Things To Do
in Dharmavaram
Dharmavaram is a historic textile town in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, best known for its vibrant handloom silk sarees and a dense cluster of weavers' workshops. The town combines a working artisan economy with small temples, bustling markets and a compact urban core frequented by traders and visitors. Visitors come to see the colorful looms, buy traditional Dharmavaram silk, and observe layers of craft knowledge passed down through families.
Despite modest tourist infrastructure, the town offers an authentic glimpse into South Indian weaving culture and everyday life away from major metros.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Dharmavaram and check into a local hotel. Take some time to freshen up and enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast at a nearby eatery. Stroll around the quaint streets to get a feel for the local culture and people.
Visit the Sri Satyadevatha Sree Raja Rajeswari Temple, known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. Spend the afternoon exploring the local markets, where you can find beautiful handloom saris and textiles, the specialty of Dharmavaram. Don’t forget to sample some local snacks from food stalls for a true taste of the region.
As the sun sets, head to the local park for a leisurely walk or to relax while enjoying the local flower and lotus blooms. Dine at a traditional restaurant, savoring regional dishes such as biryani and dosa. Conclude your first day by enjoying a cup of filter coffee.
Begin your day with a visit to the nearby Chennakesava Swamy Temple, famous for its intricate carvings and spiritual ambiance. Participate in the morning puja ceremony if available to immerse yourself in the cultural experience. Spend some time reflecting in the temple's tranquil surroundings.
After lunch, embark on a visit to the Dharmavaram Handloom Weaving Industry to see weavers at work and learn about the traditional art of sari making. Engage with artisans and perhaps purchase a handwoven piece as a souvenir. This afternoon provides an authentic insight into the local craft that Dharmavaram is renowned for.
Return to the town and explore local art galleries featuring works by local artists. Enjoy dinner at a popular eatery and connect with fellow travelers or locals to share stories. End your day relaxing at your accommodation.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Street meal / Thali at local eatery | $1-3 |
| ☕Tea or snack at a stall | $0.20-0.80 |
| 🏨Budget private room (basic hotel) | $10-25 |
| 🚕Short auto-rickshaw ride (in town) | $0.30-1.50 |
| 🛍️Handloom saree (authentic Dharmavaram silk) | $60-300+ |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic experience of handloom weaving and traditional Dharmavaram silk sarees.
- Low-cost travel and strong opportunities for cultural immersion and photography.
- Compact town center makes it easy to explore on foot and meet local artisans.
- Limited tourist infrastructure, few international-standard hotels and modest nightlife.
- Language can be a barrier outside the main market if you don't speak Telugu.
- Fewer direct transport and flight options—requires planning for connections to major cities.
- "Namaskaram" - Hello / Greetings
- "Dhanyavadamulu / Dhanyavaad" - Thank you
- "Meeru English maatladagalaru?" - Do you speak English?
- "Idi enta?" - How much is this?
- "Dayachesi madya chesandi" - Please help / Please do this
- "Bagundi" - It is good / tasty
- "Nenu vegetarian" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Dharmavaram
Visit one of these nice places.
Close-up shots of looms, colorful silk yarns, skilled hands at work and the intricate patterns being created—best mid-morning when activity is high.
Vivid displays of Dharmavaram silk sarees, stacks of fabrics and bargaining scenes make for vibrant portraits and detail shots.
Temple architecture, ritual activities and evening aartis provide atmospheric photos—remember to respect worshippers and any photo rules.
Sunrise or sunset over paddy fields, small village lanes and cycle riders offer quintessential rural Andhra frames.
Candid street life, vintage signage and travelers create authentic travel photography opportunities.
Food in Dharmavaram
Dharmavaram Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pulihora (tamarind rice) and dal preparations (pappu) are common; try them at neighborhood messes and vegetarian restaurants for an authentic plate.
Must-Try!
Fried lentil doughnuts often sold as breakfast items or evening snacks near local tea stalls.
