Araku Valley Tourist Places (2025)

Check out the most popular tourist attractions in Araku Valley and the best time to visit in this post.

Araku Valley is a picturesque and popular hill station located in the Eastern Ghats, surrounded by hills and dense forests and has a stunning natural scenery.

Araku is located approximately 110 to 118 km west of Visakhapatnam in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Formerly part of Visakhapatnam District, Araku Valley is now one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the Alluri Sitharama Raju district.

It is a popular tourist destination for one-day trips from Vizag and is best for honeymoon couples, family trips, picnics, and nature camps.

Riding through the Araku Ghat by car or bike during the winter season is a truly memorable experience. Every year, many tourists visit the top attractions in Araku Valley to enjoy the cool weather and breathtaking natural beauty.

Here are the some of the popular places to visit in Araku Valley -Borra Caves, Katiki Waterfalls, Chaparai Waterfalls, Padmapuram Gardens, Galikonda Viewpoint, Tribal Museum, and Coffee Museum.

Borra Caves

A natural wonder and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Araku Valley attract huge number of tourists every day. Borra Caves are one of the larges caves in India. These caves are believed to be more than a million years old. They were formed due to the action of water on limestone rocks, and the stalactites and stalagmites inside create an eerie atmosphere. 

Borra Caves Timings: open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Entry fee: ₹60 for adults and ₹45 for children.

Official Website: https://www.borracaves.in/

Katiki Waterfalls

Katiki Waterfalls is a stunning natural attraction located near Borra Caves. Visitors can enjoy a short trek through the forest to reach the falls. Surrounded by lush greenery, it is a popular spot for picnics and photography, especially during the monsoon season when the water flows at full force.

Chaparai Waterfalls

Chaparai Waterfalls is a scenic spot surrounded by dense forests and natural rock formations. It is a popular destination for picnics and a great place to relax and enjoy the flowing waters amidst nature. This waterfall is also known as Dumbriguda Waterfalls.

Araku Tribal Museum

The Tribal Museum showcases tribal culture, artifacts, handicrafts, tools used by the tribes, and the traditions of the indigenous communities in Araku Valley. Here, you can watch and enjoy the Dhimsa dance, performed by the Porja tribe, with dancers dressed in bright, colorful sarees and tribal jewelry, adding to the visual spectacle. It is a must-see when visiting this Tribal Museum.

Padmapuram Gardens

Padmapuram Gardens is a beautiful botanical garden with a wide variety of plants and flowers. You can walk around the garden and enjoy a peaceful stroll. It is frequently visited by tourists coming to Araku. A toy train is available for a quick ride around the garden.

Araku Coffee Museum

It is a popular spot in Araku, surrounded by lush coffee plantations, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich coffee culture of Araku Valley.

Galikonda View Point

Panoramic viewpoint of the lush green valley. It is the second-highest viewpoint in the Eastern Ghats, standing at approximately 4,320 feet above sea level. This viewpoint is situated on the route between Borra Caves and Vizag-Araku.

Sunkarimetta Church

A famous Araku Valley church—has served as a filming location for Telugu movies. It is a popular stop for tourists traveling to Araku and offers picturesque panoramic views of the surrounding green valleys and rolling hills.

Ananthagiri Hills

A serene hill station located in the Araku Valley. Known for its lush greenery and cool weather, it’s an ideal place for a peaceful getaway. The hills are also famous for their coffee plantations, where visitors can enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee while taking in the scenic views.

Some Other Attractions in Araku Valley

• Mustard Plantation
• Sun Flower Garden
• Yellow Flowers Garden
• Matsyagundam (Fish Pool)
• Madagada Viewpoint

Araku Valley Waterfalls: In and Around Araku

• Katiki Waterfall
• Chaparai Waterfall
• Tatiguda Waterfall
• Dharagadda Waterfalls, also known as Aluru Waterfalls or Aluru Kona Waterfalls, located near Kesali village
• Kollaput Jala Tarangini Waterfall
• Kothapalli Waterfall

Best Time To Visit Araku Valley

The best time to visit Araku Valley is during the months of November, December, and January, as well as during the monsoon season from June to September. Mid-November to the end of January is the ideal period to visit and enjoy the natural beauty of Araku Valley for sightseeing.

During December and January, the valley’s scenery is at its most breathtaking, with a climate that is perfect for outdoor activities. I highly recommend riding through the Araku Ghat by car or bike during the winter season—it’s an experience that promises to be truly memorable.

Best Way To Visit Araku Valley

Araku Valley is easily accessible by both road and rail from Visakhapatnam. For those traveling by air, Visakhapatnam Airport is the nearest airport to the valley. The best way to explore the Araku Valley comfortably and at your own pace, consider hiring a car or taxi from Vizag City. A drive or bike ride through the scenic Araku Ghat, especially during the winter months, promises a truly unforgettable experience.

Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley Distance: The distance from Visakhapatnam to Araku is between 110 and 118 km by road.

Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley Travel Time: The average travel time from Visakhapatnam to Araku is between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the speed and mode of transport.

Popular Food in Araku

Bongulo Chicken (Bamboo Chicken) is a signature traditional dish of Araku Valley, cooked in bamboo. If you are a non-vegetarian food lover, you should definitely try this dish when you visit Araku Valley.

FAQs about Araku Valley:

Is Araku Valley safe for tourists? Yes, Araku Valley is a safe destination for tourists. Local authorities and tourism organizations work to maintain a secure environment. However, it’s always a good idea to take precautions and follow safety guidelines while traveling.

What is the name of the Vizag to Araku glass train? The train is called the Kirandul Express.

What is the price of a Vizag to Araku glass train ticket? The cost of a Vistadome AC (EV) ticket ranges between 755-790 Indian Rupees, including platform charges.

How many Vistadome coaches are available from Vizag to Araku? There are three Vistadome Coaches available from Vizag to Araku. This can change based on demand and availability.

Does the Vistadome coach offer 360-degree views? Yes, the Vistadome coach offers 360-degree views with glass ceilings and large glass windows.

What are the Vizag to Araku Vistadome train timings? The train departs daily from Visakhapatnam Junction at 06:45 and arrives in Araku at 10:55.

Is the Visakhapatnam-Kirandul Express a daily train? Yes, the Visakhapatnam-Kirandul Express operates daily. It departs from Visakhapatnam Station at 9:20 p.m. and arrives in Araku at approximately 12:30 a.m.