Anatagiri
The breathtaking hill station, Anantagiri sheltered in the lush undulating ranges of the Eastern Ghats is about 60kms from Visakhapatnam. Located on the way to the Araku Valley, the place is considered as a perfect health resort. Ananthagiri is famed for its extensive coffee plantations and numerous waterfalls like Tadimada waterfalls.
Etikoppaka
Etikoppaka, a small village on the banks of Varaha River located...
more... 65 kms from Visakhapatnam, is known for its age-old tradition of wooden carvings and artifacts. Etikoppaka toys made of ankudu wood with lacquer colors, enchanting designs are very attractive and have a special appeal for children. The toys, mythological figures, carvings, etc which display the creative skills of the craftsmen depict the cultural practices of that region
Borra Caves
The million year-old limestone Borra Caves, are situated in Ananthagiri Mandal, about 90 kms north of Vizag on the way to Araku valley. The caves, at a height of 1400 mts above sea level and occupying an area of 2 square kilometers are filled with fascinating stalagmite and stalactite formations of calcium deposits. The Gosthani river flows through the caves between the formations. These natural caves were discovered in1807 by William King George of the Geological Survey of India.
A 'Shivalingam' and an idol of a cow (Kamadhenu) can be seen here which has given a religious significance to it. The caves are beautiful and are brightly illuminated. The best time to visit the caves is around November- December. The train journey from Vizag to the caves which takes about 5-6 hours through the thick forests of the Eastern Ghats is splendid.
Araku Valley
The famous hill station, Araku Valley, situated 30km north of Borra Caves and 120 kms from Visakhapatnam is the home to a number of tribal communities. The valley, popularly known as Andhra Ooty, is located in the Eastern Ghats at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level. Spread over an area of 36 sq. kms,, the Araku Valley is a perfect tourist destination with pleasant climate, lush greenery, waterfalls and streams. The tribal habitat museum and the tribal village are the major attractions here. The tourists can get a glimpse of the traditional and spectacular tribal folk dances like Dhimsa and Mayuri. The Araku Tribal Museum houses rich tribal tradition and number of artifacts related to the Eastern Ghats Tribal Culture. Chaaparai, a picturesque place about 15 km from Araku is another picnic spot in this region. Accommodation facilities are available for tourists.
Tyda Nature Camp
Tyda is a small tribal village nestling in the wooded hills of the Eastern Ghats at a distance of 75 kms from Visakhapatnam on the Araku road. Also known as Jungle Bells, the nature camp has facilities for rock climbing, trekking and target shooting with bow & arrows. This eco-tourism destination is home for a variety of animals and birds. With the help of naturalists or guides in the camp, one can learn the language of the jungle like identification of calls, marks, etc. and understanding interesting features of various flora and fauna of the Eastern Ghats. There are spacious huts and tents set in tribal environment for tourists.
