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Ongole is a beautiful and often underrated city located in the heart of Andhra Pradesh. Renowned for its local beaches and the cattle population, Ongole stands out for more reasons than one. Given the diverse range of things to do in Ongole, planning a holistic trip makes for an enriching travel experience. Stepping foot in this city familiarises you with the native Ongole cows and bulls, some of whom are exported regularly to countries like North America, South America and even Europe. Beyond that, Ongole is also home to a variety of temples. As you plan your next trip to Andhra Pradesh, setting aside a few days to explore the simplicity of Ongole will surely be a rewarding experience.
5 Things To Do In Ongole
Ongole offers a blend of traditional charm and modernity, making it an intriguing stop for travellers because you can explore ancient temples. Here are some of the top things to do in Ongole:
1. Visit Chennakesava Swamy Temple
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Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Chennakesava Swamy Temple is a prominent religious site in Ongole. There is historical evidence that depicts that the temple dates back to the time of the Telugu Cholas, a branch of the Chola dynasty. Starting from its initial construction, the temple has undergone destruction and has been restored and renovated multiple times too under the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire and the Kakatiyas. The annual chariot festival is a major attraction, drawing thousands of people. If you want to experience the grandeur of the celebration, you’d have to visit during the celebration of Rathotsavam.
Location: Seetha Ram Puram, Devuni Cheru, Ongole, Andhra Pradesh 523001
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 6 PM – 9 PM
Suggested Read: Penuganchiprolu Temple
2. Shop For Local Handicrafts
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Ongole boasts a vibrant local market scene, where you can immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region. There aren’t any iconic landmarks for shopping but consider stepping out during the evening time to explore the local markets and pick up a few of the handicrafts, textiles, and other unique souvenirs that are famous there. You can find hand-woven fabrics adorned with traditional motifs to exquisite jewellery crafted by local artisans, all of which can be a unique find when you are exploring the city. Also, while exploring the markets, stop to try the street food options as well.
Location: Local markets around Ongole
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
3. Indulge In The Local Cuisine
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Beyond appeasing the shopaholic in you, ensure that you appease your hunger too. Ongole features some of the best of Andhra cuisine, catering to the palate of vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Since it is a coastal town, ensure that you try freshly caught seafood in the local restaurants around the city. Also, the dingy and remote local eateries are worth exploring, especially if you like to indulge in robust flavours. Some of the must-try dishes.
Location: Local markets around Ongole
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
Suggested Read: Street Food In Vizag
4. Seek Blessing At Kashi Visweswara Swamy Temple
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Seek divine blessings at the revered Kashi Visweswara Swamy Temple, one of the most prominent spiritual landmarks in Ongole. Built in 1945, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful architectural details. The sanctum houses a sacred black granite Shiva Lingam, drawing devotees throughout the year. A unique feature is the stunning “Addala Mandapam” or mirror hall, reflecting the divine aura of the deity. This temple is one of the most serene places to visit in Ongole.
Location: Seetha Ram Puram, Ongole, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
5. Visit The Valluramma Temple
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Experience the spiritual charm of the Valluramma Temple in Valluru, Ongole, dedicated to Goddess Valluramma. One of the most sacred temples in Andhra Pradesh, it is a focal point for devotion and tradition, drawing many pilgrims throughout the year. Known for its serene surroundings and cultural importance, it becomes especially lively during festivals like Dasara. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich rituals and local customs that celebrate the goddess.
Location: Valluru Village, Ongole, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Suggested Read: Venkateswara Temple
7 Things To Do Near Ongole
After experience the authentic charm of Ongole, you can head to these nearby gems for many fun experiences:
1. Bask In The Sun At Kothapatnam Beach
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When it comes to natural wonders, Ongole stands out with its beautiful beaches and Kothapatnam Beach happens to be one of the most popular ones on the list. It is located around 18 km from the city centre and is a popular source of entertainment for locals and tourists alike. With long stretches of golden sand and the bright blue-coloured water at a distance, this beach is one of the ideal places to visit in Andhra Pradesh for a coastal escape. There are stalls and vendors around the beach, selling knick knacks and snacks that you can purchase to further enhance your beach experience.
