Things To Do
in Khammam

Khammam is a historic city in the Indian state of Telangana known for its hilltop Khammam Fort, lively markets and agricultural hinterland. The city serves as a regional commercial and transit hub with a mix of traditional Telugu culture and pragmatic modern conveniences. Surrounding the city are reservoirs, forested patches and the Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary that make it a good base for short nature escapes.

Daily life centers on markets, temples and small industries, giving visitors a straightforward, authentic experience of smaller-city Telangana.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Khammam Fort, where you can explore its ancient walls and enjoy panoramic views of the town. Take a leisurely stroll around the fort, admiring the intricate architecture that tells tales of the past. Stop by a local café for a traditional breakfast of idli and chutney, energizing yourself for the adventures ahead.

afternoon
:

After lunch, head to the nearby Khammam Lake, where you can relax by the water and take in the serene surroundings. Engage in a boat ride on the lake, experiencing the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. Take some time to learn about the local flora and fauna, making for a perfect mid-day getaway.

evening
:

As the sun begins to set, visit the bustling local market to experience the vibrant culture of Khammam. Browse through stalls selling handmade crafts, spices, and local delicacies. Conclude your evening with a dinner at a traditional restaurant, savoring the flavors of Hyderabadi biryani.

day 2
Nature Escape at the Waterfalls
morning
:

Kick off your day with a scenic drive to the stunning Kinnerasani Waterfalls, located a short distance from Khammam. Arriving early lets you beat the crowds, allowing for a peaceful hike through lush greenery to reach the cascading waters. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool at the base of the waterfall, surrounded by the sounds of nature.

afternoon
:

After a morning filled with adventure, enjoy a picnic lunch by the falls, soaking in the picturesque environment. Spend your afternoon exploring the nearby Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot various species of birds and animals in their natural habitat. The tranquility of the sanctuary offers a great opportunity for photography and nature walks.

evening
:

Return to Khammam in the evening and visit a local tea stall to experience the charm of Indian chai. Engage with locals and relish their stories about the area and its hidden gems. Wrap up your day with a relaxing dinner at a local eatery, trying out regional specialties like gongura chutney.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$3-6
Tea or coffee$0.30-1
🚖Short autorickshaw ride (within city)$0.50-2
🏨Budget hotel room (per night)$10-25
🎟️Entry to local attractions / small fees$0.50-3

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic small-city Telugu culture and cuisine
  • Easy access to nearby nature spots like Kinnerasani Sanctuary
  • Inexpensive food and lodging
  • Good base for regional day trips and pilgrimage sites
  • Limited nightlife and high-end tourist infrastructure
  • Fewer direct flights and longer travel times from major airports
  • Language barrier if you don't speak Telugu (English/Hindi vary)
  • Monsoon season can disrupt rural travel and outdoor plans
  • "నమస్కారం (Namaskāram)" - Hello / Greetings
  • "ధన్యవాదాలు (Dhayanyavādālu)" - Thank you
  • "ఇది ఎంత? (Idi enta?)" - How much is this?
  • "బాగుంది (Bāgundi)" - It's good / tasty
  • "సహాయం కావాలి (Sahāyam kāvāli)" - I need help

Places to Visit in Khammam

Visit one of these nice places.

Khammam Fort

Historic fort on a hill with stone ramparts, ruins and panoramic views—excellent for sunrise/sunset shots and architectural details.

Kinnerasani Dam and Sanctuary

Lush forest landscapes, a reservoir and wildlife; great for birding, nature photography and reflective water shots at dawn.

Central Market and Street Scenes

Vibrant daily life, colorful produce stalls, textiles and candid street portraits—best during morning activity hours.

Palair/Local Reservoirs

Quiet waterbodies with scenic banks ideal for golden-hour photography and landscape compositions.

Culinary Guide

Food in Khammam

Khammam’s cuisine reflects Telangana and Andhra traditions: spicy, tangy and rice-based meals with generous use of tamarind, chili and local vegetables. Meals are often hearty thalis or rice served with several chutneys, sambar and fried or curried vegetables. Street food is simple and flavorful—snacks, chaats and sweets—while local eateries serve homestyle preparations that are inexpensive and filling.

Khammam Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pulihora / Pachi Pulihora

Tamarind rice—sour and spiced rice that’s a common home-style and travel food; you’ll find it in local eateries and as temple prasad.

Must-Try!

Hyderabadi-style Biryani

Fragrant rice and meat biryani influenced by nearby Hyderabad; available at popular restaurants and roadside biryani joints.

Gutti Vankaya (Stuffed Brinjal)

Local stuffed eggplant curry served in thali meals at many vegetarian and family restaurants.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Central Khammam Market

Bustling market where vendors sell fresh produce, spices, sweets and hot snacks like bondas, samosas and local chutney-based treats; a good place to try pulse fritters and local sweets.

Street Stalls around Bus/Station Area

Simple but tasty options like dosas, idlis, chaats and tea—perfect for a quick bite while traveling through the city.

