Things To Do
in Tondangi

Expansive river views, boat activity, fishermen and sunrise/sunset scenes — ideal for landscape and cultural photography.

Patchwork fields with long rows of palms offer classic rural Andhra landscapes, especially photogenic at golden hour.

Temple architecture, brass lamps, and festival processions provide vibrant cultural images — ask permission before photographing people closely.

Mangrove boardwalks, birdlife and tidal scenery provide unique nature photography opportunities, especially for birders.

A tangy tamarind-flavored rice dish often made for travel and festivals; available in local eateries and home kitchens.

Must-Try!

Lentils or tamarind-based curries using gongura (sorrel leaves) — a signature sour green of Andhra; commonly served with rice.

Locally sourced fish cooked in a tangy, spicy curry; best sampled at village homes or small fish-specialty restaurants in nearby towns.

A green gram crepe typically served with upma or chutney — a common breakfast item from local stalls.

Small village shandy where farmers sell produce, spices and snacks; try fresh coconut water, fried fish stalls and regional sweets.

Nearby town fish markets with freshly landed catches; great for photographing and buying fresh fish to be cooked at local eateries.

Use ‘Namaskaram’ or ‘Namaste’ with a slight bow or hands folded (Anjali) — a respectful greeting, especially to elders.

Remove shoes before entering temple precincts, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees), and follow local norms for photography and offerings.

Modest clothing is appreciated in villages. Ask permission before photographing people and their property, and accept invites to homes with courtesy.

Respect elders, accept food or tea offered as a gesture of hospitality, and avoid loud or confrontational behaviour in public spaces.

Tipping is modest: rounding up bills, 10% at nicer restaurants, and small amounts (₹20–100) for helpful drivers, guides or hotel staff. For village services, discretionary small cash gifts are appreciated but not expected.

Cash (Indian rupees) is king in Tondangi; small shops and markets rarely accept cards. In nearby towns, credit/debit cards and UPI/PhonePe/RuPay are common. Carry sufficient cash for village purchases and use ATMs in Amalapuram or Rajahmundry.

April–June are hot and humid with daytime temperatures often above 35°C (95°F). Plan active outdoor activities early morning or late afternoon, carry water, sun protection and light breathable clothing.

June–September bring heavy rains and high humidity; some rural roads can flood and boat travel may be disrupted — ideal for lush green landscapes but expect travel delays and mosquitos.

October–November are pleasant with lower humidity, clearer skies and good conditions for boating, birdwatching and photography.

December–February are mild and comfortable (15–28°C / 59–82°F) — the best time for exploration, outdoor activities and local festivals with cooler evenings.

Vegetarian options are widely available (dal, vegetable curries, dosa, idli); however, many local eateries specialize in fish, so ask clearly for ‘vegetarian’ and confirm use of ghee vs. oil.

Possible but requires requests to avoid ghee and curd; stick to rice with sambar, vegetable curries and chutneys, and ensure no butter or yogurt is used.

Rice-based cuisine makes it easy to eat gluten-free; avoid wheat-based items like breads and some snacks unless confirmed safe.

Drink bottled or boiled water, prefer freshly cooked food, and be cautious with raw salads and street ice; carry basic rehydration salts for the monsoon/heat season.