Araku is a small dwelling in a beautiful valley that is located around 112 kms from Visakhapatnam amidst the Eastern Ghats. The valley, formed by the hills that stand at an altitude of 1300 meters above the sea level, is a home to many local tribes. The name "Araku Valley" always strikes the mind when one thinks about a trip to Vizag. Araku Valley makes a wonderful place to visit with an enchanting beauty, bridges, tunnels, waterfalls and thick forest all over.
The place has something for all age groups, as there are many things one can do in this place. For those looking for peace, this place offers the best of tranquillity to relax and get lost from the hustle and bustle of city life. For the more energetic, enthusiastic and for those looking for adventure, this provides you an apt place to be. Araku offers early morning trekking in the jungle. For youngsters there is a railway station at Araku on DBK line passing through tunnels, hill sides and streams giving you an exciting and enjoying experience to travel. The Eastern Ghats rail route from Visakhapatnam to Anantagiri is one of the highest broad gauge tracks in Indian Railways.
There are some more beautiful places that you can visit during your stay in the valley.
The Sangda waterfalls are located in the Sangda village of the Munchingput mandal. Though it receives less attention, they are one of the spectacular waterfalls in India.
Matsyagundam, meaning 'fish pool', is situated in the Machkund River near the village of Matham. It is close under the great 'Yendrika hills' and a barrier of rocks runs cross the river and the stream plunges into a great hole and vanishes to reappear about 100 yards lower down. This place, where it emerges under the barrier, it forms a pool crowded with fish of all sizes. There is also a small Shiva temple on the bank of the river.
There is Padmapuram Botanical gardens which is another main attraction here. There are tree huts or hanging cottages where you can stay to get a lovely experience. For details you can contact the Manager of Padmapuram gardens on this number: 08936-49615. The Ranajelleda Water Falls, Dumbriguda Waterfalls (about 15 kms from Araku) and Ananthagiri Waterfalls (about 30 kms from Araku) can also to be visited.
