Araku Valley

Araku Valley is a hill station and valley in the Eastern Ghats in Alluri Sitharama Raju district, Andhra Pradesh, about 114 km from Visakhapatnam. Situated at around 900 to 1,400 metres elevation, it is known for coffee plantations, dense forests, waterfalls and tribal settlements. Developed as a hill retreat and coffee-growing region, it is notable for scenic landscapes, pleasant climate, Borra Caves and tribal culture, making it a major tourism centre in Andhra Pradesh.

Visitors can expect a broad valley surrounded by forested hills of the Eastern Ghats with coffee plantations, valleys and waterfalls. The area includes the town of Araku with resorts, markets and the Tribal Museum, plus viewpoints, gardens and nearby natural sites like Borra Caves and Katiki Waterfalls. Exploration is by road and the scenic Visakhapatnam-Araku train route, with opportunities for sightseeing, photography, nature walks and learning about local tribal culture.

Araku Valley has long been inhabited by Eastern Ghats tribal communities. Coffee cultivation was introduced in the early 20th century and expanded under British administration and later government initiatives, with Araku coffee now grown by tribal farmers. The valley was subsequently developed as a hill station and tourism destination by the Andhra Pradesh government.

The valley is a cultural centre for tribal communities including Bagata, Konda Dora, Gadaba, Savara and Valmiki. It is known for tribal handicrafts, traditional Dhimsa dance, weekly tribal markets and Araku organic coffee cultivated by tribal cooperatives, showcased at the Tribal Museum and Coffee Museum.