Araku Valley - Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)

Araku Valley is one of the most important tourist destinations in Andhra Pradesh. This valley is situated at a distance of about 112 kms from Vishakhapatnam. Araku Valley is a pleasant hill station famous for its scenic gardens with lush green nature, valleys, waterfalls and streams. Journey to Araku Valley is itself highly interesting and pleasant on the Eastern Ghats with thick forest on either sides. This valley is spreads over an area of 3200 feets. The Botanical Garden at Padmapuram, Government Silk Farm with Mulberry gardens are the live examples to know the socio-economic conditions of the area. On Araku Valley, Tribal Museum is a biggest attraction. Chaaparai, a picturesque place about 15 kms from Araku Valley is another picnic spot in this region. About 19 tribes inhabit this area, and natural beauty of this valley comes alive only with the aboriginal tribes who dwell here and who have to this day kept their tradition and culture alive. Tourists can enjoy the Dhimsa dance, an age-old folk dance normally performed during `Itikala Pongal'.