Vizag is a popular tourist destination mainly known for its beaches. Located at a distance of 120 km from Vizag is a beautiful hill station called Araku which is as popular as the beaches of Vizag. Blessed with enchanting streams, lush green forests, beautiful waterfalls, sprawling coffee plantations, rich landscape and wonderful weather, Araku valley is no doubt a famous tourist destination attracting nature lovers, honeymoon couples, and adventure enthusiasts from all over the country.

The journey to Araku valley by train is something that everyone should experience with tunnels, hill sides, streams, waterfalls making your journey truly mesmerising. The ride through the road is equally enchanting with sharp curves and beautiful sceneries along the way.

Located at an altitude of 911 m above sea level, Araku is a must visit destination for tourists visiting Vizag. Araku valley is mainly inhabited by tribals and the Tribal museum is one of the main attractions here. It houses tribal handicrafts and several artifacts depicting the lifestyle of tribal people. The tribal dance known as Dhimsa dance with tribals dressed in colorful attire is a must see for visitors coming to Araku.

Araku is also known for its coffee plantations and boasts of manufacturing India’s first tribal growers’ organic coffee brand. Another major attraction of Araku valley, Padmapuram Gardens is widely visited by the tourists coming to Araku. The hanging cottages are one of the top attractions of Padmapuram gardens. The garden has a wide variety of beautiful plants and flowers and the toy train ride around the garden is quite popular among the kids.

Day 01: Start
start from your location towards Vizag.

Day 02: Arrive Vizag

After reaching Vizag; be welcomed by one of our representatives who will help you get a transfer to the hotel. After freshening up, you will head out for nearby places for an excellent tour. Vizag is also called as “Visakhapatnam”. It is the only city in India with two major ports. It also has Asia’s first submarine museum and aircraft museum too. The “Hero of Jungles”, Alluri Seeta Rama Ranju started the struggle for independence here. The city not only has an excellent naval base but it was also the first naval base in India. Apart from all these facts, the city is also known for its street food, courteous people, and landmarks. Post-journey, overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Vizag sightseeing

Wake up to some healthy breakfast at your hotel and head out for an amazing tour across the city of Vizag. Here, you will be seeing several locations. The first stop will be the Kailasagiri. This is a hilltop park that has an area of more than 380 acres. It consists of a variety of flora. From here, you can get beautify view of the buildings and coast of the town. Then, you will be taken to Bheemili Beach. It is located near the outskirts of Vizag. Here, you can chill watching sunsets with your friends, family, or with your partner. Then you will be taken to the Yerra Dibbalu. The name literally means “Red Sand Hills”. It is part of National Geo-heritage Monument. Then, you will be taken across the Ramanaidu studios. This location is on a hilltop and provides views of rich assets. Then, you will also visit some parks which include the Tenneti Park and VUDA Park. You will also be taken to the Visakha Museum. This museum consists of several artifacts and treasures of the city. It is mainly known for the Kalingandhra artifacts it preserves. Other landmarks which you will be visiting include the Submarine Museum, Kalimatha Temple, Thotlakonda, and Rushikonda Beach. Post-journey, you can stroll across the streets shopping. Then, overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 04: Vizag to Araku valley

Wake up to some healthy breakfast at your hotel and head out towards the Araku Valley. On the way, you will stop by the Borra Caves. It is located on the east coast of India and is one of the largest caves in India. They are located on an elevation of more than 700 m. They have natural formations of stalactites and stalagmites. The caves are limestone caves and are the deepest caves in India. Then, you will reach Araku Valley. Upon your arrival at the hotel, check-in and relax for the day. The overnight stay is also scheduled at the same hotel.

Day 05: Araku Valley Sightseeing and back Vizag

Wake up to some appetizing breakfast at your hotel and head out for a tour across the Araku Valley. The first will be the Anantagiri Waterfalls. They are also known as the “Tadimada Waterfalls”. They are the best waterfalls you will find the region. For the best views, it is advised to visit the location during monsoon season. Then, you will be visiting the Coffee Plantation viewpoint. From here, you can get a deep insight into the cultivation of coffee. You can get to smell the plantations and enjoy the view. Then, you will be taken to the Thatiguda waterfalls. This a moderate waterfall in the Borra junction. Here, you can soak yourselves over the rocks as well. Then, you will be taken to the Padmapuram Gardens. These gardens are wide and expansive. They offer beautiful views of ingenious flowers and plants around the Araku valley. Then, you will be taken to the Tribal museum where you will get an insight over the culture and tradition of the tribal people. Post-tour, you can explore the place on your own for some time. Then, you will be transferred to Vizag for your onward journey.

