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About Tuni

Tuni is a city in Eastern Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. The city is famous for its mango export. Nearly 250 varieties of mangoes are exported from Tuni. It is also a commercial hub for nearly 40 villages in the vicinity. Although Tuni is a small city, but it is taking leaps and bounds in the direction of development.

Geography and Climate of Tuni

Abou TuniTuni is situated in coastal Andhra region. The town has an average elevation of 16 meters and is located at 17.35°N 82.55°E.
The weather in Tuni is generally hot and humid. Summers extend from March to June, which is followed by monsoons from July to end of September. Winters are pleasant and the most loved season for tourists. The temperature ranges between 13 and 30 degree Celsius. Locals and tourists find cotton clothes to be best suited for the humid and sweltering weather of Tuni.

History of Tuni

The history of Tuni can be traced back to 1st century. The town was a center of Buddhism which flourished in the nearby regions Gopalapatnam, Satyavaram and Kummarilova, on the banks of Thandava River. Experts say that Buddhist monks stayed in Kummarilova from 2nd century to 6th century CE and propagated Buddhism around the region. Many stupas and aramas found in the vicinity are proof enough of the flourishing Buddhist culture. Tuni is also referred to as 'Panchasheela Buddhist centre', as five Buddhist stupas were found. During the survey done by Archeological Survey of India a Buddhist site was also found at Kummarilova.

Modern History is in connection with the Kshatriyas of Vatsavai Dynasty, where it was a Paragna in Keemarseema, and after the division it became the capital of Kottam Estate.
Since early 19th century Tuni has been a popular commercial marketplace.

Demographics of Tuni

According to census details of 2014, Tuni had a total population of 9, 85, 000 out of 4,39,491 which were males, 5,61,509 were females and 84, 000 were children. The average literacy rate was recorded to be 87.40%, way higher than the national average of 73%.

Administration of Tuni

Tuni is an assembly constituency in Andhra Pradesh. The mandals covered under Tuni constituency are - Tuni, Kotananduru and Thondangi. Tuni is one of the 19 constituencies in East Godavari district. Tuni is a part of the Kakinada Lok Sabha constituency along with another six Vidhan Sabha segments - Kakinada Rural, Kakinada City, Pithapuram, Prathipadu, Peddapuram and Jaggampeta. The current member of legislative assembly from Tuni is Ramalingeswara Rao Dadisetti and he belongs to YSR Congress Party.

Tuni Police Station is located at GNT Road, MP Peta. Tuni Police is a part of Andhra Police which aims at the safety and security of the citizens.

Economy of Tuni

One of the oldest and the most renowned sugar mills of Andhra Pradesh, Tandava Sugars is located in Tuni. The town is also a hub for numerous handloom industries. There are about 20 cashew nut industries and 10 chemical industries located in Tuni. The area is also popular for betel nut and jute bag production.

Tourist Attractions in Tuni

Tuni is located in the coastal Andhra Pradesh. There are various tourist attractions within the city and around it.

Some of the most popular ones in the city are -

  • Paul Memorial Baptist Church
  • Ganesh Temple
  • Sai Baba Temple
  • Sri Balaji Nilyam
  • Sri Rama Theatre
  • Nookalamma Temple
  • Veerraju Theatre
  • Lakshmi Theatre

Weekend Getaways from Tuni

During the week we all are busy chasing deadlines and being a part of the mundane lifestyle. Weekends are a great way to recharge yourself and what can be better than travelling. East Godavari district has a lot of other tourist attractions as well. These destinations are ideal for weekend getaways from Tuni. Travelers can either hire a taxi or take their own vehicle and enjoy these short trips. Some of the most popular ones include the mentioned below.

Rajahmundary from Tuni

About TuniWhen talking about the tourist attractions of East Godavari district, the first name that comes to mind is Rajahmundary. It is situated on the left bank of the river Godavari. Godavari Pushkaram is a famous festival in the city which is celebrated once in twelve years. It is believed that a dip in Godavari River is considered very auspicious on this occasion. Rajahmundary is also home to Asia's largest rail-cum-road bridge on the river Godavari linking Kovvur and Rajahmundry. 

It is situated at a distance of about 100 km from Tuni. One can easily reach Rajahmundary using public and private transport. APSRTC has frequent bus service between Tuni and Rajahmundary.

Some of the main places to see in Rajahmundary are:

ISKCON Temple
ISKCON Temple in Rajahmundary is spread over an expansive area of 2 acres. It is the largest ISKCON Temple in south India. The temple is also referred to as Gowthami Ghat.

Markandeya Temple
Legends say that the ruins found at the site of the temple were of a mosque. But archeological surveys indicated that the ruins were of a Lord Shiva temple. So, in 1818, Gundu Sobhanadriswara Rao reconstructed the temple.

Kottilingeswara Temple
About Tuni

Kottilengeswara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Legends say that a sage named Gautama was cursed by Lord Indra and to rid himself off the curse, the sage placed a shiva lingam and prayed to Lord Shiva. He anointed the lingam with waters of 10 million rivers. It is believed that the same shiv lingam still resides in the temple and is worshipped by millions of devotees.

Kakinada

About Tuni

Kakinada is the headquarters of East Godavari district. Adorned by lush green paddy fields and coconut groves, Kakinada is like a slice of heaven. It is known for its rich culture and varied tourist attractions. It has something for everyone – beautiful beaches, religious pilgrimage sites and stunning countryside.

