Araku-Valley Sightseeing, Quick Facts, History, Packages, Tours & Excursions

Sightseeing Highlights

The Ananthagiri hills on the way to Araku Valley are famous for coffee plantations. Ananthagiri is perched at an altitude where the panoramic vista unfolds stunning viewpoints. The Borra caves, located 29 km from Araku Valley, famous for their stalactite and stalagmites, believed to be a million years old and spread over the Eastern ghats is a place of great interest to tourists. At about a distance of 75 kms from Vizag, on the Araku road is the Tyda Park, an eco-tourism project that is being developed to provide tourists an opportunity to experience wilderness with camping facilities. It’s home to a number of wild animals and birds and is an ideal place for wild life viewing and bird watching.

Other attractions include rock climbing and trekking. The primary attraction of Araku Valley is the Bheemunipatnam Beach which is about 25 km from Vishakhapatnam. The calmness and serenity is what makes the beach so attractive. This beach is also known as 'Bheemli' and is considered safe for swimmers.

Other Activities

The Araku Tribal Museum is a must visit as it houses a number of artifacts related to the Eastern Ghat Tribal Culture. One can see the tools used by the tribes and avail information about the social and cultural aspects of the tribal people. There is a stall in the museum where handicrafts items of the tribes are sold. If you are visiting during the month of April make sure you catch the Dhimsa dance - an age-old tribal folk dance that is still performed by the women during 'Itika Pongal' - the famous hunting festival.

Araku Valley is a hill station that is dotted with lush green forests, hills, waterfalls, valleys and provides for a true nature experience. It is located at about 115-km from Vishakhapatnam district and is close to the Orissa State border. The area of the valley is roughly 36-km and the altitude is between 600 and 900m above the sea level. The pleasant climate of Araku Valley throughout the year makes it alluring to tourists who are just looking to unwind and relax. If you plan to make a trip to Araku, go to Shimliguda railway station which is the highest station on the broad gauge of Indian Railways. The journey to Araku Valley is the most enjoyable as the train passes through tunnels, hill sides and streams. It is a good option to go to Araku by train and return by road. This place is also home to around 19 tribes. The women are usually seen with their saris draped unusually, the ends tied over one shoulder, and with large nose ornaments. The serene and soothing atmosphere of Araku Valley makes for a peaceful getaway.