Day 06: In Train

Today we will catch the train from Vizag for the return journey.

Day 07: Back

Back Home today

COST INCLUDES: 

• Deluxe Accommodation.
• Accommodation on Double / Triple Sharing Basis.
• Meal Plan : API (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• Vehicle – Exclusive Private vehicle
• All permit fees & hotel taxes (as per itinerary).

COST EXCLUDES:

• Air Fare / Train fare.
• Any other meals not mentioned in the inclusions.
• Personal Expenses such as Laundry, telephone calls, tips & gratuity. Mineral /soft / hard drinks, rafting, joy ride, Pony Ride, Cable Car.
• Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle, other than mentioned in the itinerary.
• Room Heater, Local Cab fare, Guide charges & Entrance Fees.
• River cruise, Traditional Dance & Elephant or Jeep Safari.
• Any cost arising due to natural calamities like, landslides, road blockage, political disturbances, etc. (to be borne by the client, who is directly payable on the spot).
• Any increase in taxes or fuel price, leading to increase in cost on surface transportation & land arrangements, which may come into effect prior to departure.
• Travel Insurances.
• Anything which is not include in the inclusion.

By air:

Visakhapatnam Airport, about 8 km away from the city centre, links the city with various cities in India and abroad. There are several domestic and international carriers providing their services from here. Major airlines like Air Costa, Air India, SpiceJet, IndiGo and Jet Airways provide regular flights for Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Tirupati, Hyderabad and Kolkata. Flights are also available for foreign destinations such as Singapore and Kuala Lumpur that are operated by SilkAir and Malindo Air. Taxis and buses are easily available from outside the airport.

By Train:

Visakhapatnam has its own railway station, called the Visakhapatnam Junction, which is connected to several prominent Indian cities. Located about 12 km away from the city centre, this station has several frequent trains plying from New Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai and Kolkata, among others. Janmbhoomi Express and Konark Express from Hyderabad, Samta Express from Delhi, East Coast Express from Chennai and Prasanthi Express Bangalore are some of the best trains for Visakhapatnam. Buses and taxis are easily available from outside the railway station.

 By Road:

Visakhapatnam enjoys good road connectivity with various nearby cities and towns. Several state and private buses are available from cities such as Hyderabad (588 km), Chennai (790 km), Kolkata (882 km), Vijayawada (335 km) and Puri (442 km). Well-maintained NH 5 connects Visakhapatnam with Kolkata, which takes around 14 hours.

Summer (March – June)

The summer season is tough in all of India. Some places get extremely hot while some which are considered as hill stations offer a decent time in summers. In Araku, the summer season begins from late March and remains active till June. The maximum temperature that’s recorded in the area during the summer season is 35° C. However, due to humidity, it will feel like 38° C. Nonetheless, the summers aren’t that difficult and therefore, you can plan a trip during this time. Sightseeing at different famous tourist places is possible even this time but you might feel a little uncomfortable and exhaustive, especially during midday. So plan your sightseeing accordingly, avoid going out between 12 and 4 pm.

 Monsoon (July – October)

The summer season ends by the month of June and marks the beginning of the slightly pleasant, monsoon season. The southeast monsoon hits Araku at the end of June or the start of July and it remains hyperactive until August and ends by September or early October. It starts with moderate rainfalls but as it progresses, the rainfall gets heavier, especially, towards the end of August. 32° C is the maximum temperature that’s recorded here during this time. If you have any plans to visit Araku in the monsoon, raincoats & umbrellas should be carried along with other stuff. The climate in the monsoon remains mostly cloudy throughout the day, most of the time, which gives a very decent view of the Araku landscape.

 Winter (November – February)

The most magnificent time to visit Araku Valley is the winter season which begins from the month of November and spans till February and early March. This is indeed the best time to visit Araku because of the fabulous weather and adorable atmosphere of Araku Valley. Even the days in Araku during winters are pleasant and offer a perfect opportunity for sightseeing and exploring more about this majestic hill station. The authentic elegance of Araku comes alive between November and February and you will see more of tourists than the locals in these months. So do not miss visiting this place, especially, during Christmas and New Year vacation. The max temperature recorded in winters is 25° C during day time and it can go down to as low as 10° C.