Welcome to my travel blog, where I’ll be taking you on an exciting trip through the Araku Valley, where the scenery is gorgeous and the coffee is powerful! You’re in for a treat if you enjoy breath-taking scenery, enjoyable experiences, and more cups of coffee than you can handle. Common, lets start the Araku Journey !!
Exploring Araku Valley: A Complete Travel Guide
In the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, there lies a stunning hill station called Araku Valley. Coffee plantations, flowing waterfalls, and lush green hills surround this magnificent setting. I recently had the pleasure of travelling to Araku Valley from Vizag, Andhra Pradesh and it was a new and special experience. Everything you need to know about visiting Araku Valley, including travel advice, transportation choices, and tourist sites, will be covered in this travel guide.
A note on Araku Valley:
Araku Valley lies at a height of 1,300 metres above sea level, around 115 kilometers from Visakhapatnam (Vizag). A variety of plants and animals can be found in the valley, which is surrounded by the Eastern Ghats. In addition, the region has become known for its coffee farms, which yield some of the best coffee in India.
The best way to travel from Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley:
Tourists can reach Araku Valley via train, road, or a combination of the two modes of transportation.
A. Taking a train to the Araku Valley:
If you wish to explore the stunning scenery of the area, taking the train to Araku Valley is a popular and practical choice. The Araku Valley railway line, which offers breathtaking views of the Eastern Ghats, is among India’s toughest and most beautiful train routes.
- Awe-inspiring landscapes of the surrounding hills and valleys are provided as the train travels through a variety of tunnels, bridges, and curves.
- There are a number of trains operating throughout the day, and the journey takes about 4 hours. The popular Kirandul Passenger and Vizag-RK Passenger trains, among others, run on the Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley route. Both of these trains provide a convenient and inexpensive way to travel to Araku Valley.
B. Road trip to Araku Valley:
A trip by car or bike to Araku Valley is a wonderful way to take in the area’s natural beauty and discover its surroundings. The Eastern Ghats are likely to be seen in their entirety from the route to Araku Valley, which is also beautiful. I had an amazing bike ride from Visakhapatnam to Araku.
- If you prefer to travel by road from Vizag to Araku Valley, you can take a taxi or a bus; the trip takes about 4-5 hours, depending on the traffic and the road conditions.
- For the road trip, you can either bring your own car/bike or rent one. Verify that the car/bike is in good shape, has the required papers, and is insured.
- On your way to Araku Valley, you can refuel and get refreshments as necessary at any of the many petrol stations and eateries that are along the route.
C. Rail-cum-road tour to Araku Valley:
The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation offers rail-cum-road travel packages if you want to take both a train and a driving journey. (APTDC). From Vizag to Araku Valley, a train ride is included in this deal.
Places to stay in Araku:
There are several different housing alternatives in Araku Valley, including AP government tourism hotels, private hotels, and tents. Here is a description of each choice, along with a price.
A. Andhra Pradesh Government Tourism Hotels:
Several government-operated hotels are run by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) in Araku Valley. These accommodations offer essential facilities and are a decent choice for travellers on a budget. These hotels have nightly rates that range from Rs. 1200 to Rs. 7000. The Haritha Valley Resort, Haritha Mayuri Resort, and Haritha Annapurna Resort are a few of the well-known government hotels in Araku Valley.
B. Resorts and Expensive Hotels:
The Araku Valley is home to a few excellent resorts and high-end lodging that provide first-rate facilities and services. These locations frequently offer large rooms, well-kept gardens, swimming pools, dining options, spas, and other amenities. These lodgings cost between INR 5,000 and INR 15,000 per night
C. Private Hotels:
The Araku Valley is home to a number of private hotels that provide a variety of amenities like free Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, and spa services. These hotels are priced per night between Rs. 1500 and Rs. 5000.
