Overview of Araku
Araku hill station and Araku Valley are situated in Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh state, India. It is part of the Eastern Ghats.
Araku consists of Anantagiri and Sunkarimetta Reserved Forests. These forests are rich in flora and fauna. The area is known for its high-quality bauxite ore reserves. Galikonda Hills is the top station in the area, at an altitude of 5000 feet. Trekking Araku Hills is one of the popular activites for the adventurous.
Raktakonda Hills, Sunkarimetta Hills, Chitamogondi Hills, Tribal Museum, Botanical Garden, etc, are some of the other tourist places in the area.
Araku Tribal Museum
Araku Tribal Museum was established in 1996 by the State Tourism Development Corporation. It is built with mud and metals. This local museum gives you insights into the life of the 19 tribes that live in and around the Valley. It is at a distance of around 0.2 kilometers from the Bus station.
Nearby Waterfalls
Chapa Rayi Falls is a scenic spot with a small waterfall. Chapa Rayi waterfalls are around 15 kilometers from Araku. Katiki Waterfalls on River Gosthani is another nearby picturesque place. Katiki Falls is at a distance of 30 kilometers from the town. A public transport facility is available for these falls.
Hot Ballon Festival
The first-ever international hot balloon festival in Andhra Pradesh state was held at this hill station from the 14th to 16th November 2017. Participants from 13 countries are expected to participate in this mega event.
How to Reach Araku?
Araku is well connected by roads. The hill station is close to the Odisha state border. This Valley and the hill station town are located at a distance of 114 kilometers from Visakhapatnam city. The train journey from Visakhapatnam to this hill staiton town passes through some of the best picturesque locations: many railway tunnels, green valleys, etc.
Kakinada is 222 kilometers away and Rajahmundry at 250 kilometers away. Amaravathi in Andhra Pradesh is 430 kilometers from this scenic hill station town.
There are two railway stations close to this hill station town. Araku railway station with station code ARK is situated at the hills station town. Shimiliguda railway station is also on these hills.
Vishakhapatnam Airport is the nearest airport to the Valley and hill station.
Which is the Ideal Season to Visit this Hill Station and Valley?
September to October and March to May are the ideal months to visit this hill station.
Araku Haritha Valley Resort is a leading resort at this hill station, which the state tourism department runs.