Araku

Araku is located at 18.3333°N 82.8667°E.[2] It has an average elevation of 911 metres (2,989 ft).

It is located 114 km from Vishakhapatnam, close to the Orissa state border.The Anantagiri and Sunkarimetta Reserved Forest which are part of Araku Valley, are rich in biodiversity. This valley is surrounded by mountains like Galikonda, Raktakonda, Sunkarimetta and Chitamogondi. Galikonda hill rising to a height of 5,000 feet (1,500 m) is one of the highest in Andhra Pradesh. The average rainfall is 1700 mm, bulk of which is received during June–October.

Mixed deciduous forests with a luxuriant growth of orchids, ferns and epiphytes is the predominant form of vegetation. The hilltop is covered by dry savannah forest, mostly Phoenix loureirii with tall grasses. According to a study conducted by SACON, Deccan Regional Station, Hyderabad, the Forest Spotted Owlet/Blewitt’s Owlet (Heteroglaux blewitti or Athene blewitti), a little-known critically endangered owlet, is believed to be found in these hill ranges of Andhra Pradesh. The study also confirmed the presence of 142 species of birds, ten species of reptiles, five taxa of amphibians and 56 species of butterflies and a number of medicinal plant species like Asparagus racemosus, Rubia cordifolia, Curculigo orchioides etc.; 142 species of plants, including a tree fern, Cyathea nilgiriensis, which is endemic to South India. The species is restricted only to Anantagiri, Galikonda and Sunkarimetta hills, Araku Valley,Vishakhapatnam District.[3]

This place lures people with pleasant weather, hills and valleys. The natural beauty of this valley comes alive with its rich landscape. The area of the valley is roughly 36 km², and the altitude is between 600 and 900 meters above sea level.

The journey to this place on the Ghat road with thick forests on either side is in itself interesting and pleasant. One can have a wonderful trekking trip. Traveling by train yields a memorable experience. A total of forty-one tunnels and numerous bridges will greet you on the way. The Ananthagiri hills on the way to Araku Valley are famous for coffee plantations. The Borra caves, located 29 km from Araku Valley, are a nearby tourist attraction full of stalactites and stalagmites.

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