LAMBASINGI
Lambasingi/Lammasingi, also known as the “Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh” is a small village located in Chintapalli Mandal of Alluri Sitharamaraju district in the Andhra Pradesh. It is the only place in South India that receives occasional snow during winter. Lambasingi is renowned for its majestic hills, cascading waterfalls, gushing streams, picturesque landscapes, rich biodiversity & scenic coffee, pepper & strawberry plantations and charming valleys
ARAKU VALLEY
Araku Valley is about 115 Km. from Visakhapatnam lying on the top of the eastern ghats. The area of the valley is roughly 36 Sq.Kms. and the altitude is between 600 and 900 meters above mean sea level. The entire area is inhabited by aboriginal tribes and attracts visitors from all over the country. The journey to Araku Valley on the ghat road with thick forests on either side is itself interesting and thrilling.
The Ananthagiri hills on the way to Araku Valley are famous for coffee plantation. Araku Valley has an exploratory-cum demonstration farm which is about 20 hectares in extent a Government orchard and a Government silk farm with mulberry gardens. Cocoons from the silk farm are reeled in the farm, and the silk yarn and waste are sent to Hindupur. The beautiful Araku Valley with its bracing climate, orchards and the Ananthagiri ghats, which present an enchanting view to the visitors, is attracting tourists not only from all parts of India also from abroad as there are good communication and halting facilities.
The natural beauty of this valley is enhanced by the tribal people who abound here with their own folklore and traditions. Dhimsa Dance is a unique feature of the tribes of Araku, which is being organized in the nights of every Saturday and Sunday for entertaining tourists. There is a railway station at Araku on D.B.K. line passing through dozens of tunnels from Ananthagiri Mandal villages onwards to Araku is a thrilling experience. An habitat museum which reveals the entire tribal culture and an Horticulture nursery cum training centre at Padmapuram and a waterfall at Ranajilleda is worth seeing at Araku.
BORRA CAVES
Borra caves being the natural formation in Eastern ghats is situated in Ananthagiri Mandal at a distance of 100Kms from Visakhapatnam and 10Kms from Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley road point. The Dandakaranya Balengiri – Kirbur railway line passes through this village and there is Railway station at “Borra Caves”.
The caves popularly known as Borra Caves have geological and Historical importance. Deep in the caves there is Sivalingam over which the water drips from above which is said to be the origin of the river Gosthani. The river Gosthani flowing from these caves with natural roaring sounds is a beautiful sight to enjoy. These caves were beautifully electrified and illuminated and a large number of tourists including foreigners are visiting every day.
The crystal white calcium stones are also seen in various forms like a hooded serpent, different human shapes such as Narada with his tumbura, Lord Brahma, Radha Krishna and Nandi. Mica, Apatite, Calcite, limestone, Red and Yellow ochare, rock phosphate vermiculate, graphite quartz and some of the minerals are found in and around Borra Caves.
TYDA
It is located about 75 Km. from Visakhapatnam on Araku road, Tyda is being developed with camping facilities at Jungle bells to provide an enchanting experience in wilderness to the tourists. A home for variety of wild mammals and avifauna, Tyda is ideal for viewing wild life and bird watching.
Other attractions are rock climbing, trekking and targeting with bow and arrows. They can also learn the language of the jungle, viz., identification of calls, marks, etc. Tourists can enjoy their stay in logouts and tents set in tribal environs. There is railway station at Tyda on DBK line located 75 Kms. away from Visakhapatnam on the way to Araku.
ANANTHAGIRI
It is situated on the way to Araku Valley, Ananthagiri is a spot with an enchanting beauty. Extensive coffee plantations, numerous waterfalls, of which Tadimada waterfalls are most famous and rivulet add beauty to this place. It is also considered as a health resort.
PADERU
Paderu headquarters of the mandal and division is situated about 110 Kms. from Visakhapatnam. Paderu is a broad picturesque and rich valley with an altitude of over 900 meters above the sea level. The entire Paderu is inhabited by schedule tribes with different sects and is surrounded by good number of hill streams.
The presiding deity here is Modakondamma and important religious observation will be celebrated every year attracts a large number of pilgrims and especially fire works will entertain the viewers, like any thing.
LOTHUGEDDA
Lothugedda is situated at about 42kms. from Narsipatnam of Chintapalli Mandal. The village Contains the ruins of 3 or 4 granite temples of Siva the largest of which has elaborate sculptural depictions. The villagers believe that the men of the builders of the temple and that the barbers were probably roared on the hills in those days.
RAJENDRAPALEM
This village lies about 48 km. from Chintapalli. This is the place where Alluri Seetharamaraju organised his famous Pituri against the British administration. A tomb was erected here in his honour.
MATSYAGUNDAM
Matsyagunda is place near Paderu situated in small picturesque valley. A rivulet flows with musical sound in which abundant fish are seen. The wonder here is that the fish come to the surface of the water and take the eatables offered by the visitors. There is a small Shiva Temple and Sivaratri festival will be celebrated every year.
MAREDUMILLI
Most popular and highly fascinating forest covered area is Maredumilli. Traveling around the forest arena of this region aids tourists observe and interact with local plant and animal life in their natural habitats. The experience is beyond words and the intangible, psychological benefits of the visit are countless. Another tourist place near to Maredumilli is Seetapalli which is having Natural Waterfall and attracts the nature lovers. Development of Eco-Tourism in these places attracts large number of tourists.
RAMPA WATERFALLS
Rampa Waterfalls the Semi evergreen forests of Agency track in East godavari District is blessed with many picturesque spots and perennial waterfalls, Rampa V.S.S is having high forest with Neelakanteswara and Rampa waterfalls. Sri Neelakanteswara Vana Vihara sthali is situated at about 4km from Rampachodavaram village.
