 |
 |
ARAKU VALLEY
The Eastern Ghats is Home to Spectacular Landscapes and Wonderful Valleys and Araku is the Queen of All. Filled with endless valleys, dancing waters, singing trees, the list is big. Situated a height of 1300 ft above Sea Level, A visit to Araku the Queen of Eastern Ghats is truly a magical experience. Lush rice fields, thickly wooded forests, sugar cane and coffee plantations and waterfalls makes this spectacular piece of land a wonderful tourist destination.
The valley is inhabited by about 19 tribes - the women, with their saris draped unusually, the ends tied over one shoulder. Bright orange, red and purple flowers decorate their hair, and their noses are pierced centrally by a jeweled bulak.
The valley is inhabited by about 19 tribes - the women, with their saris draped unusually, the ends tied over one shoulder. Bright orange, red and purple flowers decorate their hair, and their noses are pierced centrally by a jeweled bulak.
CHAPURAI
Chaparai is another beautiful place. It is a perennial stream passing through the natural rocks and picturesque surroundings. The entire road leading to chaparai is very beautiful and you can have a wonderful view of the hills.A scenic place with water falls and surrounding forest area makes people relax and spend their holiday joyfully. Usually people who visit Araku valley won't miss this place as it is very nearer to the main Araku valley place.Just remove your footwear and experience the cool softness of the water and the slimy rocks beneath. Up close, the trees look even more beautiful. The ground beneath the green canopy smells of fresh soil and looks perfect for a stopover. The seconds and minutes will seem to tick away in slow motion
Lot of movies have been shot on this route and you will thoroughly enjoy the drive to Chaparai. Be careful while entering the stream as it can be slippery and dangerous. In summers this place is generally dry
Lot of movies have been shot on this route and you will thoroughly enjoy the drive to Chaparai. Be careful while entering the stream as it can be slippery and dangerous. In summers this place is generally dry
TRIBAL MUSEUM
The Museum of habitat showcases the lifestyle of the tribals who inhabit the valley. The museum, housed in a charming red-roofed bungalow, depicts scenes from the daily lives of the tribals. As we move from room to room, we are greeted by such realistic sculptures of tribals in their natural habitat that on many occasions, visitors take them for real! While a tribal lady cooks the evening meal, another feeds her child and a male tribal watches guard over his family, spear in hand. The weapons of the tribes form a large part of this fascinating but small museum. Their chunky silver jewellery, ornate and elegant, is showcased in the main atrium of the museum.
ANANTHAGIRI
Anantagiri is a breathtakingly beautiful resort sheltered Co in the lush undulating ranges of the Eastern Ghats. It is considered to be a perfect head off to get away from the blistering summer months and weekends. Ananthagiri is perched at an altitude where the panoramic vista unfolds stunning viewpoints. This is the best resort in the complete Araku segment as it offers best views from the rooms. The room is quality is excellent and this is an ideal resort for honeymooners.
Driving through picturesque coffee plantations to Anantagiri with its ups and downs on the Ghat route enveloped with mango groves can be a refreshing experience.
Driving through picturesque coffee plantations to Anantagiri with its ups and downs on the Ghat route enveloped with mango groves can be a refreshing experience.
Galikonda view point
This place is highest point of Visakhapatnam district and gives a spectacular view of the valley and hills around. During Monsoon and winters this place is generally covered by fog and gives a spectacular view of the Scennic beauty around.
BORRACAVES
Borra Caves are located at a distance of 92 Km north of Visakhapatnam and at an amazing hill range of 3100 feet in the Ananthagiri hill range. Monkeys hanging on the large trees greet you at the entrance. Legend has it that a cowherd once lost his cow when it fell through this hole and died. When he went in search of it and entered these caves, the existence of these caves came to light. Two more discoverers are attributed with locating these caves – William King, who in 1807 discovered them while doing a geological survey, and Lord Rama. It is said that the exiled Sri Rama spent his time here. Of these, the first story seems to be the most widely accepted.
These caves are said to be a natural wonder that came into being over one million years ago. The river Gostani flows outside the caves and is believed to flow over a heap of limestone deposits, giving it a foamy or milky appearance. That explains its name – Gostani or “of a cow’s milk”. People believe that the water flowing over limestone deposits has given the river a therapeutic quality.
