Araku Valley

Araku Valley About Araku Valley Tourism

Araku Valley is an extremely scenic hill station in the district of Vishakhapatnam in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. Famous for its expanse of coffee plantation, the valley is surrounded by green hills, lush valleys in different shades of green, and forests all around.  Located in the country’s Eastern Ghats, it is at an average altitude of 911 meters above sea level and is at a distance of 115 km from the city of Vishakhapatnam. The valley is quite close to the Orissa border in the north.  Things to do in Araku Valley The natural beauty of the valley is the main attraction of the place and draws tourists from all over the country as well as abroad. The journey to the valley is equally enthralling passing through dense forestry and scenic hills and valleys. At about a distance of 29 km is known for Borra caves, which is famous for its million-year old stalactites and stalagmites.  The Ananthagiri hills, which is known for its coffee plantation is also on the way to Araku Valley. And not just coffee plantation, the hill is also popular for its forests, lovely orchards and the serene environment.  The Araku Valley is mainly inhabited by the local tribes.  The Tribal Museum here is a place worth visiting since it houses a range of tribal handicrafts and artefacts of the indigenous tribal lifestyle.  The valley is perfect for a trekking trip or to just enjoy a relaxed vacation taking in the beautiful view of the landscape around. There are quite a few streams and waterfalls nearby which are visited by tourists and add to the beauty of the place. The Sangda waterfalls is one such beautiful waterfall.  The valley experiences a moderate climate which is neither too hot nor too cold. During the peak of summer however temperatures does soar, and the humidity also increases. Winter here is quite pleasant with comfortable temperatures and minimal humidity. The best time to visit Araku Valley is during the months of October to March during which time the weather is perfect for trekking and spending the day outdoors exploring the valley. Travelling to Araku Valley Araku Valley is connected both by road and rail, but most people prefer using the railways since the ride is considered to be one of the best, passing through a range of tunnels and valleys. The view by the side of the tracks is stunning and allows travellers to get a glimpse of the unexplored sides of the area. Vishakhapatnam airport serves as the closest airport to Araku Valley at a distance of 115 km. Tourists can hire taxis which cost about Rs 1500 to reach Araku Valley from airport. There are regular buses from Vishakhapatnam to Araku Valley.  Accommodation options in Araku Valley There is a wide array of accommodation options in Araku Valley available for tourists depending on their needs and budget.