Ooty

 

Ooty Tourism

Nestled amidst Nilgiri hills, Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu which serves as a top-rated tourist destination. Once regarded as the summer headquarters of the East India Company, the Queen of the hills is a picturesque getaway.

Dotted with tea gardens, serene waterfalls, winding country lanes, and charming colonial architecture, Ooty is the perfect respite everyone. Popular among couples and honeymooners, Ooty allures its visitors with the panoramic views of the Nilgiri mountains.

The Nilgiri mountain railway is the steepest track in all of Asia. Remember the hit song 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' where Shahrukh Khan and Malaika Arora matching steps on top of a train? Remember the breathtaking locales as the train chugged its way across lush greenery? Yes, that was the Nilgiri Mountain Railways, and the Nilgiri Mountains all along.

More information about Ooty 

Ooty is a place which can be visited throughout the year. Each season in Ooty has something different to offer and none of the seasons is too harsh for its visitors. The Nilgiri mountain railway or the Ooty Toy Train is a marvel in itself. The views of the mountains with the touch of weather make the place more likeable. Various adventure sports like Mountain biking and Hand gliding keeps the adrenaline flowing inside you and makes you feel the thrill. There are various lakes and gardens in the town to keep you engaged. Apart from the natural sightseeing options, there are other interesting man-made places as well including the Wax World Museum, Tea Museum and the St. Stephen's Church.

Flora and Fauna 

Ooty is an integral part of the Western Ghats and is one of the most biodiverse regions of the world. To visit Ooty in the month of monsoon, you will find the forests laden with rare blooming flowers. The hill slopes covered with colourful species of plants not likely to be found anywhere else in India. A lot of pharmaceutical plants and herbs with medicinal qualities can also be found here. It also has never-ending tea gardens and grasslands. Another attraction of the hill station is its beautiful pine forests. This dense forest area is also the part where you can find a large number of exotic wild animals and reptiles, few of which are the elusive panther, the rock python, majestic cobra, and the big cats. Apart from these, a large variety of birds and insects are also found here including the flying squirrel. A quaint little toy town tucked away in the Nilgiris is a slice of a haven for a retreat in nature’s bliss. Ooty boasts of emerald hills, charming pathways, valleys blooming with flowers and the blue mountains at a distance. It also maintains its old world charm of serene grandeur and presents a picture-perfect canvas view.

What Makes Ooty An Amazing Tourist Destination 

Ooty is as much about mountain trails and lush green scenery as it is about lakes that stretch for miles and waterfalls that suddenly come into view as you take a hairpin bend. The city is abundant of crystal clear lakes surrounded by hills, creating the perfect ambience for the cool wind to hit your face and pull you into the exhilaration of being one with nature. Adventure seekers need not fret, as certain lakes offer speedboat rides as well if that's what you're looking for.


Since Ooty is mostly about nature, another beautifully scenic location that the city has to offer are the Ooty Botanical Gardens, located right in the heart of the city. Spread out over acres and acres of land, these gardens house hundreds of different varieties of plant and flower species, and it makes for a charmingly scenic delight for the senses.

If you're a foodie with a sweet tooth, Ooty's bakeries will make your mouth water like no other. Trying out traditional Ooty biscuits and homemade chocolates in dozens of flavours have now become synonymous with a trip to Ooty.

When you think of South India, you can't help thinking of temples that showcase the architectural dexterity of ancient India, and Ooty is no exception. The city houses quite a few temples situated on hilltops, and the views from the temple are no less ethereally beautiful than the temples themselves.

Ooty is one tourist destination that you cannot rush through just so you can move on to the next place on your itinerary. Lofty mountains, grasslands sprawling across miles, a miniature toy train, forest trails that abound in hues gathered from nature herself – it doesn't take much for Ooty to win a traveller's heart. Once you have visited Ooty, the only thing you'll want to think of is how soon you can go back there again – that's the magic of this quaint little hill station which, regardless of how many times you go back to, never gets old.

Oravakallu Rock Garden

 

Oravakallu Rock Garden, Kurnool Overview

There are a few ordinary landscapes in Kurnool. One fascinating stretch is a park with igneous rock formations. Find here a restaurant, small ponds, boating facilities and a cave museum. A less ordinary hiking area and a bit unusual picnic spot, this one, is a must visit area in Kurnool.

