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Tanuku Town covers a total area of 132.08 km2 (51.00 sq. mi).
The census 2011 states that the town of Tanuku has a total population of 1,40,000 people. Out of this 77,340 are males and females are 66,651 in number. The density of population this town is 1,100/ sq. km.
The official language of Tanuku is Telugu which is spoken by most of the population there.
The calling prefix for Tanuku town is 08819.
Akashaganga Waterfall
The Akashganga (Heavenly Ganges likened to The Milky Way OR heavenly river) waterfall is about 3 Kms north of the Tirumala temple.
Except for extreme summer months, this town is apt to be visited any time around the year.
When you think of travel in Andhra Pradesh, names like Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, and Araku Valley come to mind. But nestled quietly in the West Godavari district lies a town with charm, history, and untapped beauty – Tanuku. Known for its cultural heritage, lush surroundings, and spiritual vibes, Tanuku is a perfect offbeat destination for travelers looking to explore the less-traveled paths of Andhra.
Let’s take a journey through Tanuku from a traveler’s perspective, covering everything from where it is to what to see and how to plan your trip.
Tanuku is a prominent town in West Godavari district, located in the coastal region of Andhra Pradesh. It lies on the banks of the River Godavari, giving it fertile lands and lush greenery. Tanuku is well-known for being an important center for culture, trade, and agriculture, especially for paddy cultivation and sugarcane.
Apart from being a commercial hub, Tanuku holds historical and religious importance, making it ideal for travelers who love to blend nature, culture, and local experiences.
Though Tanuku is a small town, it has a peaceful vibe and some noteworthy places to explore. Here are the top tourist spots:
This beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and is one of the main spiritual attractions in Tanuku. The temple architecture reflects South Indian style and offers a calm space for spiritual seekers.
Location: Within town limits
Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tip: Attend the evening aarti for a soulful experience
A highly revered temple of Lord Shiva, this temple is known for its ancient connection and is often visited by devotees across the district. It is said to have links to the Kasi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi.
Location: Nearby village, reachable within 15–20 minutes
Timings: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Highlight: Maha Shivaratri celebrations are vibrant and festive
While Tanuku itself is inland, a short drive takes you to Perupalem Beach, one of the less-crowded beaches near the Bay of Bengal. It’s a serene place perfect for relaxing, watching sunsets, or enjoying a beach picnic.
Best Time: Early mornings and evenings
Tip: Carry snacks and water as shops are limited
Nearby Bhimavaram is known for Sri Someswara Janardhana Swamy Temple, one of the Pancharama Kshetras. If you're on a religious or cultural tour, this can be a great addition to your itinerary.
Don’t Miss: The black Shiva lingam and large temple pond
Travel Tip: Easily reachable by road from Tanuku within 1 hour
Some scenic spots along the Godavari River offer peaceful views, especially during sunrise and sunset. These are perfect for photography lovers or those seeking calm nature time.
Tip: Great for small picnics and bird watching during early hours
The best time to visit Tanuku is during the winter months (November to February) when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
Winter (Nov–Feb): Comfortable climate, great for travel
Summer (Mar–June): Hot and humid, avoid mid-day outdoor trips
Monsoon (July–Sept): Lush greenery, but heavy rains may disrupt travel
If you plan your trip during festivals like Sankranti or Shivaratri, you’ll experience the local culture and festivities at their best.
Tanuku is well-connected by road, rail, and nearby airports, making it easy for travelers.
By Train: Tanuku Railway Station is on the Vijayawada–Visakhapatnam rail route and is well-connected to major cities like Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Chennai.
By Road: APSRTC buses and private taxis connect Tanuku to nearby towns and cities like Rajahmundry, Eluru, and Bhimavaram.
By Air: The nearest airport is Rajahmundry Airport (RJA), about 60 km away. You can hire a cab from there to reach Tanuku.
While Tanuku doesn’t have luxury hotels, it has several clean and comfortable budget hotels and lodges. You can find options near the railway station or bus stand area.
Recommended stays: Hotel Sri Brundavanam, Hotel Sitara Grand
Budget Range: ₹800 – ₹2000 per night
Tip: For more premium stays, you can stay in Rajahmundry and take day trips to Tanuku
Andhra Pradesh is known for its spicy and flavorful food, and Tanuku is no exception. Don’t miss these tasty delights:
Andhra Meals: A traditional thali with rice, sambar, dal, pickle, and fry items
Pesarattu: Green gram dosa, a local breakfast favorite
Fish Curry & Prawn Fry: For seafood lovers, especially near the Godavari belt
Local sweets: Try “Pootharekulu” (paper sweet) and “Kova Kajjikayalu”
Language: Telugu is widely spoken. Some locals understand Hindi and English in tourist areas.
Transport: Auto-rickshaws are common within town. For longer trips, hire a cab.
Connectivity: Mobile network is good; carry offline maps for rural areas.
Respect the culture: Dress modestly while visiting temples or villages.
Shopping Tip: You can buy local handlooms, cotton sarees, and jaggery from local markets.
Tanuku may not be on every traveler’s bucket list, but that's exactly what makes it special. It offers a mix of spiritual charm, nature’s peace, and cultural depth without the crowds of commercial tourist spots. Whether you are a heritage lover, solo backpacker, spiritual seeker, or a family traveler, Tanuku gives you an authentic Andhra experience.
So next time you are planning a trip to Andhra Pradesh, skip the obvious and give Tanuku a chance – you might just find a new favorite corner of India.
