Things To Do
in Kottavalasa

A green gram (moong dal) crepe often served with ginger chutney; widely available at breakfast stalls and tiffin centers.

Must-Try!

Tangy tamarind-based stews served with steamed rice; find these at local restaurants and home-style eateries.

Spicy, tamarind-accented fish or chicken preparations influenced by coastal Andhra—more common at eateries closer to larger towns or in Visakhapatnam.

Locally grown and roasted coffee from nearby hill plantations; buy from roadside shops or small stalls near the Araku route.

A compact local market offering fresh produce, spices, snacks and small tea stalls—try mirchi bajji, punugulu, idli/dosa and freshly roasted peanuts or sundal.

Small stalls selling roasted coffee, banana chips, local pickles and seasonal fruit—good for quick snacks and souvenirs.

A simple 'Namaste' (hands folded) is polite. Address elders with respect and use formal speech when in doubt.

Remove shoes and dress modestly before entering temples; follow any posted rules and separate men's and women's areas if indicated.

Use the right hand for eating and passing items; the left hand is considered unclean for these tasks.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in tribal villages or private homes. Be respectful of cultural sensitivities.

Tipping is modest: round up bills at small eateries, give 10% in mid-range restaurants if service is good, and a small tip (₹20–100) to drivers or guides depending on service length. Tips are appreciated but not mandatory.

Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used for markets, buses and small shops. UPI and mobile wallets are increasingly common in towns; some establishments accept cards but carry cash for rural areas and smaller vendors.

Hot and humid from March to May; daytime temperatures can be high—schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon and stay hydrated.

June to September brings heavy rains and lush green landscapes; roads in hilly areas can be slippery and some trails may be closed—check conditions before travel.

October to November is pleasant with clear skies, cooler temperatures and ideal conditions for hill trips and photography.

December to February offers mild, comfortable weather (cooler mornings and evenings) and is the best time for outdoor excursions and sightseeing.

The closest major airport (about 60–90 km depending on route). Well-connected by road and rail; take a taxi or bus from Visakhapatnam to Kottavalasa or travel by train from Visakhapatnam station.

Smaller regional airport located further west (roughly 120–160 km); useful for some domestic connections but requires a longer road or rail journey to reach Kottavalasa.

Vegetarian food is widely available—South Indian breakfasts, vegetable curries and rice dishes are common. Ask for 'saiva' or 'no onion, no garlic' if needed; carry a translation note for specifics.

Rice-based meals, dal, sambar and many vegetable curries are vegan or can be made vegan; confirm that ghee or butter hasn’t been added.

Many staples are rice-based, so gluten-free options are plentiful; avoid wheat-based snacks like some types of breads unless confirmed rice-based.

Halal options are available in towns; ask locally for certified shops or Muslim-owned eateries if this is important.