Araku Family-Friendly 3-Day Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Araku Valley
    Starting Point: Visakhapatnam
    Time and Distance from Visakhapatnam: 3 hours (117 km)

    Experience the breathtaking beauty of Araku Valley, known for its scenic landscape decorated with stunning waterfalls, coffee plantations, lush green paddy fields, and tribal cultures. Visit the Galikonda Viewpoint to enjoy panoramic views of the valley and try the locally grown coffee at the Coffee Museum. Next, explore the famous Borra Caves, an intricate underground network of limestone formations believed to be over a million years old. Finally, head to the Tribal Museum to learn about the lifestyle, tradition, and arts of the indigenous tribes of the Eastern Ghats.

  2. Day 2: Annavaram Temple and Simhachalam Temple
    Starting Point: Araku
    Time and Distance from Araku: 3 hours 30 minutes (140 km)

    Start your day by visiting the Annavaram Temple, a revered Hindu shrine located on the banks of the Pampa River. The temple is dedicated to Lord Satyanarayana, and it is believed that the deity blesses his devotees with prosperity and good fortune. Next, visit the Simhachalam Temple, located on a hilltop and dedicated to Lord Varaha Narasimha. The temple boasts of impressive architecture and is known as one of the 18 "Naarasimha Kshetras" in India.

  3. Day 3: Indira Gandhi Zoological Park and Kailasagiri Park
    Starting Point: Araku
    Time and Distance from Araku: 2 hours 40 minutes (110 km)

    Spend your last day exploring two famous parks in Visakhapatnam. Start with the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, home to over 100 species of wildlife, including tigers, lions, elephants, and zebras. The zoo also houses various bird species and offers thrilling safaris, bird shows, and animal feeding sessions. Next, head to the Kailasagiri Park, a beautiful hilltop park offering panoramic views of the city, a ropeway ride, and a giant statue of Lord Shiva and Parvati.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Galikonda Viewpoint (1 hour, Free)
  • Borra Caves (2 hours, ₹80 per person)
  • Tribal Museum (1.5 hours, ₹20 per person)
  • Annavaram Temple (2 hours, No entry fee)
  • Simhachalam Temple (2.5 hours, No entry fee)
  • Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (3 hours, ₹100 per person)
  • Kailasagiri Park (2.5 hours, Ropeway Ride: ₹300 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₹500 per person

Useful Tips

If you have an extra day, you can consider adding the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary to your itinerary, which is just a short drive from Visakhapatnam. For adventure enthusiasts, Trekking to Katiki Falls cannot be missed. If you have less time, you can skip the second-day visit to religious places and add a beach visit in Visakhapatnam. You can also consider visiting the picturesque Padmapuram Gardens, which is a popular picnic spot.

0