10 Things To Do In Chirala: A Coastal Gem Unlike The Cliched Beach Destinations

Aerial snapshot of a beautiful Chirala beach which is one of the things to do in Chirala

Andhra Pradesh is home to several quaint and less explored coastal towns, Chirala being one of them. It is located around 100 km from Vijayawada and is home to a variety of beaches with golden sand and beautiful shorelines. If you are looking for an escape from the daily hustle of life, a visit to Chirala is bound to cater to your interests. There are a plethora of things to do in Chirala, which involves exploring the beauty of nature and the religious spots and experiences as well.

10 Things To Do In Chirala

Be it exploring the pristine beaches or delving into local temples and markets, Chirala provides an enriching experience for visitors.

1. The Chirala Beach

Boat hanger near Chirala Beach, a peaceful spot for exploring coastal activities

Photo: Swaroop / Wikimedia Commons

Chirala Beach is a major attraction for both locals and tourists. Known for its clean, golden sands and clear blue waters, Chirala Beach allows you an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Locally known as the Vodarevu beach, it is a laid-back beach where you can relax and unwind, feeling the breeze of the sea. The beach is ideal for relaxation, picnicking, and strolls along the shore. It also provides stunning sunrise and sunset views, making it a perfect spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts as well.

Location: Near Chirala Town, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fees: Free

2. Ramapuram Beach

Serene Mypadu Beach with gentle waves, perfect for a relaxing visit.

Photo: Vin09 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Another one of the best things to do in Chirala is explore the popular Ramapuram Beach. The beach is located in the Palm Coast Resorts and is spread across a vast area. With fewer crowds, it is a great beach for you to find recluse and peace. You can find a private spot around the beach to enjoy, especially during the evening when the crowds have mellowed down. The pristine and untouched, raw beauty of this beach is also quite famous among photographers for conducting wedding photoshoots.

Location: Front of Palm Coast Resorts, Chirala
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fees: Free

3. Sri Veera Raghava Swamy Temple

Historic temple in Tiruvallur, showcasing traditional South Indian architecture.

Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Sri Veera Raghava Swamy Temple is located in the Chirala and stands out for its stunning and unique Dravidian style architecture. It was reportedly built by the Pallavas during the 8th century. Devotees flock here to offer prayers and seek blessings. The annual chariot festival is a major attraction, drawing thousands of pilgrims. The surroundings of the temple feature dense forests and lush greenery, which add to the beauty and serenity of the temple.

Location: Swarna Rd, Paparajuthota, Chirala, Andhra Pradesh 523155
Timings: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Entry Fees: Free

4. Explore Chirala Market

Close-up of a handloom, highlighting traditional weaving techniques in Chirala.

Photo: Karolina Kaboompics / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

For shopping enthusiasts, one of the top things to do in Chirala is explore the local markets. There are quite a few different ones available around that you can indulge in. Chirala is one of the leading handloom hubs in Andhra Pradesh, so you can find a variety of locally spun textiles, sarees and other handloom items that you can purchase to commemorate your visit. You can also shop for traditional dhotis and zari sarees, which are a popular staple in the city.

Location: Around Chirala, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Entry Fees: N/A

5. Surya Lanka Beach

Beautiful morning at the Bay of Bengal, one of the scenic things to do in Chirala.

Photo: RC SRIKANTH / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Another one of the must-do activities in Chirala is to visit the Surya Lanka Beach. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area, so expect dense crowds, especially during the morning. If you visit during the evening, there are fishing boats kept around the shoreline, which add to the charm of the place. There are resorts along the side of the beach where you can book your stay or enjoy a variety of amenities. Also, there are several temporary stalls around the beach where you can eat local snacks.

Location: Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fees: Free

6. Pedaganjam Village

Traditional Malay village with colourful houses and lush greenery.

