Matsyagundam at a distance of 35 kms from Araku Valley, Matsyagundam, also known as ‘fish pool’ is an interesting pool on the Machkund river close to the village of Matham (15 kms from Paderu) A barrier of rocks runs right across the river and the watercourse and also the stream plunges into a good hole and vanishes below this to reappear again at about 100 yards lower down.
Simply wherever it emerges beneath the barrier, it forms a pool that is crowded with fish of all sizes. Now, steps are fashioned and one will straight go up to the pool. These are wonderfully tame and feed fearlessly from one’s hand. They even allow you to pat their backs. Here, the tribal and others reverence the fish. There’s a tiny low Shiva temple on the bank of the river.
Matsyagundam is a place near Paderu situated in a small picturesque valley. A rill flows with musical sound within which verdant fish square measure is seen. The surprise here is that the fish return to the surface of the water and take the eatables offered by the guests. There is a small Shiva Temple and Shivaratri festival will be celebrated every year.