Best Places To Visit In Araku Valley

1. Borra Caves:

Borra Caves, which is the famous shooting spot for Telugu Films of South India are located in the region of Ananthagiri hills in Araku Valley. Borra caves are also famous as Borra Guhalu which are one million-year-old limestone caves which are the marvelous creation of nature. These caves are formed into the deepest caves as the river water flows from the limestone region as a result forming limestone bicarbonate structures probably the largest caves in the country. Borra Caves in general, occupy an area of 2 sq. km and 1400m in height. Borra Caves is the must visit place in Araku.

The Specialty of Borra Caves:

• Borra Caves are the largest caves in the country with a depth of 705mts.
• shapes resembling Shiva-Parvati, Rishi’s beard, mother-child, a human brain which are the magic of nature
• light Show: Include mercury, sodium vapor, and halogen electric Lamps, which provide beautiful views of the formations 
• An amazing scenic view of the Borra caves is the  River Gosthani flows in the region of the cave

Way to Reach Borra Caves:

• Borra Caves are at a distance of 36 km from Araku, 88 km from Vizag & 662 km from Hyderabad.
• For the people who travel by train can hop off at the station near Borra caves.
• You will find plenty of buses and cabs at less charges.

Book Borra Caves Train Tour

Borra Caves Entry Fee:

Rs.40 (Adult), Rs.30 (Children), Camera: Rs.25, Video: Rs.100

Borra Caves Timings:

10 AM to 5.30 PM.

Borra Caves spending Time:

3-4 hours 

Travel Tips:

• Carry first-aid box and basic medicine as you are traveling long
• Carry a water bottle to avoid dehydration
• Carry eatables in your journey and follow safety measures at every tourist spot.

Food Availability: 

• Many Restaurants are available near the Borra Caves offering delicious food and services.

2. Ananthagiri:

Ananthagiri Hills situated in Araku Valley is one of the best visiting places in Araku and is the top hill station in the state of Andhrapradesh. It is near to borra caves by a distance of 15kms. If you plan to stay in Ananthagiri hills, Accommodation is easily available at various hotels, resorts and lodges at affordable prices and also Ap tourism runs hotels in Ananthagiri village it is a wonderful option to stay for all visitors.

 Ananthagiri Hills Specialty:

•  Ananthagiri hills are famous for coffee plantations, scenic views of nature, valleys and waterfalls. To get the most beautiful view of the hills, there is a viewpoint from where you can get the most scenic views of the coffee plantations, water streams, and valleys.
• Ananthagiri hills is a famous spot for iconic views of nature, pleasant weather and lush green mountains, with beautiful sunrise and sunsets, Ananthagiri hills in Araku attracts nature lovers to admire its beauty.

Way to Reach Ananthagiri Hills:

• Ananthagiri hills can be reached via both roads and railways.
• It is at a distance of 30 km from Araku,  113 km from Vizag & 707 km from Hyderabad.
• In the route of Vizag - Araku railways people can get down at Borra nearby Borra Caves to reach the destination. 
• Plenty of buses and cabs are available at less charges

Book Ananthagiri Hills Train Tour

Ananthagiri Hills Entry Fee:

No Entry Fee

Famous for Ananthagiri:

Hills

Ananthagiri Hills Spending Time:

1-2 hours

Food Availability:

• Few restaurants are available near Ananthagiri hills with reasonable Prices and amazing food options. 

3. Chaparai Waterfall:

Chaparai Waterfalls in Araku is the most famous tourist place in Araku and is also known as Dumbriguda waterfalls which is an ideal place to spend monsoons with your better-half. Chaparai waterfalls are at a 661km far from Hyderabad to reach the waterfalls and is only 13km from Araku.

Chaparai is located in Araku in Visakhapatnam. It is a beautiful water place surrounded by green forests and landscapes, and the smell of fresh coffee beans weather makes you feel refreshed.

