India /Andhra Pradesh /Visakhapatnam /Araku Valley

Araku valley is a small and pristine hill station that is located near the city of in the State of. The hill station is known for its relatively untouched beauty and the surroundings are green and lush. The forests surrounding the hill station are a good place for day trips and for those who are interested in outdoor activities such as rock climbing and trekking, the Araku Valley is a good option. The place is located near the Orissa border and is set amidst lush green hills and has exquisite scenery. Araku Valley is fast becoming a popular tourist destination and is among the most beautiful places in the State. The climate is pleasant throughout the year and can be visited even during the winter months. Araku Valley is famous for the various plantations that can be seen in the area. Araku Vally coffee plantations produce coffee seeds that are used for both domestic purposes as well as export. The road to Araku Valley is through Ghats and there are many hair pins and steep slopes. Both sides of the road are covered with thick vegetation and the route is extremely scenic. There are many tunnels and bridges as well. Araku Valley is located at a height of around 2992 feet and has a pleasant climate throughout the year. Summers are cool and are a good time to visit. During certain periods summer days may be warm. However, predominantly summer season is extremely pleasant. Monsoons bring extensive rainfall to this region and visiting during this time may not be the best option. Winter season is cold and temperatures drop rapidly during the nights.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Hill Station

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 531149

STD Code: 8936

Info Website: aptourism.in

Best Time to Visit:  June – February

HistoryEdit

N.A.

Places to VisitAdd 

How to ReachEdit

By Air : Araku Valley does not have an airport. The nearest air link is at Vishakhapatnam, placed 112 Km away. The Vishakhapatnam Airport has two terminals that cater to domestic travellers only. Taxis are available from the airport to the Araku Valley. Taxis cost around Rs 1500. Vishakhapatnam Airport: 0891 251 8960.

By Train : There are two railway stations that are located in the Araku Valley. Both the railway stations are connected to the railway station at Vizag. The railway stations fall on the Kothavalasa-Kirandul railway line that is part of the Vishakhapatnam division on the East Cost railway.

By BUS : Buses are available from Vishakhapatnam to Araku Valley and they are a good option. Private bus operatoRs charge around Rs 300 for non A/C buses.

By Taxi : Araku Valley is well connected by a road network and national highways. The tourist can reach to Araku Valley by taxi. The normal Indian taxi charges of Rupees 8 to 20 will be charged for each km.

By Other : N.A.

Top HotelsAdd

Budget  – Up to Rs. 800

• Araku Valley, Araku. ; 089 36 249491 ; Ph – Doctor on call,Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service,Air conditioning, Laundry, Parking. ; Facilities – N.A.

Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

• Opposite to Araku Bus depot,Araku Valley. ; 089 36 249204 ; Ph – Non-smoking rooms,Dry cleaning/laundry, Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk,24-hour room service, Air conditioning,Laundry. ; Facilities –N.A.

Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

• Araku, Andhra Pradesh,Araku Valley, AP 531151. ; 098 48 088997 ; Ph – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk,24-hour room service,Air conditioning,Conference facilities,Elevators, Laundry,Parking. ; Facilities – N.A.

Top RestaurantsAdd

• Vadundhara Restaurant ;  Padmapuram Junction, Araku Valley, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 531149. ; M –  094 40 090899 ; Food Serve :  Indian.

• Rajadhani Restaurant ;  Araku – Visakhapatnam Road, Araku Valley, OR 531151. ; M –  N.A. ; Food Serve :  N.A.

Must Eat FoodAdd

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

Must ShopAdd

• Coffee ; Araku Valley Coffee House ;  Near RTC Bus complex, Araku Valley – 531 149 ; Ph/M:  8936208089

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

SpaAdd

FestivalAdd

Itika Pongal ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  April. ; Details:  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 ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  January ; Details:  Every year in the month of January, from the third Friday to Sunday, this festival in Araku is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm. It is mainly organized by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism.

Safety / WarningEdit

• Beware of pickpockets as Araku Valley is a major tourist city in India.
• Beware of fake items. Better to buy from reputable shops even though you have to pay more.

HelplineEdit

• Ambulance : 102
• Fire Brigade : 101
• Police : 100

ItineraryEdit

N.A.

Gallery