Araku Valley ANDHRA PRADESH

If your idea of an ideal vacation is digital detox, Araku Valley in southern state of Andhra Pradesh state should be on top of the list for its remote location and virgin landscapes. Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Chaparai or Dumbriguda Falls. Surrounded by thick forest cover, the place is a popular camping and swimming site. Spend the night here and watch a zillion stars take over the clear skies. In the morning, visit one of the coffee plantations in the Ananthagiri Hills and get insights into the entire process of brewing the famed Araku Coffee, which is grown by tribals and known for its bittersweet scent. If tribal culture entices you, visit the Araku Tribal Museum to know more about the lifestyle of the 19 tribes that call the valley home. Or, stop by at the Padmapuram Botanical Garden (aptourism.gov.in) to take a toy train ride around the garden and learn about its origin that dates back to the World War II. For couples who are adventurous foodies, bongulo chicken is one of the prime highlights of the trip. Prepared using almost no oil and spices and merely with bamboo and coal, the local delicacy can be savoured at small stalls set up by tribal women at popular tourist attractions.

GETTING THERE

Direct flights operate from New Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai to Visakhapatnam (115 km away). Either take a scenic train journey (tickets avaialable on irctc.co.in) to Araku, or hire a taxi from the airport.

STAY

The Haritha Valley Resort offers a pleasant stay (starts from `1,700/US$25, aptdc.gov.in).

WHEN

June to October

MUST SEE

Visit the Borra Caves and admire the stalagmite formations in different shapes that date back to thousands of years.