24 Hours In Araku Valley? Tick Off As Many As These Must-Visit Spots!

Did you know the opening scenes of RRR were shot here? Yes, Borra Caves are the deepest caves in India and one of the largest, too. The magnitude of this million-year old natural wonder is truly breathtaking and has withstood many calamities over the year. It is located at an elevation of 705 meters on Ananthagiri Hills and have many tales to tell. One, for example, is how the caves were discovered. Some say it was William King George from the Geological Survey of India in 1807 while others believe it was a cowherd who discovered the caves and later built a temple. Either way, these caves attract several history buffs and nature enthusiasts who gawk at the limestone formations, unique shapes that depict various animals, human body parts, Gods, etc and kaleidoscopic light effects.

Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fee: INR 60 for adults and INR 45 for Children (excluding phone and camera permissions)

Speaking of caves, the Araku valley region was a tribal home and you should check our the Tribal Museum to observe the local lifestyle, customs and traditions. Even if you're someone who yawns at the mention of a museum, you will definitely be fascinated by the hunting tools, jewellery, and musical instruments. It's a two-storied building which also has a section dedicated to the tribal dances – Dhimsa and Mayur. Not just images, you can actually see human models. Cool, right? You can also go paddle-boating in the artificial lake inside the museum complex.

Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fee: INR 40 for adults, INR 20 for kids 

Ah, yes! Coffee! Follow the aroma and make your way to the Coffee museum for fresh some fresh Arabica. Here, coffee is grown using environmentally sustainable methods and they show you the entire process - from farm to cup. If you want to take home a piece of the patch after geeking over coffee, these are many shops to buy coffee, souvenirs and chocolates, too! Yup, they also grow coffee chocolates and what can be better than that?

Timings: 8 AM to 8 PM

Entry Fee: INR 10 to INR 20

Another site commonly shown in Tollywood movies, this makes for a great picnic spot. Tucked in a blanket of forest, waterways and rocky puddles, there's a lot of things you can go here with your gang. In the right weather, you can take a dip in the water, camp overnight and gaze at the twinkling stars. However, you can always take a sunset or sunrise stroll here. To get here, you would need local help which wouldn't be difficult to find as every local guide will feature this natural beauty. FYI, it's also known as Dumbriguda Falls. Being a raw, outdoor location, you have to pack the necessities – umbrella, mosquito repellant, sunscreen, etc.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

Entry fee: Free

Don't mind a short trek? Then set your maps to Katiki Waterfalls, roughly 6 kms from Borra Caves. A 30 minute trek through dense forest will take you to this aggressive waterfall with a petrichor scent. Well, the terrain is rough and the climb might tire you out, but hey, there's food on the way. Make a stop at one of the several food stalls and have a taste of the local specialty Bamboo Chicken. Food plus a great view will definitely lift your spirit. Just one thing though, look out for the monkey friends. 

Timings: Anytime before sunset

Entry fee: Free 
 

This is a garden with a history like no other! What was originally built during the World War II to cultivate vegetables for the soldiers is now home to many exotic flowers and trees. What a change, right? It's a major tourist attraction with trees as old as time. You can spot huge eucalyptus and pine trees along with a rose garden and huts hanging from trees that make for a unique picture spot. For the little ones, they'll love the toy train that takes them through the area.

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM

Entry Fee: INR 40 

Don't put an end to your trip without capturing the beauty of Araku Valley from a birds-eye-view. Your last stop should be the Galikonda View Point which is at an altitude of 4320 feet above sea level making it the second highest peak in the Eastern Ghats. Time it right to catch a beautiful sunset and see the misty mountains, rivers, streams, hillocks and cottages shine. If you're a photography enthusiast, click the best shot on your DSLR and deck up your Insta profiles.

Timings: Before sunset

Entry Fee: Free