Tourism

PLACES OF TOURIST IMPORTANCE:

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 it self 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 water fall at Ranajilleda is worth seeing.

The Borra Caves are one of the most magnificent geological wonders of the Araku Valley region, located in the Ananthagiri hills of the Eastern Ghats. These limestone caves are among the deepest in India and are estimated to be over 150 million years old.

Geological & Cultural Significance

Stalactites & Stalagmites: The caves are filled with fascinating limestone formations. Over centuries, water percolating through the roof has created various shapes that locals and guides often identify as figures like Shiva-Parvati, a human brain, and a crocodile.

Religious Importance: A small Shivling is naturally formed deep inside the cave, making it a sacred site for many devotees who visit particularly during Shivaratri.

Lighting: The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) has installed multi-colored LED lighting inside, which beautifully illuminates the rock formations and adds a dramatic effect to the vast caverns.

Madagada View Point is one of the most scenic vantage points in Araku Valley, particularly famous for its “cloud bed” views and sunrise. It is in Madagada village, roughly 10 km from the main Araku town.

The “Cloud Sea”: During the winter months and early mornings, the valley below is often completely blanketed in thick white mist, making it look like you are standing above a sea of clouds.

First Viewpoint: Easily accessible via a very short trek (about 100 meters) from the parking area.

Second Viewpoint: Located higher up, requiring a longer walk (about 1 km) or a drive via a narrower road. This spot typically offers the best “above the clouds” perspective.

Cultural Experience: You can often find local tribal women performing the traditional Dhimsa dance near the parking area. There are also opportunities to try archery or rent traditional attire for photos.

Padmapuram Gardens in Araku Valley offers a unique aerial perspective through hot air ballooning, typically available in two ways:

1. Tethered Rides (Daily availability)

Outside of major festival dates, tethered hot air balloon rides are often available near the gardens or in the general Araku Valley area, depending on the season and weather conditions.

The balloon is secured to the ground with ropes and rises to a height of about 300 feet.

The Sunkarametta Wooden Bridge (also known as the Canopy Walk or Coffee Trail) is a relatively new eco-tourism attraction located in the Sunkarametta area of Araku Valley, within the Alluri Sitaramaraju (ASR) district.

It was recently developed by the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department to offer visitors a unique way to experience the region’s famous coffee plantations from an elevated perspective.

The Canopy Walk: The bridge is a rustic wooden structure built amidst dense coffee plantations and tall silver oak trees. It allows you to walk through the greenery at an elevated level, making it feel like a canopy walk.

Scenic Views: It is highly popular for its sunrise and sunset views. The mist-covered hills and the symmetry of the coffee plants make it a favourite spot for photography and nature lovers. Shooting Location: Due to its picturesque design, it has quickly become a premier location for pre-wedding shoots and movie sequences.

Chaparai Waterfalls (also known as the Dumbriguda Waterfalls) is one of the most popular scenic spots in the Araku Valley region. Unlike vertical drops, Chaparai is characterized by its slanting rocky slopes and continuous water flow, making it a unique natural attraction.

Surroundings: It is nestled within thick forest cover and rolling hills, providing a serene environment for nature photography.

Culinary Specialty: The area is famous for “Bongulo Lo Coora” (Bamboo Chicken). Many local vendors prepare this traditional tribal dish fresh on-site, where chicken is marinated and cooked inside bamboo stalks over an open fire.

The Araku Pinery (formerly known as the Anjoda Silk Farm) is a serene eco-tourism spot located in Sunkarametta, right alongside the main road to Araku. It offers a rare experience of walking through a dense, tall tropical pine forest—a landscape quite unique to this part of India.

Pine Plantation: Spread across 27 acres, the Pinery features towering pine trees originally planted in the mid-1970s. The vertical symmetry of the trees makes it a favorite for photography and peaceful nature walks.

Atmosphere: It is much quieter than the main Araku town or Padmapuram Gardens. The soft bed of dried pine needles and the cool, filtered sunlight through the canopy create a very calming, “out-of-India” aesthetic.

Camping & Tents: The Forest Department has recently developed well-maintained camping tents here for those who want to stay overnight in nature. It is considered a very safe spot for night stays.

Cafeteria: There is a small cafeteria on-site that serves snacks and coffee, though some visitors prefer bringing their own food for a picnic.

