About Araku Valley
Araku is the Eastern Ghats' best-loved valley — 900 m up, ringed by coffee estates and Adivasi villages, and reached by one of India's most beautiful railway lines. The valley floor holds the Tribal Museum, Padmapuram Gardens and coffee shops; the ghat road down passes Ananthagiri, the Katiki falls and Borra Caves.
Why visit
- The Visakhapatnam–Araku train climbs through 58 tunnels and over 84 bridges with valley views the whole way
- Araku Arabica coffee is grown organically by tribal cooperatives and is best drunk where it is grown
- Cool mornings, mist, and the Dhimsa dance performed for visitors at the Tribal Museum
Things to do
Where to stay
APTDC's Haritha resorts and Valley Resort, several private hill resorts and tribal-run homestays around Araku town and Ananthagiri.
Where to eat
Bamboo chicken and tribal thalis near the museum; Araku coffee at the estates and the Araku Coffee House.
Good to know
How many days are enough for Araku?
Two days and one night cover Araku town, Borra Caves and the ghat viewpoints comfortably. A day trip from Vizag is possible but rushed.
Is the Araku train worth it?
Yes — it is the highlight of the trip. Sit on the left going up for valley views, and book the Vistadome coach well in advance during winter.
Is Araku good for families?
Very. The gardens, museum and caves suit all ages; roads are good but winding, so carry motion-sickness tablets for children.
