ABOUT US
Founder - Late Mr.Kankatala Appalaraju A Legacy Woven with Passion and Dedication
In the 1940s, Mr. Kankatala Appalaraju founded what would become one of India’s most cherished handloom saree brands. Starting from a small store in Visakhapatnam, his vision was clear – to bring the finest handcrafted sarees to those who value tradition. His dedication to quality, India’s weaving heritage, and fair practices built a legacy that continues through generations. Today, Kankatala continues to carry forward his vision. With each generation, we evolve, yet we remain rooted in the values and passion that our founder instilled in us.
OUR CRAFTSMEN
At Kankatala, our weavers are the heart and soul of our creations. Their skilled hands bring our designs to life, weaving each saree with meticulous care and attention to detail.
For generations, we have worked closely with these craftsmen, building long-standing relationships that go beyond business. Our founder, Appalaraju Garu, was deeply committed to their well-being, ensuring they received timely payments and support for their needs. Today, we proudly continue this tradition, valuing and nurturing the bond we have with our weavers, who remain an integral part of the Kankatala family.
Our Reach
500K+
13
1 Lakh+
80 Years
Our Journey
Born in 1923 in Tuni, Mr. Kankatala Appalaraju became his family's sole provider at the young age of 17 after losing his father. Forced to leave school, he started working in a clothing shop and quickly learned the textile trade.
Soon, he began sourcing cloth from Mumbai and selling it to British officers at the Vizag railway station. Amidst the chaos of World War II, Appalaraju traveled daily from Tuni to Vizag, driven by the need to support his family.
With nothing but determination, he set off on his bicycle, selling sarees in nearby towns. Sustained by simple meals and resting in the verandahs (arugus) of kind locals, he unknowingly planted the seeds that would grow into the legacy of Kankatala.
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1943On the Road to Success
After the war ended in 1943, Mr. Appalaraju relocated to Vizag and began seeking new opportunities. With the money he earned from selling sarees, he opened a small 6x8 ft shop in the old town area. Being one of the first of its kind, the shop quickly gained popularity. His success came from offering a carefully selected range of simple yet elegant cotton and silk sarees.
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1965Birth of the Brand
Over the next two decades, the small store grew steadily and became Kankatala Appalaraju & Co., rooted in Vizag’s old town. What started with simple cotton sarees soon evolved to include rich silks, reflecting a deeper connection to India’s diverse weaving traditions.
Mr. Appalaraju, with his unwavering dedication, built relationships with weavers across India, sourcing sarees from renowned hubs — a challenging task in an era without modern travel. As word spread, the store became known for its carefully chosen collections, from timeless cottons to intricate Kanchipuram silks, laying the foundation of what Kankatala stands for today.
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1982A New Era
As the second generation stepped in, Mr. Kankatala Mallikharjuna Rao, fondly known as Mallik, took over the business, introducing fresh ideas and modern concepts. Under his leadership, Kankatala launched Visakhapatnam’s first air-conditioned saree showroom — Kankatala Silks. It was also the city’s first store dedicated exclusively to silk sarees, at a time when air conditioning in retail was a rare luxury.
Like his father, Mallik personally selected each saree with great attention to detail. His passion for elevating the customer experience set a new standard in saree retail, propelling Kankatala’s legacy to even greater heights.
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1996Elevating Luxury
In 1996, Kankatala reached another major milestone with the launch of Kankatala Silk Palace, a 1,250 sq. ft. store at the prestigious Jagadamba Junction. This store featured exclusively sourced, handpicked sarees, including Patan Patolas, Paithanis, and Pashminas from Kashmir. Some of these sarees, taking six months to a year to craft, reflected the intricate artistry and dedication behind each piece. With prices reaching up to ₹1 lakh, the store marked a new level of luxury for the brand.
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2007The Giant Leap
In 2007, Kankatala reached a significant milestone with the opening of V-Square, a 30,000 sq. ft. four-storey landmark on Railway Station Road. This expansive store, designed to accommodate hundreds of customers, offered a vast array of sarees — from everyday options to rare handlooms like Zari Kota and Paithani, all elegantly displayed in specialized sections.
A dedicated team, regarded as part of the extended Kankatala family, ensured that each saree was showcased with the utmost care. The addition of third-generation leaders, Arvind and Bharat, marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Kankatala’s journey.
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2011-2014Beyond the City Limits
Kankatala expanded its presence across Andhra Pradesh. The brand first opened stores in Rajahmundry and Vijayawada, followed by a new store in Gajuwaka, a bustling commercial hub in suburban Visakhapatnam. These expansions marked Kankatala’s growing reach beyond its home city.
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2017Embracing the Digital Age
Kankatala took a bold step into the digital world by launching its e-commerce platform, transforming into a global brand. This digital transformation was led by third-generation member Anirudh Kankatala, who also established the brand’s presence on Facebook and Instagram along with the launch of the website.
Kankatala made its finest sarees available to customers worldwide. The online store quickly gained popularity, earning recognition across India and among NRIs in the US, becoming a favorite destination for saree lovers everywhere.
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2018Queen of Sarees in the City of Nawabs
Kankatala took a major step forward in 2018 with the opening of its flagship luxury store in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. Rebranded as "Kankatala – Queen of Sarees," the store became a go-to destination for lovers of fine sarees, offering a carefully curated collection of handpicked weaves. Among the new additions were revival Paithanis, exclusive Petit Point embroideries, and Muslin Jamdanis, bringing a fresh, luxurious dimension to the collection.
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201875th Anniversary – Queens of Andhra
To celebrate its 75th anniversary, Kankatala launched the "Queens of Andhra" Coffee Table book, honoring the brand’s rich heritage and the powerful women who ruled the Telugu lands. In conjunction with the book launch, a special saree collection inspired by these queens was unveiled at a memorable beachside fashion show. Each saree was a tribute to royal heritage, draped elegantly to showcase the timeless beauty and grandeur of the telugu states history.
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2021A National Presence
Kankatala’s growth continued in 2021 with an exciting expansion into the bustling urban markets of Bangalore and New Delhi, under the brand name "Kankatala – Queen of Sarees." This marked a proud moment, establishing Kankatala as a national brand with a presence in the country’s capital.
The expansion allowed Kankatala to blend India’s rich cultural heritage with modern designs, offering a fusion of traditional elegance and contemporary style that resonates with customers in these vibrant cities.
