Araku Valley: A Respite from Hyderabad Summers!

We all are suffering from the heat wave, it is high time out here in North India. This is time when one of my friends informed about a place Araku Valley. So here is a post by one of my friends on Araku Valley: A Respite from Hyderabad Summers.

Travel to Araku Valley!

Few of us friends planned to go for a road trip away from the hot summers of Hyderabad. We all wanted to take a few days off and experience the excitement of travelling by road, such as on those beautiful road trips in the UK. So finally we decided to go to Araku Valley. The Borra caves were the main reason apart from other scenic places.

So we decided to avail an AC car rental in Hyderabad, as the journey was long, so the quality of cab ensured a comfortable journey.

Overview and Daily Activities

We started off early in the morning to cover most of the journey in early hours and reach Araku in the day time. We took NH30 and travelled via Vijayawada- Rajamundry-Annavaram-Vishakhaptanam and then finally to Araku. The route was very scenic and the views were amazing. As we progressed on our trip, the temperature started dropping and became pleasant. As the route was long, so we had tea and lunch breaks along the way. Having hot tea, looking out at the hills and forests is an exhilarating experience in itself. It took many hours to reach Araku valley but the experience of the road trip was worth it. After reaching we checked into a pre-booked hotel. Though the journey was comfortable, still we rested for some time and then proceeded to Ananthagiri hills.

The hills had the best view of Araku valley. The various viewpoints offered amazing views of coffee plantations and valley views. After wandering around the woods for some time, we went to the local market to purchase some tribal crafts objects. There were some amazing brass jewellery, jute bags and artefacts made by the tribals residing near Araku valley. As the evening dawned we returned to our hotel for comfortable night sleep. Next day early morning we proceeded to Borra caves. The deepest limestone caves took our breath away with their beauty and changing colours. The Shivalinga inside the cave was mesmerising.

After spending hours admiring the caves we proceeded towards Dumbriguda waterfalls. The fresh breeze and amazing views near the waterfall made it relaxing and rejuvenating. The cool water made us completely fresh. After seeing the waterfall, we started for a return journey back to Hyderabad. The bumpy roads made us thankful and we decided to book a safe and good quality Hyderabad cab. As we travelled in the night and temperature increased as we neared Hyderabad, we were glad that for the cooling AC of our vehicle.

How to Reach Araku Valley?

There are many ways to go to Araku Valley from Hyderabad. One can take a bus, or train or flight till Vishakhapatnam and from there hire a cab or take the local bus. Travelling by road, in one’s own car or to taking a cab is also a good option as the scenic views on the route are amazing and ones get the freedom to stop or visit places according to oneself. As the roads are hilly in Araku, its advisable to enlist the help of an experienced driver.

Distance and Time Taken

The distance from Hyderabad to Araku valley is 662 km which may change according to the starting point. The journey takes around 11 hours.