Friday, August 20, 2010

Araku Valley,Andhra Pradesh india

Araku Valley, 115 km from Vishakhapatnam, is a soothing hill station in the expanse of Andhra Pradesh, close to the Orissa state border. Enveloped in pastoral beauty, this beautiful valley has an elevation of 1,300 meters and is roughly 36 km in area. The beauty of the place comes alive with its
rich landscape. Araku is famous for its coffee plantation all over the world. 46 tunnels, bridges, orchards and waterfall will greet guest on the way to this peaceful hill-station. Rolling grass lands, lush orchards and pleasant climate make Araku Valley a delightful place.  Aruku Valley is actually a faction of five unfathomable valleys. It is certainly a great place to relax and unwind your-self.

Events


The Dhimsa dance, an age-old folk dance of the aborigines is still performed here during ''Itika Pongal'' - the famous hunting festival in April. Visakha Utsav is organised by A.P. Tourism every year from the third Friday to Sunday of January i.e. for three days in Vishakhapatnam.
It''s the festival special for ''Vizagites'', in the cold month of January.

Night Out

Food at Araku is very delicious but also costly at the same time. There are multi-cuisine restaurants that offer good food. The Orissa type Dhaba in Araku is quite famous for its food. Don’t expect ambiance at these places but only good food.

Activities


Tyda Park on the road the Araku Valley is home to a number of wild animals and birds and provides you with the opportunity for wild life viewing and bird watching. The tourists are provided with the chance to experience wilderness along with camping. The Bheemunipatnam Beach
is famous for its calmness and serenity and is considered safe for swimmers. Rock climbing and trekking are the other activities that the valley has to offer to its visitors.

Sights


Ananthagiri Hills has a beautiful resort wrapped in the verdant ranges of the Eastern Ghats. The road to Ananthagiri through picturesque coffee plantations on the Ghat route is literally swathed with mango groves, waterfalls that surge and flow into the ravines. Ananthagiri is perched
at an altitude where the panorama unfurls stunning viewpoints. It is considered to be the perfect getaway from the blistering summer months. Bheemunipatnam Beach is about 25-km from Vishakhapatnam and prime attraction of Araku Valley. The most important aspect of interest at the place is the beach, which is perhaps matchless for its beauty all along the east coast. The other attractions not to be missed on your trip to Aruku Valley are Damuku View Point, Padmapuram Botanical Gardens, Tida Tunnel, Government Silk Farm and Mulberry Gardens. The immense and incomparable beauty of the valley comes alive in its waterfalls, gardens and forests. It is also known for its tribal settlements and you can check out the Aruku Tribal Museum, to have a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of the tribal people.

How to get there by Air

The nearest airport is Vishakhapatnam at a distance of 112-km.

How to get there by Rail

Araku has a railhead, 136 km from Viskhapatnam.

How to get there by Bus

Bus service is available from Vishakhapatnam. A.P Tourism also conducts excursion trip from Vishakhapatnam everyday.

Best time to Visit

Best time to travel to Araku Valley is October to February.

Hotels in Andhra Pradesh

There are number of cottages, R & B guesthouse and A.P Tourism''s Mayuri complex. If you want to enjoy tribal life then there are some cottages available designed in the ethnic tribal style with attached toilet at reasonable fares.

Nearby Places


The Ananthagiri hills on the way to Hotels in Araku Valley are famous for coffee plantations. The Borra caves, located 29 km from Araku Valley, are a nearby tourist attraction. Deep in the caves there is a “Shivalingam” over which there is an idol of a cow “Kamdhenu” and the river Gosthani
takes its origin from the udder of this cow. The mercury and halogen lamps lit inside make the interior of the caves colourful and spectacular.