Photo: Chongkian / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Pedaganjam Village is another one of the places you must visit when in Andhra Pradesh. This quaint village near Chirala is known for its traditional Andhra lifestyle and local crafts. You can visit the village to get a closer look into the traditional weaving and pottery done by the locals. The village is famous for its handloom textiles, which are highly valued for their quality and craftsmanship. You can interact with the artisans directly, sit with them to immerse in their art and even buy from them directly.

Location: Pedaganjam Village, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fees: Free

7. Muntha Vari Center

Clear drinking glass with colourful liquid, capturing a refreshing summer beverage.

Photo: ROMAN ODINTSOV / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

If you want to try the unique and iconic “Katora Drink,” head to Muntha Vari Center. This exclusively available pink drink has cashews in it and has a simple yet delectable taste to it. In the local language, the drink is also called Katrikous. While several small stalls around Chirala offer this drink, one of the best spots to enjoy this drink is at Muntha Vari Center, which is located in Kotla Bazaar in Chirala. The cooling effect of this drink is the perfect respite from the scorching heat of the sun, after a day of sightseeing.

Location: Muntha Vari Center, Kotla Bazaar, Chirala
Timings: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Entry Fee/Person: ₹50 onwards

8. Explore Hamsaladeevi Village

Krishna River Ghat, offering a serene and spiritual experience in a riverside setting

Photo: Pratishkhedekar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Another must-visit village from Chirala is Hamsaladeevi. It is located in the Diviseema district. Beyond exploring the village and interacting with the locals, you can also take the opportunity to visit the renowned Lord Krishna temple in the quaint village. It is one of the 108 Vishnu temples in the country. One of the most astonishing views is witnessing the Krishna River flowing into the Bay of Bengal in an event known as Sagara Sangamam. You can witness three different colours of the water bodies in that confluence.

Location: Diviseema district, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free

9. Chirala Handloom Weaving Industry

Woman weaving a wooden mat, a cultural craft and one of the things to do in Chirala.

Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

If you are wondering what to do in Chirala, consider exploring their booming handloom weaving industry. In this quaint town, there are 12,000 active looms, out of which 11,000 of them are dedicated to weaving sarees only. You can tour the weaving facilities, observe the intricate process of handloom weaving, and purchase high-quality fabrics directly from the source. The industry is famous for its cotton and silk sarees, which are highly regarded for their fine quality and design.

Location: Chirala Town, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free

10. Indulge In Seafood Delights

Traditional Egyptian dish Koshary, showcasing a mix of lentils, rice, and pasta.

Photo: Dina Said / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Andhra Pradesh is renowned for its seafood and vibrant spicy chilli so while you are in the coastal town of Chirala, you must indulge in the taste of fresh seafood. There are a myriad of local eateries, restaurants and resorts where you can enjoy freshly caught and cooked seafood. From fresh prawns and fish to mouthwatering crabs and oysters, the local eateries offer a culinary experience like no other. Also, when you are exploring the culinary specialities, ensure to indulge in Andhra-style seafood curries and biryanis without fail.

Location: Chirala Town, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 10:00 AM -10:00 PM

There are a variety of things to do in Chirala Andhra Pradesh, each activity catering to the unique interest of the travellers. Owing to the laid-back vibe of this coastal town, it is great for tourists who want to escape the crowd and chaos of city life. Considering planning your trip down to Andhra Pradesh? Secure all your bookings with TripXL for the best deals.

Cover Photo: Sai Manne / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

If you want to explore Chirala without any obstruction and with optimal weather conditions, consider visiting during the winter season, from October to February.
Yes, there are a variety of amazing resorts and budget-friendly hotels and guest houses that you can book your stay in.
You can travel to Chirala from Vijayawada, which is 101 km away. You can either take a public bus, taxi or shared shuttle to reach the town.
Chirala celebrates various Hindu festivals with great enthusiasm, including Ganesh Chaturthi, Dasara, and Sankranti.
Yes, Chirala is known for its handloom textiles, including cotton and silk sarees. The Kotla Bazaar is a great place to shop for these products.

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