Araku Valley is not a destination you should rush through for a 1 day trip, as most tourists do. Located in the Eastern Ghats Mountains of the Andhra Pradesh region, Araku Valley rewards travellers who slow down, wake up early, and allow nature to lead the itinerary. This 2-day Araku Valley trip plan is crafted for travellers starting from Vizag and preferably continuing towards Lambasingi—balancing adventure, culture, waterfalls, and rest.
Unlike usual hill stations, Araku is about movement through landscapes: caves turning into forests, forests opening into valleys, valleys dissolving into silence, and sounds of thudding waterfalls that breaks the silence down.
So, let’s take a quick look, how you can plan a 2-day Araku Valley trip exploring 14 beautiful places in this region.
Day 1: Vizag to Araku Valley via Borra Caves (Adventure-Focused Day)
This is a busy but advantageous day. If you’re travelling by train, you must start early (6:45 AM). However, for a Vizag–Araku–Lambasingi circuit, a car journey is strongly recommended. If you plan to visit only Araku and get back the next day, you can book a train, but you need to rent a local car to cover all 14 best places in Araku Valley.
Car hire cost: ₹9,000–₹12,000 (Sedan) for 2 nights
(With bargaining, ₹11,000 is realistic if it is Vizag-Araku-Lambasingi track)
By road, you can cover multiple offbeat places that are merely possible to visit via train, and without hiring a local car. The following Araku Vallet trip plan is based on a car trip.
1. Simhachalam Temple
| ⭐ Rating: 4.0 / 5 | |
| Ideal For | Spiritual travellers, Families, Senior citizens |
| Entry Fee | General Darshan: Free Special Darshan: ₹100 Executive Darshan: ₹300 |
Simhachalam Temple is best visited early in the morning before the city traffic begins. The temple sits on a hill, offering a peaceful transition from coastal Vizag into the Eastern Ghats. Even for non-religious travellers, the architecture and serenity make it a meaningful stop.
Top Highlights
- Ancient hilltop temple near Vizag
- Spiritual start before entering forests
- Calm atmosphere in early morning
This visit also helps pace the day—breaking the long drive before you head deeper into forest terrain.
2. Borra Caves
| ⭐ Rating: 4.6 / 5 | |
| Ideal For | Anybody except senior citizens who face trouble while hiking up stairs. “Must visit” for geology & nature enthusiasts. |
| Entry Fee | ₹50 per person Children (<5): ₹25 |
Borra Caves mark the point where the journey truly enters the Eastern Ghats. Inside, the temperature drops, light dims, and natural rock formations dominate your senses. The caves are well-lit and safe to explore, yet still feel raw and ancient
If you’re travelling by train, Borra is the most important stop. However, those continuing by car can explore it more leisurely without watching the return clock.
Top Highlights
- One of India’s largest limestone caves
- Stalactite & stalagmite formations
- Naturally cool interiors
3. Katiki Waterfalls
| ⭐ Rating: 4.9 / 5 | |
| Ideal For | Adventure seekers, Nature lovers, Families, Couples *Senior citizens who face trouble while hiking up stairs should avoid. |
| Entry/ Transport Fee | Jeep: ₹200 per person or ₹1,500 per jeep |
Katiki Falls is one of the most rewarding experiences of Day 1. From Borra Caves, you must hire a local jeep, followed by a short hike. The effort is worth it—the waterfall is raw, loud, and surrounded by dense greenery.
Skipping Katiki Falls means missing Araku’s adventurous side.
Top Highlights
- Jeep safari + short forest hike
- Powerful waterfall in forest setting
- One of Araku’s most scenic spots
4. Galikonda View Point
| ⭐ Rating: 3.5 / 5 | |
| Ideal For | All Araku-tourists, Photography lovers |
| Entry | – |
This viewpoint offers a brief but refreshing break. It’s not a long stop, but the open valley views and the sight of the highest peak of Eastern Ghat – Galikonda view, prepare you for what lies ahead in Araku Valley.
Top Highlights
- Panoramic valley views
- Short photography stop
- Fresh mountain air
5. Bamboo Bridge & Coffee Plantation
| ⭐ Rating: 4.5 / 5 | |
| Ideal For | Families, Slow travelers |
| Entry | Adult: ₹ 50, Child: ₹ 25 |
Walking across bamboo bridges inside coffee plantations is a calm contrast after waterfalls and caves. The shaded paths and smell of coffee plantation create a soothing experience, perfect before reaching Araku town.
Top Highlights
- Wooden bamboo bridges
- Walks inside coffee estates
- Light hiking experience
6. Araku Coffee Factory
| ⭐ Rating: 3.8 / 5 | |
| Ideal For | Coffee lovers, Leisure travellers, Families |
| Entry Fees | 20 per person |
Description
Compared to the day’s adventures, the coffee factory is quieter and simpler. It’s best treated as an evening wind-down spot—understanding Araku’s coffee culture and picking up souvenirs.
Top Highlights
- Learn about tribal coffee
- Coffee tasting & shopping
- Relaxed evening stop
After this, check in to your Araku hotel, relax, and enjoy the cool night air.
Day 2: Araku Valley Sightseeing → Lambasingi (Nature, Culture & Waterfalls)
Day 2 is wider, and more immersive. Unlike Day 1’s adventure-heavy route, this day focuses on sunrise viewpoints, tribal culture, gardens, forests, and cascading waterfalls, before gradually transitioning towards Lambasingi.