D. Camping Tents:
Tents are an excellent alternative if you want to go camping in the middle of the wilderness. In Araku Valley, there are a number of campgrounds that rent out tents. Depending on the kind of tent and the amenities offered, renting a tent might cost anywhere from Rs. 1500 and Rs. 5000 each night. Araku Adventure Camp, Jungle Bells, and Punnami Camps are a few of the well-known camping areas in Araku Valley.
List of attractions you should visit during your 2-day visit to Araku Valley:
1. Tribal Museum:
The Araku community is home to the Tribal Museum, which highlights the tribal tribes there. The exhibits in the museum highlight the tribes’ way of life, culture, and history, as well as their traditional attire, tools, and handicrafts. Adult entry to the Tribal Museum costs INR 50, while child access is INR 20.
2. Madagada View Point:
Madagada Viewpoint is a well-known tourist destination in the Araku. This is my most favorite tourist attraction of all in Araku. It has a height of 1168 metres above sea level and offers an outstanding view of the valley below.
- A short walk of about 15-20 minutes is required to reach the viewpoint, which is just about 10 kms from Araku town.
- It is also a well-liked location to view the sunrise and sunset. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing and pleasant environment at the viewpoint because it is surrounded by thick jungles.
3. Borra Caves:
The spectacular crystal, limestone, and pinnacle formations in Borra Caves are well-known for their formation over millions of years. The length of these underground chambers is 200 meters, and they are situated at a height of 705 metres above sea level. William King George, a member of the Geological Survey of India, made the discovery of the caves in 1807.
4. Sunkarametta Church:
The Sunkarametta Church, a stunning stone building, was constructed in 1914 by British missionaries. It is perched on a hilltop and provides magnificent views of the hills and valleys nearby. The church is renowned for its magnificent interiors and stained glass windows and is a great example of colonial architecture.
5. Ananthagiri Hills:
Ananthagiri Hills are protected by beautiful green woods and are situated at an altitude of 1,168 metres above sea level. These hills are renowned for their attractive settings and incredible views. The ancient serpent king Anant, who is claimed to live in the hills, inspired the name of these mountains, according to tradition.
6. Padmapuram Gardens:
The Andhra Pradesh Forest Department created these gardens in 1949 with the goal of boosting travel to the area. There are many different types of trees, plants, and flowers in the garden, as well as a century-old hanging bridge. The entrance fee to Padmapuram Gardens is INR 50 for adults and INR 25 for children. The maintenance of the gardens is at its worsts, and I felt so sad, after visiting this place.
7. Chaparai Waterfalls:
About 15 miles from Araku Valley, the Chaparai Waterfalls are noted for their stunning beauty. The waterfall is a well-liked destination for day outings and picnics because it is surrounded by verdant, green trees.
8. Katiki Waterfalls:
Around 4 km from Borra Caves, Katiki Waterfalls are renowned for their breathtaking beauty. The waterfall, which is surrounded by beautiful forest areas, is a favourite destination for photographers and others who enjoy the outdoors.
9. Coffee Plantations:
Entry to coffee plantations is free. The Araku is well-known for its coffee plantations, which the British started there in the nineteenth century. Coffee from Araku Valley is exported to many nations worldwide because of its distinctive flavour and aroma.
10. Mardaguda Adventure Park:
Approximately 26 kilometres from Araku Valley, the Madragada Adventure Camp provides a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, camping, bird watching, and rock climbing. The camp offers an inviting and relaxing ambiance since it lies back in the middle of lush green trees. Those who are interested in doing some activities, this would be best place, and I really had fun over here.
Places to eat in Araku Valley:
There are many restaurants and eateries in Araku Valley that serve regional foods including seafood and biryani made in the Andhra way. Bamboo Chicken, Mayuri Restaurant, and Haritha Restaurant are a few of the neighbourhood’s well-liked eateries. Numerous roadside food stands that sell regional foods and drinks are also available. Don’t forget to eat the Bamboo Chicken, which is a popular local dish and famous throughout the Andhra Pradesh.
