Araku Valley
A hill valley in the Eastern Ghats about three hours inland from Visakhapatnam, known for its coffee plantations, its tribal museum and the railway line that climbs to it through dozens of tunnels.
Annavaram
The Satyanarayana Swamy temple on Ratnagiri hill
One of the most visited temples in Andhra Pradesh, on Ratnagiri hill above the Pampa river, about two and a half hours down the coast road from Visakhapatnam.
The Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy temple at Annavaram draws pilgrims from across the state, particularly for vratam ceremonies, which are booked at the temple office.
The hill is reached by road or by steps. Most visitors from Visakhapatnam go and return in a day.
What to know before you go
If you intend to perform a vratam, the timing and the booking matter and are worth arranging before the trip rather than on arrival. Tell us and we will plan the day around the slot you are given.
What to see
- The Satyanarayana Swamy temple
- The view from Ratnagiri hill
- The Pampa river at the foot of the hill
Other destinations
Lambasingi
A village in the Chintapalli hills that records the lowest temperatures in Andhra Pradesh, sometimes near freezing on winter mornings. Apple and strawberry plots, pine stands and a reservoir at Thajangi nearby.
Borra Caves
A million-year-old limestone cave system in the Ananthagiri hills, lit for visitors and reached by steps down from the road. On the way to Araku, so most trips take in both.