Araku Valley: Indias Backpacker Paradise

Located about 120 kilometers from Visakhapatnam, Araku Valley is a pristine hill station located in Andhra Pradesh. It is a major draw for the tourists because of its natural beauty. The best time to visit the valley is between November and February. However, the tourists start flocking there right after the monsoon as the entire valley comes to life after a spell of rains. Away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, its peacefulness beckons many a weary traveler in India.

India is a land of natural beauty known for its lush green forests, breathtaking mountains, magnificent valleys and some major rivers. The Araku Valley is one of such locations that is treasured by nature lovers and trekkers. It is surrounded by stunning waterfalls, verdant green fields, and gushing streams. The heartening landscapes of Araku exude a sense of scenic charm that attracts tourists from India and the rest of the world. Araku is also renowned for its coffee plantations and rich cultural heritage.

Nestled in the Eastern Ghats, Araku is reminiscent of its centuries-old heritage. The interior region of Araku still follows the lifestyle of its ancient tribes. The locals also tend to show great courtesy towards the visitors. While visiting the valley, Borra Caves should absolutely top your travel checklist. Located at a height of 800-1300 meters from sea level. The unparalleled beauty of the stalactites and stalagmites is further enhanced by the thematic lighting, intoxicating the sensibilities of tourists.

Sangda Waterfalls are also a sort of visual delight that should not be missed. The sound of gushing waterfalls in the deep silence of the environs plays like a symphony, soothing to the soul. On the other hand, the Tribal Museum in Araku Valley is a treat for people who want to explore the culture and heritage of the region. Filled with clay ornaments, the Tribal Museum mirrors the lifestyle and culture of the local people and also acts as a source of income for them.

The Padmapuram Botanical Gardens is another striking wonder in Araku Valley, brimming with intriguing spots that one can only come across in fairytales. It was initially created to help the soldiers in World War II obtain ample vegetation. However, over the turn of several decades, it has become widely familiar for nurturing rare yet exotic species of flowers along with vegetables. Not to forget, Araku Valley’s sightseeing remains incomplete without visiting the aromatic coffee plantations spread over several acres of land. The most frequently visited coffee plantation of the region is in the Ananthagiri Hills.

When planning to visit Araku Valley, people are often confronted with a dilemma of visiting by rail or road. According to the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department in Visakhapatnam, the meditative journey to the valley is most fruitful when one travels by both rail and road. How soon are you going to travel to Araku?