Araku Valley is hill station in the North Coast region of Andhra Pradesh in Southern India. It is about 110 km (68 mi) from Visakhapatnam and many travellers visit this town as part of their trip to Visakhapatnam. In 2011, it was home to 57,000 people. It is a coffee plantation, and there is also a honey industry.
Understand
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Araku is blessed with enchanting beauty of the hills and greenery, interspersed with streams and rivulets. The morning fog is particularly lovely here. This area is often referred to as Ooty of Andhra. It is a valley in the Eastern Ghats inhabited by several tribes.
Araku Valley is definitely not a day trip, but the APTDC facilities can serve as a decent lodging. Book your APTDC rooms early. November to February are the best months to visit and making an early reservation in the lodges is advisable as Araku Valley has few lodges and hotels.
Get in
[edit]By train
[edit]1 Araku railway station. A slow, passenger train leaves the Vizag station early in the morning (at 6:50AM), and the train ride is enjoyable. Arrive at least an hour before its departure to get a seat. The train runs through small mountains and tunnels. "Shimiliguda" railway station, on the route, is the highest railway station in India on broad-gauge track.
By bus
[edit]There are buses that operate from APSRTC that have a daily tour as well as normal operations.
By car
[edit]You can also hire a taxi or car for as much as ₹2500 for a round trip and a night stay at Araku.
Get around
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Map of Araku Valley
Take a walk around the small town in the early morning while the fog is still there to catch the beauty of a hill station. Getting around Araku Valley is limited by limited public bus service. At APTDC lodge, cabs can be hired for a day trip through the valley to Borra caves; the ride is amazing.
See and do
[edit]- 1 Katiki Waterfalls. This is one of the most popular natural attractions near Araku Valley, located close to Borra Caves in the Eastern Ghats. Surrounded by dense forest and hills, the waterfall offers a refreshing experience for travelers looking to explore nature beyond regular tourist spots. To reach the falls, visitors need to take a short jeep ride from the main road followed by a brief trek of around 10–15 minutes. The route is slightly rugged but adds an adventurous touch to the journey. The best time to visit Katiki Waterfalls is during the monsoon and post-monsoon months when the water flow is strong and the surroundings are lush green.
- 2 Borra Caves. These are among the largest and oldest caves in India, located about 35 km from Araku Valley. Known for their stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations, the caves are a major attraction for visitors exploring the region. The caves are well-lit and accessible, making them suitable for families and all age groups. The natural formations inside the caves create unique shapes, which are often associated with mythological stories.
- Chaparai Waterfalls, also known as Dumbriguda Waterfalls, is a unique natural rock formation where water flows smoothly over flat stone surfaces. Unlike steep waterfalls, Chaparai is ideal for relaxing and spending time with family and friends. The area is easily accessible by road and is popular among tourists looking for a calm and scenic environment.
- Araku Coffee Plantations Araku Valley is widely known for its organic coffee plantations, which are cultivated by local tribal communities. Visitors can explore these plantations to understand the process of coffee cultivation and enjoy freshly brewed Araku coffee. The region’s climate and soil conditions make it one of the best places for coffee production in India.
- The Tribal Museum in Araku Valley offers insights into the lifestyle, traditions, and culture of the indigenous tribes of the region. It showcases traditional artifacts, tools, and handicrafts, making it an educational stop for visitors.
- The Wooden Bridge near Borra Caves and Katiki route is a small yet scenic spot surrounded by forest and hills. It is often used as a stop point for visitors traveling towards Katiki Waterfalls. The bridge offers a peaceful atmosphere with natural surroundings, making it a good place for short breaks and photography. During monsoon and winter, the area becomes more vibrant with greenery and flowing streams nearby.
- Ananthagiri Hills. This is one of the most scenic hill regions on the route to Araku Valley, known for its lush forests, coffee plantations, and cool climate. It is a popular stop for travelers coming from Visakhapatnam. The area is ideal for nature lovers and offers viewpoints, trekking opportunities, and peaceful surroundings away from city noise.
- Tyda Nature Camp is an eco-tourism destination located between Visakhapatnam and Araku Valley. Managed by tourism authorities, it offers activities like camping, trekking, and bird watching. The dense forest surroundings and well-maintained facilities make it a good stop for those interested in eco-tourism experiences.
- Galikonda View Point is one of the highest points in the Eastern Ghats along the Araku route. It offers panoramic views of valleys, hills, and passing trains. It is a popular photography spot, especially during early mornings and evenings when the weather is misty and pleasant.
- Ranajilleda Waterfalls is a lesser-known waterfall near Araku Valley, surrounded by dense forest and natural rock formations. It is ideal for travelers looking to explore quieter and less crowded locations. The waterfall is best visited during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons when water flow is at its peak.
- Padmapuram Gardens. It is a well-known tourist attraction in Araku Valley, developed as a botanical garden with various plant species and tree-top huts. The garden provides a relaxing environment for visitors and is suitable for families. It is also historically associated with wartime cultivation efforts.
- The Araku Coffee Museum showcases the journey of coffee cultivation in the region, from plantation to processing. Visitors can learn about different coffee varieties and enjoy tasting sessions. It highlights the importance of coffee farming to the local tribal economy.
- Various viewpoints in Araku Valley offer scenic landscapes of hills, valleys, and agricultural fields. These spots are often included during road trips and are ideal for photography and short stops.
- 3 Lambasingi. This village often called the “Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh,” is located near the Araku region and is known for its cold weather and mist-covered landscapes. It is one of the few places in South India where temperatures can drop significantly during winter.
- 4 Kothapally Waterfalls. This is a relatively unexplored natural spot near Araku Valley, surrounded by forest and hills. It is less crowded compared to major waterfalls and offers a peaceful environment. Best visited during monsoon season.
- The Vizag to Araku train route is famous for its multiple tunnels passing through hills and forests. The journey includes over 40 tunnels, making it one of the most unique rail experiences in India.
- Visitors to Araku Valley can explore nearby tribal villages to understand local lifestyles, agriculture, and traditions. These villages reflect a simple way of life connected closely with nature.
- The Araku region is rich in forest biodiversity, with various plant species, bamboo clusters, and natural vegetation. These forest areas contribute to the region’s cool climate and scenic beauty.
- Certain elevated spots in and around Araku Valley offer early morning sunrise views with fog-covered hills. These locations are especially popular during winter months.
- Araku Valley has several informal trekking trails through forest paths and hill slopes. These trails are generally short and suitable for beginners, offering close interaction with nature.
- Local weekly markets (shandies) in the Araku region are vibrant spaces where tribal communities sell vegetables, spices, handicrafts, and forest produce. These markets provide an authentic cultural experience.
- Balda Caves (often locally referred to as Bala Caves) are lesser-known cave formations in the Eastern Ghats region near Araku Valley. Unlike Borra Caves, these are not well developed for tourism, making them suitable for travelers interested in offbeat exploration. The caves are surrounded by forest terrain and may require local guidance to access safely.
- 5 Duduma Waterfalls. This is one of the highest waterfalls in southern India, located near the Andhra Pradesh–Odisha border. Formed by the Machkund River, the waterfall drops from a significant height and offers a powerful visual experience. The surrounding area includes hills and forest landscapes, making it a notable destination for nature enthusiasts. The best time to visit is during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons when water flow is strong.
- Vanjangi View Point (also known as Vanajangi) is a high-altitude viewpoint near Paderu, famous for its “sea of clouds” phenomenon. Early mornings often reveal clouds floating below the hill level, creating a unique visual experience. It is popular among travelers and photographers, especially during winter months.
- Chaparai Waterfalls, sometimes locally referred to as Chau Rai, is a flat rock waterfall located near Dumbriguda. Water flows smoothly over wide rock surfaces, making it different from vertical waterfalls like Katiki. The area is easily accessible and suitable for visitors looking for a relaxed and scenic environment.
- 6 Paderu. A hill town on the route between Visakhapatnam and Araku Valley that is known for its cool climate, tribal culture, and scenic surroundings. It also serves as a base for visiting nearby attractions like Vanjangi View Point.
- The Machkund region, near Duduma Waterfalls, is known for its hydroelectric project and natural landscapes. The area combines river systems, hills, and forest zones, making it significant both geographically and visually.
Eat
[edit]- Bamboo Chicken is a traditional tribal dish in Araku Valley, where chicken is cooked inside bamboo over fire. It is a popular local food experience for visitors exploring the region.
- Indian, Chinese, Continental and as well as local South Indian dishes are also available here.
Drink
[edit]Aruku valley has coffee plantations, and you can taste their coffee at Aruku valley coffee house near to the bus station in Aruku
Sleep
[edit]- Andhra Tourism Resort.
- Dhimsa Resorts, Phones: 08936-249555, 08936-249786
- Hill Park Resorts.
- Haritha Valley Resort, Phones: 089362 49202, (free breakfast, Wifi)
- RRK Resort, Phone: 086883 09090
- Tyada (on Araku-Vizag road). AP tourism runs a resort a there, which is the only place to stay there.
Stay safe
[edit]Go next
[edit]- Koraput, located in Odisha, is often included in extended Araku travel routes. It is known for its natural beauty, tribal heritage, and proximity to Deomali Hills and Duduma Waterfalls.
- Deomali Hills is the highest peak in Odisha, located near Koraput, not far from the Araku region. Known for its rolling grasslands, misty climate, and panoramic views, it is a popular destination for trekking and nature exploration. The hilltop offers wide open landscapes and is especially attractive during sunrise and sunset.
- Apart from Araku, surrounding regions like Paderu and Koraput also feature coffee and pepper plantations, contributing to the agricultural and economic landscape of the Eastern Ghats.
- Visakhapatnam