Chirala Travel Guide – A Peaceful Beach Getaway From Hyderabad
Introduction
Chirala, a small coastal town in Andhra Pradesh, has slowly become our yearly beach getaway from Hyderabad. The reasons are simple yet compelling — the beaches here are mostly empty, the town is easily reachable by road (around a 7-hour drive from Hyderabad), and it is budget-friendly, especially when traveling with kids.
Its serene beaches, thriving handloom industry, and touch of local history give Chirala immense potential to become a beautiful tourist destination — provided it is developed sustainably.
About Chirala
Chirala, also known as Ksheerapuri, is a calm coastal town located along the Bay of Bengal in Andhra Pradesh. Often referred to as Chenna Bombay, Chirala is famous for its handloom textiles, panoramic sea views, gorgeous beaches, and homegrown cashews.
Away from fast-paced city life, Chirala tourism is all about peace, simplicity, and slow travel. It is an ideal destination for travelers looking to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Best Time to Visit Chirala
The best time to visit Chirala is from August to December, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for beach activities.
- August – December: Ideal weather, lush surroundings
- January – March: Moderate climate, suitable for sightseeing
- April – June: Hot and humid, less recommended
How to Reach Chirala
Chirala is well connected by road, rail, and air.
By Air
- Nearest airport: Vijayawada Airport (approx. 92 km)
By Train
- Nearest railway station: Bapatla Railway Station (16 km from Chirala)
By Road
- Distance from Hyderabad: ~330 km
- Travel time: 6–7 hours
- Accessible via private vehicles and government/private buses
Things to See and Do in Chirala
Chirala is known for its quiet beaches, scenic views, and relaxed coastal vibe. There is no shortage of things to explore.
Beaches in Chirala
Ramapuram Beach
A must-visit beach for nature and photography lovers. Ramapuram Beach is one of the cleanest beaches in Chirala and is best visited during the evening hours for sunset views and cool sea breeze.
Vodarevu Beach
Also popularly called Chirala Beach, Vodarevu Beach attracts travelers with its wide shoreline and refreshing sea breeze. Several local food carts nearby make it a great spot for evening snacks by the beach.
My recommendation is Ramapuram beach.
Places to Stay in Chirala
Chirala has limited but decent accommodation options, suitable for families and budget travelers.
Riviera Beach Resort
Located right on the beachfront, Riviera Beach Resort is one of the most popular stay options in Chirala.
Highlights:
- Beachfront location with direct sea views
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Garden and open terrace
- Room service available
- Suitable for families with kids
This resort is ideal if you want to stay close to the beach and enjoy peaceful mornings and sunsets.
APTDC Haritha Beach Resort (Government Hotel)
The APTDC Haritha Beach Resort is a government-operated property and a good budget-friendly option.
Highlights:
- Affordable pricing
- Spacious rooms
- Decent food options
- Safe and family-friendly environment
Being a government property, it offers reliability and is a preferred choice for travelers looking for a simple and economical stay.
Apart from these, you can also find small lodges and guest houses within Chirala town, but beachfront stays are limited.
Food to Try in Chirala
A visit to Chirala is incomplete without tasting local Andhra cuisine. Must-try dishes include:
- Pulihora
- Kodi Pulao
- Gongura Pachadi
- Gutti Vankaya Kura (Stuffed Brinjal Curry)
- Ankura Pappu
- Gongura Mutton
- Rayalaseema Mutton curry
Fresh seafood is also widely available near the coast.
Things to Buy in Chirala
🥜 Sairamakrishna Cashews
Chirala is a well-known cashew hub in Andhra Pradesh. Don’t forget to buy fresh cashews from Sairamakrishna Cashews, a trusted local brand.
🧵 Chirala Market (Handloom Shopping)
Chirala Market is a textile lover’s paradise. Famous for its handloom weaving, the market offers:
- Traditional dhotis
- Zari sarees
- Cotton handloom fabrics
Buying directly from weavers also helps support local artisans.
Conclusion
Chirala is a hidden coastal gem known for its clean beaches, handloom heritage, and locally grown cashews. With pleasant weather and peaceful surroundings, Chirala tourism is perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed beach vacation away from crowds.
Along with enjoying the beaches, visitors can explore nearby temples and experience authentic Andhra culture, making Chirala a destination worth visiting at least once.
Do Watch out the below Youtube video of our road trip from Hyderabad.
