Araku Valley is a very famous hill station in the country and throughout the year, irrespective of seasons and weather, it welcomes tourists across the world. The valley is located in the Eastern Ghats, approximately 115 km from Visakhapatnam. The local tribes inhabiting the region are known as Araku Tribes. Ananthagiri and Sunkarimetta Reserved Forest are a part of Araku Valley being rich in biodiversity and scenic hill beauty. Galikonda Hill here is the highest peak in Andhra Pradesh. The valley is spread across 36 km at an elevation of 1300 m above sea level. Hence you can often experience clouds crossing through the hill roads and foggy weather in monsoon season. 

Due to the influence of the British and Dutch, coffee plantations took place in the district and eventually it spread over the valley in the 19th century. Coffee is one of the major income sources of the inhabitants and tribes of this region. The Dhimsa Dance, popular among the tribals and their bright colorful attire performing it is a sight to behold. When on a trip to Araku, don't forget to bring some tribal accessories, handicrafts with you. 

The natural beauty of Araku Valley is unmatched. Waterfalls like Sangda, Dumbriguda, Katiki, Chaparai are there to take you to a spiritually different place. The valley has uncountable insta worthy places, perfect for the photographers, artists, and influencers. Apart from that trekking and camping through the difficult roads surpassing wet lands and dense forests will definitely raise your adrenaline. The train journey from Vizag to Araku with tunnels, hill sides, streams, bridges and cute cottages is worth experiencing once in a lifetime. 

How to reach the city

Araku Valley has become very popular among tourists nowadays and hence is connected to the neighbouring cities via Railway and Roads. 

1. Airways: 

The nearest airport is the Visakhapatnam International Airport and flights can be taken from major cities of the country. 

2. Roadways: 

Both private and government bus services are available from Araku. RTC buses to Vizag are accessible every half an hour. 

3. Railways: 

Araku Railway Station is the major railway station and very few trains connect the city to Vizag. The way of joining the 2 cities is breathtaking. 

Places to visit 

1. Borra Caves:

Borra Caves are one of the major striking structures of the country and are situated in the Ananthagiri Hills of Araku Valley. The caves are full of limestone structures generally, stalagmites and stalactites through which when sunlight falls, forms breathtaking images. The caves are also known as "Borra Guhalu". 

2. Bheemili Beach:

Bheemili Beach is one of the tourist attraction points in the region where British and Dutch inhibition could be seen. It is located in Bheemunipatnam, near Gosthani River and you can spot the lighthouse and port on the beach. 

3. Katiki Waterfalls:

Katiki Waterfalls is one of the popular tourist places of the region and it provides a very good trekking and camping facility. The 50 feet high waterfall is the perfect site for photographers, peace lovers and nature admirers. 

4. Chaparai Waterfalls:

Chaparai Waterfalls are very peaceful natural water cascades situated 13 km from Araku. The place with lush greenery and scenic views of sunrise and sunset can easily alter anyone's mood.

5. Tadimada Waterfalls:

Tadimada Waterfalls are known as the popular picnic spots of the valley and hence are frequently visited by travelers. The 100 feet high waterfall among dense woods can cleanse someone's body and soul. The waterfall is also regarded as "Ananthagiri Waterfalls". 

6. Matsyagundam:

Matsyagundam is famous among locals and has mythological importance. It is situated in Paderu and is the harbor of various fishes hence known as the fish pool. The temple associated with it is named Sri Matsyalingeshwara Swamy Temple. 

7. Padmapuram Gardens:

The Padmapuram Gardens is one of the famous tourist places in the city which is commonly visited on the weekends. The various species of flora and fauna are a visual retreat and staying in the hanging cottages is an experience worth having.

8. Tribal Museum:

The Tribal Museum, situated 200 m from the Araku Busstop, comes along the tourist places and is famous for showcasing the tribal history and culture of Andhra. You can find tribal jewelry, attires, utensils, instruments, hunting tools, etc in the place. 

9. Ananthagiri:

Ananthagiri is the famous hill station situated 26 km from Araku Valley. It is popular for extensive coffee plantations, scenic mystic views of the valley, limitless waterfalls, hence is denoted as the perfect weekend escape. 

10. Lambasingi:

Lambasingi is the true hidden beauty of the state situated in Araku Valley. It is well known for the sky touching hills, apple orchards, snowfalls, and hence called as "The Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh". 

Best time to visit 

Araku is a small hill station and is situated among greens and streams.

1. Summer- March to June- 30°C to 40°C (very hot)

2. Rainy- July to September- 20°C to 30°C (heavy downpour) 

3. Winter- November to February- 10°C to 25°C (slightly chilly)