Best Time To Visit Oravakallu Rock Garden 

The time from March to May as the city experiences summers is very hot and humid and preferred less by visitors. The idle time to visit Kurnool is from October to March as the weather is the most pleasant then. Some tourists also prefer visiting Kurnool during July to September just as monsoons hits and stays in the city. Sightseeing when raining becomes all the more pleasing to the eyes. The famous Car Festival which is celebrated in the month of November- December as a dedication to SriAjaneyaswami attracts many tourists. The whole city seems to be in the festive mood during that time and celebrations are at the peak.

Stay Near Oravakallu Rock Garden 

Kurnool has more number of budget inns than luxury hotels, the various tourists destinations are not close by, it is thereby suggested that tourists may talk to their hotel staff to arrange for cabs for sightseeing and pick drop facility to and from the hotel et cetera.

Activities At Oravakallu Rock Garden 

One can make the most of rock climbing, hiking and photography at the park.

Food At Oravakallu Rock Garden 

There are a few small restaurants spread around at a distance, it is still suggested that travellers pack meals as they visit Oravakallu to enjoy a good picnic with family and friends.

Restaurants Near Oravakallu Rock Garden 

One finds a decent APTDC restaurant here.

Sample Itinerary For Oravakallu Rock Garden 

Oravakallu can be covered on the way back from Hyderabad and Belum. A few hours here would do , next in the line could be Rollapadu.

Tips For Visiting Oravakallu Rock Garden 

There is not much to do in Oravakallu, do not expect activities that'd keep you busy through the day. It is a beautiful tourist destination, you can sit and enjoy the serenity of the garden, it could be a beautiful picnic away from the city jazz. Hiring a guide or purchasing a travel Gide might just help you to discover the place better.

How to reach Oravakallu Rock Garden 

• Air: The nearest airport is Hyderabad which is 214kms away from the city. Taxies and buses are however available which are frequent and take nearly 4-5 hours in completing the journey.

• Rail: The city of Kurnool has a railway station which is well connected to the fellow cities and major railway junctions of the country.

• Road: Kurnool is 214kms away from Hyderabad, 359kms away from Chittoor and 147kms from Anantapur. The roads are well maintained and regular buses run by the state tourism and transport corporation connect it to various cities.

Lambasingi

 

Lambasingi, Visakhapatnam Overview

Fondly called the ‘Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh’, Lambasingi is a quaint hamlet nestled in Chintapalli Mandal in the richly forested Arakku Valley at an elevation of 1025 m above the sea level. On of the best kept secrets of Andhra Pradesh, the dainty village is known for its majestic hills, apple orchards and panoramic views of the adjoining valleys. Also known as Korra Bayalu, the village is the only place in all of South India that experiences snowfall as the temperatures drop significantly. Besides abundant natural beauty and the gorgeous views if the towering hills and meandering rivers, the village also offers a plethora of adventure activities that you can try your hand at. So if you are looking for chilling temperature, pale mists, colourful gardens and prolific natural beauty, you know where to head to.

1. Thajangi Reservoir

Located at a distance of just 6 kms from Lambasingi, Thajangi Reservoir is the most visited spot of Lambasingi with majestic hills in the backdrop and a mighty river flowing across. The sheer beauty of the place attracts a lot of shutterbugs, photography enthusiasts, trekkers, nature lovers etc.

2. Kothapalli Waterfalls

Another hidden gem of Lambasingi, is the most gorgeous and mesmerising Kothapalli Waterfalls. The water cascades down in all its glory amidst natural environment with little or zero human interaction. The magical waterfall is definitely a sight to watch if you are in or around the area.

3. Susan Garden

If anything was missing after waterfalls and meadows and rivers and valleys and hills, it was a garden. But Lambasingi has that also. En route to Lambasingi, right before your destination, you will be greeted with ultra beautiful yellow and black flowers of the Susan Garden. You can relax and rewind or watch the beautiful sunset. You can also capture the picture perfect moment in your cameras.

Activities at Lambasingi 

1. Stroll through the misty cloudy gardens, apple orchards and coffee plantations.
2. Wander off to the adjoining forests and explore the mysticism of nature.
3. Try your hand at camping, trekking, rock climbing, hiking and other adventure activities available at the spot.
4. Explore the Arakku Valley popular for its colourful canvas of vibrant roses, waterfalls, streams and green meadows.
5. If you are craving for a little sun, sea and sand. Uppada Beach is just 120 kms from Lambasingi.
6. The Ghat Road in Lambasingi is a very picturesque road ideal for romantic walks and strolls.

