The Tribal Museum has 3-D installations of village-life scenes along with other artifacts. Village women from Chompi perform the Dhimsa dance at Punnami Yatri Nivas almost every day. It is open for everybody. You could also visit a nearby village. Chompi would be the easiest. Ask the Punnami desk to put you in touch with Sarpanch Naidu for visits, or even a stay over. The people are friendly and no money is asked for, but a tip is appreciated. To see life in the interiors, contact the NGO Adivasi Abhivrunddi Samskruthika Sangam (ASSAV : Tel No. : 08936-249464).
Museum entry fee is Rs. 5/- and timings are from 09.00 am to noon, 01.30 pm to 05.00 pm.
The biggest bazzars are the weekly haats held at Araku Village (5 km) on Fridays and at Sunkermetta (13 km) on Sundays. It is interesting to watch the villages gather for a day of heavy marketeering. The best place to pick up souvenirs which have more honest prices than the Tribal Museum Shop. It is also possible to buy directly from the craftsmen. Mushiriguda Village (10 km) is known for bamboo products, Chompi (5 km) for lac and Madaguda (8 km) for pottery. ‘Pure’ honey is also available but one place you will get what you pay for is ASSAV.
