiful, is there. Bathing is permitted. good feelings. Sunsets are enjoyable.

Distance: 30 km from Yanam Bus Stop

Timings: open 24 hrs but beautiful during the night

Price: Godavari river trip Rs 250 

Best Time To Visit: October to May; avoid monsoons

How to Reach: Bus/tuk-tuk/ cabs

Ferry Road

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Almost 10,000 people travel to and from each day through this road. This river route is mostly used by residents of the Konaseema region in the Amalapuram Constituency of the East Godavari District to go to Kakinada, the district headquarters.

Distance: 28.3 km from Yanam bus stop

Things to do: Yanam river beach, Shivam bath, and many more

Best Time To Visit: October to May; avoid monsoons

How to Reach: Bus/tuk-tuk/ cabs

Grand Mosque

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The French government gave the mosque’s location in 1848. A little mosque was built during that period. The same was then renovated in 1956. In 1978, the same was destroyed, and a new mosque was built in its place. Now, during the presidency of M.A. Sirajuddin, the mosque was expanded to become the Grand Mosque.

Distance: 28.3 km from Yanam bus stop situated on ferry road

Speciality: Ship-type architecture

Best Time To Visit: October to May; avoid monsoons

How to Reach: Bus/tuk-tuk/ cabs

Yanam Botanical Garden

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The entrance to the Yanam botanical park is at Yanam, Puducherry, India. Yanam, Puducherry 533464, India is the address of the entrance of the Yanam botanical park. There are quite a few places that are mentioned close to Yanam Botanical Garden’s entrance. The Gandhi Statue inside the garden is one of the best Yanam Tourist attractions.

Distance: 26.9 km from Yanam bus stop

Timings: 10:00 AM to 09:00 PM

Entry Fee: Rs 10 for adults and Rs 5 for kids

Best Time To Visit: October to May; avoid monsoons

How to Reach: Bus/tuk-tuk/ cabs

Manikyamba Devi Temple

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Among the Ashtadasa Shakti temples is the Manikyamba Devi temple in the Andhra Pradesh town of Draksharamam. The Navel portion of Devi Sati is said to have fallen here when Lord Vishnu slashed her corpse with his Sudarshan Chakra. 

It is also one of the five potent Shiva temples, or Pancharama temples, that are well-known. Bhimeswara Swamy is the name of Lord Shiva in this instance, and Devi Manikyamba is her consort. The temple is located on the big river Godavari’s eastern bank. 

There is a Manikyamaba Devi shrine inside the Lord Bhimeswara Swamy temple’s inner circle (prakara). It may be found at the campus’ northeast corner. Below the Manikyamaba Matha statue is a Srichakra.

Distance: 20.7 km

Timings: 05:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 03:00 PM to 08:30 PM

Best Time To Visit: October to May; avoid monsoons

How to Reach: Bus/tuk-tuk/ cabs

Palais de justice

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For those fascinated by French architecture, the Catholic Church, which was built in 1846 by French missionaries with furnishings allegedly imported from France, and the Court House (Palais De Justice) are also must-sees. For those who love history, Yanam holds a special position in Indian history. 

An important event that accelerated the fall of French colonial rule in India was the Coup d’état of Yanam. India and France were negotiating the transfer of four cities that remained under French rule in 1954 despite India gaining independence in 1947. 

On June 13, 1954, a coup was carried out by powerful leaders on both the pro-France and pro-India sides, and it resulted in Yanam’s freedom from French authority.

Distance: 26.1 km from Yanam bus stop

Timings: 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM

Best Time To Visit: October to May; avoid monsoons

How to Reach: Bus/tuk-tuk/ cabs

FAQs

Shall anyone visit Yanam?

Yanam offers some stunning scenery. There are coconut trees all around it. Since it is situated above the shores of the Gautami Godavari River, one may take advantage of the fresh, iodinated air. In this area, humidity levels are high.