How To Reach Lambasingi 

The village of Lambasingi is situated just a 100 kms from Vishkhapatnam and can be easily reached through road or railways. You can also drive down to the spot in case you are looking for a wonderful road trip experience.

Maredumilli

 

Maredumilli, Rajahmundry Overview :

Part of one of the premium eco-tourism projects of the country, Maredumilli is a terrain of undulating plains, evergreen forests and rich biodiversity. Located in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, which is known for its rivers, ravines and lush greeneries, Maredumilli is a paradise for the nature lover, for the adventure seeker and for the offbeat traveller. The resort, officially named Valmiki Valley Vana Vihara Sthali, is an enchanting nest of nature’s finest, offering its visitors the most authentic, organic experiences. With dense woods and the smell of the wild enveloping the region, an exploding count of flora and fauna, sparkling rapids gushing down the slopes and crevices and exciting campsites to explore, Maredumilli is sincerely one of the best destinations to pick from in Andhra Pradesh, to spend a weekend away from the madding city crowds and the monotony of your everyday life.

While at Maredumilli, you will have opportunities to see and visit some unique locations, which are rare and hard to find otherwise. On the top of the list is Nandanavanam Ethno Medical Awareness Centre. Maredumilli is known for its extensive collection of medicinal plants, and this site is only a further effort to spread public awareness about the benefits of indigenous medicinal plants. You can take a round here and find the names of more than a hundred herbs and plants, both local and brought in from Orissa and regions of Western Ghats, with great healing properties.

Things to do :

You can pay a visit to the APFDC coffee and pepper plantations, which are located near Nandanavanam. Here, you can see from close quarters how your favourite spice and beverage are grown, cultivated and reaped in perfectly scientific manners. You will also find mango groves, banana trees and orchids in these plantations, as an added bonus for the fans of wild flora. For even holier experiences surrounding wild flora, you can visit Karthika Vanam, which is an area with sacred plantations like Banyan, amla, peepal, neem and bael. Here is also an open laboratory here where scientists and biologists study and research varieties of medicinal herbs and plants.

If you are looking for a spot to spend the day relaxing and picnicking in nature’s lap, then Madan Kunj-Vihara Sthal is ideal for the purpose. Here you will find pine trees and clumps of Golden Bamboo amidst flora, and animals like tiger, bison, panther, wild bears, jungle fowls, peacocks, kingfishers, hornbills and many other exotic birds amidst fauna to feast your eyes upon.

Last but not the least, there is the Jungle Star camping site, spread over hillocks, grasslands and scattered forests. The place is not only a great opportunity to enjoy overnight stay in the deep forests of Maredumilli, but it has a historical and mythological significance as well. Located along the Valamuru River, this place is said to the ground where Ramayana characters Bali and Sugriva battled for the throne of Kishkindha. The Bali-Sugriva Konda is a major attraction here, and there are also opportunities of trekking through the woods, enjoying tribal music and dance performances or just enjoy the serenity of the jungle in the bosom of nature.

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary

 

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Kakinada Overview

Merely 22km away from the Kakinada Beach, Coringa is a Wildlife Sanctuary as well as an estuary. It is home to as many as 35 species of mangrove plants, 120 species of rare birds and innumerable species of flora. This sanctuary is also famous for being home to the critically endangered white-backed vulture and long-billed vulture. Coringa is known to be one of the favourites among eco-tourists. Since it is an estuary, you can also get a stunning view where the sea meets the river.

20 kms away from Kakinada, this wildlife sanctuary is spread across 235 square kilometres. There are wide wooden bridges built through the dense forest lands that allow you to walk through the forest looking at Flora and Fauna. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is famous and well-known for its saltwater crocodiles and various salt-tolerant species of flora like Avincinia, Rhizophora and many more. The region also sees heavy growth of herbs and shrubs.

Flora 

Being an estuary of the River Godavari, Coring Wildlife Sanctuary has mangrove vegetation. There are 35 species of plants here which belong to 24 different families. The most prominent ones among these include Avicennia officinalis, Avicennia alba, Excoecaria agallocha, Ceriops decandra, Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Avicennia marina, Lumnitzera recemosa, Rhizophora conjugata, Aegiceras corniculatum, Rhizophora mucronata, Thespesia populneoides, Sonneratia apetala, and Hibiscus tiliaceus. The shrub species found here include Dalbergia spinosa, Derris trifoliata.

