The Araku Valley is an idyllic destination not so well known but the more you get to explore the region of Andhra Pradesh the more you will be amazed by all the treasures it holds. Araku Valley is a picturesque place situated in the mountains at an altitude of 911 metres in the Visakhapatnam district. The natural beauty of this valley lies in its beautiful scenery, mountains, and above all the Araku waterfalls. The Valley is the ideal place to relax and feed the soul, the mountain ranges of the Eastern Ghats are perfect for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts.
How to Get to Araku Valley
The drive to the valley along Ghat Road is the first tourist attraction you will get a chance to admire. The lush forests surrounding the road make the journey interesting and enjoyable. Along the way, you have to pass through 46 tunnels and bridges. The Ananthagiri Mountains on the way to the Araku Valley are famous for their coffee plantations. The Araku Valley is connected by both rail and road to the towns of Visakhapatnam and Vizag. Scenic bus tours from Vizag to Araku are in great demand and you can book bus tickets with APSRTC to ensure the best journey of all.
Highlights of The Araku Valley
The Araku Valley offers several wonders for those who visit it, it is a magical place that yearns to be explored. The history, caves, and the Araku waterfalls will not leave you indifferent, a real immersion into Indian culture and nature, this place should be at the top of your bucket list. The Araku Valley has witnessed civilisations dating back thousands of years and is surrounded by incredible scenery. Here are some more details about the places you definitely can’t miss and should include when you visit the Araku Valley.
- Araku Valley Tribal Museum
The Araku Valley is inhabited by tribal people and for you to learn more about them and their history there is a museum that will tell you all about it. The Araku Tribal Museum offers a detailed insight into the life of the people of the Araku Valley by tracing their history. You will find crafts and statues that will take you through the culture. The architecture of the museum is indigenous, from the colours to the materials used. It is the perfect place to begin to connect with all that surrounds the Araku Valley.
- Chaparai Waterfalls
One of the breath-taking Araku Valley waterfalls, also known as the Dumbriguda Waterfalls. An astonishing place surrounded by forests full of life and colour, situated on the Gosthani River, one of the most important rivers in the region. The best time to visit these waterfalls is after the monsoons when they are not too dry but not too slippery. The Araku waterfalls are a favourite picnic spot for families and groups of friends, with such scenery you are sure to have an unforgettable holiday.
- Araku Valley Borra Caves
These caves are over a million years old and are full of splendid stalagmites and stalactites. In addition, some formations are somewhat reminiscent of the human brain. And it is for this reason that they received the name Borra because in the local language this means brain. Although they were baptised and supposedly discovered in 1807.
It should be noted that they are also a shrine, the locals claim that the faithful occupied them centuries ago. Legend has it that a local herder lost a cow and saw it fall into a hole. When he arrived at the site, he found the caves and inside a Lingam (a representation of the Hindu deity Shiva). The tour is impressive and to make sure you don’t get lost you can opt for a guided tour. Inside the caves, you can hear the water of the Gosthani river flowing over the walls, definitely a unique experience.
- Tadimada Waterfalls
Also known as Ananthagiri Falls after the Ananthagiri people who live nearby. Another of Araku’s waterfalls that will leave you speechless with the swirling water cascading through them, this is another proof of the power and magnificence of nature, this spot is perfect for watching a sunrise or sunset. A hike through the stunning forests that surround it and wind their way up to it will be an unforgettable experience that you can only have when visiting the Araku Valley.
- Padmapuram Botanical Garden
Located just 2.5 km from the Araku bus station, this place can be one of your first stops. This garden was built during the Second World War to grow vegetables for the soldiers fighting. Nowadays this garden is much more than that and you will find flowers of all colours and exotic trees. One of the most interesting things is the treetop huts that you can rent and also the exclusive rose garden.
- Katiki Waterfall
Located near the Borra Caves, you should visit both attractions at the same time. The hike to the waterfalls already makes the trip worthwhile so the destination is the icing on the cake. This place provides the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature with family, friends, and especially on a solo trip. A beautiful experience with an incredible landscape to disconnect from the daily routine.
- Local Delicacies
The Araku Valley will not only amaze you with its unique scenery and attractions, but it will also delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more. The Bongulo Chicken (chicken in bamboo) stands out especially for the way it is cooked with just a little charcoal and bamboo in 15 minutes. The chicken is lightly oiled and lightly spiced, its aroma will accompany you from Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley. The trick to using almost no oil is that the bamboo is used as a pressure cooker allowing the chicken to cook in its juices. You will find bamboo chicken stalls at all the attractions that make Araku Valley such a scenic and special place.
The Araku Valley is full of forests, waterfalls, and incredible landscapes that will bring your trip to life and provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable adventure. The serenity and peace of nature in the valley will allow you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in a tranquil and idyllic setting. The region is full of wonders and it’s time to discover them all!
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