Bhadrachalam

Bhadrachalam Bhadradri
Temple town
Bhadrachalam Temple
Bhadrachalam Bhadrachalam (Telangana) Show map of Telangana Bhadrachalam Bhadrachalam (India) Show map of India
Coordinates: 17°40′01″N 80°52′58″E / 17.666903835687577°N 80.88264531302039°E / 17.666903835687577; 80.88264531302039
Country	India
State	Telangana
District	Bhadradri Kothagudem district
Government
• Body	Municipality
Area [1]
• Total	12.00 km2 (4.63 sq mi)
Elevation	90 m (300 ft)
Population  (2011)[2]
• Total	50,087
• Rank	40th in Telangana
• Density	7,121/km2 (18,440/sq mi)
Languages
• Official	Telugu
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN	507111
Telephone code	08743
Vehicle registration	TG-28
Sex ratio	1:1 ♂/♀
Distance from Kothagudem	40 kilometres (25 mi)
Distance from Hyderabad	325 kilometres (202 mi)
Website	telangana.gov.in www.telanganatourism.gov.in

Bhadrachalam is a census town in Bhadradri Kothagudem district in the Indian state of Telangana.^[3] It is an important Hindu pilgrimage town with the Bhadrachalam Temple of Rama, situated on the banks of Godavari River. It is located 325 kilometres (202 mi) east of state capital, Hyderabad,115 kilometres (71 mi) from Khammam,178 kilometres (111 mi) from Suryapet,180 kilometres (112 mi) from Warangal,187 kilometres (116 mi) from Vijayawada, 220 kilometres (137 mi) and 350 kilometres (217 mi) from Visakhapatnam.

The town has a Rama Temple constructed c. 17th century CE by Kancherla Gopanna.^[4]

The Bhadrachalam area also has several Hindu temples associated with the epic Ramayana.^[5]

Bhadrachalam is located at 17°40′N 80°53′E / 17.67°N 80.88°E / 17.67; 80.88.^[6] It has an average elevation of 50 metres (164 feet). The zero feet gauge level of Godavari River at Bhadracham is equal to +32.6 m msl.

As of 2001^[update] India census,^[8] Bhadrachalam had a population of 55,352. As of 2001, Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Bhadrachalam has an average literacy rate of 73%, higher than the national average of 59.5%. 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

The "Bhadrachalam bridge" refers to one of two bridges over the Godavari River at Bhadrachalam, a significant Hindu pilgrimage town in Telangana, India, which connects Bhadrachalam to Kothagudem. The newer, high-level bridge opened in April 2024 to alleviate congestion from the original, over 50-year-old bridge.  

Opened in April 2024. Constructed parallel to the older bridge to reduce traffic congestion.

Significance: A 2.3 km high-level bridge designed to handle traffic more efficiently.

History: Was over five decades old when the new bridge was built, with its foundation laid in December 1959. Importance of this bride is a vital road link connecting Bhadrachalam, the gateway to the tribal hinterland, with Kothagudem, the district headquarters and a coal hub.

Resilience: Despite its age, the old bridge is noted for its strong construction and has withstood many major floods without structural damage.

These bridges are located on National Highway 30, crossing the Godavari River. They serve as a critical link between the pilgrimage site of Bhadrachalam and the industrial and administrative center of Kothagudem.

The Tribal Museum in Bhadrachalam, located within the premises of the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich heritage of tribal communities in Telangana, India. Revamped under the leadership of ITDA Project Officer B Rahul, the museum now features a dynamic “Living Culture Hub” and was officially inaugurated on the occasion of Sri Rama Navami.

The museum aims to celebrate the unique traditions, lifestyles, and wisdom of indigenous tribes such as the Koya, Nayakpod, Kondareddy, and Lambada. According to Project Officer B Rahul, tribal culture offers valuable lessons in sustainability, community living, and health—particularly through its nutritious diet and holistic practices. The initiative was undertaken to preserve tribal customs passed down through generations and to educate the public about their enduring relevance.

The renovated museum was formally inaugurated by Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, who commended the ITDA's efforts to preserve tribal cultural heritage. During his visit, the Governor toured the museum and interacted with tribal artisans who showcased their handicrafts in the newly designed premises, which resemble a traditional tribal hamlet. The event was also attended by State Agriculture Minister T Nageswara Rao, along with several public representatives and senior officials, highlighting the museum's growing significance as a cultural landmark.

The museum has quickly become a popular destination for tourists, devotees visiting the Bhadradri Temple, and local families. Project Officer Rahul has taken steps to encourage pilgrims to include the museum in their itinerary, thereby deepening their cultural experience.

District Collector Jitesh V Patil and Superintendent of Police B Rahith Raju, who visited the museum, praised the initiative. They emphasized its potential to educate visitors about tribal traditions and provide a meaningful encounter with indigenous heritage.

The museum houses an extensive collection of tribal artifacts, including:

• Traditional houses and mud huts reflecting indigenous architecture
• Bullock carts, hunting gear, and agricultural tools
• Tribal clothing, ornaments, and ritual objects
• Idols of tribal deities and displays of worship methods
• Rachabanda, a traditional stone platform used for village panchayats
• Tribal paintings and intricate artwork passed down through generations

To enhance the visitor experience, the museum is organized into themed rooms:

• Lifestyle Room
• Ornament Room
• Festival Room
• Hunting Room

Each artifact is curated to reflect the lifestyle and traditions of the region's major tribal groups.

The renovated museum includes several interactive and recreational features:

• A boating tank for children
• Sports facilities for beach volleyball, box cricket, badminton, and archery
• A selfie point and food court
• Colourful outdoor lighting to enhance evening visits

Visitors can also enjoy authentic tribal cuisine, prepared using traditional methods and ingredients known for their nutritional value. These culinary offerings are designed to introduce guests to the wholesome dietary practices of tribal communities.

• Media related to Bhadrachalam at Wikimedia Commons
• Bhadrachalam travel guide from Wikivoyage