Your One-Stop Guide to Araku Valley

Araku Valley is located around 114 km from Visakhapatnam in the Eastern Ghats. The history of this tourist attraction located in Visakhapatnam District dates back to the 20^th century. This is when the valley captured the attention of travellers. It never failed to impress tourists with its delightful weather and natural splendour.

Originally, Araku Valley located in Andhra Pradesh State was the home to indigenous tribes for many centuries. Its beauty reached popularity through word of mouth. It never fails to attract visitors from across the world. An important moment in the tourism evolution of Araku came in the early 1960s. This happened following the introduction of the South-Central Railway train route to this place.

Araku Valley – An Introduction

As Araku Valley is located around 115 km from Vizag, it is a favourite weekend destination for people living in the coastal city. This attraction is located around 3200 feet altitude and continues to attract tourists all around the year. It attracts eco-tourists and those looking for a family vacation. With its rich natural beauty, this place is made more beautiful by its tribal villages, forest and waterfalls.

You might have heard about the Araku Coffee brand. This brand produces coffee from the coffee plantations in this valley. Apart from being popular for its coffee plantations, this place attracts tourists with the unique traditions and culture followed by the local tribal communities.

How to Reach?

Araku Valley is well connected by different modes of transportation from Vizag. So, regardless of your city of origin, you can book any mode of transportation to reach Vizag. From Vizag, you can choose a convenient mode to reach Araku Valley. Here are the transportation options available to you:

By Bus

There are direct buses to Vizag from different cities in India. So, you can reach the coastal city. From Vizag, the Andhra Pradesh Road Transportation Corporation operates many buses. You can even find luxury buses connecting Vizag and Araku. So, you can reach the valley within 3 or 4 hours by bus from Vizag.

By Train

Similar to buses, the Indian Railways operates trains to Vizag from different Indian cities. The travel hours will vary based on the city from which you are travelling by train. Once you reach Vizag, you can catch another train to reach Araku. Even, you can book train tickets from Vizag to Araku through the official website of IRCTC when you book your train tickets to Vizag. Similar to bus travel, the train travel from Vizag will take around 3 to 4 hours.

By Flight

Visakhapatnam Airport is an international airport that has a terminal for domestic flights as well. So, you can conveniently book your flight tickets. From Vizag, you can book a cab to reach Araku Valley. Even, you can travel by train or bus based on your convenience and budget.

By Car

If you are travelling from South Indian cities, you can drive your car from your hometown to Araku Valley. You might have direct routes from your city to Araku avoiding Vizag. Otherwise, you can reach Vizag for a relaxing stay. Then, you can drive from Vizag to Araku. This drive will be a delightful experience as you will pass through lush landscapes and scenic ghats. The journey will take around 3-4 hours. It is better to plan your drive during the daytime. Only then, you can get the best views.

Key Attractions & Things to Do

Indeed, a stay at Araku itself is an experience to cherish. However, when you are in a tourist attraction like this, you will be interested in knowing about the things to do and key attractions. Here are a few of them to know:

Sri Mahalingeshwara Swamy Temple

This temple in Araku is dedicated to a local deity. This god is believed to have protected fish during a flight with snakes. The god is believed to have reached this village called Matyagundam, which is translated as Fish Pool.

Bheemunipatnam Beach

Located close to Araku, this beach is near the opening of the Gosthani River. With its ruins of Portuguese history, aqua-emerald colour water and coconut trees, this beach will impress you for sure.

Coffee Plantations

When talking about Araku, you cannot conclude the post without talking about its lush coffee plantations. These plantations are further beautified by the hanging coffee beans.

Araku Tribal Museum

Do you wish to learn a lot about the life of local tribes in Araku? If so, the destination to visit is the Araku Travel Museum. You can get to see the colourful outfits worn by the locals and their daily use products. Examples include their craft, art and clay works are on display in this museum.

Padampuran Botanical Garden

This botanical garden in Araku is one of the places to relax with its lush green trees. Kids will enjoy this place as there is a toy train for kids to ride in this garden. Not only your kids but also you can enjoy by staying in one of the three huts located inside the botanical garden.

As you are looking for places to visit near Araku Valley, you can plan a visit to Padmapuram Gardens. This is a botanical garden located around 2.5 km away from Araku Bus Station. This is the best place to spend some time with your family. You can find a wide variety of plants and trees in this garden. There is greenery everywhere in Padmapuram Gardens.

Sangda Waterfalls

Sangda Waterfalls are again a must-visit when you are in Araku. The falls is named so because it is located in a small village called Sangda.

Katiki Falls

If you would like to spend some time enjoying flowing water, you can visit Katiki Falls. You can trek at these falls. Also, when you are here do not forget to try the local delicacy called Bamboo-chicken.

Tyda Village and Park

The small village called Tyda in Araku has transformed into a welcoming place for tourists. You can trek and camp here for a wonderful experience close to nature. Yet another key attraction in this place is birdwatching. Also, you will love sighting animals if you are a wildlife enthusiast.