Fauna 

The mangrove vegetation of the sanctuary provides the feed for the significant number of birds residing here. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary houses many critically endangered and endangered species of animals like the long-billed vulture, white-backed vulture, Oriental white ibis, painted stork and spot-billed pelican. Almost 120 different species of birds have made this sanctuary their home among which some of the most common ones are the pied kingfisher, black-capped kingfisher, small blue kingfisher, pond heron, grey heron, reef heron, night heron, crow pheasant, flamingos, seagulls, purple heron, openbill stork, and little cormorant.

Best Time To Visit 

The climate is mostly hot and humid with temperature going as high as 47 degrees Celcius during summer months of May to June and falling to 14 degrees Celcius during winter months, from December to January. It is preferable to visit Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary anytime between October to May.

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary Accommodation 

There are a few budget as well as luxury hotels available for accommodation around Coringa. Most tourists stay near the Kakinada port or in Rajahmundry. There are also guest houses maintained by the forest department available for booking in Kakinada and Rajahmundry. You can either book these online

Rishikonda Beach

 

Rishikonda Beach, Visakhapatnam Overview

The Rishikonda Beach also known as Rushikonda Beach is a stunning shore located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal in Vishakhapatnam, in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. APTDC, which is in charge of this natural beauty, has done a great job in the upkeep of the beach and ensured that this natural attraction remains unspoilt. The Rishikonda Beach is thus rightly named as the 'Jewel of the East Coast', owing to its essential and intact beauty. The serene golden sands of the beach are located in the bosom of the Rishikonda hill. 

Located in the midst of frothy blue sea and emerald greenery, the scenery that this beach boasts of is indeed mesmerising and breathtaking. This place is a favourite among water sports lovers because of the range of activities that are offered here. If you are in the mood for an adrenaline rush, you can indulge in the water sports that are offered here. The Rushikonda Beach is one of the few beaches that offers swimming under expert supervision, so do not forget to take a quick dip in the water. However, the beach's natural charms are one of the main reasons for its immense popularity among local as well as foreign tourists. The Rishikonda Beach is an ideal destination for a peaceful weekend getaway and is located just 8 kilometres away from the port of Vishakhapatnam, making the place very accessible.

Water Sports at Rishikonda Beach :

The beach is a paradise for water sports lovers, and this destination has a wide array of water sports to offer. You can invoke your inner mermaid and go for a soothing swim in the Bay of Bengal, or indulge in some enjoyable old boating. You can also try your hand at water surfing, speed boating on a motorboat and jet skiing, all of which are fun-filled and thrilling activities. The beach is also considered to be a haven for windsurfers too. Other activities offered here Scuba diving, Snorkel and Sea Kayak.

Things To Do at Rishikonda Beach :

The Rushikonda Beach is one of the few beaches that boasts of unpolluted and natural beauty, and hence tourists prefer to visit this beach over others to enjoy a peaceful day with their loved ones. The greenery, clear blue waters and golden sands of the beach never fail to attract tourists from all across the country.

Sports lovers can indulge in the myriad of sports that are offered here, while food lovers can gorge on the lip-smacking food that is served here. Do not forget to sip on to the fresh coconut water and bhuutas (corn) that are easily found here. The beach also has an enclosure or an artificial bay that has been created by a breakwater, to be used for recreational swimming.

You can also ride ropeway to the Kailashgiri hilltop and then enjoy a toy train ride to view the beautiful city of Vizag. The Submarine museum located nearby is a bonus. The Rishikonda Beach also houses the Iskcon Temple, where tourists go to pray and seek the blessings of the Almighty.

Borra Caves

 

Borra caves, Visakhapatnam Overview

Located on the east coast of India, the Borra Caves are situated in the Ananthagiri hills of the Araku Valley in Visakhapatnam district. Breath taking hilly terrain, beautiful landscape, semi-evergreen moist deciduous forests, and wild fauna of the Borra Caves are a visual feast.

A marvellous creation of nature, the Borra caves were formed when river waters flow through a limestone area, and the calcium carbonate turns into calcium bicarbonate, which is easily washed out by the running water. The most striking feature of the caves is its exquisite variety of speleothems ranging in size.

Borra Caves are deemed to be among the largest in the country and are perched at a whopping elevation of about 705 metres. They are basically karstic limestone structures extending to a depth of 80 m and are considered to be the deepest cave in India. The combination of sunlight and dark conjures amazing dancing shaped in the depths of the Borra Caves, which is a sight in itself.

