Chirala is primarily worth visiting for its handloom textiles. The town is one of the main production centres for fine cotton sarees in Andhra Pradesh, and prices here are substantially lower than in Hyderabad or Chennai because you are buying close to the source. The Chirala Cloth Market around the main bazaar has the widest range. Look for the characteristic Chirala cotton — it is plain or simply striped, lightweight, and much more durable than its delicate appearance suggests. Sarees, dress material, and shirting fabric are all available.
For general provisions, the main market street has the usual range of vegetable vendors, spice sellers, and small provisions shops. There is nothing unusual here compared to any other small Telugu town, but the market is lively and a good place to get a feel for daily life in coastal Andhra.