Araku is a hill Station in Visakhapatnam District of Andhra Pradesh. This is popularly known as Araku. It is a small village in Araku Valley. Tribal culture can be observed here. Araku Valley is a mountain region covered with Galikonda, Chitamogondi, Sunkrimetta, Raktkonda mountains. These mountains look like a wall around the valley. In Andhra Pradesh Galikonda Mountain is the highest Mountain. Height of this mountain is 5000 ft.
Very famous activity in this valley is Trekking. Most of the trekking trails take place in the dense forest. But few trekking trails took place in the waterfalls especially in Sangda waterfalls. In the Araku Valley there are two forests namely Sunkrimetta Reserved Forest and Anantagiri Reserved Forest. Tourists can see beautiful streams, gardens and waterfalls in this valley. Coffee plantation is most famous in this valley. Area covered by Araku Valley is 3200 feet. Every year lakhs of tourists come to see this valley from all over the world.
Visakha and Itika pongal are the festivals celebrated in Araku. Every year in the month of April Itika Festival celebrates. Festival will celebrate by performing Dhimsa dance (Tribal’s traditional dance). Visakha Festival celebrates in the month of January from third Friday to Sunday. For the Visakhapatnam people this is very special festival.
What to see in Araku :
Botanical Garden: Tyda Park is situated in this Botanical Garden. This park is famous for Bird Watching, Camping and Trekking. In this Botanical Garden many varieties of trees, Shrubs and Flowers are there.
What to see around Araku :
Dumbriguda / Chaparai Waterfalls: This waterfall is another attraction near Araku Valley. Near this waterfalls tourist can see beautiful Silver wood Trees.
Katika / Katiki waterfalls: These waterfalls are located at Katika so these waterfalls are known as Katika waterfalls. Gosthani River water flows into this Katika waterfall. Height of these waterfalls is 50 feet. Katika waterfalls are 4 km away from Borra Caves. These waterfalls are 41 KMs away from Araku.
Borra Caves: Borra Caves are one of the largest caves in the country. Other name of Borra Caves is Borra Guhalu. Borra Caves are located in the Ananthagiri hills of Araku Valley . In India these are deepest caves. Depth of these caves is 80 meters. These caves are 38 KMs away from Araku Valley.
Best time to visit Araku Valley:
Between October and March is the best time for the Tourists to visit. Climate will be so pleasant at that time.
Getting to Araku Valley: From the Visakhapatnam city, Valley is connected through road and rail ways. At Araku Valley and Araku there are two railway stations. Many Private Buses from all the cities are available to reach to Araku. Nearest Airport is Visakhapatnam Airport. Flights from Visakhapatnam will go to all the major cities like Patna, Tirupati, Bhuvaneswar, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Kolkata.
Getting around Araku Valley: Most comfortable way to see the places around Araku Valley is by a private vehicle or by Jeep.
Where to Stay in Araku Valley: Many Resorts, cottages, hotels are available but most luxurious hotels are not available. Most of the hotels are mid range budgeted hotels. Haritha Hill Resort, Araku Ushodaya Resorts are the best resorts.
Where to Eat in Araku Valley: Best food for all regions of people will be available here. In all the food stalls, restaurants, hotels, Chinese Cuisine, Odiya , South Indian food and North Indian Food available. Green Valley Hotel, Hotel Krishnatara are best Hotels in Araku Valley.