Araku Valley

Araku Valley is a famous hill station in Visakhapatnam district in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The city is situated amidst the beautiful sites of the Eastern Ghats and has a rich cultural as well as the traditional past. Araku Valley is 114 km from Vizag city and is very close to the Odisha border. 

This place is perhaps the most beautiful hill station in the south, as it is still not spoiled by the commercialization of tourism.

The beauty of the valley has also been featured in Tollywood films. Films like Happy Des, Darling, and Katha have been partially shot in this place. The valley boasts of Anantagiri and Sankarimetta reserve forests, which are known for their rich biodiversity.

The valley is surrounded by the mountains of Raktakonda, Chitamogondi, Galikonda, and Sankarimetta. Galikonda hill has the distinction of being the tallest hill in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Apart from being a beautiful hill station, Araku Valley is also famous for its rich coffee plantations, and its aroma of fresh coffee beans is in the air of Araku. The coffee plantation is largely responsible for the rehabilitation of many tribes living in and around Araku Valley.

The first organic coffee brand was launched in India by tribal producers in 2007. The Organic brand, named Araku Emerald, popular with the country and internationally.

There are some really interesting places to visit, including Araku Valley Tribal Museum, Tida, Borra Caves, Sagada Waterfalls, and Padampuram Botanical Garden. Also, those who want to indulge themselves with the flavors of nature must visit these coffee plantations.

Some people prefer to enjoy the scenic beauty of the place instead of sightseeing.

However, one should not leave any attraction in Araku Valley, as they help the visitors to better understand the history and culture of the place.

When the plains become very hot, people from the towns and cities like to visit this place during summer. However, the best time to enjoy the beauty of the valley is during the winter season. During the winter months, one can enjoy trekking. Best month to visit is from September to February.