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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.
10 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. Bask In The Sun At Kothapatnam Beach
Photo: Saaz choudhury / Shutterstock
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, the beauty of this beach doesn’t require any introduction. Like most Indian beaches, 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
3. Visit Chennakesava Swamy Temple
Photo: life_line / Shutterstock
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
4. Explore Gundlakamma Reservoir
Photo: Sue Winston / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Another one of the best things to do in 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 enough to warrant why it needs to be on your list of spots to explore the next time you are in Ongole. There’s not much to do besides taking pictures and videos.
Location: Mallavaram, Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
5. Discover Vodarevu Beach
Photo: Clem Onojeghuo / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
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
6. 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
7. Spiritual Bliss At Ramatheertham Temple
Photo: Leningolla313 / Wikimedia Commons
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
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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
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
