Tour to Araku Valley to have a Glimpse of its Organic Coffee Plantations

Far from the maddening crowds, located in a nice and remote place within the coastal town of Vishakhapatnam in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, is the “Food Bowl of South India”, Araku Valley. What catches the fascination of the tourists coming here is the valley’s unspoilt beauty and its serene location. One of the major Araku Valley attractions is the organic coffee plantations that are found almost all over the hill station.

These coffee plantations in Araku Valley are spread over lush farmlands situated at around 3000ft. above sea level. Vishakhapatnam is a major tourist attraction with its port and beach. Located at just about 40km away from here, Araku Valley too is becoming a major tourist spot. It was during 2007 that the tribal growers launched their exclusive organic coffee brand here. One of the brands known as “Araku Emerald” that is grown here, is one of the most sought-after all over the world and it tastes absolutely divine.

The beauty of the coffee plantations in Araku Valley is further aggravated by the coffee berries that hang atop the trees. These plantations are the only source of income for most of the tribal groups who are the natives of the valley. It is hard to miss the rich and authentic aroma of coffee that emanates from the valley as tourists make an entry. The coffee aroma has become the most significant landmark of the Araku Valley over the past few years.

Some of the other famous Araku Valley attractions are the following:

• Borra Caves, a phenomenally tall and deep group of caves located just in the vicinity of the valley. As tourists enter into these caves, they can spot a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that was built by the locals.
• Padmapuram Botanical Gardens – This is a place where kids and adults get maximum enjoyment in the form of toy trains and swings. One can get to see the excellent wealth of flora at this place. There are three huts that can be used as accommodation places for tourists while coming here.
• MatyalingeshwaraSwamy Temple – Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the main deity here is considered to be the Saviour of Fishes, as he had saved the fishes in a fight against snakes many centuries ago.

Other than this, Araku Valley is replete with a range of waterfalls like Dumbriguda Falls, Sangda Waterfalls and Katiki Falls and other places like Tyda Village Park, Araku Tribal Museum, Bheemunipatnam Beach, Anantagiri Hills and Kakinada.