Climate Guide

Weather

Khammam has a tropical climate with hot summers, a southwest monsoon season bringing most rainfall and mild winters. Summers (March–June) are hot and dry, monsoon (June–September) is humid with heavy rains, and winters (November–February) are mostly pleasant with cool mornings.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Temple Respect

Remove shoes and dress modestly when visiting temples; follow local customs like not pointing your feet toward deities and asking before taking photos inside sanctums.

Greetings

A simple 'Namaskaram' or 'Namaste' and a smile are polite. Use your right hand for giving or receiving items in informal situations.

Conservative Dress

Dress modestly in public, especially in religious or rural areas—cover shoulders and avoid very short clothing.

Safety Guide

Safety

Khammam is generally safe for tourists but take normal precautions: keep an eye on belongings in crowded markets, avoid isolated areas late at night, be cautious when swimming in reservoirs, and use official transport or recommended drivers. During monsoon season be aware of flooding and slippery surfaces. For emergencies, note local hospital numbers and police contacts.

Tipping in Khammam

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory—round up fares for autorickshaws, leave 5–10% in sit-down restaurants if service charge is not included, and give small tips to hotel staff for room service or porters.

Payment Methods

Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used for small purchases and street food; most hotels and larger restaurants accept cards and mobile payments. UPI apps (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm) are commonly used and accepted at many shops—carry some cash for markets and small vendors.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

April–June are hot and dry with daytime temperatures often high; plan outdoor activities for early morning or late evening, stay hydrated and avoid the midday heat.

Monsoon

June–September bring heavy rains and higher humidity—scenery is lush and reservoirs fill, but some rural roads can be muddy or temporarily disrupted; carry rain gear and mosquito repellent.

Winter

November–February are mild and pleasant with cool mornings and comfortable days—this is the most comfortable time for sightseeing and outdoor walks.

Nightlife Guide

Khammam at Night

Khammam’s nightlife is low-key: evenings are dominated by restaurants, small hotel bars and local tea stalls. There are occasional live music nights at larger hotels, but for a more vibrant club or bar scene travelers usually go to Hyderabad. Evenings are best spent sampling street food, visiting lively markets or relaxing at a hotel lounge.

Hiking in Khammam

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Khammam Fort Hill Trails

Short, manageable hikes up and around the fort—good for history, photography and city views without specialized gear.

Kinnerasani Forest Paths

Forest tracks near the Kinnerasani Sanctuary offer nature walks, birdwatching and quiet trails; guided options are available for better wildlife chances.

Reservoir Banks and Nearby Hills

Informal walking routes around Palair and other reservoirs provide easy, scenic hikes—ideal for sunrise/sunset photography and picnics.

Airports

How to reach Khammam by plane.

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Hyderabad)

Major international airport serving Telangana with extensive domestic and international connections; reachable by a 3–4 hour drive or a combination of train/bus.

Rajahmundry Airport (Rajahmundry/Manapalle)

Regional airport in Andhra Pradesh that can be closer by road depending on your route—offers domestic flights and can be an alternative for some travelers.

Getting Around

Walkability

The central parts of Khammam (market area and around the fort) are fairly walkable for short visits—streets can be busy and uneven, so comfortable shoes are recommended. For wider exploration you’ll likely use autorickshaws, taxis or private car hires.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Telugu-speaking population

Majority of residents speak Telugu; Telugu culture, festivals and cuisine dominate daily life.

Muslim and Christian communities

Notable religious minorities with their own neighborhoods, markets and places of worship that contribute to the city's diversity.

Tribal and rural communities

Outlying areas have tribal groups and rural farmers with distinct traditions and livelihoods tied to forests and agriculture.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cricket

The dominant sport; local grounds and street cricket are common and many follow regional and national matches passionately.

Kabaddi and Traditional Games

Kabaddi is popular at village and school levels, with local tournaments and strong community interest.

Badminton and Shuttle

Common recreational sports in clubs, schools and community centers around the city.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Khammam is moderate—busy during market hours with frequent two-wheelers, autos and occasional trucks. The city is served by TSRTC buses and autorickshaws; taxis and app-based cabs are available but less common than in larger metros. For regional travel, Khammam Junction railway station connects to major cities and is a convenient alternative to road travel.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Khammam.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian diets are easy to manage—many pure-veg eateries and standard thalis are available. Ask for 'no onion/no garlic' preparations if following specific traditions; most restaurants will accommodate basic requests.

Vegan/Gluten-free

Vegan options exist but require asking about ghee and dairy. Gluten-free diets can be managed by focusing on rice-based dishes; always clarify ingredients in gravies and fried items.

Food Safety

Stick to busy stalls and cooked, hot food; drink bottled or boiled water and avoid raw salads from uncertain sources to reduce risk of stomach upset.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Khammam has a government district hospital and several private clinics and nursing homes for general care. For advanced medical treatment or specialized care, Hyderabad (major hospitals) is the nearest comprehensive option and reachable by road or train. Carry basic medications and travel insurance that covers hospital evacuation if necessary.

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