Andhra's Adventures

Andhra Pradesh is the new hot spot for the adrenalin junkies as the state offers a great variety with something for everyone. Here's a few places you must visit down south

Papikondalu

Where: Andhra Pradesh, South India What to do: Take a cruise on river Godavari as it passes through the scenic Papi hills of the Eastern Ghats. Enjoy the picturesque beauty of the virgin hills as the boat sails through the snake like curves flanked by the Papi hills on either side making this an ideal location for nature lovers. Head for the nearest island Kolluru where one can easily spend the night huddled in bamboo cottages gazing at the stars while sleeping on the banks of the river, an experience which will surely bring out the poet in you. But for the adventure enthusiasts the hills present many hiking opportunities. Take a shower in the many natural springs that surround the hills or take a nature walk in the thick rain forest. A popular legend says that Lord Rama and goddess Sita dwelled in these charming hills during the vanvasa.

Getting there
By air: One can travel from Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Chennai and soon from Kolkata by plane.

By rail: The city is on Howrah-Chennai Main coastal railway track. It is 2.5 hours journey from Vijayawada and 3.5 hrs journey from Visakhapatnam which is well connected by Air traffic. It is 150 km from Vijayawada and 220 km from Visakhapatnam.

By road: Located on NH5, the city is on the east portion of the Golden Quadrilateral connecting Kolkata and Chennai. Rajahmundry has four bus stations. The main APSRTC bus complex is located on the Morampudi High road. The Kotipalli bus stand is in Innispet, Gokavaram bus stand is in Aryapuram, and the Kakinada bus stand is near Kambalcheruvu. The town is well connected to all cities and nearby villages.

Araku Valley

What to do: Also known as Andhra's own Ooty, it is fast becoming a honeymooner's paradise primarily due to its prime location and the romantic journey one needs to undertake to get here. It is the pristine and raw natural beauty of Araku that attracts many tourists.

The ideal way to enjoy Araku hills is by train as it passes through 57 tunnels showcasing the many secrets that these hills have been keeping to themselves, if you do not do this, you might as well had not come here.

Araku also has some of the most interesting tribal population which has recently been introduced to civilisation. They can be seen in their most raw and authentic form of living. Borra caves are another highlight at Araku which have a rich deposit of stalactites and stalagmites.

Getting there
By air: The nearest airport is Vishakhapatnam at a distance of 112 km.
By rail: Araku Station (136 km from Viskhapatnam).
By road: Bus service is available from Vishakhapatnam. A.P Tourism also conducts excursion trip from Vishakhapatnam every day.

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