Natural skylights in the caves make way for colourful imagery that imparts them a unique enigma of their own. Animal lovers will find bats as well as the golden geckos hiding in the shadows of the niches. The journey up to the primary destination with its picturesque location and a thrilling hike is a treat in itself. Visit this destination and explore the unique beauty of Araku Valley in all its glory.

Legend of Borra Caves 

The legend of Borra Caves is rich with narrations from tribal communities such as Jatapu, Porja, Kondadora, Nookadora and Valmiki, who inhabit the villages in the region. One such legend dictates that a cow dropped through a hole in the caves as it was grazing the nearby fields.

Soon enough, people came looking for it and discovered a stone in the caves which resembled a Shiva Lingam. The cow returned safe and sound and the well-being of the animal was attributed to the Lingam. A small temple was soon built around the caves and people flocked the area to seek the blessings of the Lord.

History of Borra Caves 

The history of Borra Caves is perhaps as old as the history of the Araku Valley itself. Believed to have been formed as a result of perennial water flows over millions of years, the caves were discovered by British geologist William King in the year 1807. The process of the formation of the Borra Caves is quite intriguing as well. Humic acid in the water reacts with the calcium carbonate in the limestone and dissolves the minerals breaking the rock gradually.

As a result of this, varied rocks and shapes are formed in the caves. The total length of the Borra Caves is about 200 meters and the Dandakaranya - Bolangir - Kibur train track passes over the caves. Anthropologists have also found stone tools of middle Paleolithic Age dating back to 30000 to 50000 years indicating human habitation in the Borra Caves.

Borra Caves Trekking 

The picturesque territory and thrilling terrain of Borra Caves is the perfect destination to pursue a little trekking adventure over the weekend. With the waters of Katika Waterfalls cascading nearby, the scenic beauty of this place is only second to the adrenaline rush that a hike here provides.

The trekking difficulty is easy to medium, so even beginners will not have a problem in navigating this destination. The journey up to the caves can take 3-4 hours, but the final view of Borra Caves is definitely worth all the hard work!

Tirupathi

 Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, according to legend, is the place Lord Vishnu chose as an alternative to Vaikuntha, his celestial home. It is synonymous with the Tirumala Venkateswara temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, which is situated in the nearby Tirumala hills.

Tirumala hills have seven peaks and the temple is situated on the seventh peak, Venkatachala. Tirupati is situated on the foothills of Tirumala. The seven peaks of Tirumala are symbolic of the seven hoods of Adisesha, the serpent under whose hoods Vishnu is said to reside. The Vedas and the Upanishadas mention the benefits of a pilgrimage to the site so it is unsurprising that the temple is among the richest pilgrimage centers in India.

Wind Turbines on the hills of Tirumala

According to legend, Vishnu was disconsolate when Lakshmi left him and so he married Padmavati, one of her incarnations. Since Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth, fortune and prosperity) had left him, Vishnu was left with no money for his own wedding. So, he borrowed what he needed from Kubera. Devotees making offerings at Tirumala believe that they are helping the lord repay his debt and that He, in turn, will help them.

    

Tirupati is also one of the most-visited places of worship in the world. The temple receives anywhere between 50,000 and 100,000 pilgrims daily (30 to 40 million people annually on average), while on special occasions and festivals, like the annual Brahmotsavam, the number of pilgrims shoots up to as high as 500,000.

Besides being a pilgrim town, modern day Tirupati is fast turning into a business hub of southern Andhra Pradesh. Major brands of automobile, electrical, textile, mobile and electronic companies have their outlets in Tirupati. Several Sugar mills, pharmaceutical companies and cement factories can be seen here.

The area around Lord Venkateswara temple was called Venkatachala for ages. It is believed the title Venkatachala was coined by Lord Brahma himself. The exact age of the temple is not known and there are differences about its origin and about the deity. Ramanuja, the Vaishnava scholar, identified the deity as Lord Vishnu and put an end to the dispute about the deity in the 12th century. The Devrayas, Pallavas, Cholas, the Kings of Vijayanagar and Mysore upgraded the temple and also endowed it with priceless valuables.

The temple had its devotees among the British during the colonial era too. Sir Thomas Munroe, Governor of Madras Presidency, believed he was cured of stomach ailment by the grace of Lord Venkateswara. He created an endowment by gifting the village of Kotavayulu, for a daily offering of a gangalam of pongal. It is still known as the Munroe gangalam.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam was formed in 1930. It manages the affairs of the temple and the various charitable activities.

In 2009, the Tirupati laddu was granted the geographical indication tag, which is a sign used for products used for corresponding geographical locations like Darjeeling tea, Mysore silk and Nashik grapes among others.