The Tribal Museum Araku is a centrepiece of the Araku Valley experience, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the heritage of the indigenous tribes of the Eastern Ghats.

Cultural Artifacts: Many projects have started tenting & stargazing, promoting livelihood in the area. The museum features an extensive collection of traditional tools, hunting equipment, kitchen utensils, and intricately designed ornaments used by the local tribes.

Realistic Dioramas: Life-sized mud huts and clay sculptures depict the daily life, social structures, and rituals of different tribal communities, providing a vivid educational experience.

One of the main highlights is the section dedicated to the Dhimsa dance, a traditional folk dance. You can often see displays of the musical instruments used and even watch live performances during peak tourist seasons.

Handicrafts Section: There is an area where you can purchase authentic tribal handicrafts, including wrought iron art, bamboo items, and traditional textiles.

The Coffee Museum in Araku Valley is a unique destination that blends history with a gourmet experience, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the region’s famous coffee culture.

Historical Gallery: The museum traces the history of coffee from its discovery in Ethiopia to its introduction in the Araku Valley. It features detailed dioramas and informative displays about the cultivation and processing of coffee beans.

The Coffee Lab: You can see various machines used in coffee production and learn about the different roasting and brewing techniques that give Araku coffee its distinct organic flavor.

Retail & Souvenirs: There is an extensive shop where you can buy various grades of organic Araku coffee powder, coffee-flavoured chocolates, and handicrafts made by local artisans.

Cultural Tourism: Cultural tourism in the Alluri Sitharama Raju district offers an immersive journey through the heritage of the Eastern Ghats, centering on the traditions of the Bagata, Koya, and Valmiki tribes. Visitors can engage with authentic tribal lifestyles through dedicated museums, community-led coffee plantations, and historical sites linked to India’s freedom struggle.

Dimsha Dance: Dhimsa is the soul of tribal culture in the Alluri Sitharama Raju district. While it originated in the Koraput region of Odisha, it has become the “official” cultural symbol of the Araku Valley and is performed by several tribes, including the Porja, Bagata, Valmiki, and Khond. The word “Dhimsa” translates to the “sound of footsteps,” reflecting its rhythmic, earthy nature. traditionally, 15–20 women form a human chain by holding hands or locking arms behind each other’s backs. They move in synchronized, serpentine patterns that mimic the movement of a centipede. The dance is led by a woman carrying a bunch of peacock feathers, which she uses to signal changes in rhythm and direction. Dhimsa is a “social” dance rather than a performance for an audience. It is often performed during the Chaitra (hunting) festival in April, at weddings, and to celebrate village milestones (like the recent first-time electrification of remote hamlets).

We can witness Dhimsa in its most authentic form at Madagada view point, Chaparayi, padmapuram garden.

Tribal Museum: Tribal Museum Araku Click to open side panel for more information provides a foundational look at the region’s heritage, housing extensive exhibits of traditional jewelry, hunting tools, and textiles. Tribal Museum is a centrepiece of the Araku Valley experience, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the heritage of the indigenous tribes of the Eastern Ghats.

Local Festivals: The festivals of the Alluri Sitharama Raju district are deeply intertwined with the agricultural cycles and spiritual beliefs of the local tribal communities. These celebrations often feature traditional drum beats, the rhythmic Dhimsa dance, and unique rituals that have been preserved for generations.

Sri Sri Sri Modhakondamma Ammavari Temple in Paderu is a significant spiritual site; the annual Modakondamma Jathara festival draws thousands of devotees and showcases vibrant tribal rituals and folk music.

Itika Pongal (also known as Itukula Panduga or Chaitra Parvam) is a major hunting festival celebrated in April across the Araku valley During this time, men participate in ritualistic communal hunts while women lead traditional Dhimsa performances, marking a transition from agricultural work to forest-based activities.

Baisakhi and Mesha Sankranti are observed by many in the region as the solar new year, coinciding with the tribal “spring” festivals and symbolizing a period of renewal and gratitude for the winter harvest.

The Araku Chali Utsavalu (Winter Festival) is a major annual tourism event organized by the Andhra Pradesh government to celebrate the cultural richness and cold-weather charm of the Araku Valley. The most recent 2026 edition was a significant four-day extravaganza held from January 29 to February 1, 2026.

The state government allocated approximately ₹8 crore to make this year’s celebration a grand success.

