Destination Araku

Borra Caves  

Discovered in 1807 by William King George, a British geologist from the Geological Survey of India, these caves attract a huge number of tourists every day. The Borra Caves are a must-visit attraction for history buffs. Located at an elevation of 1400 m above sea level, it is nestled amidst the Ananthagiri Hills in Araku Valley. The Borra Caves are thought to be millions of years old and are the biggest amongst all caves found in India. Made entirely of natural karstic limestone, the caves are kaleidoscopic in nature, and the light falling on the rocks coupled with the waterfalls creates an extremely colourful, mesmerising effect, lending an aura of mysticism to the entire ambience.

Timings: 10am-5pm
Entry: Adult Rs 60, Children Rs 45, Camera
Rs 45, Video Camera Rs 100.

Ananthagiri Waterfalls

Located at about 30 km from Araku, 3 km from Ananthagiri village, and 85 km from Visakhapatnam, Tadimada waterfalls are also known as Ananthagiri Waterfalls by the locals,

The simplest approach to enjoying this site is by trekking to the falls, where a spectacular vista is created by the waves dashing from a height of 100 feet, a wonderfully calming vision.

Timings: 9am-5pm

Tribal Museum

This is the most popular tourist site in Araku. Apart from being a picturesque hill town, Araku is famous for its indigenous tribal culture. Various tribal communities such as Khord, B.Mallis, Bagata, Gadaba, Koya and Savara inhabit this region. The Tribal Museum showcases the daily life of these tribes, their culture and food habits. Located just 200 m from the Araku bus station, the museum showcases the lifestyle of about 19 tribes of the vicinity. Tribal artworks adorn the walls. Local Mayur and Dhimsa dances are exhibited in one section. Opened in 1996 by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, the Araku Tribal Museum depicts the tribal culture of Andhra Pradesh. From utensils, jewellery, hunting tools to wedding photographs, the museum gives a glimpse into traditional tribal lives.

Timings: 10am-6pm
Entry: Adult Rs 40, Children Rs 20.

Coffee Museum

The unique museum houses an upmarket coffee house that serves world-class coffee, chocolates, sandwiches, brownies, and more. You can choose from 60 varieties of coffee and 600 varieties of chocolates. It is the ultimate destination to satisfy your coffee cravings, and the perfect treat for those who love both coffee and chocolate.

The flavours of the unique combinations are simply amazing. Other than stimulating coffee and delicious chocolates, there are many other delicacies like tarts, mousses, brownies, and sandwiches to enjoy.

Katiki Waterfalls

Katiki Falls originate from River Gosthani about 90 km from Visakhapatnam, and is situated a short distance from the Borra Caves.

Katiki is a gushing waterfall that measures around 50 feet in height and is fully surrounded by lush greenery of the valley. The crystal-clear water cascading down the rocks, bordered by the gleaming green foliage is a sight for sore eyes. It is a famous attraction for picnickers and nature lovers.

Distance: 19.2 km

Ananthagiri Hills

Charming small camping area on the road to Araku Valley, this scenic spot is suffused with the verdant environs of mountains and valleys. The hill resorts, camping sites, waterfalls, and hiking hills open their arms to you.

There is a Vishnu temple in this forest area called the Ananta Padmanabha Swami Temple, which is thronged by pilgrims during weekends. The temple is open throughout the day.

Ananthagiri Hills is the place where Musi River begins.

Distance: 87 km

Chaparai Waterfalls

At a distance of just 13 km from Araku, the Chaparai waterfalls or the Dumbriguda waterfalls is one of the most popular weekend destinations. Set in a perfectly serene environment, the spot has many local vendors selling special delicacies like grilled chicken, kulfi, and more, for a fun outing with friends and family. The best time to feel the nature closest to you would be at sunrise or sunset. One can also take a dip in the water.

Distance: 13 km

Bheemili Beach 

Located 44 km north from the city centre, the long, beautiful and pristine Bheemunipatnam Beach is at the assemblage of Gosthani River and the Bay of Bengal. A salty, refreshing climate, complemented with the agreeable nature and lush greenery all around, dotted with lined palm groves, make Bheemilli a famous and loved beach.

Kothapali Waterfalls

Situated 30 km for Paderu Village, and 45 km from Lambasingi, the place was developed by APTDC recently for tourists and visitors. There is ample provision for car parking, with space for cars and steps leading right up to the bottom. The waterfall is near the southeastern coast of India at Gangaraju Madugula. The falls were only recently discovered by a village boy, Vanthala Abbi.

Distance: 60 km

Tuduma Waterfalls

Duduma Falls (also known as Matsya Tirtha) on Machkund River is found in Orissa state close to Munchingiputtu village of Visakhapatnam District. Located at a height of 520 feet, this is one of the most popular waterfalls in Orissa.

Distance: 83 km

Matsyagundam

Matsyagundam, popularly known as the ‘fish pool’, is located in Araku Valley. This hamlet is home to varieties of fish and a century-old temple known as Sri Matsyalingeswara Swamy Temple.

There are several folklores attached to this temple of Lord Shiva. It is said that there was a fight in a place called Gemmili between the Singarajulu or snakes and the Matsyarajulu or the fish.

Distance: 47.8 km

Padmapuram Gardens

Padmapuram Gardens are a favourite spot amongst tourists who visit Araku Valley. Flourishing with a vast variety of flora species, the garden is home to an exquisite rose garden, treetop huts and a fun toy train for rides around it.

The garden was built to supply food and vegetables to soldiers of World War II in 1942 in a plot of 26 acres and later on, converted into a horticultural nursery with a training centre. Timings: 9am-6pm

Entry: Adult Rs 40, Children Rs 20