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An Unforgettable Journey to Araku Valley

By Anusha

Araku Valley located in the Vizag district of Andhra Pradesh is a lush green paradise. With mist hanging across the hills, this place takes on an ethereal quality. Local attractions such as the Borra caves, further adds mystery to this abode in the hills. Despite the immense natural beauty, this place is cut away from the usual buzz of tourist circuits. Peaceful and clean, this hill station is definitely worth a visit.

While the highlight of the trip is the drive traversing scenic terrains from Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley, the place also has a few attractions you must visit. Here is a travel guide to Araku Valley, highlighting the must-visit places here and options for food, stay and shopping.

Chaparai Waterfalls

Chaparai Waterfalls

The scenic terrains of Arraku Valley have many waterfalls where you can go enjoy a heavenly dip and a good picnic spread! The Chaparai waterfalls is found 15 km from Araku Valley and is surrounded by thick forest cover. Plan to head to Chaparai for a picnic lunch.

Photo Courtesy: Satyam

Borra Caves

Borra Caves

En-route from Visakhapatnam, you will find a fascinating place to visit- the Borra Caves, located 35 km away from Araku Valley. The caves are among the largest in the country and stand high at an elevation of 705 mt. The visit here will leave you impressed when you take a look at stunning stalagmite and stalactite formations. These limestone structures take on interesting colours due to the various sediments and growth of micro-organisms. The available lighting inside is reflected across the caves to create a stunning effect.

Photo Courtesy: vijayvenkatesh

Galikondalu Viewpoint

Galikondalu Viewpoint

Among the tourist places to visit in Araku Valley is the Galikondalu viewpoint located 15 km away. At 3,800 ft above sea level, this place offers panoramic views of the valley and surrounding hills.

Photo Courtesy: roadconnoisseur

Tribal Museum

Tribal Museum

The Tribal Museum is one of the interesting places to visit in Araku Valley, as it throws light on the culture and lives of local tribes. The museum also consists of a Tribal Arts and Crafts Centre to encourage tribal art and this place holds exhibitions and workshops on a regular basis.

Photo Courtesy: Adityamadhav

Anathagiri Waterfalls

Anathagiri Waterfalls

Located 30 km from Araku Valley and at a height of 100 ft, the Anathagiri Waterfalls is a sight to behold after the monsoons. The approach road of about 2 km is only suitable for SUVs or better traversed by foot. Rocks surrounding the waterfalls is slippery and you should be careful if you choose to swim here as the water is not too clean.

Photo Courtesy: Praveen

Champi and Madugula Treks

Champi and Madugula Treks

The nearby villages of Champi and Madugula are popular trekking routes from Araku Valley. The lush forest trails make for an adventurous trip. However stay safe in the monsoons as the trails can be very slippery.

Photo Courtesy: roadconnoisseur

Katiki Waterfalls

Katiki Waterfalls

Another tourist place to visit near Araku Valley is the Katiki Waterfalls. Located a short distance from the Borra Caves, the approach route however is extremely tough terrain that is ideally approached by jeep. The exciting part of the journey is that at about 1 km from the waterfall, you will need to trek up to the waterfalls. There are steep steps leading to the top, so prepare for a mildly strenuous climb.

Photo Courtesy: Satyam

Food & Stay Options

Food & Stay Options

Try the local delicacy of Bamboo Chicken, prepared by the tribes indigenous to the Eastern Ghats. This highly flavoured and healthy dish is made by stuffing meat into a green bamboo stalks, along with spices and the openings are closed with leaves. This arrangement is then placed over the flames and cooked.

Photo Courtesy: Ryan McLaughlin

Shopping at Araku Valley

Shopping at Araku Valley

There are many locally made art and craft that are as colourful as the local tribes, and you can purchase them at Araku Valley. Wooden items ranging from key-chains to wooden craft is popular here. Take your pick from the colourful assortments of crafts!

Photo Courtesy:Rajib Ghosh

How To Reach Araku Valley

How To Reach Araku Valley

By Road: Unless you are planning to drive down, there are many private and public buses connecting Visakhapatnam to major cities. The Andhra Pradesh tourism board also offers many guided travel packages by bus.
By Rail: The Araku railway station is well connected to Visakhapatnam, which in turn is well connected to most major cities and towns in India.
By Air: The nearest airport is the Visakhapatnam airport located 115 km away from Araku Valley. You can proceed from here by taxi.

Photo Courtesy: Raj

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