Adventure Tourism: For the first time, the festival introduced high-energy activities like Scuba Diving (under Vizag-based experts), Helicopter rides from Chaparai, Hot Air Ballooning at Padmapuram Gardens, and Paragliding at Madagada.
Cultural Programs: The event featured over 35 different art forms. Notable performances included live concerts by Singer Sunitha, Ram Miriyala, and a closing grand finale by music director S.S. Thaman.
Tribal Showcase: Groups from across India—including Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana—participated in a massive carnival parade alongside local Dhimsa dancers.
Eco-Tourism & Home Stays: A major focus was placed on the new “Home Stay” policy, encouraging tourists to stay with tribal families in villages like Chompi to experience authentic lifestyle and cuisine.

Experiential Tourism: Experiential tourism in the Alluri Sitharama Raju district moves beyond sightseeing, inviting you to participate in the traditional livelihoods, conservation efforts, and ancestral customs of the Eastern Ghats. From hand-picking organic coffee to learning the “language of the jungle,” these experiences focus on direct engagement with the environment and the local tribal communities.

Coffee Plantation Tours in Ananthagiri and Araku allow tourists to walk through shade-grown estates, learn to identify different bean varieties, and witness the drying and roasting process managed by local cooperatives.Seed Conservation Workshops in villages like Killoguda offer a unique look at indigenous agricultural practices, where visitors can participate in the sorting of heritage seeds and learn about the diverse tuber crops central to the tribal diet.

The Coffee Experience Centre at HNTC Kothavalasa is a flagship initiative by the ITDA Paderu, designed to serve as a gateway to the region’s famous organic coffee culture. Located strategically at the Horticulture Nursery Training Centre (HNTC) in Kothavalasa, it acts as a primary stop for travellers entering the Agency area from Visakhapatnam.The center focuses on showcasing the “seed-to-cup” journey of Araku coffee, emphasizing the role of tribal farmers in its global success.

Educational Exhibits: The facility provides detailed insights into the history of coffee cultivation in the Eastern Ghats and the sustainable organic practices used by local tribal cooperatives.

Tasting & Retail: Visitors can sample various grades of freshly brewed Arabica coffee and purchase authentic Araku Coffee Click to open side panel for more information beans and powder directly sourced from the plantations.

Eco-Cottages: In addition to the experience center, the site includes eco-cottages aimed at promoting night-stays and immersive agri-tourism within the HNTC premises

ART Village: The proposed Art Village at Giri grama darshini is an ambitious extension of the existing eco-tourism project at Pedalabudu. Designed by ITDA Paderu, this initiative aims to transition from passive observation to participatory tourism, where you don’t just see tribal art but actively create it alongside master artisans.

Core Participatory Activities

The village is structured around dedicated “experience huts” where the 19 local tribes of the Alluri Sitharama Raju district share their ancestral skills:

Pottery & Clay Modelling: A section featuring a live potter’s wheel where visitors can learn to shape local river clay into traditional vessels, guided by craftsmen from the Bagata and Koya communities.
Bamboo & Cane Handicrafts: Artisans demonstrate the intricate weaving of “Butta” (baskets) and decorative wall hangings. You can participate in the splitting of bamboo and basic weaving patterns.
Wrought Iron & Metal Cast Art: Known locally as “Ojha” or tribal brass work, this area allows you to witness the lost-wax casting process. While the molten metal work is handled by experts, tourists often participate in the initial wax modelling.
Lac Bangles & Tribal Jewellery: A dedicated room for women’s crafts where you can learn to apply heated lac to wooden bases and decorate them with glass beads and mirrors to create authentic tribal ornaments.

The “Living Museum” Environment

The Art Village is set within a 2.5acre complex designed to mirror a traditional tribal hamlet:

Architecture: The workshops are housed in authentic mud-walled huts with thatched roofs and handmade terracotta flooring, creating an immersive atmosphere.
Textile & Dressing: Visitors can also visit the “Traditional Dressing Rooms” to try on tribal attire and ornaments before beginning their craft sessions.
Paddy & Millet Processing: Beyond arts, you can try using the traditional mortar and pestle for processing local millets, which are later served in the community kitchen.

Practical Information for Visitors

Management: The project is managed by the Pedalabudu Eco Tourism Society, ensuring that the revenue goes directly back into the local tribal economy.
Packages: Many visitors opt for the “Tribal Stay” package, which includes cottage accommodation, tribal meals, and scheduled sessions for these artistic activities.