Things To Do
in Nandavaram
Nandavaram is a small temple town in Andhra Pradesh known for its historic Umamaheswara temple and calm rural surroundings. The town serves as a pilgrimage stop for devotees from the region and retains a slow-paced, agricultural rhythm of life. Narrow lanes, paddy fields and occasional granite outcrops define the landscape around Nandavaram.
Visitors come for religious rituals, village culture and easy access to nearby natural sites and hill country.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the ancient Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, where you can admire its intricate carvings and historical significance. Engage with local devotees who share stories about the temple's rich heritage and spiritual importance. Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast at a nearby eatery, savoring dishes like idli and sambar.
After lunch, head to the nearby Vemulawada Temple, known for its unique architecture and serene surroundings. Spend time exploring the temple complex and take a leisurely walk around the lush gardens, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. Capture stunning photographs of the temple's intricate stonework and surrounding landscapes.
As the sun sets, return to Nandavaram and visit a local market to experience the vibrant evening atmosphere. Sample a variety of street foods, including mirchi bajji and vada pav, while mingling with locals. Conclude your day with a peaceful walk along the village lanes, enjoying the sounds and sights of daily life.
Begin your day early with a guided nature walk in the nearby forests, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of the region. Keep an eye out for various bird species and unique flora that thrive in this lush environment. After the walk, enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local café, featuring fresh produce and regional specialties.
Spend the afternoon at the nearby Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can partake in a safari to spot deer, wild boars, and other native wildlife. Learn about the conservation efforts in the area and the importance of protecting these natural habitats. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst nature, surrounded by the serene sounds of wildlife.
As dusk approaches, take a moment to reflect on the day's experiences while watching the sunset over the sanctuary. Head back to Nandavaram and unwind at a local tea stall, enjoying a cup of chai and discussing your wildlife encounters with fellow travelers. Embrace the peaceful ambiance as night falls, listening to the sounds of nature.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $1.50-3.00 |
| 🚌Local bus fare (short ride) | $0.10-0.50 |
| 🚕Auto-rickshaw short ride | $0.50-2.00 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5 L) | $0.30-0.80 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse / simple hotel (per night) | $8-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful, authentic rural and temple-town experience
- Low cost of travel and food
- Good for cultural and religious visits
- Close to natural attractions and hill country for day trips
- Limited accommodation and restaurant options in the village itself
- Language barrier for non-Telugu speakers in some situations
- Minimal nightlife and entertainment infrastructure
- Fewer medical facilities locally; serious care requires travel to larger towns
- "Namaskaram" - Hello / Respectful greeting
- "Dhanyavadhamulu" - Thank you
- "Kripaya" - Please
- "Ela vunnaru? / Ela vunnavu?" - How are you? (formal / informal)
- "Idhi enta?" - How much is this?
- "English matladara?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Nandavaram
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture temple architecture, rituals, priests, lamps and devotees during darshan and aarti; best light in early morning and at sunset.
Wide-open fields, farmers working, ox-carts and seasonal crops offer classic rural Andhra photo opportunities — especially dramatic during sunrise or monsoon.
Colorful stalls with produce, flowers, and textiles are perfect for candid street photography and documenting everyday life.
Rocky outcrops near the village provide elevated vantage points and interesting geology for landscape shots.
Food in Nandavaram
Nandavaram Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Tamarind rice often served as temple prasadam — tangy, tempered with mustard seeds and peanuts; easily found at temple stalls and local eateries.
Must-Try!
A spicy stuffed eggplant curry common in Telugu households; available at family restaurants in nearby towns.
Green gram crepe (often with upma filling) — a popular breakfast item available at roadside stalls and small cafés.
Spicy, oil-forward curries for non-vegetarians available at modest hotels in Nandyal/Kurnool area rather than in the small village itself.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Typical open-air market (days vary) selling fresh produce, spices, snacks and local sweets — great for sampling seasonal fruit and homemade pickles.
Small stalls by the temple offering pulihora, laddu and other prasadam items — inexpensive and culturally meaningful tastes to try.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Remove shoes before entering temple precincts, dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees), and follow rules around photography and priest interactions.
Namaskaram (or Namaste) with folded hands is a polite traditional greeting. Use it when meeting elders or temple authorities.
Address elders respectfully, accept offerings or prasadam with your right hand, and ask permission before photographing people, especially women.
Safety
Tipping in Nandavaram
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest: round up fares for auto drivers, give Rs. 20–50 (USD ~0.25–0.60) for helpful guides or porters, and 5–10% in nicer restaurants if service charge isn’t included. Temple staff and small stall vendors don’t expect tips but small tokens are appreciated.
Cash (Indian rupees) is king in villages; ATMs are available in nearby towns, not always in the village. Mobile payments (UPI, mobile wallets) are increasingly accepted but many small vendors prefer cash. Credit cards are accepted only at larger hotels and shops in bigger towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry (March–June) with daytime temperatures often high; plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, carry water, sunscreen and a hat.
Southwest and northeast monsoon bring rains (June–September and October–December in some spells) — landscapes turn lush, roads can be muddy or flooded during heavy showers; great for green photography but check local weather.
Cooler and pleasant (December–February) with mild days and cooler nights — best time for sightseeing, walking and temple visits without extreme heat.
Nandavaram at Night
Hiking in Nandavaram
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Offers trekking opportunities, forest scenery and wildlife pockets; routes vary from easy day hikes to longer treks — go with a guide if unfamiliar with terrain.
Scenic temple surroundings and small hill walks with agricultural terraces and spring-fed water tanks nearby.
While the caves themselves are a show cave, the nearby terrain offers walking routes and rock formations for light hiking and exploration.
Airports
How to reach Nandavaram by plane.
The nearest regional airport serving Kurnool district — offers limited domestic flights; from the airport you can reach Nandavaram by taxi or bus (1–2 hour drive depending on exact location).
Major international airport with frequent domestic connections; about a 4–6 hour drive depending on traffic — best option for onward international flights or more flight choices.
Smaller regional airport with limited domestic services — useful if schedules and connections are convenient; ground transport required to reach Nandavaram.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority population engaged in agriculture, temple activities and small businesses.
Present in the surrounding rural population, involved in various agricultural and artisanal occupations.
Smaller communities present in the region contributing to local trade and cultural diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
By far the most popular sport — you'll see local matches and children playing in fields and lanes.
Traditional and community team sports commonly played during festivals and school events.
During temple festivals, traditional competitive events and displays may be organized, reflecting local culture.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nandavaram.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian food is easy to find, especially near the temple where prasadam and vegetarian thalis are common. Ask for less oil or spice if sensitive — the norm is to use generous oil and chilies.
Pure vegan options are available (rice, dal, vegetable curries) but confirm if ghee is used; request food without ghee or butter at local eateries.
Many staples are rice-based and naturally gluten-free — plain rice, dosas (rice/urad dal), pulihora — but avoid wheat-based items and ask about cross-contamination in mixed kitchens.
Non-vegetarian options appear at select roadside restaurants in nearby towns rather than inside small temple towns; if you require halal meat, ask explicitly or seek larger towns with halal certification.