There is no doubt that road trip Vizag to Araku is a treat for a lifetime. During the journey of Beautiful tourist spots, you will view the most beautiful waterfall, tunnels, bridges and deep valleys on the other side. This waterfall offers a majestic view of a number of feel good memories all surrounded by green trees.

Chaparai waterfalls is the natural one and is the best tourist spot near Araku. Chaaparai waterfall offers a beautiful view in the monsoon season, and it can make anyone fall in love with the scenic views of nature. As the water flow is more and dangerous in monsoon, winter season is the best time to visit the waterfalls as the water flow is less and visitors can enjoy and play in the flow of water.

The Specialty of Chaparai Waterfalls:

• Beautiful view of the water streams flowing from the rocks.
• Amazing scenic views of nature near waterfalls
• Pleasing and calm weather conditions

Way to Reach Chaparai Waterfall:

• Chaparai waterfalls can be reached only road Transportation
• It is at a distance of 13 km from Araku Bus stop, 125 km from Vizag & 661 km from Hyderabad.
• It is better to take our own Vehicles or state buses and cabs/taxi are available from Araku to this place to take charge a very less amount. 

Book Chaparai Waterfall Train Tour

Chaparai Waterfall Entry Fee:

Rs 10/- (per Head)

Chaparai Waterfall Spending Time:

1 hour

Chaparai Waterfall Location:

Way to Araku Valley, Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh 531151

Food Availability:

Few restaurants are available near Chaparai Waterfalls with reasonable Prices and delicious food varieties. 

Read More: 20 Best Places to Visit in Ooty

4. Tribal Museum:

Tribal Museum established in Araku Valley is a famous tourist destination. It is located in Araku valley near Araku Bus station at a distance of 500mts. It is a beautiful place to explore the culture of tribal communities of Eastern Ghats.

 The AP Tourism Development Corporation established this Tribal Museum in February 1996 with a note to spread awareness and information about the tribe's lives in the regions of the town. This Museum is built with mud & clay and mixed Various Metals to give an authentic tribal look to the museum. Many tribal essentials are displayed in the Museum like kitchen utensils, hunting tools, and jewellery. 

Tribal Museum is spread over two levels, the first level built with mud and real metals to portraying the tribal lifestyle. Tribal Museum displays the beautiful view of 10 photographs showing the wedding ceremony of the tribes which is the very eye-catching moment. Araku Tribal Museum has various sections constructed with mud walls drawings and artwork made by tribes. Mayur and Dhimsa dance exhibitions are the most interesting things to view in the museum.  

The Specialty of Tribal Museum:

• Exhibits tribal culture and their lifestyle 
• Series of photographs of the tribal weddings
• Displays tribal essentials like kitchen utensils, hunting tools, tribal jewelry, mud wall drawings.
• Mayur and Dhimsa traditional dance exhibitions in the Museum.

Way to Reach Tribal Museum:

• Araku Tribal museum can be reached via both road and rail.
• It is at a distance of 0.3 km from Araku, 114km from Vizag & 660 km from Hyderabad.
• Vizag - Araku train can be stopped at a station in  Araku
• Take the Own Vehicles or state buses and cabs/taxi are available from Araku to this place to take charge a very less amount. 

Book Tribal Museum with Araku Tour

Tribal Museum Entry Fee

Adult: Rs 10/- (per Head), Child: Rs 5/- (per Head)

Tribal Museum Timings:

9 AM to 7 PM Every day

Tribal Museum Spending Time

1 hour

Tribal Museum Address

Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh 531149

Food Availability

Few restaurants are available near Araku Tribal Museum with reasonable Prices and delicious food options.  

5. Katiki/Katika Waterfalls:

Katika Waterfalls is one of the best visiting places in Araku valley. It is located at Araku valley at 5km distance from borra caves. Katika waterfall the most beautiful waterfall is elevated at 50 ft high and about 4-5kms from Borra caves. 

