Surrounded by lush green mountains and a virgin beauty, Araku Valley is a small hill station in Visakhapatnam in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Situated amidst the Easter Ghats and with a rich culture and traditional past, Araku Valley is soon gaining popularity among tourists. The valley of Araku is bordered by mountains like Galikonda, Raktakonda, Sunkarimetta and Chitamogondi. Galikonda peak is one of the highest peak in Andhra Pradesh with height of 1,500 meter. With the weather being please the whole year around, one can visit the Valley anytime of the year. This small hill station has various places that give you a sneak-peak into its historical past. Some of the best historical places to visit in Araku Valley are Tribal Museum and Bora Caves. Enjoy the scenic beauty of this pristine hill station by visiting mesmerizing Sangda Falls and Padampuram Botanical Gardens. Explore the coffee plantation and processing steps at the coffee plants in Araku, known for its coffee plantation all over the world. For adventure lovers Araku value offers adventure sports like rock climbing and trekking. This small and pristine hill station is good if you are looking for a weekend getaway. Free from commercialization and away from the crowded tourist hill station, Araku is surly going to give you some rejuvenation in the lap of nature and history.
Route:
- By Air: Nearest airport to Araku Valley is VishakhapatnamAirport which is almost 112 Km away. You will get taxis outside the airport to reach nearby rail station or bus stand. Take train or state-run buses to reach Araku Valley.
- By Train: Araku valley is well connected with Vishakapatnam via train service. There are two railway stations at Araku and Araku Valley which has regular train services to Vishakapatnam. The trip to Araku Valley is a pleasure as it passes through many tunnels and runs between the mountains.
- By Road: Andhra Pradesh State Transport Buses carry passengers from Vishakapatnam to Araku Valley regularly.
Nearest Railway Station – Araku Railway station (East Coast line from Vishakhapatnam)
Nearest Bus Station – Araku
Nearest Airport – Vishakhapatnam Airport
ATM locations: You can find State Bank of India ATM at Araku Valley
Famous Places around the area: Borra Caves, Bheemunipatnam Beach, Ananthagiri Hills, Araku Tribal Museum, Katiki Waterfalls, Tyda Park, Padmapuram Botanical Gardens, Matsyagundam, Dumbriguda Waterfalls, Sangda Waterfalls – are some of the main attraction here at Araku Valley.
Best time to visit: Apart from mid summer season (April-May) you can visit Araku Valley with ease.
Climate: Summer 35°C-43°C, Winter 15°C -22°C
Population: 55,959 (census 2011)
Local Famous Foods: Food at Araku is very delicious. Authentic Andhra foods influenced by local tribal cuisine is really marvelous to eat. South Indian veg dishes along with non-veg Bamboo chicken is the treat of the trip.
Local restaurants: Araku does not have many restaurants; however there are some multi-cuisine restaurants. Within 4 kms from Araku Valley has two good restaurants – ‘Zodiac’ at Dwaraknagar and ‘Dharani’ at Waltair Main Road which serve authentic Andra cuisine.
Emergency numbers: Police control room – 100
Nearest Hospitals/Nursing homes:
King George Hospital
KGH Down Rd, Maharani Peta, Visakhapatnam
(0891)2564891/92/94
Budget and safe hotels for middle class:
APTDC Haritha Mayuri Resort
Araku Valley, Araku,
Tariff: 1200 onwards
KrishnaTara Comforts
Padmapuram Junction, Araku Valley
Ph: 8978759996
Tariff: 1300 onwards
Jungle Bells Nature Camp, Araku Valley
Tyda, Araku Valley
Ph: 0891 278 8820
Tariff: 900 onwards
Punnami Hill Resort
Araku Valley, Araku
Phone:089 36 249491
Tariff: 1500 onwards
Tags: Andhra Pradesh Araku Araku Valley Weekend Tour