Borra Caves

Just a few km away from Araku are the Borra Caves. You can experience both depth and height at this natural wonder. Near the entrance of the cave, you can find a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Dumbriguda Fall

At this waterfall, you will find this waterfall flowing from a height of 3215 feet. This is an excellent place to visit when you are staying at Araku Valley. This is a place you will love a lot as it will take you close to nature’s lap. Chaparai Waterfall is another name for this waterfall.

Anathagiri Hills

These hills are located around 30 km away from Araku Valley. You will find tour operators offering either  Ananthagiri Hills or Araku Valley Packages. When you visit both these places during your visit, you are sure to get an exhilarating experience.

Shop at the Local Market

No trip to any place is complete without shopping for some local stuff. You can get to the local market in Araku if you are a shopping enthusiast. You can buy a lot of stuff like jewellery, sarees and antiques from this market.

Best Time & Season To Visit

The good thing about Araku Valley is that it is an all-round year destination. Indeed, similar to other attractions, this place also has a peak season. If you are interested in visiting the valley during a peak season or any other season, here is what you should know:

Peak Season

The peak season at Araku Valley which attracts a lot of tourists is between November and February. During this season, you can expect pleasant weather. The weather will be pleasant all through the season and the nights will be cool. So, this is the best season for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Moderate Season

If you wish that there would not be much crowds, you can choose a moderate season between March and June. The weather will be pleasant during this season. However, the temperatures will be slightly higher. The best thing you can do when you visit in this season is to visit the waterfalls.

Off-Season

If you wish that there would not be any crowds in Araku Valley when you visit, you can choose off-season. The months between July and October are off-season in this valley. During this season, there will be moderate to heavy rains. Even, you should be ready for occasional landslides. However, you can expect heavy off-season discounts on accommodations during this season.

Duration To See

Most tourists recommend that you spend 2 days in Araku Valley. If you visit early on the visit early on the first day, you will have a lot of time to explore the nearby attractions as well.

Best Restaurants and Cafes Around

Indeed, Araku is a small town. However, as it is a tourist spot, it houses a lot of restaurants and cafes. Here are the names of the best options available to dine near the valley:

• Star Annapurna Restaurant
• Vasundhara Restaurant
• Amantran Bengali Restaurant
• Newspicy Restaurant
• Tribe Naturals
• Rajadhani Restaurant
• Coffee House

Where to Stay? Best Resorts in Araku Valley

In case, you are planning to spend at least 2 days in Araku Valley, you should book your accommodation in one of the best resorts. Here are the names of a few resorts that provide the best accommodations to tourists:

• Araku Hill Resorts
• Rahul Resorts
• Krishna Tara Comforts
• Valley Springs Resorts
• Sri Laahari Bamboo Resorts
• Ushodaya Resort
• Good Morning Resorts
• At Home Prakruthi Resorts
• Vihar Holiday Resorts
• Haritha Hill Resorts
• The Village Villa Resorts
• Holiday Park Resort
• Casa Holiday Resorts
• Valley Springs Resorts

You can choose to stay in one of these resorts. Araku houses other resorts as well. If you plan to visit during the peak season, make sure to book your accommodations early.

Entry Fee & Ticket Prices

You need not have to pay any entry fee to visit Araku Valley. However, some attractions in and near this place have some entry fees. They are as follows:

• Borra Caves – Rs. 60 for adults, Rs.45 for kids and phone cameras, you will have to pay Rs.100 extra. The same fee applies if you carry a still or digital camera.
• Tribal Museum – Rs.40 for adults and Rs.20 for kids
• Padmapuram Gardens – Rs.10 for entry and separate fee for toy train rides

FAQ

1. Is Araku Valley Suitable for Family Vacation?

Yes, Araku Valley is a family-friendly tourist spot. It has attractions and activities suitable for people of different age groups. This includes natural sites like waterfalls, museums and gardens.

2. Can I Get Web Access in Araku Valley?

The internet connectivity in Araku Valley is moderate. Major mobile network services offer the best coverage in most parts of this valley. However, in remote forests and areas, signs may be weak.

3. Can I Get ATM Facilities in Araku?

Yes, ATM Services are available in Araku. However, it is better to carry cash if you are visiting remote places when staying in Araku Valley.

4. What Kind of Clothing is Ideal For Araku?

You can carry comfortable and light clothing. However, it is better to carry warm layers if you are visiting during the winter. The reason is that evenings can be chilly.

5. Are There Spots to Trek at Araku Valley?

Yes, Araku Valle offers many trekking trails in and around its hills. You can trek to coffee plantations. Even, many resorts in this place organize guided trekking trips to satiate adventure enthusiasts.

Conclusion

It should be stated that Araku Valley is a gem in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It offers tourists an ideal blend of relaxation, cultural richness and scenic beauty. Irrespective of whether you are drawn by the unique tribal culture, waterfalls or lush coffee plantations, you will love Araku Valley for sure. You can expect to gather memorable experiences here. With this guide, you might have gathered all the required information before you plan your visit to this valley. Happy Journey!

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