It is located at a distance of about 62 km from Tuni. Some of the most popular tourist attractions of Kakinada are listed below.

Coringa Sanctuary

About TuniCoringa Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary and is a part of Godavari estuary. The sanctuary is located in Kakinada Bay and nestles in deltaic branches of Gouthami and Godavari River. It is situated just 16 km from Kakinada and is spread over an expansive area of 335 sq. km and is the second surviving stretch of mangrove forests in India with 24 mangrove tree species, and more than 120 bird species.

Coringa Sanctuary is home for the critically endangered white-backed vulture, and long billed vulture. The richly diverse flora and fauna of Coringa Sanctuary attracts a lot of domestic and foreign tourists. There are more than 35 species of plants and 120 species of birds. Some of the most commonly found bird species are – flamingos, sea gulls, pied kingfisher, small blue kingfisher, sandpiper, night heron, pond heron, openbill stork etc. The sanctuary has an 18-km long sand spit where olive ridley sea turtles nest from January to March every year. It is a great place for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

Hope Island

Hope Island is a narrow stretch of sandy formation in the mighty Bay of Bengal which was responsible for the formation of the Bay of Kakinada. This picture perfect destination is the perfect getaway from Tuni. The island offers a spectacular view of the beach of Bay of Bengal on one side and the serene backwaters on the other side. The northern part of the island is called the "Godavari point" which overlooks the entry point into the Bay of Kakinada and the Kakinada harbour.

About TuniUppada Beach

Just 5 km from Kakinada is the gorgeous Uppada Beach. It is a popular tourist attraction and is known for its wide shore and sandy beach. It is a perfect getaway from the mundane cityscape. Uppada village, a weaving hub is close by where you can get a glimpse of the fishermen community.

The other tourist attractions in Kakinada that are worth a visit are:

  • Samalkota
  • Mandapalli
  • Antarvedi
  • Ryali
  • Konaseema

Kanak Durga Temple

About TuniKanak Durga Temple is located on the banks of Krishna River in Vijaywada district of Andhra Pradesh. It is dedicated to goddess Kanaka Durga. It is at this temple that Arjuna obtained the Pasupatha astra after his great devotion towards Lord Shiva. The temple has been mentioned various times in ancient Hindu texts as well. Dussera and Navratri are the main festivals celebrated at the temple. The temple is located in the heart of Vijaywada city and one can easily reach using public and private transport. It is situated at a distance of 260km from Tuni.

Annavaram Temple

About TuniAnnavaram temple is one of the most famous religious tourist attractions around Tuni. It is located just 18 km from the town. Annavaram temple is situated in Annavaram village which is on the banks Pampa River in East Godavari district.  The temple is considered to be the second most popular temple in Andhra Pradesh after Tirupathi and is dedicated to Lord Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy and and Goddess Anantalaxmi Satyavathi Ammavaru.
One can easily reach the temple using both public and private transport. Annavaram railway station is an important stop at the Chennai – Howrah line. APSRTC runs regular bus services from Kakinada, Vishakhapatnam and Vijaywada to Tuni. From Tuni travelers can hail a cab to reach the temple.

Timings – 3:30 am to 9:00 pm, every day

Ksheerarama Temple

About Tuni
Ksheerarama Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and he worshipped as Ksheera Ramalingeshwara Swamy. It is one among the five powerful temples dedicated to Lord Shiva that collectively form the Pancharama Kshetrams. The shiv lingam is made of white marble and was established by Lord Vishnu. The temple tower is one of the tallest among the temple towers in Andhra Pradesh. The height of the temple is 120ft and 9 floors and was constructed during the reign of the Chalukya emperors. Maha Shivratri is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm at the temple. The temple is situated at a distance of 167km from Tuni.

Timings – 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, every day

Sri Bheemeshwara Temple

About Tuni

Shri Bheemeshwara Temple is popularly known as Drakshaaranam Temple. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and he is worshipped as Bheemeshwara Swamy with his consort Manikyamba. The temple is one of the various shkti peeths in India and attracts a lot of devotees from all over the country. Draksharama Temple along with Ksheerarama Temple in Palakol, Somarama Temple in Bhimavaram, Amararama Temple in Amaravathi and Kumararama Temple in Samalkota forms the Pancharama Kshetram in Andhra Pradesh.

These five temples are considered to be the most famous Shiva temples in south India. The construction of the temple began in 800 AD and was completed in 11th century. The exquisite architecture of the temple is its main highlight. It has a two stair mandapa with delicately carved pillars. The inner sanctum houses a large crystal shiv lingam and is exquisitely carved. It is said that the shiv lingam is the longest in the world.

Timings - 5:00 am to 8:00 pm, every day

How to Reach Tuni

By Road
NH-5 which is a part of the golden quadrilateral runs through Tuni. APRSTC runs frequent bus services from Tuni to other major cities of the state and neighboring states like - Rajahmundary, Vishakhapatnam, Vijaywada, Kakinada etc.

By Rail
Tuni lies on Vishakhapatnam - Vijaywada line that is a part of Chennai – Howrah line.

By Air
Tuni does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Vishakhapatnam Airport which is about 100 km from Tuni.

Fact File of Tuni

  • District - East Godavari
  • Region - Coastal Andhra Pradesh
  • MLA - Ramalingeswara Rao Dadisetti
  • Official Language - Telugu
  • Pin Code - 533xxx
  • STD Code - 08854

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