Must-SeeGodavari Bund
Yanam's riverfront promenade, with wide views of the Godavari and evening crowds.
Yanam
A small old French town on the Godavari, entirely surrounded by Andhra Pradesh.
Yanam is a tiny part of Puducherry, enclosed by Andhra Pradesh where the Godavari meets the sea. France held it on and off from the 1720s until 1954, and people still talk of a mixed 'Frelugu' culture of French and Telugu, along with an old church, French street names and a pleasant riverfront.
It's a popular outing for people from Kakinada and Rajahmundry, and low Puducherry taxes mean cheap drinks are part of the draw. For a wider day out, pair it with the mangroves at Coringa, just a short drive away.
- Best Time
- October–March
- Time Needed
- 1 day
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Year-round
- Getting There
- There's no railway station, so come by road. Kakinada is about 25 km away, and Rajahmundry Airport (RJA) is about 70 km.
The Short List
5 sights, 4 of them free. Tick off what you've seen and rise from Sailor to Captain of Yanam.
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Must-SeeSt. Ann's Church
A French-era church from 1846, the town's best reminder of its colonial past.
Must-SeeCoringa Wildlife Sanctuary
One of India's largest mangrove forests, with long boardwalks, boat rides and water birds.
Worth a DetourYanam Beach
A sandy river beach on the Godavari, popular with families on weekends.
Yanam Botanical Garden
A small green garden with a Gandhi statue, for an easy break from the heat.
On the Map
Getting Around
The town is small enough to walk, and autos cover the rest. Hire a car for Coringa.
Plan Your Visit
- Morning: Visit St. Ann's Church, then walk the old lanes.
- Afternoon: Drive out to the Coringa mangroves.
- Evening: Stroll along the Godavari Bund at sunset.
Know Before You Go
- Andhra Pradesh police can check vehicles on the way out, so keep within the legal limits if you buy alcohol here.
- January's People's Festival, Praja Utsavalu, is Yanam's big annual event.
Where to Stay
Our picks are on the way.
What to Eat
- Godavari SeafoodRiver prawns and fish, especially pulasa in the monsoon, when it runs upriver.
- Kakinada KajaA juicy fried sweet from just down the road, sold all over this area.
Where to Eat
Our picks are on the way.
Editor's picks. Nobody paid to be on this list.
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Traveler Reviews
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Go Next
1–3 of 18
If You're NearbyKakinada
Andhra Pradesh
About 16 miles away
A Godavari delta port city, with NTR Beach, Coringa's mangroves and Kakinada Kaja sweets.
Guide Coming Soon
If You're NearbyRajahmundry
Andhra Pradesh
About 35 miles away
A cultural capital on the Godavari, gateway to the delta and the gorge at Papikondalu.
Guide Coming Soon
If You're NearbyKonaseema
Andhra Pradesh
About 11 miles away
The green Godavari delta of coconut palms, canals and quiet villages.
Guide Coming Soon
The Full Short List
Last checked 2026-11-04.