After five years, the Araku Festival is being revived, exciting visitors to the valley. Known as the "Ooty of Andhra," Araku's scenic beauty and charm captivate all who visit, offering a mesmerising sylvan experience
Published Dec 28, 2024 | 4:00 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 28, 2024 | 4:00 PM
Chandrababu Naidu revives the Araku Festival, promising a visual extravaganza for visitors (@flyarakuballoon on X)
After five years, the Araku Festival is being resurrected. The announcement by the government is sure to excite the visitors to the valley. The sylvan setting of Araku mesmerises every visitor. It is often described as the “Ooty of Andhra.” It’s charm casts a spell.
The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to revive and infuse a new lease of life into the Araku Festival. The tribal lifestyle in the enchanting woods will reflect in the festival.
The Araku Tribal Festival was first organised in 2017 by the then TDP government. However, after the YSRCP came to power in 2019, the Jagan government pushed a pause button.
Now, the festival is set to reappear on 31 January, 1 February, and 2 February, 2025. District Collector Dinesh Kumar of Alluri Sitarama Raju district is supervising the arrangements for the event.
During the festival, there will be various activities including traditional tribal dances, music programmes, display of costumes, and an alluring spread of traditional cuisine.
Dinesh Kumar is contemplating organising additional features in this festival like marathons, contests in painting, rangoli, and organising carnivals to capture the attention of the visitors during the festival.
The other attractions include rose displays, hot air balloons, exhibition stalls, coffee tasting competitions, and performances by tribal artists. The arrangements are being designed for visitors to leave with a treasure of memories.
The collector has emphasised making the tourist spots plastic-free during the festivals. He directed authorities to take measures to ban the use and sale of plastic in Araku Valley and Borra Caves areas. He instructed that the regions remain clean and plastic-free. Decorative lighting is being planned at various stalls at the festival venue. Several cultural programs will also be part of the three-day celebrations.
In addition to the Araku Festival, preparations are underway for the Maredumilli Festival, set for February 23-25, 2025. Dinesh Kumar confirmed that a proposal has been submitted to the government for ₹3 crore each for both festivals.
Winter, being peak tourist season in Araku, is expected to bring large numbers of visitors for the Araku Festival.
The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department has approved the reopening of popular attractions like Katiki Waterfalls and Chaparai Streams in the former Visakhapatnam district. These sites, temporarily closed due to heavy rains from a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal, are now open to visitors as weather conditions improve.
The train journey from Vizag to Araku also offers an unparalleled experience. This journey, with its tunnels, bridges, and scenic views, leaves a lasting memory. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has come out with a special package for a one-day tour to Araku. The train from Visakhapatnam to Araku operates daily, and tickets can be booked as per travel plans.
The train (No. 08551) departs from Vizag at 6:45 AM and reaches Araku at 10:55 AM. From Araku Station, visitors proceed to explore Araku Valley’s beauty, including the Tribal Museum, gardens, and Chaparai Waterfalls. After lunch, the return journey begins via road, covering sights like the Ananthagiri coffee plantations, Borra Caves, and Galikonda viewpoint.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
