Araku Valley

Araku Valley lies close to the Orissa Border and the pleasant weather tempts tourists for a visit, especially during the summer. The natural beauty of the Araku Valley is beyond compare; it lies roughly at an altitude of 600-900 kilometers from the sea level and extends over an area of 36 kilometers.

A journey to the valley is filled with entertainment and soothing views consisting of thick forests that lines the way to Araku Valley. There are 46 tunnels and Bridges that offer enticing Trekking Tours for the explorer. Anathagiri Hills are located on the way to Araku Valley. Vishakhaptnam is located 112 kilometers from the Araku Valley and is the nearest airport from here. Bus Service is also obtainable from Vishakhapatnam.

The Sangda Falls has been discovered recently and is considered to be the best tourist spot in Araku Valley. It is located in the Sangda Village and offers spectacular scenes. Moreover Paderu is another picturesque Valley located few miles away from Vishakhapatnam and has an altitude of about 900 meters from the sea level. Hill streams locally known as Geddas offer a comforting view here. The Shiva Temple at Matsyagundam is another pleasant sight. This is a beautiful place in the Araku Valley and is a unique locale for the anglers.

Ananthagiri Ghats are covered with thick forests and they are also replete with Orchards and offer some scenic beauty to the landscape. Araku Valley is a home to many tribal people; about 19 tribal groups reside here. The women of the tribal community wear saris beautifully and bedeck their hairs with brightly colored flowers. Dimsa and Mayur are the age old folk dances at the Araku Valley and it is still performed during the Itika Pongal Festival.

Itika Pongal is a renowned Hunting festival in the Araku Valley attended by the young and old alike with exceptional vigor and enthusiasm. A significant feature of this region is the rail route from Ananthagiri to Vishakhapatnam which includes the highest broad gauge track in the Indian Railways. The Coffee Plantations beneath the Valley offer a spectacular scene to the high spirited tourists. Shimliguda Railway is the highest Railway Station in Indian and is located at Araku Valley.