Araku Valley

Photos

Photos from Wikimedia Commons. Select a photo for its author and licence.

Best time to go

Sights and activities

Getting there

By bus

Araku is about 115 to 125 km from Visakhapatnam by a winding ghat road through forest, about 3 to 4 hours. State buses and private taxis run from Visakhapatnam.

By train

Araku railway station is on the Visakhapatnam to Kirandul line. The daily train from Visakhapatnam leaves early in the morning and takes about 4 hours, passing through dozens of tunnels; it carries glass-roofed Vistadome coaches that should be booked early. Borra Guhalu station on the same line is about 2 km from Borra Caves.

By air

Visakhapatnam airport is the nearest, about 115 km away, about 3 hours by road.

Where to base yourself

Stay in Araku town, near the bus station and the Tribal Museum, where most hotels and resorts are.

Getting around

• Autos and taxis can be hired in Araku town for sightseeing; Agree a price before setting off.
• Share autos run from the Borra junction on the main road to Borra Caves, about 6 km.
• Buses run along the main road between Araku, Borra and Visakhapatnam.
• A taxi from Visakhapatnam to Araku costs about Rs 2,000 to 8,000 one way depending on the vehicle, and many visitors keep the car for sightseeing.

Often combined with

Places people usually visit on the same trip, and how long it takes to get between them.

• Visakhapatnam: Train through the Eastern Ghats, about 4 hours, or road, about 120 km by road. See the Visakhapatnam and Araku Valley trip

Where to stay

Food

Bamboo chicken is the signature dish and is sold at roadside stalls and eateries around the valley. Coffee shops and cafes near the Tribal Museum serve local coffee and desserts.

Try these

• Bongulo chicken (bamboo chicken: spiced chicken slow-cooked inside a bamboo stalk over fire)
• Araku coffee (locally grown coffee, sold with coffee chocolates at the Coffee Museum)
• Madugula halwa (a rich sweet from the nearby Madugula area)
• Teepi avakaya (a sweet and spicy mango pickle)

Ordinary south Indian vegetarian meals are likely in hotel restaurants, but ask about Jain food in advance.

Daily costs

Per day. Travel to and from your city is added in the planner above.

Permits and documents

No permits are needed for Indian or foreign visitors. Carry a photo ID for hotel check-in. Araku is a declared plastic-free zone.

Safety

By day

Generally a calm tourist area. Wear good shoes in Borra Caves, where the floor can be wet and slippery, and be careful at waterfalls when the flow is strong.

At night

Avoid driving the ghat road after dark because of sharp bends. Weekend evening Dhimsa dance shows are held for visitors in town.

Solo women

Stay in town, use registered taxis and avoid isolated forest trails after dark.

Roads

The ghat road from Visakhapatnam is winding with sharp turns. In the monsoon, landslides can disrupt the road.

Emergency numbers

112 (all emergencies)

Practical

Mobile network

All the main networks (Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL) work in town.

ATMs and cash

Carry cash for small purchases, entry tickets and roadside food.

Fuel

There is a petrol pump within about 6 km of the centre. Fill up in Visakhapatnam before the ghat road.

Medical

There are several hospitals within about 6 km, including Araku Railway Hospital and Nirmala Hospital. In an emergency dial 112, or 108 for an ambulance in most states. Visakhapatnam has the nearest major hospitals.

Coverage maps: Jio · Airtel · Vi · BSNL. Report a problem

Accessibility

Seniors

Most town sights are easy. Borra Caves involve steps and damp floors, and some waterfalls need a walk of 1 to 2 km.

Children

Suitable for children. The museums, gardens and caves are family friendly; keep close watch at waterfalls.

Wheelchair users

The caves and waterfalls are difficult. Town museums may be partly accessible.

Unless a sight is described as accessible, assume it is not step-free.

Culture and responsible travel

• The valley is home to about 19 tribal communities; ask before photographing people.
• Araku is a plastic-free zone, so carry a reusable bottle and bag.
• The Dhimsa dance is a local tribal dance, shown to visitors on weekend evenings.
• Buy coffee and crafts from local shops and cooperatives to support the community.
• The Araku Chali Utsavalu winter festival is held around late January and early February.

What to pack

• Photo ID (Aadhaar, passport or driving licence); hotels and permits ask for it
• Walking shoes with a good grip, a small daypack and a refillable water bottle
• Some cash in small notes for autos, stalls and tips
• Your regular medicines, plus basics for stomach upsets, headaches and cuts

Multi-stop trips that include Araku Valley

• Visakhapatnam and Araku Valley, 4 nights