This lovely hill station is situated 120 km away from Visakhapatnam city of Andhra Pradesh, also known as Vizag. The valley is situated on the Eastern Ghats and is adorned by many natural waterfalls, fresh water streams. These streams look very beautiful as one takes the journey to the valley from the train as they are embellished by the side of rail track.

This hill station is spread over a small area and is known for its untouched natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.The journey to Araku valley is verybeautiful as the rail track and the road has forty six tunnels, many bridges and pristine orchards and water bodies. The pleasing weather and the enchanting grass lands are the main attractions of this wonderful Hill station. Araku Valley, a clique of five beautiful profound valleys is a major tourist attraction of Andhra Pradesh. People rush here to enjoy the favorable weather and have a relaxing and peaceful time in the lap of nature. Araku Valley also has proximity to the border of Orissa state. The flourishing green hills encircling the valley seem very fascinating and enthralling. It is one of the most attractive sight of Andhra Pradesh state. It is not over crowded by the tourists but within few years it has become an admired tourist destination. The mild and pleasant climate of the state is welcoming the visitors all through the year and it is very favorable even during the winter season. The valley is also famous for coffee plantations and the coffee seeds produced are exported to different parts of the country. Araku Valley lies at 18.3333°N 82.8667°E. The average elevation of Araku above sea level is around 911 meters or 2992 feet.

The place has historical significance of being a home to around nineteen tribes. These tribes are famous for dressing up into very vibrant and colorful costumes. The popular hunting festival 'ItikaPongal', is celebrated here in the month of April and these tribal people perform Mayur and Dimsa dances during this festival.

How To Reach

By Air

There is no airport at Araku. Vishakhapatnam airport is the closest air link, at a distance of 112 km from Araku. There are many options available to reach Araku from the airport. The most commonly used by the visitors are the prepaid taxis.

By Rail

The rail head of Araku Valley is connected to Vishkhapatnam by a passenger train. This passenger train departs from Vishakhapatnam railway station each day early in the morning and it takes approx. six hours to reach Araku station.

By Road

There are many buses available from Viskhapatnam to reach Araku. The road journey to Araku is a pleasant experience with in itself.

Places To Visit

Borra Caves, Araku Valley

The Borra caves are 4 km away from the Anantgiri hills of Araku Valley. These are the largest caves in India with a height of around 705 m. These caves are famous for the presence of old stalagmite formations and stalactite.

Padmapuram Botanical Gardens, Araku Valley

This Garden located in Araku valley has a historical significance and is a major tourist attraction.  This garden was established to provide vegetables to the soldiers who participated in the World War II. The Padmapuram Botanical Gardens, popularly known as Botanical Garden now, has many scarcely found species of flowers and vegetables. It is used as a horticulture nursery now. There is a toy train in the garden. The visitors can move around the garden in the toy train.

Tribal Museum

This museum gives the tourists information regarding the living style and culture of the tribal people of Araku. The village contains many artifacts and also the 3-D installations of village life scenes are also displayed here. The tribal women give performance on Dhimsa dance everyday.

Tyda Park, Araku Valley

Weather And Best Time To Visit

The weather is very pleasant the best time to visit Araku is during the summer season when the climate is cool and enjoyable. Sometimes the days are warm in summers but overall the climate is very charming during this season. The rainfall is very extensive during the monsoons and it is suggested to avoid visiting the place during the monsoons. But to enjoy the sizzling rain showers many nature lovers love to visit during monsoons. The winters are cold and there is a rapid drop in the temperature during the night in winter season. The climate of the valley remains moderate throughout the year and it is a preferable tourist destination all the year round. The weather is most charming between the months October and February. The weather is mild and balmy during this time.

Languages And Culture

Nineteen are tribes inhabiting this area. These tribes are famous for dressing up into very vibrant and colorful costumes. The popular hunting festival 'ItikaPongal', is celebrated here in the month of April and these tribal people perform Mayur and Dimsa dances during this festival.

The tribal museum located in Araku valley, gives the tourists information regarding the living style and culture of the tribal people of Araku. The museum contains many artifacts and also the 3-D installations of village life scenes are also displayed here.  Hindi, English and Telugu are the main languages spoken here.

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Accommodation

Mayuri Hill Resort, Araku-Valley

The Tourism Department of Andhra Pradesh runs HarithaMayuri Resort, located at the Araku Valley. This resort is situated close to the tribal museum and it is an ideal place to spend relaxing time enjoying the beautiful sights of the valley.

Address: Araku Valley, Araku, Visakhapatnam District

Telephone : +91 8936 249204, 249950 ;

Cell : +91 9440793518

Padmapuram Cottages

The Botanical Garden of Padmapuram was made to provide the vegetables to the soldiers during the World War II. The garden tree house Cottages fitted with toilets and showers. For advance booking one should contact the manager directly.

Address: Padmapuram gardens, Araku Valley, Araku

Telephone : 08936-49615

Festivals And Activities

Itika Pongal

This hunting festival is celebrated in April and during this time all the agricultural activities are stopped. The hunting expeditions are active during this time and the men visit nearby forest area with different tools like arrows, bows and spears. The hunters are regarded as heroes when they return and the women welcome them by performing tribal dances and celebration occurs all night by drinking and dancing.

VisakhaUtsav

This Utsav is organised by Andhra Pradesh Tourism for three days that is from third Friday of January to the coming Saturday each year. During the cold January month, the Vizagites enjoy this festival very much. The events include rock climbing, trekking, wild life exploring, visiting to the tribal museum etc. It is the best time for the adventure lovers.

Hotels

Jungle Bells Nature Camp, Araku-Valley

This hotel is located in Tyda, Araku Valley and has eighteen cottages altogether. There is an inbuilt restaurant providing delicious food and different packages for sightseeing are available for the tourists at the Jungle Bells Nature Camp. Facilities like car parking and laundry service are available apart from the room service.

Address: Tyda, Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh - 531151, India

Punnami Hill Resort, Araku-Valley, Andhra Pradesh

Punnami Hill Resort is situated close to the APSRTC Complex in Araku Valley. There are 75 rooms in the resort and amenities like Travel desk, doctor on call, car parking, Internet facility, and room& laundry service are also provided.

Address:Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh - 531151, India

Get Around

To explore the Araku Valley and enjoy the nature closely the best way to roam about is by walking but the options available are hiring jeeps and cars.

Get Out

Ananthagiri Hills

The beautiful resort of Anantigirihiills is located in the rippling and bloomy Eastern Ghats ranges. This destination is best to get off during the warm summer months. The panorama from the high altitude of Anantgiri is very fascinating.

Bheemunipatnam Beach

This Beach is located at a distance of 25 km from Vishakhapatnam along the eastern coast. This pristine beach is very attractive and has incredible beauty.

Rishikonda Beach

The Rishikonda Beach located at a distance of 8 km from the city of Vishakhapatnam is famous for its golden sands and unspoilt beauty.

Shopping

The most shopped item at Araku Valley is coffee. The other items for which the tourists can shop around are handicrafts, silk and cotton weaved fabrics and attire, old antiques, junk jewelry etc.

Location Map

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