Araku Valley – The Ooty of Andhra Pradesh

Araku Valley is a misty Hill station in the nestled in the Eastern Ghats.It is located in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. Araku Valley is about 120 from Visakhapatnam.This destination is more liked for its lush greenery areas,various waterfalls,gushing streams of flowing water and Gosthani river.

This place is usually called Ooty of Andhra.

By rail and road, Araku is connected to Visakhapatnam. Araku railway station is located on the Kothavalasa-Kirandul railway line of the Visakhapatnam division of the East Coast Railway on the Indian Railways network.Every half-hour, RTC buses depart for Visakhapatnam.

The following are the must visit places in Araku

Borra Caves

 Borra Caves are one million year-old limestone caves and the country’s deepest caves, located 36 kilometres from Araku, 88 kilometres from Vizag, and 662 kilometres from Hyderabad. The caves are located in the Anantagiri hills of Andhra Pradesh, at an altitude of 1400 metres, and cover an area of 2 square kilometres. Borra Caves is one of Araku Valley’s most popular tourist attractions.

Ananthagiri Hills

Anantagiri is a delightful little hill station halfway between Vizag and Araku Valley, about 26 km from Araku and 85 km from Vizag..It is one of Araku Valley’s most popular tourist destinations, as well as one of Andhra Pradesh’s best hill stations and a popular weekend getaway from Vizag.  

Anantagiri is known for its extensive coffee plantations and numerous waterfalls, which are located at an elevation of 1168 metres.On the way to Anantagiri, there is a viewpoint on the main road that provides spectacular views of deep valleys on one side and coffee plantations on the other.             

Chaapari

With its endless streams that cut across Araku Valley’s large rock formations, Chaparai Waterfalls is a popular tourist attraction. Because of the presence of a beautiful stream flowing through wide rock formations, the area surrounding the waterfalls has become a popular picnic spot. A large natural water slide is created by smooth slanting rocks that interrupt the stream.

Tribal Museum

Araku Tribal Museum is a wonderful place that explores the tribal culture of the Eastern Ghats and is only 200 metres away from Araku Bus Station. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Araku Valley.

This museum was founded in 1996 by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. Araku Valley is home to 19 tribes who live in the surrounding area.

Visiting Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Adults pay Rs. 10 and children pay Rs. 5 for entry

Katika Waterfalls

Katiki or Katika Waterfall is a magnificent waterfall located near Borra Caves in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, at a distance of 7 km from Borra Caves, 39 km from Araku, 90 km from Vizag. It is one of Araku’s best waterfalls and one of the best places to visit in Araku.

The name of the falls comes from the name of a nearby village.To get to Katiki Falls from Araku, take the Borra Caves road from Araku to Visakhapatnam’s Mulyaguda junction (around 30 km from Araku, after Anantagiri). Continue on the same road until you reach the Borra Caves railway crossing. Nearly 2 kilometres past the railway crossing, turn left onto the straight road that leads to Borra Caves (caves are 2 km from here).

Take a left after 300 metres on the same road and travel for about 4-5 kilometres. The road comes to an end near Tunnel #44, where it meets the railway track. From here, cross the railway track and continue straight up the mountain. The falls are about a 20-30 minute hike away, and the path is narrow and slick. Gatevalsa has jeeps available for rent (7 km from Katiki).

The best months to visit this waterfall are August to December.

Padmapuram Gardens

Padmapuram Gardens is a popular botanical garden in Araku, located 2.5 kilometres from Araku Bus Station. It is one of Araku Valley’s most well-known tourist attractions.

Taking the Araku Express toy train, which is popular among visitors to the gardens, is a fun way to see the gardens. Along with the toy train, the garden also has tree top huts that tourists can rent. The hanging cottages, also known as tree huts, are ten feet above ground level.

Staying in a hanging cottage is a thrilling experience, and guests can enjoy a rare swing as the tree sways in response to a strong breeze. The main attractions, which are sold to visitors, are a beautiful rose garden and exotic plant varieties.

Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for each individual.

Visiting Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Anantagiri Waterfalls/Tadimada Waterfalls

Tadimada Waterfalls, also known as Anantagiri Waterfalls, is a beautiful waterfall located 30 kilometres from Araku and 3 kilometres from Anantagiri village in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizag district.

Anantagiri falls, at a height of about 100 feet, provide the best views during the monsoon season. Walking or trekking from Anantagiri is the best way to reach these waterfalls. The falls are about 1-2 kilometres from the main road that runs between Anantagiri and Araku Valley (after about 1.5 km from Anantagiri).

Hours to Visit : 9:00 a.m – 6:00 p.m

Matsyagundam

Masthyagundam, also known as ‘fish pool,’ is an interesting pool on the Machkund River near the village of Matham, located 35 kilometres from Araku Valley (15 kms from Paderu)

Duduma Waterfalls

Duduma Falls (also known as Matsya Tirtha) on the Machkund River is located in Orissa, close to Munchingiputtu village in Visakhapatnam District, at a distance of 70 kilometres from Araku. This is one of the most popular waterfalls in Orissa, with a height of 520 feet.

The tourism department has begun to focus on this destination, and some facilities are expected to be built here in the future. The nearby Jalaput Dam on the Machkund River provides breathtaking views.

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