Eat at a recommended local spot (examples: Haritha/Haritha Tourist Complex restaurant or a well-reviewed hotel restaurant in Araku) for traditional Andhra thali and local vegetable/meat specials; good to try local bamboo chicken if available.
A prettified horticultural garden with walking paths, hanging bridges and small viewpoints — great for relaxed strolling and photos. (Open typically 9:00am–5:00pm.)
Small but informative museum showcasing tribal life and artifacts of the region — good orientation to local culture and history. (Usually open ~9:30am–5:00pm.)
Visit a nearby coffee plantation/organic coffee outlet to see coffee trees and sample freshly roasted Araku coffee; many plantations allow short guided walks and tastings (usually 9:00am–4:30pm).
Short drive to a nearby viewpoint for valley vistas and the sunset; ideal for wide panoramas and photos. (Accessible early morning–evening depending on light.)
Start with a hearty breakfast at your hotel or a local café and be sure to try fresh Araku coffee — it’s one of the region’s highlights (cafés/hotels usually open from 7:00am).
Depart for Borra Caves (about 1–1.5 hours by road depending on vehicle and stops) — the scenic drive through the Eastern Ghats is part of the experience.
Explore the spectacular limestone caves with stalactites and stalagmites — a must-see geological attraction in the region. (Common opening hours ~9:00am–5:00pm; stair access required.)
Short trip to Katiki Falls — a picturesque seasonal waterfall. Note: water flow is seasonal and access may involve a short walk or steps; check local conditions before visiting.
Lunch at a roadside dhaba or AP Tourism/Haritha eatery near Borra Caves — simple, filling meals with local flavors to recharge after caves and waterfall visits.
Explore Araku tribal markets and artisan stalls selling hand-made coffee packets, bamboo crafts and tribal jewelry — great for souvenirs (markets generally open through the afternoon into evening).
If available, attend a short tribal cultural demonstration or talk arranged by local centers or your hotel to learn about language, dance and crafts; availability varies — confirm in advance.
Early breakfast and a short morning walk inside a coffee plantation to catch misty valley views and last-minute photos; many plantations welcome short walks early (7:00am–9:00am).
Have an early lunch in Araku or buy coffee and snacks for the journey; last chance for souvenir shopping in the market (most stalls open until evening).
Plan to leave Araku by about 5:00pm (or earlier) to reach Vizag with enough buffer for an overnight train to Ongole — road/rail travel time Araku→Vizag is roughly 3–4 hours depending on mode. Confirm Vistadome/local train timings or hire a car early.
If time allows, have dinner in Vizag station area (station food stalls or reputable station restaurants) or board your booked night train to Ongole; prefer pre-booked tickets and leave a buffer for delays.
Board the Vizag→Ongole night train you booked; arrival at Ongole will depend on that train’s schedule. Make sure to check live train timings and platform info on the day.