Katiki Waterfalls emerged from the Gosthani River surrounded by greenery in its nearness. Popular trekking activities available in near to Katiki Waterfalls. Many people participate in trekking activities to the mountains reaching in 20-30 minutes trek (one way) through forest way to upwards top mountain.

An easy way to reach Katiki Waterfalls is from Araku to borra caves road at Mulyaguda junction. Public transportation is not available to this place. Jeeps are available from Gatevalsa which is at a distance of 5km to katiki waterfalls. This road is not good for travelling, hence, visitors are advised to not bring your own vehicles. 

If you plan to stay near to Katiki Waterfalls, No Accommodation available here. But In this place Araku famous food Bamboo chicken is available in small huts and also Wild honey is available near Katiki waterfalls. This place is famous for spices and wild honey. 

The Specialty of Katiki Waterfalls:

• Trekking activities are popular at Katiki waterfalls
• Katiki waterfalls is famous for spices and wild honey
• Beautiful view of the Katiki waterfalls is worth visiting Araku

Way to Reach Katiki Waterfalls:

• From Hyderabad to Araku, travel by road is the best option and is 670kms from Hyderabad
• Vizag - Araku train has a station at Borra Caves station near to 4km distance 
• Take your own Vehicles or state buses and cabs/taxis are available from Araku to borra caves junction(Gatevalsa). Jeeps are available from Gatevalsa to katiki Waterfalls

Katiki Waterfall Entry Fee:

No Entry Fee, Jeep Ride Rs 300 /- (per person) 

Katiki Waterfall Timings:

6 AM to 7 PM Every day

Katiki Waterfall Spending Time:

2-3 hours

No Restaurants are found here. This place is famous for Araku Bamboo chicken available in small huts

6. Padmapuram Garden:

Padmapuram Garden is one of the best tourist places and popular gardens in araku valley. This garden was built in 1942 spread over 26 acres of land. Padmapuram Garden is established on the main purpose to supply vegetables to the soldiers in World War II. After completion of  World War II, it was converted into a Horti-cultural Nursery & Training Center. This garden is a hub for many orchards, trees, rare species of flowers, trees, houses and stone sculptures. Padmapuram Garden is located 3km from Araku Bus station.

Padmapuram Garden Specialty:

• Treetop huts are available in this garden, that can be booked by the tourists and it is adventurous to stay in these treetop huts also called hanging cottages. 
• These are 10-12 feet above the ground level and tourists sometimes experience a slight swing due to the winds.  

Way to Reach Padmapuram Garden: 

• Padmapuram Garden can be reached by road
• It is at a distance of 2 km from Araku Bus Station, 105 km from Vizag & 670 km from Hyderabad.
• Take your own Vehicles or state buses and cabs/taxi are available from Araku Bus Station to Padmapuram Garden.

Padmapuram Garden Entry Fee:

Rs. 10 for Per Head

Padmapuram Garden Timings:

9 AM to 6 PM Every day

Padmapuram Garden Spending Time:

1-2 hours

Food Availability:

Few Food stalls are available in the gardens and restaurants are available near Araku Bus Station with low-cost Prices. 

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7. Tadimada Waterfalls/Ananthagiri Waterfalls

Tadimada waterfalls are the most beautiful waterfalls and best tourist place in Araku. Ananthagiri Waterfalls in Araku is another name for Tadimada waterfalls. It is located at a distance of 2km from Anantagiri village. Distance from Araku valley to Ananthagiri Water Falls is 30km and Tadimada waterfalls can be reached by walking/trekking from Anantagiri. The main roadway to the Waterfall road is very narrow and bumpy. It takes 20 minutes to walk from waterfalls to Ananthagiri - Araku main road.  

