Araku Valley is a pristine hill station in the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. At a distance of 111 kms from Vizag the green destination is a clear respite, away from the hustle and bustle of Vishakhapatnam city.

It is fondly referred to as the ‘Andhra’s own Ooty location’. This valley in the Eastern Ghats has two reserved forests which add to its bio-diversity and make it an attractive tourist destination.

Rail-cum-Road Journey to Araku Valley

The train journey from Vizag to Araku is a picturesque delight. The train passes through 40 tunnels and 54 bridges. As it begins climbing the hills through tunnels and bridges, you can see big and small waterfalls, orchards, gardens, the quick glimpse of green valley and river combination, and the marvel of Borra caves, another treasure trove for visitors to the Araku Valley. Your ride to the Araku top is lined with thick forests on either side, which also includes a climb of 4500 feet and then, a sliding down of 3000 feet in the valley.

A view of the stretch along Borra Caves, along with the train journey, will make you inquisitive and wanting to know more. Araku is at an altitude of 1300 metres and spread over 36 kms.

AP Tourism offers a two day tourist package which includes train journey from Vishakapatam Railway Station up to Araku and back. The train stops at Araku and Borra Caves. One can do sightseeing in Araku with a visit to Botanical Garden and the Tribal Musuem in Araku. In addition, a stopover is done at Borra Caves and food and snacks are included in the railway package as you tour Borra Caves. There is a one day package as well.

For more information, visit this link- http://www.aptdc.gov.in/special-tours/araku_valley.html

On Your Way To Araku Hill Station

A visit to Araku Valley comprises a lookout of the Galikonda hill rising, one of the highest peak in Andhra, at a height of 1500 m. The complete Araku Valley landscape is a journey to an altitude of about 1300 m. Quite naturally, a visit here is full of scenic delights and pleasant weather. As you unravel yourself along the forested journey, the musical notes of heavy waterfalls will greet you and take you to the other level of nature mingling.

Do not forget the very famous delicacy, bamboo chicken, offered in the tribal areas of Araku Valley. Also called “Bongulo Chicken” by locals it is made using green bamboo stalk. It is a healthy and delicious recipe, consisting of the typical spice and herbs marination of Andhra minus the oil. A roadside bamboo chicken serve is a must have. 

Things to-do in Araku Valley

We recommend you do a 2 nights 3 day stay to enjoy the beauty of Araku Valley Hill Station. Places to see are – 

Tribal Musuem: Once you reach here, settle yourself in the serene beauty of the place. A beginning stroll through the area will take you to the tribal museum. It is at a distance of about 200 m from Araku bus station and a must visit to explore the tribal culture of Eastern Ghats. The museum was established by The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation in 1996 with a clear purpose to build awareness and mostly, provide information about the tribal culture and lifestyle, in motion, which means it currently exists. 

There are 19 tribes that live in Araku Valley region. On a visit here, you will notice the use of mud and real metals to portray much of the tribal life here. On display are utensils made of iron and mud, on one hand, and there are depictions of the tribal wedding ceremony on the other side. The drawings and artwork of the tribal adorn the museum walls.

Borra Caves: Borra Caves are one million year old limestone caves, also identified as the deepest caves in India. Located in Anantagiri Hills, the caves stand firm at an altitude of 1400 m, and are spread over an area of 2 sq.m.

It is interesting to dig into the facts of these natural caves, which were first discovered in 1807 by William King George of the Geological Survey of India. It was during this time that a natural shiv linga was first spotted. A small temple with elongated but steep steps now greets visitors. In addition, the caves are full of calcium deposits and the Gosthani river flows through the caves.

The flow of the river through the limestone area resulted in cutting of rocks and building of the caves. The pressure exerted by the humic acid in the water on the mineral deposits dissolved the limestone in the water. This also resulted in the formation of different shapes in the caves. There is the sight of Shiv-Parvarthi, Human Braun, Crocodile, and Tiger stalagmites and stalactites formation. Of religious significance is the Shiva lingam and an idol of a cow (Kamadhenu).

Ananthagiri Hill Station: It is at a short distance from Borra caves. It is another pristine hill station lying between Vizag and Araku Valley and is at a height of 1168 metres. There is a splendid view of coffee plantations lining the area. There are numerous waterfalls with gorgeous views of the deep valley on one side, and coffee greenery on the other. 

There are coffee estates surrounding the villages and a cup of coffee with the locals in the peaceful environment of this hill station won’t cost you a buck. Enjoy the panoramic views, the sunrise and sunset, the thick forests and wide mountain range as you pave your way to Anantagiri. It has lovely weather all through the year. 

Other Popular Destinations include – 

• Tyda Park
• Gosthani River
• Katiki waterfalls
• Dumbriguda Waterfalls
• Bheemili Beach
• Chaparai Waterfalls

Enjoy Araku Valley.