Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

<ul><li>Around 115 kilometres from the city of Visakhapatnam, <keyword id="566330" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Araku-Valley">Araku Valley</keyword> is ideal for those itching to get away from it all.</li><li>This rustic hill station is perched at about 1,200 metres above sea level in the Eastern Ghats.</li><li>The Borra Caves, also called Borra Guhalu, is considered one of India's largest and deepest caves in India.</li></ul>Around 115 kilometres from the city of Visakhapatnam, the truly tranquil hill station of Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh is ideal for those itching to get away from it all. Frequented by people in Visakhapatnam (Vizag) who are, perhaps, sick of staring at the sea and need to get away from the sweltering heat, the picturesque hill station has also become increasingly popular because of its coffee plantations. In fact, the Britishers realised the potential of the region's microclimate in the 1900s and set up coffee plantations here. <div type="image" title="Araku Valley" msid="81363695" hostid="261"></div> This rustic hill station is perched at about 1,200 metres above sea level in the Eastern Ghats. So lovely is the terrain, that it features in a bunch of popular Telugu movies. Like most hill stations, Araku has a plethora of 'touristy' hotspots like the Borra caves, Chaparai cascade waterfalls, Tribal Museum, Katika waterfalls, Ananthagiri Hills, Araku Waterfalls, Tyda Nature Camp, and Tatipudi Reservoir. However, brand consultant, Shilpa Colluru, who stayed at Sunkarametta Village, recommends this place because "it is quiet, peaceful and lovely if you want to spend a few days doing nothing except stare at some gorgeous views, take long walks and generally unwind.” <div type="image" title="Araku Valley" msid="81363726" hostid="261"></div> The Borra Caves, also called Borra Guhalu, is considered one of India's largest and deepest caves in India. It features a variety of cave formations - stalactites and stalagmites ranging in size and shape. Tribals of the area share a legend that a cow apparently fell through the roof of one of the caves and miraculously survived, and the cowherd who found his cow noticed a ‘Shiva Lingam’ shaped stone in the cave and surmised it was Lord Shiva who saved the cow and thus to this date there is a tiny temple outside the cave that is frequented by locals and tourists alike. While the area is teeming with waterfalls, it is also, unfortunately, overflowing with tourists, and discerning travellers may want to skip the experience. But if large crowds are not a deterrent, you can scope out: Chaparai cascade waterfalls, which are not traditional waterfalls, but water flowing over massive boulders that make for a unique experience. Three kilometres from Ananthagiri village, Ananthagiri waterfalls, also known as Tadimada waterfalls, is a bit of a trek to get to, and therefore you may find it less crowded. Araku waterfalls, also called Ranajilleda waterfalls, is a 60-feet high waterfall requiring a small amount of hard work (15-minute trek) to get there. Around seven kilometres from the Borra Caves, the 100-feet-high Katika waterfalls is yet another tourist hotspot accessible by jeep, and people have permission to cook there. Tyda, a small village 70 kilometres from Vizag, is popular because of an ecotourism resort run by AP Tourism and the forest department called Jungle Bells Camp or Tyda Nature Camp. The camp is strategically located amidst rich flora and fauna and offers several adventure activities, including trekking, hiking, and bird watching, making it a great place to visit with family. <div type="image" title="Araku Valley" msid="81363774" hostid="261"></div> Getting there: Araku Valley is about a 3-hour drive from Visakhapatnam, which is where the nearest airport is located. Alternatively, one can also opt for the 'glass train' fitted with massive windows for travellers to soak in the gorgeous views. Upon arrival, travellers can hire a rickshaw to take you to your place of stay. Places to stay: While the options are pretty limited, very basic and mostly government-run establishments, they are all clean and decently maintained, and the food is usually good — a wholesome South Indian spread. Colluru recommends trying out the special delicacies made by the tribals living in the area like the Bamboo Chicken. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/regulating-digital-news-is-important-but-freedom-of-press-is-precious/articleshow/81341289.cms">OPINION: Regulating digital news is important but freedom of press is precious</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/heranba-industries-ipo-makes-a-bumper-debut-on-stock-exchanges/articleshow/81342578.cms?upcaceh=2">Heranba Industries makes a bumper debut on stock exchanges — shares soar 44% over the issue price band</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/ignore-low-cibil-score-for-street-vendor-loans-work-on-holidays-and-other-diktats-from-indian-government-to-banks-rushing-to-meet-march-target/articleshow/81223572.cms">EXCLUSIVE: Bankers may be working all 31 days of March with the government looking to double the loans doled out under the PM SVANidhi scheme</a>

Araku Valley, an idyllic weekend getaway spot in the north-eastern corner of Andhra Pradesh

