The Araku Valley, situated in Andra Pradesh, is well-known for its natural beauty. In addition, it is also quite famous for several other attractions in the area.
Nestled a bit away from the city of Vizag, the valley is brimming with vibrant cultures, food, exquisite coffee, lush hills, and more. For some time now, it has been a notable tourist destination.
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In this article, you will get to know about the following places to visit in and around Araku Valley,
- Borra Caves
- Chaparai Water Cascade
- Tribal Museum
- Katiki waterfalls
- Coffee Museum
- Padmapuram Gardens
- Galikonda View Point
- Tadimada Waterfalls
Let’s see each of these places in detail.
1. Borra Caves
Located at the Ananthagiri hills in Araku valley, the caves are elevated to 2313 feet, and it goes up to 4300 feet in certain areas.
They are made out of Karstic limestone and display stalagmites, stalactites, and speleothems on the inside. The depth extends to 260 feet and is the deepest cave in India.
The cave was formed millions of years ago, and the historical aura around them attracts thousands of tourists.
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Along with all the interesting formations, the cave is also home to bats, feeding on the flowers and fruits of the region.
The admiration of the cave is increased by all the lighting that lights up the place and makes it more picturesque. Numerous legends are written surrounding the cave, and you will also find a temple outside it.
After the visit and exploration, have some local foods available near the entrance.
2. Chaparai Water Cascade
Chaparai Jalavihari is one of the most picturesque sites in Araku. It also goes by the name Dumbriguda waterfalls.
The naturally formed slide rocks are captivating to behold. Luscious forests and hills enfold the falls, thus imparting a serene atmosphere. The streams of water gush down the wide rocks making the site much more pleasing.
You can as well get into the water when the flow is less. Splashing into the wild and enjoying nature’s water slide is quite an experience.
When you are at the site, visit the local restaurants and eat their famous bamboo biriyani, kababs, prawns, corns, and barbeque chicken.
3. Tribal Museum
Established in 1996, the Tribal Museum is located in Araku valley close to Padmapura botanical garden. The museum is beautifully structured out of Metal and mud.
The place portrays the tribal culture and traditions, particularly of that area. So many different types of objects are exhibited, like hunting tools, jewelry, kitchen tools, and their other daily usable items.
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Types of scenes related to their day-to-day life are also shown through life-size figurines of the tribal people. It is astounding to look at.
Live dances, and boating, are some fun kinds of stuff that can be enjoyed. There are also tribal craft and art centers inside the museum holding seminars and seminars and thereby promoting folk and tribal art.
This is a brilliant establishment by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation and a good step towards the magnificent tribal culture.
4. Katiki waterfalls
A paradise for nature lovers, Katiki waterfalls is a few kilometers away from Araku valley and close to the Borra caves.
The lush terrain and the enveloping landscape are incredible to look at. The waterfall amidst the lush wild nature adds up to the splendor of the place.
The fall is wrapped with a cool breeze, splashes of water, and singing birds, and the distant sight of the place is very mystical. Get soaked in the gushing water and dive into the excitement with your loved ones.
Trekking is done at the falls, which adds to the adventure. While enjoying the wild, gulp some refreshing coconut water, and do not miss the famous bamboo chicken of the Araku valley.
5. Coffee Museum
The history of the coffee museum traces back to the 1950s when it was just a small business set up as a coffee house. Later, it expanded into the museum we see today in the Araku Valley.
Pure arabica is grown here with an exotic aromatic profile, balance, and smoothness.
The coffee beans past is exhibited through panoramas at the Sampoorna coffee gallery.
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All the processes associated with coffee making are featured inside the museum. Coffee plantations were introduced in the state of Andhra Pradesh in 1898, and for a long-time, tribal farmers have occupied the art of coffee cultivation in the plantations and have mastered it.
Drop by the museum and experience the journey of coffee from the plantations to your cup. Try out some cups of delicious coffee and absorb all the fragrance and flavors of it.
6. Padmapuram Gardens
Padmapuram Gardens is a well-known botanical garden in the Araku valley. The park was established in 1942 and covered 26 acres of land. Vegetables were grown during World War II and supplied to the military men fighting the war.
Later, the place was converted into a training center and horticultural nursery for growing rare trees and flowers. The site is filled with greenery along with pieces of stone sculptures.
The botanical garden houses fascinating and magical spots such as colorful flower stretches, tree-top huts, chic rose gardens, a nursery, and a toy train. You can also stay at the suspended cottages to experience and look over the majestic area.
Go around the park riding the toy train amidst the trees to soak in all the excitement and fun. There is a lot to learn about all the exotic plant species present.
7. Galikonda View Point
The Galikonda viewpoint in Araku is one of the most adoring spots for every tourist. The beauty of the charm of nature that is seen from this point is breathtaking.
It is the highest point in the Vishakhapatnam district and gives you a bird’s eye view of the rolling hills, green valleys, streams, rivers, and cottages.
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The atmosphere and cool breeze are perfect to be at this point.
It is a must-visit if you are planning a travel to the Araku valley, and do not forget to savor some good food while looking over at the brilliant scenic panorama.
8. Tadimada Waterfalls
Tadimada Waterfalls is a few kilometers from Araku Valley and is worth visiting. The charming waterfall also goes by the name Anantagiri waterfalls.
It is elevated at 100 feet and can be reached by trekking. The experience is lovely and thrilling while walking amidst nature. The coffee plantations, lush rainforest, and the surrounding ambiance with the rolling hills look fascinating.
The splashing waterfall is one of the mesmerizing falls near Vizag and is ideal for a one-day trip or picnic. Take a dip into the waters and enjoy it with your family or friends.
The magnificent look of the waterfall can be witnessed better during the monsoon season. The rocks, however, remain slippery, so be a bit careful.
These are some of the famous places to visit near Araku Valley.
There is much more than all of these that this place has to offer. It is a fun getaway for a few days and the perfect place to let go of all the accumulated stress from working.
Plan a trip to this splendid location and learn more about this part of Andhra Pradesh.
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