Araku Valley mandal

Araku Valley mandal is an administrative area in the Alluri Sitharama Raju district of Andhra Pradesh characterized by green hills, forests, and farmland. The landscape features winding roads that climb the slopes and offer views of the valleys below, while small markets offer local produce.

The area has been home to small communities who farmed the land traditionally for generations. Alluri Sitharama Raju district was created from a recent division of the older Visakhapatnam district, with Araku Valley mandal continuing to serve as a local center.

The local population belongs mainly to tribal groups like the Koya and Konda communities, who maintain their own languages and traditions. Visitors can observe how these communities work in the fields and practice traditional crafts, while small temples and shrines dot the hillsides.

The area is accessible via local roads and train connections, with the railway journey through the hills offering scenic views. The region has a mild climate with cooler temperatures than coastal areas, making it pleasant for outdoor activities year-round.

The railway line through the area winds over bridges and through tunnels in the hills, making the train journey itself a memorable experience. This railway route connects the region with other towns and is often as impressive as the destination itself.