శ్రీ గోదావరి పుష్కరాలు 2027
Godavari Pushkaralu 2027 — dates, ghats, snanam, travel
If you want to be in the middle of the action—the televised aarti, the massive crowds, and the energy of the festival—this is the ghat. But it is not for everyone. Here is what you need to know before you go.
Kotilingala is not just a single ghat; it is a massive stretch of steps along the east bank of the Godavari, about 400 metres long. The name translates to "crore of lingams," referring to the thousands of small Shiva lingams that devotees have installed along the steps over the last century.
During the last Pushkaralu in 2015, this single ghat handled an estimated 60 lakh pilgrims over twelve days. On the opening day, officials estimated 4.2 lakh people passed through here. In 2027, the government expects nearly double the total crowd.
The Reality Check: This is where the Chief Minister bathes, and this is where the media camps out. The crowd here is intense. By 9:00 AM, the queue to reach the water can stretch for over a kilometer. If you are claustrophobic, or if you are bringing small children, do not come to this ghat. Head to Konaseema instead.
If you do want to experience it, you must arrive by 4:00 AM. The ghat opens at 3:30 AM, and the early morning window is the only time the crowd is manageable. By mid-day, it becomes a sea of people.
Based on the crowd patterns from 2015, the ghat operates on a strict daily rhythm. If you want a quick dip, you must plan around these hours.
| Time Window | Expected Crowd | Our Advice |
|---|---|---|
| 3:30 AM – 4:00 AM | Ghat Opens | The gates open. Mainly local residents and sadhus. If you are already here, get in line now. |
| 4:00 AM – 7:00 AM | Manageable | The Golden Window. The queue moves steadily. You can get a dip in 15–20 minutes. |
| 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Packed | Avoid at all costs. The queue stretches for over a kilometer. Waits exceed 90 minutes. |
| 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Heavy | The sun is harsh, but people keep arriving. Water is warm. Not ideal for rituals. |
| 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Thinning | The evening aarti happens at 7:00 PM. If you missed the morning, this is your second-best option. |
The government has heavily upgraded this ghat for 2027. There are now 12 changing room blocks (up from 8 in 2015), 60 toilets, and a 24-hour medical camp with four doctors on standby.
They have also installed 400 free lockers. This is a lifesaver. Do not carry your phone, wallet, or jewelry into the water. Put them in a locker, but arrive early—they are usually completely full by 6:30 AM.
The Godavari's current here is stronger than it looks. The steps are broad, but the undercurrent near the middle is significant. Stay within the marked bathing zone (about 20 metres from the bank). Do not try to swim or go deeper. The stone steps below the waterline are also covered in algae and are very slippery—hold the handrails.
For elderly pilgrims, a dedicated entry lane has been created on the north side of the ghat with wheelchair access all the way to the water. Ask the police or volunteers to point you toward it.
Private cars are banned within 1 km of the ghat during the festival. Here is how you actually get to the water.
| Starting Point | Distance | Best Option | Cost & Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rajahmundry Railway Station | 2.5 km | Auto Rickshaw | 10-15 mins · ₹80–₹120 |
| Rajahmundry Bus Stand | 3.2 km | Free Shuttle Bus | 15 mins · Free |
| Rajahmundry Airport (RJA) | 15 km | Taxi (Pre-paid) | 30-40 mins · ₹500–₹700 |
Important: If you take an auto from the station, the driver will drop you about 1 kilometre away from the actual ghat due to police barricades. From there, you walk or take the free golf-cart shuttles. Wear comfortable footwear you don't mind getting wet or losing.