Eco Tourism

Eco-tourism

Eco-tourism in the Alluri Sitharamaraju district is cantered on the preservation of the Eastern Ghats’ biodiversity and the promotion of “nature-first” travel. As of 2026, the region has been earmarked for national-level development under a sustainability-led framework, focusing on regulated trekking and the creation of structured ecological mountain trails.

Araku Constituency: Waterfalls & High Altitudes

The Araku region is defined by its deep valleys, high-altitude coffee plantations, and karst topography.

Tyda Nature Camp (Jungle Bells): Located between Vizag and Araku, this is a premier eco-tourism hub. It is designed for wildlife viewing and bird watching, featuring log huts and camping facilities. It offers guided trekking paths through thick deciduous forests where visitors can spot local avifauna and small mammals.

Ananthagiri Hills & Coffee Estates: Often called a “health resort” due to its pristine air, Ananthagiri is famous for its extensive organic coffee plantations. Eco-tourists visit for the numerous waterfalls, specifically the Tadimada (Ananthagiri) Waterfalls, which are surrounded by lush greenery and offer hiking opportunities.

Katiki Waterfalls: Formed by the Gosthani River, these falls require a 20-30 minute hike through dense forest. It is a popular spot for “wild camping” and off-the-grid adventure.

Borra Caves: A geological marvel, these limestone caves are part of a sensitive karst ecosystem. Sustainable management here focuses on controlled lighting and pedestrian flow to protect the ancient stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Paderu Constituency: Cloud Forests & Hill Streams

Paderu offers a more rugged, less commercialized eco-tourism experience, characterized by hill streams and temperate pockets.

Lammasingi (Lambasingi): Known as the “Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh,” this village sits at 1,000m altitude. Its eco-tourism appeal lies in its unique “cloud forest” environment, where temperatures can dip below freezing. Recent initiatives have introduced strawberry and apple farming as part of an agro-eco-tourism push.

Tatiguda Waterfalls: Rapidly emerging as a key eco-spot near Ananthagiri, this 100-foot waterfall is favoured by photographers and nature lovers for its serene, uncrowded atmosphere.

Matsyagundam: Located near Paderu, this site combines ecology with spirituality. The perennial stream is a natural conservatory for “sacred fish” (Matsya), which are protected by local tribal custom, creating a unique example of community-led conservation.

Vangasari Coffee Plantations: Located near the Lothugedda junction, these estates offer a quieter alternative to Araku, where tourists can stay in tribal-managed eco-cottages and participate in the coffee harvest.

Sustainable Infrastructure (2026 Updates)

The 2026 Eco-Trail Project: The Union Budget 2026-27 has designated Araku as a structured trekking hub. Plans include “double-line mountain trails” to ease road congestion and the expansion of the Vistadome rail experience, allowing tourists to view the Ghats through panoramic glass ceilings without disturbing the forest floor.

Tatiguda Waterfalls – A Major Eco-Tourism Spot This video provides a visual tour of the 100-foot Tatiguda Waterfalls, highlighting the lush forest scenery and the growing popularity of the site for nature-based travel in the ASR district.