Automakers such as <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=maruti+suzuki&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Maruti Suzuki</a>, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=hyundai&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Hyundai</a>, Kia <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=kia+motors&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Motors</a>, Fiat, etc are expanding their production in India and are spending billions for the same. India is becoming a hot market for <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=automobile+industry&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">carmakers</a> who may pump in $8-10 billion (Rs 51,600-64,500 crore) over three-four years to establish factories and expand production in the country. India is expected to become the third-largest for passenger vehicles by the turn of the decade. For instance, Suzuki is likely to invest $780 million in a third factory in Gujarat by 2020, whereas Maruti will infuse Rs 1, 900 crore on expansion of R&amp;D centre in Haryana. "We have taken 35 years to reach annual sales mark of 1.5 million units. I do not think it will take as long to sell another 1.5 million vehicles, may be not even 10 years,” Maruti chairman RC Bhargava told ET. <keyword id="109790" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kia-Motors">Kia Motors</keyword> had announced it will invest $1.1 billion to set up a factory in Andhra Pradesh, while <keyword id="108829" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hyundai-Motor-India">Hyundai Motor India</keyword> has plans to rake in $2 billion on products. The passenger vehicles industry currently has a production capacity of more than 5.5 million, industry sources told ET. As per Society of Indian <keyword id="249403" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Automobile-Manufacturers">Automobile Manufacturers</keyword> Association (SIAM), the automotive industry is estimated to grow to Rs 16.16-18.18 lakh crore by 2026.

India is becoming hotspot for automakers as they are spending billions to expand production in the country. Here’s the list

In a major move to enhance the <keyword id="23342045" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourism-experience" source="keywords">tourism experience</keyword> across India, the <keyword id="20246604" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministry-of-Tourism" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Ministry of Tourism" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Ministry of Tourism">Ministry of Tourism</keyword> has launched an ambitious initiative titled '<keyword id="23342044" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Paryatan-Mitra" source="keywords">Paryatan Mitra</keyword>' and 'Paryatan Didi' on the occasion of World Tourism Day. The initiative is designed to foster responsible tourism and create local ambassadors who will serve as guides and hosts, enriching the travel experience for visitors while promoting <keyword id="20467200" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sustainable-tourism" source="keywords">sustainable tourism</keyword> practices. The program, which was launched as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader vision of using tourism for social inclusion, employment generation, and economic progress, is aimed at empowering locals in some of India’s most visited destinations. The Ministry of Tourism is seeking to build a network of <keyword id="22391259" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourism-ambassadors" source="keywords">tourism ambassadors</keyword>, rooted within <keyword id="21350228" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="local-communities" source="keywords">local communities</keyword>, to act as proud custodians of their regions. Initially piloted in six diverse tourist hotspots — Orchha (Madhya Pradesh), Gandikota (Andhra Pradesh), Bodh Gaya (Bihar), Aizawl (Mizoram), Jodhpur (Rajasthan), and Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands) — the program has already begun training locals in these areas. By August 15, over 3,000 individuals had undergone training, becoming official Paryatan Mitras, dedicated to offering tourists a more informed, friendly, and memorable experience. <h2>Enhancing hospitality and local storytelling</h2>The key objective of this initiative is to make tourism a vehicle for local pride and storytelling. By offering specialised training to those who frequently interact with tourists — such as cab drivers, hotel staff, restaurant workers, tour guides, street vendors, and even police personnel — the Ministry hopes to elevate the tourist experience to new heights. The training program emphasises the importance of cleanliness, safety, sustainability, and top-quality hospitality, all aligned with India’s age-old philosophy of 'Athithi Devo Bhava', meaning “The guest is equivalent to God.” This initiative goes beyond mere hospitality training. Each participant is also educated about their destination's hidden gems, historical significance, and <keyword id="19911712" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cultural-heritage" source="keywords">cultural heritage</keyword>, turning every local into a knowledgeable storyteller. This not only improves the quality of the tourist experience but also helps locals take pride in their heritage and contribute meaningfully to the country’s tourism ecosystem. <h2><keyword id="20646064" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="empowering-women" source="keywords">Empowering women</keyword> and youth</h2>One of the most remarkable aspects of the Paryatan Mitra and Paryatan Didi programs is their focus on empowering women and young people. By training them to offer new tourism experiences such as heritage walks, food tours, craft experiences, and nature treks, the initiative opens up exciting employment opportunities. Many of these individuals are also trained to become homestay operators, tour guides, and food and culture experience providers, allowing them to monetize their skills and knowledge in tourism-driven local economies. In a nod to modern technology, the initiative also incorporates <keyword id="20055241" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-literacy" source="keywords">digital literacy</keyword> training, equipping locals with the tools to make their tourism offerings more discoverable to both national and international visitors. By leveraging digital platforms, trained individuals can now market their homestays, tours, and cultural experiences online, allowing for a broader reach and better economic opportunities. At its core, this program reflects the Ministry of Tourism’s commitment to creating a collaborative tourism experience that benefits both visitors and locals. The initiative is not just about training individuals to work in tourism but is also about fostering a sense of community and ownership over the tourism experience, which in turn helps preserve cultural and natural heritage. As more individuals join the program, tourism in India could see a shift toward more sustainable practices, with local communities playing a crucial role in shaping how tourists experience their destinations. By connecting visitors to trained locals with a passion for their culture and environment, the Ministry of Tourism is taking a major step toward creating memorable, responsible, and sustainable tourism across the country. (With inputs from ANI)

To promote healthy tourism, new govt initiative will connect tourists to trained locals to improve their travel experience in India

You Searched For "andhra pradesh hotspots" and got 3 results

Araku Valley, an idyllic weekend getaway spot in the north-eastern corner of Andhra Pradesh

Kavita Majumdar

India is becoming hotspot for automakers as they are spending billions to expand production in the country. Here’s the list

BI India Bureau

To promote healthy tourism, new govt initiative will connect tourists to trained locals to improve their travel experience in India

BI India Bureau

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides