Araku Valley

Araku Valley, popularly known as Araku, is a scenic hill station in the Vishakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. Relatively lesser-known, the hill station has retained its pristine charm over time. At an elevation of about 975m. Araku is famous for its coffee plantations surrounded by beautiful gardens, streams, waterfalls, and valleys that are covered with lush green forests.

Araku Valley is a hill station situated in the Eastern Ghats in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, around 111 km west of Visakhapatnam city. The place is often referred to as the Ooty of Andhra Pradesh. Araku is located in the Eastern Ghats, close to the Odisha state border. The Anantagiri and Sunkarimetta Reserved Forests are part of Araku Valley. The area is rich in biodiversity and is mined for bauxite.

The Raktkonda, Sunkrimetta, Chitamogondi, and Galikonda mountains form a protective wall around the valley. The Galikonda Mountain, at an elevation of 1524 m. Near the hill station is the highest mountain in all of Andhra Pradesh.

The valley spreads over 36 km. Lush green forest and the amazing climate create the perfect ambiance for those tiring souls to take a break from their mundane lifestyle. The natural beauty of the place attracts tourists from all over the world to the hill station. There are many places of interest in the Araku valleys, like the government silk farm, famous for its mulberry gardens, and the tribal museum. The region is home to many tribes, and the area is rich in tribal culture.

Araku mountainous region offers popular activities like trekking, and the area offers several interesting trails. The most well-known and popular trekking trail goes through dense forests to the summit, but a few adventurous trails go through the many streams that dot the landscape and are ideal to view breathtaking waterfalls like the Sangda waterfall, Dumbriguda Waterfalls, and Araku waterfalls, also known as Ranajilleda waterfalls. It is an 18m high waterfall requiring a small amount of hard work to get there.

Araku Valley is an absolute stunner and is home to picturesque hill stations, pristine beaches, and temples. You will get to see some of the rare trees and flowers that are actually rare to find anywhere. It is also a popular tourist hotspot as it was one of the most significant parts of Araku’s historical past.

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Borra cave

Along the Araku Valley, you can visit the Borra Caves. These caves are indeed an architectural marvel and a phenomenal creation in water action in the Carbonate terrain. The cave is the longest and deepest cave in India. After lighting a few halogen lamps, people are good to go and explore the length and breadth of these caves. Natural stalactite and stalagmite fill the caves, which are normally lit up, and the light forms spectacular patterns inside the caves.

A small village Tyda, is 70 kilometers away from Vizag, and is popular because of an ecotourism resort run by AP Tourism and the forest department called Jungle Bells Camp or Tyda Nature Camp. The camp is located amidst rich flora and fauna and offers several adventure activities, including trekking, hiking, and bird watching, making it a great place for tourists.

Most travelers prefer to visit this region during the winter season,  between the months of December and February. However, tourists can even explore this place during the months of September and May, when the weather is almost perfect for adventure activities like trekking, sightseeing, and caving.

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Araku Valley is about 111 km from Visakhapatnam, and is the nearest airport. Alternatively, Touristic can also opt for the ‘glass train’ (Vista dome train) fitted with massive windows for travelers to soak in the gorgeous views.

How to Reach Araku Valley

Araku Valley is a beautiful hill station located in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh. The nearest airport is Visakhapatnam International Airport, about 110–120 km from Araku Valley. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus/train to Araku. The most scenic way to reach Araku is by train from Visakhapatnam. Trains are running from Visakhapatnam Railway Station to Araku Railway Station.