Araku Valley

Araku Valley is a serene hill station located 115 km away from Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It is often referred to as the Ooty of Andhra Pradesh because of the beauty of the places to visit in Araku Valley and the weather. This valley in the Eastern Ghats is known for its coffee plantations. The crystal-clear waterfalls, birds chirping amidst the dense greenery all around and pleasant weather, are a unique experience for people living in cities.

The journey to Araku Valley by train is a memorable experience. The picture-perfect landscape, the misty hills, tunnels, waterfalls and streams of water enrich your journey. A trip via the winding roads is equally alluring. The valley is inhabited by tribals, and the Tribal Museum is one of the important places to visit in Araku Valley.

Araku Valley Overview

Best time to visit Araku Valley

The Araku Valley weather remains pleasant throughout the year in places to visit in Araku Valley. The best time to visit Araku Valley is between June to September. Araku Valley temperature remains moderate during this time. The greenery in the valley is worth experiencing. The waterfalls are full at this time and it is an ideal time to enjoy the enthralling beauty. Places to visit in Araku Valley attract a lot of tourists during monsoons.

How to reach the places to visit in Araku Valley?

The places to visit in Araku Valley can be reached through roadways or by train. Even before you reach Araku Valley, the road trip through the winding roads is an experience in itself. Located 115 km away from Vishakhapatnam, it takes almost 3 hours to reach the valley by train. If you want to take a flight, then Vishakhapatnam is the closest airport. After reaching Vishakhapatnam airport, you can take a cab to go around the places to visit in Araku Valley.

What are the things to see & do in Araku Valley?

There are many places to visit in Araku Valley. Surrounded by tall mountains and foggy clouds, the waterfalls and coffee plantations make it a perfect weekend getaway. Located at an elevation of 911 m above sea level, the main places to visit in Araku Valley are Padmapuram Botanical Garden, Tribal Museum Araku, Chaparai Waterfalls, Katiki waterfalls, Coffee Museum Araku and Araku Valley Borra Caves.

Places to Visit in Araku Valley

Araku Valley Borra Caves

Located in the Ananthagiri hills of the Araku Valley, it is one of the finest places to visit in Araku Valley. One of the largest in the country, the Araku Valley Borra Caves are a major attraction. Borra Caves have stalactite and stalagmite structures that date back millions of years. The spectacular caverns perched at an elevation of 1,400 m above sea level are a scenic delight for visitors. Some of the imposing formations are those of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, a mother with a child, a crocodile, a human brain and a tiger. There is a small temple outside the caves built by the villagers.

Tribal Museum, Araku Valley

One of the most popular places to visit in Araku Valley is the Tribal Museum. Araku Valley is inhabited by tribal people belonging to the Araku tribes. Out of all the places to visit in Araku Valley this museum draws ones attention. At a stones throw distance from Araku Bus Stop, this museum explores the tradition, culture, art and craft of the tribal people of Araku Valley. Araku Valley is home to 19 tribes that live in the vicinity of the town. The museum was established to create awareness about tribal culture and lifestyle. It exhibits various types of articles made using clay, hunting tools, kitchen utensils and tribal jewellery. The handicraft stall in the museum sells handmade tribal art.

Chaparai Waterfalls

Situated just 15 km from Araku Valley, this waterfall is accessible by road. It is an ultimate destination for outdoor activities like camping and swimming, making it one of the most sought-after places to visit in Araku Valley. The scenic beauty around the waterfall is unparalleled. Savour the delectable street food that is sold here. Bamboo chicken is a must-try on your excursion to Chaparai Waterfalls. Munch on some freshly cooked kababs or bhutta (corn) and sip piping hot tea/coffee as you get enchanted by the beauty of nature.

Padmapuram Botanical Garden

Built in 1942 with the idea to supply vegetables to soldiers who fought during the Second World War, this garden was later converted into a horticultural nursery cum training center. Plant lovers will find some of the rarest species of flowers and trees. The garden is dotted with tree houses and stone sculptures. A popular way to see the garden is to get on the Araku Express toy train. You can also book tree-top houses that are 10 feet above the ground and enjoy the view from your cottage. Nature lovers who are in search of places to visit in Araku Valley that suit their interests should not miss this place.

Food to Try in Places to Visit in Araku Valley

Other than scenic locales, Araku valley also serves great food. You will find restaurants serving North Indian, South Indian, Chinese and Odiya cuisine. Small eateries and roadside stalls also sell delicious snacks. Bamboo Chicken (Bongulo Chicken) is synonymous with Araku. The aroma of bamboo chicken from the meandering roads leading to the tribal villages attracts all tourists. . The delicacy is cooked without oil within a piece of the green bamboo stalk, making it both healthy and tasty. The marination is made using herbs available locally, giving the chicken a distinct flavour. With the huge number of tourists coming to the places to visit in Araku Valley, the demand for this meal is at an all-time high.

Things to Buy in the Places to Visit in Araku Valley

Araku Valley is known for the vast expanse of coffee plantations so a trip to the places to visit in Araku Valley will be incomplete without buying coffee. Araku coffee is completely organic coffee grown and processed by the Adivasis. The taste and aroma have made it gain global recognition. You will find an assortment of handmade chocolates in various flavours like peanut butter, coffee biscuit, coconut, honeydew, and honey with almonds. Araku Valley is famous for its unique coffee-bean chocolates. These chocolates are loved by kids and adults equally so they can be bought as a souvenir on your way back. A visit to a strawberry farm should be included in the list of places to visit in Araku Valley. Plucking ripened strawberries and bringing them back is a popular activity in the valley. Madugula Halwa, peppers and other spices are some other things that can be bought from Araku Valley.

If altitude gives you a high, head to the mountains of Araku Valley. You will love sightseeing and outdoor activities. The tranquil vibe of Araku Valley will instantly calm your mind.

Here are a few quick facts to make your travel safe and easy to Araku Valley. Araku Valley is a Hills & Mountains destination. The best time to visit Araku Valley is September, October, November, December, January and February. Since this is the peak season expect a little crowd during this time. March, April and May period experiences moderate weather. So, you can easily avoid facing a large gathering.

In peak season the weather is pleasant weather throughout the day with cooler nights, whereas in off-season the weather is moderate to heavy rainfalls with occasional landslides. Weather in moderate season is pleasant weather with slightly higher temperatures. During Itika Pongal, Visakha Utsav, a large number of tourists flock together. The festivals are celebrated in the month of April, January,... consecutively. So, if you are fond of bustling streets and localities, choose this time of the year to travel.

If your travel seems incomplete without getting into some fun activities then you will love to get indulged in sightseeing and outdoor activities. In moderate season you will love to get indulged in visiting the waterfalls.

Conclusion

Plan a trip to this comparatively unexplored hill station and enjoy the tranquillity. A train trip from Vishakhapatnam in train takes you through 58 tunnels and 84 bridges and the vistas are going to steal your heart. Plan your trip so that you can make the best of the places to visit in Araku Valley. This quaint hill station is a perfect escapade for newly married couples, solo travellers, groups of friends and families.