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Ongole is a charming town that is located in the Prakasam district in Andhra Pradesh. It is a hidden gem that not many tourists are either aware of or care enough to explore since it gets overshadowed by the other popular cities in Andhra Pradesh. However, there are several unique places to visit in Ongole that truly explain why the city is brimming with rich history, cultural heritage, and picturesque landscapes. One of the main attractions in the city is the Ongole breed of oxen, which you will encounter on multiple occasions during your visit.
10 Top Places To Visit In Ongole
You can relax on Kothapatnam Beach or seek blessings at Chennakesava Swamy Temple, there are a variety of experiences waiting to be explored in Ongole.
1. Kashi Visweswara Swamy Temple
Photo: Sureshsaka / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kashi Visweswara Swamy Temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ongole, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the oldest temples in the region that boasts a unique yet stunning pre-Dravidian architecture style. The temple’s construction is believed to date back to the era of the Kakatiya dynasty. Some of the main attractions of the temple’s architecture stand out with the intricate carvings, majestic gopurams, and the sacred linga. Since it is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, it comes to life during the festival of Mahashivaratri with the rhythmic chanting of prayers and the entire temple being decorated with flowers.
Location: Seetha Ram Puram, Devuni Cheru, Ongole, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 8 PM
2. Sri Prasanna Chennakesava Swamy Temple
Photo: Gautam Singh / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the religious sites in Ongole that you must visit is the Sri Prasanna Chennakesava Swamy Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and stands out with its striking architecture. In the gopuram of the temple, you can find intricate carvings that depict various scenes from Hindu mythology. Inside the inner sanctum lies the idol of Lord Vishnu and the surrounding walls are covered in murals, adding to the beauty of the temple even further.
Location: G Seetha Ram Puram, Devuni Cheru, Ongole, Andhra Pradesh 523001
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM and 6 PM – 9 PM
3. Vodarevu Beach
Photo: Sai Manne / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
For some relaxation and rejuvenation, one of the top Ongole tourist places is Vodarevu Beach. This is a tranquil coastal destination that offers a perfect getaway for tourists who want to unwind by the sea. The combination of the calm waters with the gentle waves makes this beach one of the best spots not just for the tourists but also the locals. Unlike a lot of the other beaches in Ongole, Vodarevu Beach is a lot less commercialised, so you wouldn’t have to worry about too many people.
Location: Kotha Peta Rural, 523157
Timings: 24*7
4. Kothapatnam Beach
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Represention
While on the topic of beaches when exploring Ongole, Kothapatnam Beach is another one of the must-visit places that you must add to your itinerary without fail. The long stretch of golden sand surrounded by dense forests and lush greenery somehow makes for a pretty adventurous experience. You can witness and immerse yourself in the gentle waves of the Bay of Bengal or sunbathe on the beach. There are no active water sports available, which can be a little disappointing for many.
Location: Kothapatnam Rd, Kothapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24*7
5. Chandavaram Excavation Site
Photo: Arjunaraoc / Wikimedia Commons
If you are interested in Buddhist culture and history, Chandavaram Excavation Site is another one of the best places to visit in Ongole. This is an ancient Buddhist excavation site that features the remnants of an ancient civilisation, including megalithic structures, stone circles, and burial mounds. According to historical dating, the Buddhist site was reportedly constructed in the 2nd century BCE under the Satavahana dynasty. While the main structure of this ancient site remains, most of the relics and sculptures have been removed from the site.
Location: Jagannadhapuram, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24*7
6. Bhairavakona
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the holy places to visit in Ongole Andhra Pradesh is Bhairavakona, which is located amidst the lush greenery of the Nallamala Hills. The main attractions there are the Sri Trimukha Durgamba Mahadevi and Sri Barguleshwari Swamy temple. It is believed that Bala Bhairava Swamy is the only one that guards these temples, which is where the name comes from. Beyond these, the place is also home to an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Also, you can bask in the beauty of a serene and natural waterfall in the surroundings, which falls from a height of 200 metres.
Location: Bhairavakona, Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24*7
7. Tangutur
Photo: Sindhukandru / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tangutur is a town located around Ongole, in the Prakasam district in Andhra Pradesh. It is a shopper’s paradise, especially if you are fond of exquisite handloom sarees. Beyond the central local market, you can also explore the perimeter of the town to find multiple weaving centres where the local weavers and artisans work rigorously to create some of the most stunning silk and cotton sarees. Getting to witness the beauty of these fabrics and the designs in real time is an experience that you can’t find elsewhere.
Location: Tangutur, Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24*7
8. Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir
Photo: Kailash Mohankar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the popular tourist places in Ongole that you must consider visiting is the Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir. This serene place of worship is dedicated to Sai Baba of Shirdi. He is a worshipped saint who preached about the teachings of love, forgiveness, and charity. The temple’s architecture is simple yet elegant, with a sanctum that houses a beautiful idol of Sai Baba. One of the highlights of this temple is the peaceful surroundings, which enable you to relax and truly unwind your mind. You can finish your darshan and take part in other rituals in the temple.
Location: Ongole, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
9. Calvary Temple
Photo: G.N. Subrahmanyam / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
To immerse yourself in the Christian religion, consider visiting Calvary Temple, which is one of the best and most expansive churches in the area. The temple’s architecture and serene ambiance create a spiritual atmosphere. You can attend the prayer services inside the church and even pray to God to fulfil your wishes. Also, if you are visiting on Sunday, you can attend the Mass prayers and find some peace in the surrounding. The church is surrounded by well-manicured gardens, which add to the charm of the place. Also, during the evening, the entire church is illuminated with bright-coloured lights.
Location: Chirala – Ongole Rd, beside Brundhavanam Convention Centre, Throvagunta, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24*7
10. Gundlakamma Reservoir
Photo: praveen / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Dating back to 2008, the Gundlakamma Reservoir is another one of the spots worth adding to your Ongole tourist places list. It is a popular irrigation project, which is constructed across the Gundlakamma River. The capacity of this dam is 3.859 billion cubic feet of live storage capacity, which is mind blowing when you come to think of it. From the vantage point at a distance, you can witness the grandeur of the reservoir and even click photographs.
Location: Mallavaram, Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24*7
There is a diverse range of places to visit in Ongole, each catering to the interests of specific tourists. You can find religious destinations to recharge your spirituality or you can visit the beaches to indulge in the soothing experiences of the natural wonders around. Either way, the best way to go is to prebook all the specifics of your vacation with TripXL so you can make the most out of your time.
Cover Photo: G.N. Subrahmanyam / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