Location: Kothapatnam Rd, Kothapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 523286
Timings: 24*7
2. Immerse Yourself In History At Tangutur
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Tangutur, a historical town near Ongole, is a must-visit spot for every history enthusiast. This ancient place is renowned for its numerous temples, including the magnificent Shivalayam with its 1116 Shiva Lingas. Beyond the religious significance, the town is also renowned for its agricultural products and the Ongole breed of bulls. There are several amazing local beaches around the town as well, further adding to the beauty of the place. Some of the most popular beaches worth visiting around Tangutur are Ullapalem Beach, Pakala Beach, Madanur Beach and Ethamukkala Beach. All of them are easily accessible from the main city of Ongole.
Location: 18 Km from Ongole
Timings: 24*7
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Puttaparthi
3. Explore Gundlakamma Reservoir
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Another one of the best things to do near Ongole is make your way to the renowned Gundlakamma reservoir, which is a man-made wonder that’s perfect for a day-out experience, either by yourself or with your friends or family. Getting to witness the beauty of this dam with 3,859 billion cubic feet of live storage capacity in front of your eyes is an irreplaceable experience. Simply watching the extensive beauty of this place is one of the peaceful things to do in Andhra Pradesh.
Location: Mallavaram, Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
4. Discover Vodarevu Beach
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Given that Ongole is often raved about for its beaches, you must include visiting Vodarevu Beach in your itinerary without fail. This coastal escape allows you to swim in the ocean, go beachcombing or sunbathe surrounded by the golden sand beaches and the tall coconut trees in close vicinity. There are no water activities available but the quiet and serenity of this beach explains why it is such a popular spot among locals too. You can stroll along the shoreline where you can find several food stalls and other shops selling local items. Don’t miss out on sipping on some fresh coconut water.
Location: Vodarevu, Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24*7
Suggested Read: Beaches Near Tirupati
5. Explore Bhairavakona
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the things to do in Ongole is to visit Bhairavakona. Located in the Nallamala Forest, it is a nature lover’s paradise. It is also a holy place that attracts pilgrims from across the country. One of the main highlights of this place is the eight different forms of cave temples of Shiva dating to the 7th or the 8th century CE. These are all rock-cut temples, which are a lot similar to the ones found in Mahabalipuram. If you are a devotee of Lord Shiva and want to explore ancient temple spots, this is a must-visit place. Each temple in this area features the Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva combination.
Location: Bhairavakona, Nallamala Forest, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
6. Spiritual Bliss At Ramatheertham Temple
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Often less talked about, if you are wondering what to do in Ongole, consider visiting the historic Ramatheertham temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the area. Some legends depict that Lord Rama himself visited this temple. Also, the shrine is located in a tranquil spot, which further explains why it has gained the kind of popularity that it has today. People visit the temple to find peace and to rejuvenate their minds. There are intricate inscriptions all over the walls of the temple, adding to its significance further. Also, the typical South Indian architecture stands out in the temple.
Location: Ramatheertham, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
Suggested Read: One-Stop Guide To Visit Kanaka Mahalakshmi Temple In Andhra Pradesh
7. Visit Chandavaram Excavation Site
Photo: Arjunaraoc / Wikimedia Commons
If you are a history and archaeology enthusiast who likes exploring ruins of excavated sites, consider visiting the Chandavaram Buddhist site, which is located in Jagannadhapuram. It is around 2-3 hours from the main city of Ongole and is one of the first Buddhist Excavation sites in the area. The origins of this place date back between the 2nd century BCE and the 2nd century CE. Reports suggest that back in the day, the site was primarily used by the Buddhist monks as a resting spot on their way from Kashi to Kanchi. The site was later discovered in 1964 and was constructed under the Satavahana dynasty.
Location: Jagannadhapuram, Andhra Pradesh 523326
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
There are several things to do in Ongole Andhra Pradesh, each catering to the interests of varying travellers. Whether you are travelling alone, with your partner, family or friends, Ongole is a great spot to indulge in the history, culture and adventure experiences. To ensure a smooth travel experience, ensure to secure your bookings ahead of time with TripXL so you don’t miss out on any unique activity or experience.
Cover Photo: Andrew Coelho / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
