Araku Valley - Andhra Pradesh
This unexplored hill station is a paradise for the local population which is 120 km from Vishakapattinam. A beautiful destination to stay away from the bustling city atmosphere. It will be a memorable train trip for travelers as they go through 58 tunnels, 84 bridges, and mesmerizing milieu to reach Araku.
Within five to six hours, travelers get to Araku Valley in the captivating region of Eastern Ghats. Tribal Caves, Tribal Arts museum, and the immense tribal population make for a satisfying experience.
Apart from the interesting lifestyle of the tribes, the aroma of coffee is at its best in this zone. Kartiki Waterfall is a blessing for the picturesque place loving crowd.
Trekking, swimming, and other adventure activities create an immersive encounter with Nature. The surrounding resorts have spaces for all budgets; however, prior booking could be beneficial for backpackers to lodge into small inns.
Plenty of multi-cuisine restaurants serve Odiya, Chinese, and lip-smacking South Indian dishes. Travelers poach into non-veg restaurants here for the bamboo chicken.
Highlights and Nearby Attractions:
Coffee Museum explains about the Coffee Culture in Araku Valley.
Million-year-old Borra Caves is a must-visit terra for sighting “speleothems” (structures formed naturally in caves).
Borra Caves in one of the largest caves in the country with an elevation of 705 meters and claimed to be the deepest cave in India.
Giant Geckos and Bats in the darkest corners of the cave are an interesting sight to watch once sunrays enter from a different angle.
Borra Caves have had stone tools of the Paleolithic Age dated 30,000 to 50,000 years ago.
Trekking, Hiking, and Swimming are there for the adventure enthusiasts and Nature loving population.
Knowing about the tribal population and interacting with them to know about the place is a must do for first timers.
The uneven paths of the Katiki Waterfall close to Borra Caves is a place for photographers and Nature lovers.
Monsoons are good for a rejuvenating forest therapy while pre-monsoon is best suited for birdwatchers.
Under 100 km from Araku Valley, Lambasigni is a quaint hamlet experiences snowfall and is often called as the Kashmir of the South.
Lambasigni has apple orchards, misty gardens, and coffee plantations which joins the forest creating an amusing atmosphere.
The Ghat Road travel, blooming red roses, luscious landscapes, and Uppada Beach less than 120 km maketh for a memorable trip.
Thajangi Reservoir, Susan Garden, and Kothapalli Waterfalls are the best options for relaxing in nature with a book, romantic strolls, and healing baths.
Best Time To Visit:
November to February is the best time to visit Araku Valley. The temperature gets colder in December and reaches below 4 degree Celsius. Visiting Araku after August, just after the monsoon season is the best option for honeymooners, trekking enthusiasts, and explorers. A pair of comfy shoes, woolen coats, umbrella, and thick blankets are necessary gadgets to carry as the weather changes often. Festivals such as Visakha Utsav and Beach Festival happen in Vishakapattinam during winter. From June to September Monsoon sway in, the best time for relaxed indoor stays. Summer produce a scorching heat and temperature can rise above 40 degrees Celsius easily.
Way to Reach:
By Air - Vishakapattinam Airport (107 km away) is well connected well with major cities like Chennai, Kolkata, New Delhi, and Bhubaneshwar.
By Rail - Frequent Trains from Vizag run to and fro Kolkata, New Delhi, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
By Road - Vijayawada, Hyderabad, Bhubaneshwar, Chennai, and Tirupati are connected due to frequent bus services.