Bhavani Island

Kudos to the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC), for it has converted a barren island to an exciting tourist spot in a span of just a few years. There are numerous water sports for thrill-seekers on the island. You can ride on speed boats, jet skis, banana boats, bumper boats or go zorbing on the river. You can also go Parasailing to get a spectacular aerial view of Krishna river and the island. Depending on the type of water sport you wish to try, the cost ranges from INR 200 to INR 2500.

However, if you belong to a much calmer crowd, there are activities designed for your enjoyment too. Pedal boating, row boating, a cup of tea at the floating restaurant will be a relaxing experience. A recently introduced attraction is the Tanvi boat cruise by Champions Yacht club on Bhavani island. You can cruise on the river at sunset or sunrise, and enjoy the cool breeze over the flowing water. A peaceful evening on the cruise is what you need to relieve any stress.

Bhavani island is a cornucopia of exciting events for everyone. A perfect place to visit along with your family and children, or friends. Apart from water sports, you have a lot to explore on the island itself. Does your friend always boast of how good their aim is? Test their aim by challenging them at rifle shooting and archery on Bhavani island. There are others sports like wine traversing, zip lining, wall climbing, and spider web obstacles courses. Cricket enthusiasts can show off your batting and knock a few balls at the net cricket facility on this island. You can enjoy these sports for a small fee ranging from INR 50 to INR 300.

There are good chances of finding migratory birds on the banks of Bhavani island. Early mornings are the best time to go bird watching here. You may be able to spot Pied Kingfishers, Egrets or Cormorants near the shallows of the river. The best view to spot these birds would be from one of the many boats available on the island. These migratory birds are mostly flying towards Kolleru lake located 95 Kms from Vijayawada. But there are possibilities for finding them near the banks of Bhavani island too. It is a good expedition for nature lovers, photographers and bird watchers. It is recommended to visit the island in October or November which is the migratory season for these birds. And monsoon or winter is a good time to visit Bhavani island, not just to spot the birds, but also since it is best to avoid being out in the open island at the peak of Vijayawada's infamous summer heat.

As a child, many would have dreamt of staying at their own backyard tree house. Set out to Haritha resort on Bhavani island if you wish to fulfil that dream. They have beautiful wooden houses resting on tall columns which soar up to the green canopy of the island trees. Several other comfortable and spacious rooms (AC/ Non-AC) are also available at the resort near the tree houses. Cost for the rooms may come up to INR 2000. The rooms are accompanied by a complimentary breakfast at the resort. For a perfect holiday, set out to the island on a Saturday, enjoy a fun-filled day. Watch the sunset over the waters of the Krishna river in the evening and then retire into one of the tree houses to gaze at the stars. If you want to head outside the resort for breakfast, you must have a cup of tea or coffee at the floating restaurant over the calm waters of Krishna river. You can also enjoy snacks and beverages while cruising the Krishna river on the riverboat 'Tanvi'. A trip to Bhavani island, brings you close to elements of nature, while also leaving you in awe over the multiple exotic sports and sights available here. The island park is a wonderful place to hang out over the weekend.

1. Carry an extra set of clothes to fully enjoy the water sports.
2. Visit Bhavani island during winter/ rainy season to avoid the scorching heat in the summer.

To reach Bhavani island from the shores of Vijayawada, a ferry has to be taken from Punnami ghat. The ferry takes not more than 5 minutes to reach the island. From the Vijayawada Railway station, Punnami ghat is 7.5 km away towards the west and can be reached by taxi, auto, in under half an hour. From Vijayawada airport, Punnami ghat can be reached in 55 minutes by car or taxi.