The humic acid in the water reacts with calcium carbonate in the limestone and dissolves the minerals breaking the rock gradually. The perennial water flow over a period of time results in the formation of caves. Stalagmites are formed due water percolating from the roof containing calcium bi carbonate and other minerals from mounds. Same way stalactites are also formed and because of their different shapes tourist and locals have given different names to them. Thoughtfully, 64 sodium vapour lamps help to show your way around the caves, which cover an area of 1 sq km.
As you look around, you would realize that stalactite and stalagmite formations have led to a breathtaking array of naturally hewn shapes. Spot Shiva and Parvati, a tree with its roots overhanging, a lion reaching out to make a kill, a chandelier, a mother and child, Hanuman, a Shiva linga, a human brain, Radha-Krishna and a Nandi. The Shiva linga is a major attraction and it is told that every drop of water that combined with the calcium carbonate present here helped form it.
You would be taken up and down difficult staircases and can see these formations best with the help of a torch. Upstairs, a narrow and difficult staircase leads us to yet another thumb-sized Shiva, housed in a temple. These caves mean a lot to the tribals of the area who worship here, particularly on the occasion of Shivratri every year.
These caves are said to be a natural wonder that came into being over one million years ago. The river Gostani flows outside the caves and is believed to flow over a heap of limestone deposits, giving it a foamy or milky appearance. That explains its name – Gostani or “of a cow’s milk”. People believe that the water flowing over limestone deposits has given the river a therapeutic quality.
The humic acid in the water reacts with calcium carbonate in the limestone and dissolves the minerals breaking the rock gradually. The perennial water flow over a period of time results in the formation of caves. Stalagmites are formed due water percolating from the roof containing calcium bi carbonate and other minerals from mounds. Same way stalactites are also formed and because of their different shapes tourist and locals have given different names to them. Thoughtfully, 64 sodium vapour lamps help to show your way around the caves, which cover an area of 1 sq km.
As you look around, you would realize that stalactite and stalagmite formations have led to a breathtaking array of naturally hewn shapes. Spot Shiva and Parvati, a tree with its roots overhanging, a lion reaching out to make a kill, a chandelier, a mother and child, Hanuman, a Shiva linga, a human brain, Radha-Krishna and a Nandi. The Shiva linga is a major attraction and it is told that every drop of water that combined with the calcium carbonate present here helped form it.
You would be taken up and down difficult staircases and can see these formations best with the help of a torch. Upstairs, a narrow and difficult staircase leads us to yet another thumb-sized Shiva, housed in a temple. These caves mean a lot to the tribals of the area who worship here, particularly on the occasion of Shivratri every year.
katiki waterfalls
About 4 km away from borra caves, a 100 steps and 2- km trek amidst the thick greens to reach Katiki waterfalls is worth every ounce of energy spent. Splashing in the cool water of this perennial waterfall or climbing upto its summit, the child like joy of playing in water and beauty of the scene overwhelms you. The Kaitiki waterfalls has its source at the Ghostani river , and an approximately 50 ft Drop.
Note: Araku is generally dry during summers and you would not find much water during the summer season.
Since this is little away from borra caves and involves walking please ensure you are fit enough to walk and Trek.
Note: Araku is generally dry during summers and you would not find much water during the summer season.
Since this is little away from borra caves and involves walking please ensure you are fit enough to walk and Trek.
JUNGLE BELLS TYDA
Tyda, an eco tourism heaven, about 40 kms from Araku Valley lies in the eastern Ghats. At an altitude of 1520 ft above sea level, it is a great spot for treks in the hills, Bird watching, Rock climbing. There is a resort called Jungle Bells Resort which is located in the midst of Jungle set up. There are different type of cottages available from Log huts , Aerocon, New bridge, New wooden and Igloo huts.
The best part about the resort is you can only be disturbed by the nature here and you do not have mobile signals or television to disturb you.
Since this is an eco tourism resort, one should expect minimal services. There is a Multi cusisine restaurant available. If you intend to stay very close to the nature then this is a right option
The best part about the resort is you can only be disturbed by the nature here and you do not have mobile signals or television to disturb you.
Since this is an eco tourism resort, one should expect minimal services. There is a Multi cusisine restaurant available. If you intend to stay very close to the nature then this is a right option