7. Madagada View Point
| ⭐ Rating: 4.1 / 5 | |
| Ideal For | Early risers Landscape photographers Couples and solo travellers |
| Entry | – |
Madagada View Point is best visited before sunrise, when the valley is still wrapped in fog. As daylight slowly reveals the rolling Eastern Ghats, the view feels expansive and deeply calming. Unlike roadside viewpoints, Madagada offers space to stop, breathe, and absorb the silence.
Top Highlights
- One of the best sunrise points in Araku
- Mist-filled valleys and layered hills
- Quiet and crowd-free early morning
This place sets the tone for Day 2—slow, reflective, and nature-led. Even a 20–30 minute stop here feels rewarding.
2. Ranajilleda Waterfalls
| ⭐ Rating: 4.2 / 5 | |
| Ideal For | Slow travellers Couples Nature lovers avoiding crowds |
| Entry | – |
Ranajilleda Waterfalls lie away from the main tourist flow, making it a peaceful stop. The water flow varies by season, but the surrounding forest and rocky terrain keep the experience scenic year-round. Unlike popular waterfalls, there’s no rush here—just the sound of flowing water and birds.
Top Highlights
- Less crowded waterfall
- Located on a quieter side of Araku Valley
- Natural, untouched surroundings
It’s an ideal place to slow down after sunrise, refresh yourself, and mentally prepare for the cultural stops ahead.
8. Araku Tribal Museum
| ⭐ Rating: 4.3 / 5 | |
| Ideal For | Families Culture enthusiasts Educational trips |
| Entry | ₹40 per person |
The Araku Tribal Museum offers meaningful insight into the indigenous communities of the Eastern Ghats. The displays are simple yet effective—showing daily life, farming methods, festivals, and traditional art form
The museum is well-organised and doesn’t feel overwhelming. Spending about an hour here gives cultural depth to your Araku journey, balancing the natural attractions of the previous day.
Top Highlights
- Tribal lifestyle, tools, and traditions
- Life-size hut models
- Zip-lining & rope cycling activities
9. Padmapuram Gardens
| ⭐ Rating: 4.2 / 5 | |
| Ideal For | Families with children Leisure travellers Winter visitors |
| Entry | ₹100 per person |
Padmapuram Gardens feel like a pause button in the journey. The garden is spacious, clean, and thoughtfully designed, making it perfect for families and relaxed walks. During winter, it becomes one of the most pleasant picnic spots in Araku Valley.
You can comfortably spend 45 minutes to an hour here without feeling rushed.
Top Highlights
- Well-maintained botanical garden
- Toy train ride
- Ideal picnic environment
10. Araku Chocolate Factory
| ⭐ Rating: 3.2 / 5 | |
| Ideal For | Families with children Chocolate lovers Quick refreshment stop |
| Entry | ₹25 per person |
Located right next to Padmapuram Gardens, the Chocolate Factory is a short but enjoyable stop. While it’s not a large attraction, it adds a fun break—especially for kids—and offers locally produced chocolates worth sampling.
Top Highlights
- Locally made chocolates
- Quick stop beside Padmapuram Garden
11. Araku Pine Forest
| ⭐ Rating: 4.3 / 5 | |
| Ideal For | Families with children Chocolate lovers Quick refreshment stop |
| Entry | ₹25 per person |
The Araku Pine Forest is a wide, open recreational space rather than a dense forest trail. It’s often used for picnics, receptions, and casual gatherings. The tall trees and open layout create a relaxed atmosphere—perfect for walking, sitting, or light photography.
Top Highlights
- Pine & eucalyptus plantations
- Open picnic-style landscape
- Watchtowers and garden sections
7. Cheparai Waterfalls
| ⭐ Rating: 4.7 / 5 | |
| Ideal For | Families & Couples Food lovers & photographers Relaxed travellers |
| Entry | ₹50 per person |
Cheparai Waterfalls are among the most visually pleasing spots in Araku Valley. Here, the river breaks into multiple cascades, creating wide, flowing sheets of water. A small bridge connects both sides, offering a dramatic view of the stronger current.
This is also one of the best lunch stops, with roadside stalls serving bamboo chicken and bamboo biryani.
Top Highlights
- Cascading river formation
- Scenic bridge viewpoint
- Best place for bamboo chicken
12. Kothapalli Waterfalls
| ⭐ Rating: 4.9 / 5 | |
| Ideal For | Families, Couples, & everyone Nature photographers Slow travellers |
| Entry | ₹50 per person |
Kothapalli Waterfalls are the highlight of Day 2. The water descends in three distinct steps before spreading into the plains, creating a powerful and scenic view. The waterfall looks different from every angle, making it ideal for extended exploration.
⚠️ Important: The site closes at 5 PM. To enjoy it properly, reach before 4 PM—earlier in winter.
Top Highlights
- Tall three-step waterfall
- Excellent viewpoints from multiple angles
- One of the most impressive cascades in the region
Final Travel Note
If you want a slow-paced experience, stay 2 nights in Araku Valley before moving to Lambasingi. Rushing through Araku reduces it to a checklist—slowing down turns it into a memory.