Tadimada Waterfalls/Ananthagiri WaterFalls Specialty:

• These waterfalls height is about 150 feet, the viewport is very beautiful in the rainy season when we see from the top of the hills.
• You can go down and reach in the waterfall and take a bath in flowing water over rocks

Way to Reach Ananthagiri WaterFalls:

• Tadimada waterfalls can be reached via both road and rail.
• Tadimada waterfalls are at a distance of 30 km from Araku, 90km from Vizag & 670 km from Hyderabad.
• Vizag - Araku train has a station at Borra Caves station at 4km distance 
• Take your own Vehicles or state buses and cabs/taxi are available from Araku to Ananthagiri. It is 20 minutes walkable distance from waterfalls falls.

Book Ananthagiri Train Tour

Ananthagiri WaterFalls Entry Fee:

No Entry Fee

Ananthagiri WaterFalls:

9 AM to 5 PM Every day

Ananthagiri WaterFalls Spending Time:

1-2 hours

Food Availability:

Few restaurants are available near to Ananhtagiri with low-cost Prices.

8. Matsyagundam

Matsya Gundam is the best sightseeing place in Araku valley which is 14km away from Paderu. It is also called a fish pool, it is located at 35km distance from Araku valley. Matsyagundam is situated near Matham village on the Machkund River.

The Specialty of Matsyagundam:

• Thrilling experience watching the fish pool surrounded green landscapes

Way to Reach Matsya Gundam:

• Matsya Gundam can be reached by road
• It is at a distance of 35 km from Araku Bus Station, 115km from Vizag & 710 km from Hyderabad.
• Take your own Vehicles or state buses and cabs/taxi are available from Araku Bus Station near Matsya Gundam.

Matsya Gundam Entry Fee:

No Entry Fee

Matsya Gundam Timings:

No Timings

Matsya Gundam Spending Time:

1-2 hours

Food Availability:

Few restaurants are available near to Matsya Gundam with low cost Prices.

9. Duduma Waterfalls

Duduma Waterfalls is one of the best waterfalls in Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. ”Matsya Tirtha” is another name for Duduma waterfalls. Duduma Waterfalls is located in Andhra Pradesh and Orissa state Border, It is 82 km distance from Araku, and 190km from Visakhapatnam. Its major use is to supply water for the Machkund electricity Project. The waterfall height is 574 feet (157 m)down to the ground. Monsoon season is the best visiting time to Duduma Waterfalls. Onukudelli powerhouse and Onukudelli dam are the best sightseeing places near Duduma Waterfalls.

The Specialty of Duduma Waterfalls:

• Duduma waterfalls are famous in Andhrapradesh with water streams flowing through the mountains
• Onukudelli powerhouse and Onukudelli dam are the must visit places near Duduma waterfalls
• Duduma waterfalls  hight for 574 feet (157 m)

Way to Reach Duduma Waterfalls:

• Duduma Waterfalls can be reached via both road and rail.
• It is at a distance of 82 km from Araku Bus Station, 176km from Vizag & 620 km from Bhubaneswar.
• Jeypore Railway station is the only 70km distance from Duduma Waterfalls
• Take the Own Vehicles or state buses and cabs/taxi are available from Araku Bus Station near Duduma Waterfalls.

Duduma Waterfalls Entry Fee:

No Entry Fee

Duduma Waterfalls Timings:

24 hours

Duduma Waterfalls Spending Time:

2-3 hours

Food Availability:

Few restaurants are available near to Jeypore. 

Read More: 10 Best Places to Visit in Hyderabad

10. Araku Waterfalls / Ranajilleda Falls

Araku Waterfalls is the best sightseeing place and the beautiful waterfalls in Araku. Araku waterfalls are also known as Ranajilleda falls. It is located in Ranajilleda Village and is 4km distance from Padmapuram Gardens and 6km from Araku Bus station. The waterfall height is 60 feet down to the ground. Ranajilleda falls is situated on a hilltop and people reach by trekking. Monsoon season is the best visiting time to Araku Waterfalls.

The Specialty of Ranajilleda Waterfalls:

• Best view of the waterfalls

• Trekking facilities are available 

Way to Reach Araku Waterfalls:

• Araku Waterfalls can be reached via both road and rail.

