TheeraYatra

Quick Overview

Best Time to Visit: November to February
Weather: Hot summers, pleasant winters
Budget: ₹1,500–₹8,000/day
Speciality: Home of Famous Ongole Bulls

Plan Your Trip

Getting There

Nearest Airport: Vijayawada Airport, ~170 km from Ongole
By Train: Ongole Railway Station
By Road: Well-connected via NH16; buses and cabs available from Vijayawada, Hyderabad, and Chennai

Where to Stay?

Trunk Road and Santhapet – central location with hotels, restaurants, and easy access to temples
Kurnool Road – modern hotels with good amenities and peaceful atmosphere

Packing List

Light cotton clothing
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Hat or cap
Reusable water bottle

Top Places to Visit

Kothapatnam Beach

A pristine 18 km stretch from the city with clear blue waters and golden sands, perfect for relaxation and boating.

Chennakesava Swamy Temple

An ancient 16th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, featuring intricate carvings and peaceful spiritual ambiance.

Kashi Visweswara Swamy Temple

Historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva with a black granite Shivalinga, situated on the banks of River Kusasthali.

Tangutur

Famous for handloom lace work and ancient temples including Shivalayam with 1,116 Shiva Lingas, Chennakesavalayam, and Ramalayam.

Gundlakamma Reservoir

Man-made marvel at Mallavaram with massive storage capacity, offering scenic views and peaceful surroundings.

Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir

Modern temple dedicated to Sai Baba, featuring a 9ft by 9ft idol and serene atmosphere for prayer and meditation.

Must-Try Experiences

Visit the Ongole Cattle Market

Witness the famous Ongole bulls, an indigenous breed exported worldwide, at the local cattle exhibitions and markets.

Beach Hopping

Explore the pristine coastline visiting Kothapatnam, Vodarevu, and nearby beaches for sunset views and water activities.

Temple Trail

Discover ancient architectural marvels at Tangutur temples and experience the spiritual heritage of the region.

Shopping for Handloom Lace

Visit Tangutur to shop for exquisite handmade lace items like sarees, tablecloths, and traditional crafts.

Local Cuisine

Breakfast: Pesarattu with ginger chutney, soft idlis, crispy dosas
Lunch: Pulihora (tamarind rice), Andhra meals with spicy curries, bisi bele bath
Snacks: Punugulu, royyala iguru (prawn curry), chepala pulusu (fish curry)

Must-Try Dishes

• Andhra Chicken Curry – Fiery chicken preparation with local spices and coconut
• Gongura Pachadi – Tangy chutney made from sorrel leaves
• Bobbatlu – Sweet flatbread filled with jaggery and lentils
• Ongole Mysore Pak – Famous ghee-based sweet from Alluraiah Sweets

Culture & Local Life

Ongole is renowned as the home of the Ongole cattle breed, an indigenous oxen variety exported globally. The city has deep historical roots dating back to 230 BCE with influences from Mauryas, Satavahanas, Cholas, and Pallavas. Local festivals like Karthika Purnima at Kothapatnam Beach and Chennakesava Swamy Brahmotsavam showcase the region’s vibrant spiritual traditions. The coastal culture influences daily life with fresh seafood and traditional crafts.

Local Insights

Languages: Telugu (primary), English, Hindi understood
Getting Around: Auto-rickshaws, local buses, and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber
Safety Tips: Stay hydrated during summer months, carry cash as not all places accept cards, respect temple customs

Enjoy Your Yatra!