What is the best time to visit Araku:
The months of October through February are the ideal times to explore Araku. The temperature is comfortable and welcoming throughout this time, ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.
- The Araku Valley sees significant rainfall from June through September, which is the monsoon season. Traveling during this period might be challenging because of landslides and other obstructions, despite the fact that the lush greenery can be a lovely sight.
- In the Araku Valley, the summer months of March through May, temperatures can go as high as 40°C.
However, Araku can still be a wonderful alternative if you want to get away from the heat of the plains because it has a cooler climate than surrounding cities like Vizag.
Note: Araku Valley’s busiest travel months are from October to February, so if you plan to go during that period, be sure to reserve your lodging in advance.
Trip to Araku Valley for 2 days (a schedule I followed):
Here’s a sample 2-day itinerary for a trip to Araku Valley that I followed and executed successfully:
Day 1:
- 7:00 AM: Start your trip from Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley in the early morning. (about 120 km). The Eastern Ghats are a beautiful place to drive through.
- 10:30 AM: Arrive in Araku Valley and settle into your hotel or resort.
- 11:30 AM: Visit the Padmapuram Gardens it’s a lovely botanical garden with many different kinds of plants and trees.
- 12:30 PM: Enjoy a traditional Andhra meal or Bamboo Biryani/Chicken for lunch at a nearby eatery.
- 2:00 PM: Visit Chaparai Waterfalls. The waterfall is surrounded by thick vegetation and provides visitors with a pleasant respite.
- 4:00 PM: Visit the tribal museum to learn more about the customs and culture of the local tribes.
- 5:30 PM: Check out the coffee museum. It highlights the region’s history, culture, and customs around coffee farming, which is primarily populated by tribal people.
- 7:00 PM: Return to your hotel and relax there for the evening.
Day 2:
- 05:00 AM: Get out for a Madagada view point as soon as you wake up. It is about 10 km from the Araku town and provides breathtaking panoramic views of the hills, valleys, and forests around.
- 08:00 AM: Have breakfast, take some rest and check out the hotel/resort.
- 09:00 AM: Beginning at Araku, travel 35 to 40 kilometers (km) and it takes around 1.30 – 2 hours to reach Borra Caves.
- 09:30 AM: You will pass Sunkarametta Church, which is only a 25-minute drive from Araku Valley, on the route to Borra Caves. It is renowned for its scenic beauty and extensive cultural legacy and is located at a height of roughly 1200 metres.
- 10:15 AM: A coffee plant will appear after Sunkarametta Church on your way to Borra Caves. Enjoy a cup of coffee while admiring the plants.
- 11:15 PM: Explore Borra Caves, which are stunning stalactites and stalagmites in natural limestone formations.
- 02:00 PM: Eat lunch at a neighbourhood eatery and sample more Andhra food. There are many hotels available.
- 03:00 PM: Get to the Ananthagiri Waterfalls and take in the incredible sight of the waterfall in its original environment.
- 04:00 PM: On your way to Visakhapatnam, Mardaguda Adventure Park will appear. If you are interested in doing some activities, invest some quality time and have fun. I personally enjoyed a lot.
- 05:00 PM: Start from the Adventure Park to Visakhapatnam.
- 08:00 PM: Reach safely to Vizag.
Of course, you may change this schedule to suit your tastes and interests, and you can add or subtract activities as necessary. Enjoy your journey to Araku Valley!
Few suggestions for the Araku Valley visitors:
To get the most of your day excursion, go out early in the morning and pack comfortable footwear and clothing for hiking and other outdoor pursuits.
For sun protection, don’t forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Drink plenty of water, and pack adequate food for the trip. Carry cash because many stores and restaurants might not accept credit/debit cards, or UPI payments. Please be respectful of the local traditions and customs, especially when visiting tribal settlements and other tourist destinations.