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple (Picture courtesy: Instagram)

PLACE DETAILS:

The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) of the sacred Seshachalam ranges and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini. The Temple houses the awe-inspiring seven-feet idol of Lord Venkateswara which has been attracting millions of devotees and tourists. The Srivari Temple dated back to 1200 BC sprawls over an area of few acres, is a huge shrine with 415 feet long and263 feet wide. It has three prakaras or enclosures encircling the holy sanctum of Lord Venkateswara. The metal sealing is as old as 1000 years. It also houses separate chambers for keeping his ornaments, holy silks, fresh garlands, sandal wood grinder all along his temple. Besides a Potu (kitchen) to make Laddu prasadam for devotees, there is also a special kitchen where the daily food (naivedyam) of Lord is prepared on a clock orange basis throughout the day.

Araku Valley

 

About Araku Valley

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Araku Valley is located in Vishakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh and being surrounded by the magnificent Eastern Ghats the place hosts refreshing breaks for nature lovers. The valley is known for its exquisite biodiversity and features lush green tea and coffee plantations.

Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 Days
Nearest City: Vizag or Visakhapatnam
Distance From Vizag: 112 Kms
Peak Season: September to May
State: Andhra Pradesh

Best Time To Visit Araku Valley

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Majority of the travelers and locals prefer visiting Araku Valley during winters which is from the months of December to February. One can enjoy the best of sightseeing despite the fact that Araku Valley looks stunning in freezing temperatures that goes down to about 5-degree Celsius.

However, perfect for activities like trekking, caving, and sightseeing, weather in Araku Valley turns balmy and pleasant to travel and explore during September to May which happens to be the best time to visit this paradise.

Route Map From Vizag To Araku Valley

From Vizag continue towards Mindi for 2.8 km and then take Araku-Visakhapatnam Toad to reach Araku Valley. You will be driving nearly 111 km on this road to reach your destination. The road connectivity is comfortable and you can hire a taxi or board a bus to reach Araku Valley.

Best Experiences To Have In Araku Valley

An ideal getaway for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, Araku Valley will leave you encircled by the mountain ranges of Eastern Ghats at a height of 2,990 ft. Nonetheless, in case you are visiting this paradise for the first time, make sure you keep this guide handy in order not to miss out on any of the must experiences on your next trip to Araku Valley with your loved ones.

1. Chaparai Waterfalls :

Image Courtesy: Famous Places In India

Also known as the Dumbriguda Falls, it is one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Araku Valley which is encircled by green forests on all sides. Located at a distance of about five kilometers from the valley, Chaparai waterfalls is an ideal place for those who are planning on a fun day out with family, and friends. This is amongst the best places to visit in Araku. This is known for offering refreshing experiences in Araku during summer.

Location: Way to Araku Valley,dumbriguda, mandalam, Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 8 am – 6 pm
Prices: INR 10/-
Famous For: Scenic beauty

2. Ananthagiri Hills

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Located at a distance of 26 km from Araku Valley, Ananthagiri hills is a small hill station that is nestled between Araku and Vizag. Being one of the most beautiful and important hill stations of Andhra Pradesh, one will find coffee plantations and waterfalls which looks so gorgeous together. The site is amongst the best attractions of the Araku valley tourism.

Location: Telangana, South India
Timings: Anytime of the day
Prices: NA
Famous For: Scenic beauty

3. Padmapuram Botanical Garden

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Being one of the most significant parts of Araku Valley’s historical past, one can witness the most rare flowers and trees at Padmapuram Botanical Garden that are hard to find anywhere else. Not just that, during World War II, this is the place from where the soldiers got their vegetable supplies. However, the garden was later turned into a fully-fledged botanical garden that also featured beautiful tree huts.

Location: Padmapuram village, Arakuvalley, ITDA Paderu, Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh 531151
Timings: 8:30 am – 6 pm
Prices: INR 40/- for adults; INR 20/- for kids
Famous For: Exquisite flore and fauna

4. Araku Tribal Museum

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For the culture vultures whose quench for learning more about new cultures and traditions is never ending, the Araku Tribal Museum is an ideal place for them. Tribal Museum is one of the most popular stops as the place is created for making people aware of the Araku Valley’s lifestyle and culture by taking them through its historical past.

Location: Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 9 am – 7 pm
Prices: INR 40/- for adults; INR 20/- for kids
Famous For: Interesting collections and significant artefacts