• It is at a distance of 6 km from Araku Bus Station, 100 km from Vizag & 670 km from Hyderabad.
• Take your own vehicles or state buses and cabs/taxi are available from Araku Bus Station near Ranajilleda Village.

Araku Waterfalls Entry Fee:

No Entry Fee

Araku Waterfalls Timings:

No Timings

Araku Waterfalls Spending Time:

1-2 hours

Food Availability:

Few restaurants are available near Ranajilleda Village.

11. Tyda Nature Camp

Tyda is a small tribal village in which Tyda nature camp also known as Jungle bells nature camp is a popular destination place in Araku. It is located in the Eastern Ghats between Vizag and Araku Valley, 40 Kms distance from Araku, 75 Kms distance from Vizag & 632 Kms from Hyderabad.

The Tyda nature camp has facilities for target shooting with bow & arrows, trekking, and rock climbing. Many varieties of birds and animals are seen in this camp. Huts are offered to tourists in a tribal environment.

Way to Reach Tyda Nature Camp:

• Tyda nature camp can be reached via both road and rail.
• It is at a distance of 40 km from Araku Bus Station, 75km from Vizag & 632 km from Hyderabad.
• Trains are available from Vizag and Araku stop at Tyda
• Take your own Vehicles or state buses and cabs/taxi are available from Araku Bus Station near Tyda nature camp.

Tyda Nature Camp Entry Fee:

Tourist Required 

Tyda Nature Camp Timings:

24 Hours

Tyda Nature Camp Spending Time:

1-2 hours

Food Availability:

Few restaurants are available near  Ranajilleda Village.

12. Tatipudi Reservoir

Tatipudi Reservoir is the water supply reservoir to the city of Visakhapatnam district. It is located on the banks of the river Gosthani in Tatipudi village. This Reservoir is at a distance of 55km from Araku, 65 km from Visakhapatnam. This reservoir was started from 1962-63, and this project's main purpose is to supply water to the Agriculture and drinking water provide to Vizag. The total ayacut is located in Srungavarapukota, Gantyada and Jami Mandals of Vizianagaram.

Tatipudi Reservoir Specialty:

 Tatipudi Reservoir is a beautiful place with greeneries, mountains. Many birds migrate here during this time and that adds beauty to the place. This reservoir is a pleasant and peaceful location for visitors and the beautiful scene is where the water is coming from two hills is the best viewpoint. Boating and fishing facility is also available here.

Way to Reach Tatipudi Reservoir:

This reservoir is only at 10km distance from Vizag-Araku road. Srungavarapukota (S Kota) is 12 km away from the Reservoir. From Vizag, take your own Vehicles or state buses and cabs/taxi are available to Srungavarapukota (S Kota).

Tatipudi Reservoir Entry Fee:

Boating Charges

Tatipudi Reservoir Timings:

No Timings

Tatipudi Reservoir Spending Time:

2-3 hours

Food Availability:

Few restaurants are available near to Srungavarapukoda (S Kota)

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13. Coffee Museum:

This famous Coffee house in Araku valley narrates the origins of coffee and its journey from Ethiopia to Araku Valley. This Museum was started by Prakash Rao in 1930, a migrant to the valley and it was initially started as a small coffee center for tourists and later in 1954, he spread the uniqueness of the coffee grown in the Araku valley and started coffee museum and now it is a hub for the various types of coffees, chocolates, tarts and brownies attracting various number of tourists every year visiting Araku.

14. Galikonda View Point:

The Galikonda View Point is the famous tourist place near Araku. This the 2nd highest peak in the Eastern Ghats. This the best photoshoot spot for the visitors and it gives a beautiful view of the railway track on a faraway hill to attract for the Visitors.

Book Galikonda 1 Day Tour

Timings:

Morning – 8 am to 12 pm || Evening – 3 pm to 6 pm

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