Araku Valley, the Emerald beauty of India

Nestled in the lap of the Emerald Green forest of the Eastern Ghats, Araku Valley is an unexplored paradise in the north-eastern corner of the Indian state Andhra Pradesh. The mountains of the eastern ghat are small-sized, conical shaped and spread widely The mist-fill step-fields and the clouds covered mountains is a treat to the eyes. The emerald beauty appears to be draped in clouds laced with the mist. Because of its natural scenic beauty, Araku is most sought for movie shootings by South Indian Film Industry

Situated 120 km away from Visakhapatnam, the valley offers peace and tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the city. One can reach the place from Vishakhapatnam either by road or by Train. The train offers a special dome view of the valley.

We decided to travel by road, through the deep valleys, enjoying the heavy splashes of rains, watching the gushing waterfalls all the way.

The dense forest of the Araku Valley is protected by the ethnic Tribal. In the valley,  one can visit ‘Tribal Museum’ to understand the local Tribe culture. Also, the famous Araku coffee plantation is done by the Tribe. One can buy the roasted Coffee beans and powder being sold on the roads. There is a Coffee Museum in the valley which is a must-visit for all Coffee lovers.

The must place to visit while in Araku Valley is the many centuries old Borra Caves which, I will cover in a separate article. Also, there are many water falls and trekking points.

There are many tribal delicacies one can relish while in the valley – the special chicken cooked in bamboo, or the chicken steaks cooked on coal flame, fish, prawns and the Hot Bhuttas. 

The beauty of the valley cannot be captured in words, it must be experienced, and the experience stays forever in your heart, just like its Coffee –  slow brewing and the lingering taste stays forever!

Rakhi Sunil Kumar

Photographs credit – Aaryesh Kumar