Available at meat-serving restaurants in town and nearby areas; expect bold spices and deep flavors.
Sweets served at festivals and sweet shops; boorelu is a stuffed, fried sweet often found in local confectioners.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market has stalls selling fruits, spices, snacks and tea; try street-side pakoras, dosas and fresh fruit juices here.
Small tea stalls and snack vendors serve workers—great spots to try local chai, vada and inexpensive home-style meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Remove shoes before entering temples, dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), and follow any gender-specific entry rules; ask before photographing inside sanctums.
A 'Namaskaram' with joined palms is polite; handshakes are common among men, while some women may prefer namaste. Address elders with respect and use formal language until invited to be informal.
Use the right hand for eating; avoid public displays of affection and loud behavior in conservative settings; accept food graciously and thank hosts.
Bargaining is normal in markets and for souvenirs; be friendly and polite—firm but courteous haggling works best.
Safety
Tipping in Dharmavaram
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest: round up taxi or auto fares, leave 5–10% in restaurants if service is good (many local eateries include no service charge), and offer a small tip to hotel staff or guides. For small services like porters or chai stalls, a few rupees is appreciated but not expected.
Cash (Indian rupees) is dominant for markets, small shops and local transport. Larger shops, hotels and some restaurants accept cards; UPI (mobile payments) and popular wallets are widely used—carry some cash for rural vendors and small purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
April–June are hot with daytime highs frequently above 35°C (95°F); carry sun protection, lightweight clothing, and stay hydrated; plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
June–September bring moderate to heavy rains at times; rural roads may get muddy, but the landscape turns greener—carry a light rain jacket and expect some travel delays.
November–February are pleasant and the best time to visit with mild days and cool nights (12–25°C / 54–77°F); ideal for sightseeing and outdoor photography.
March and October are transitional months—weather is generally manageable, with fewer tourists and good opportunities for bargain shopping and local festivals.
Dharmavaram at Night
Hiking in Dharmavaram
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A historical hill fort within reasonable driving distance offering light trekking, rocky climbs and panoramic views—suitable for half-day trips.
Gentle trails around Puttaparthi and its ashram area provide short walks and viewpoints; accessible for casual hikers and photographers.
Multiple informal trails through agricultural fields and village lanes offer low-intensity hiking and immersive countryside experiences—best with a local guide or during cooler parts of the day.
Airports
How to reach Dharmavaram by plane.
The nearest major international airport (approx. 3–4 hours by road depending on traffic); regular trains and buses connect Dharmavaram to Bengaluru. Good option for international travelers and for onward domestic connections.
A regional domestic airport with flights to major Indian cities; reachable by a 3–4 hour drive depending on route—useful for pilgrims and some domestic travelers.
A small regional airstrip near Puttaparthi (about 30–45 minutes drive) that occasionally handles charter flights or limited commercial services—check schedules in advance as services are inconsistent.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population is Telugu-speaking and follows Hindu traditions—temples and religious festivals are central to community life.
A significant portion of the town is involved in handloom weaving and allied trades, with craft knowledge passed through generations.
Small communities of Muslims and Christians live in the area and contribute to the town’s social and commercial life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is the dominant sport across the region with local fields and street games; matches and tournaments draw neighborhood crowds.
Kabaddi is commonly played in rural areas and schools and is popular during local festivals and competitions.
Community-level volleyball and other team games are popular in village and school grounds.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Dharmavaram.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian food is widely available and often clearly separated from non-veg preparations; many pure-veg messes and restaurants make it easy to find safe options.
Vegan options are possible but require asking about ghee, yogurt and hidden dairy in gravies—stick to plain rice, dals, vegetable curries and chutneys after confirming ingredients.
Rice-based meals are naturally gluten-free, but check for wheat in snacks like samosas or in restaurant gravies that may use wheat flour as a thickener.
Drink bottled water or use filtered water; eat hot, freshly cooked street food rather than raw salads to reduce risk of stomach upsets.