Believed to be a must-visit destination for wanderlust travelers planning a trip to Vizag, Araku Valley is a quaint hill town nestled in the Eastern Ghats. Located about 115 km from Visakhapatnam, Araku Valley draws tourists with its thick forests, waterfalls, endless coffee plantations, and lush green valleys.
Unsurprisingly, the romanticism infused in its atmosphere makes it alluring for couples, nature lovers, and thrill-seekers alike. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to leave all your worries behind and spend some quality time surrounded by greenery and mountains? Well, that is what you get when you visit Araku Valley. Let us help you immerse yourself in the beauty of this hill town with our list of 5 places to visit in Araku Valley.
Green Escapes: 5 Places To Visit In Araku Valley
Borra Caves
The Borra Caves, or Borra Guhalu as they are locally known, are hidden away in the Ananthagiri Hills near Araku Valley. The surrounding hill ranges, forested landscape, and wildlife add to the charm of these natural limestone caves. Situated at an elevation of around 705 meters, the cave system extends to a depth of about 80 meters, making Borra Caves one of the deepest cave systems in India.
Inside, natural stalactite and stalagmite formations create unusual shapes across the cavern. Artificial lighting illuminates different sections of the caves, while natural openings allow light to enter at certain points. Wildlife enthusiasts can also keep an eye out for bats and golden geckos around the caves.
Don’t forget to interact with the locals and learn about the fascinating stories associated with these caves. According to local legend, the caves were discovered by a cowherd while searching for a cow that had fallen through an opening. Inside, he reportedly came across a naturally formed stone resembling a Shiva Lingam. Believing that Lord Shiva had protected the cow, local villagers subsequently established a small Shiva temple near the caves.
- Address: Borra Caves, Borra, Alluri Sitharama Raju District, Andhra Pradesh 535145, India
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Matsyagundam
Araku Valley and its surrounding region offer some unique experiences, and Matsyagundam is one of them. Also known as the Fish Pool, it is located near Matham village, about 14 km from Paderu and approximately 35 km from Araku Valley. So, you will have to travel a little farther from Araku town to reach it.
One of the most interesting natural features here is the rocky formation across the river. The water plunges into an opening, disappears beneath the rocks, and re-emerges roughly 100 yards farther downstream. The resulting pool is known for its large population of fish, which visitors can watch and feed. The area is also home to the centuries-old Sri Matsyalingeswara Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Several local stories and traditions are associated with Matsyagundam and its fish. The fish are considered sacred by local communities and have long been protected through local customs. Rather than treating the stories surrounding Matsyagundam as historical fact, they are best understood as part of the folklore and cultural traditions that have developed around this unusual site.
- Address: 5J8F+5M2, Matsya Gundom, Matham, Andhra Pradesh 531077, India
Padmapuram Gardens
Those who plan a vacation to Araku Valley should set aside some time for Padmapuram Gardens. The botanical garden has an interesting history that stretches back to World War II. Established in 1942 across approximately 26 acres, the site was originally used to cultivate and supply vegetables to soldiers. After the war, it was developed into a horticultural nursery and training center.
Today, the gardens are filled with greenery, orchards, flowers, trees, and stone sculptures. The rose garden is among its popular attractions, while the spacious grounds offer visitors a relaxing break from a packed sightseeing itinerary.
One of the more unusual features of Padmapuram Gardens is its tree-top huts, also known as hanging cottages. These are built roughly 10 feet above ground level. A toy train has also traditionally taken visitors around the gardens. However, its operating status can change, so it is worth checking locally when you visit to see whether a booking is needed.
- Address: 8VPH+MX6, Padmapuram Village, Araku Valley, ITDA Paderu, Kantabamsuguda, Andhra Pradesh 531149, India
Katiki Waterfalls
Located near Borra Caves, Katiki Waterfalls is another natural attraction worth adding to an Araku itinerary. The waterfall is associated with the Gosthani River and drops from a height of around 50 feet, making it a useful stop near Borra Caves.
Visitors should be prepared to walk through forested terrain to reach the waterfall. Instead of treating it as an easy stroll, wear appropriate footwear and be especially careful on wet or slippery sections of the trail. Conditions around waterfalls can change significantly depending on rainfall, so always follow local safety instructions before entering the water or approaching slippery sections.
Once you’re done exploring, look out for the small food stalls around the area. Bamboo chicken is a local specialty commonly associated with the route to Katiki Waterfalls, making it an interesting stop for travelers who want to try a regional dish while taking in the scenery.
- Address: Katiki Waterfalls, Katika, Alluri Sitharama Raju District, Andhra Pradesh 535145, India
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Tribal Museum
Established in 1996, the Araku Tribal Museum was set up by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation to preserve and showcase the culture of the region’s indigenous communities. Rather than functioning like a conventional historical museum, it focuses on introducing visitors to tribal traditions, everyday life, art, and material culture.
The museum displays objects such as traditional jewelry, hunting tools, kitchen utensils, musical instruments, masks, and handicrafts. Life-sized figures and recreated scenes also represent aspects of everyday tribal life and cultural traditions. The building itself incorporates mud and metal into its design, helping give the museum a distinctive appearance.
What makes the experience more interesting is that the museum extends beyond static displays. Scheduled live dances may be held here, and the premises also include a Tribal Art and Crafts Center. The museum has also been known for its in-house fortune-telling experience, where predictions are made in the local language. Boating facilities and stalls selling souvenirs and handicrafts made by tribal artists have also been part of the museum experience.
Before leaving, take some time to browse the handicrafts available at the museum. Picking up something made locally gives you a souvenir from Araku while also supporting regional artisans.
- Address: Tribal Museum Araku, Kantabamsuguda, Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh 531149, India
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Summing Up
Now that you know some of the top places to visit in Araku Valley, it might be time to pack your bags and head to this charming hill town. From exploring the enormous limestone formations of Borra Caves and walking through Padmapuram Gardens to learning about indigenous cultures at the Tribal Museum, there is plenty to fill a short trip.
Just remember that not every attraction is located within Araku town itself. Places such as Matsyagundam, Borra Caves, and Katiki Waterfalls require additional road travel, so plan your sightseeing route accordingly. Give yourself enough time, keep weather and road conditions in mind, and plan these stops sensibly to enjoy Araku Valley without rushing from one attraction to the next.
