From Araku Valley to Vanjangi Hills: Vizag’s stunning hill retreats for winter tourists

Visakhapatnam: Popularly known as Vizag, the city is surrounded by several scenic hill stations that offer breathtaking views, pleasant weather and serene landscapes. Winter is here and every Vizagite, and even tourists, will be busy thinking about the next hill station they should visit on their adventure list before 2024 ends.

Here are some must-visit hill stations in and around Visakhapatnam:

1. Araku Valley

Known as the ‘Ooty of Andhra Pradesh,’ Araku Valley is a picturesque hill station surrounded by lush green valleys, coffee plantations and waterfalls. Attractions include the Borra Caves, Katiki Waterfalls, and tribal museums.

Araku is always a must-visit place during the winter season, especially the Ghat road amid the valleys and misty weather. Bamboo chicken is a speciality in Araku Valley; the aroma of marinated chicken stuffed in bamboo shoots and roasted on coal will entice any meat lover travelling to Araku.

One new attraction this winter is the Wooden Walk Bridge near Araku Ghat road.

2. Lambasingi

Often referred to as the ‘Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh,’ Lambasingi is famous for its chilly weather and misty mornings. It’s one of the few places in South India that experiences near-freezing temperatures in winter and holds the name as being one of the coldest spots in South India.

During peak winter months between December and January, the temperature here drops to as low as 0 degrees Celsius.

3. Ananthagiri

Located en route to Araku Valley, Ananthagiri is a quaint beautiful hill station surrounded by coffee plantations and waterfalls.

4. Deomali

Located in Odisha, close to the Andhra Pradesh border, Deomali is the highest peak in Odisha and a popular destination for nature lovers and trekkers. Deomali Peak, with an elevation of about 1,672 m, is the highest peak in the state of Odisha.

5. Paderu

Nestled in the Eastern Ghats, Paderu is a quiet hill town surrounded by forests and tribal villages. It’s perfect for those looking for a tranquil getaway. It takes around three hours to reach Paderu via Narsipatnam. The road that leads to Paderu has some of the best locations for photoshoots.

6. Duduma Waterfalls

Though primarily a waterfall destination, the surrounding hills and valleys make the area feel like a hill station. It’s located near the Odisha border and is ideal for adventure seekers.

The falls cascade from a height of about 574 feet, making it one of the highest waterfalls in India.

7. Vanjangi Hills

Vanjangi Hills, popularly known as ‘Meghala Kondalu’, has become a highly sought-after tourist destination in the Alluri Sitharama Raju district every winter. If you are visiting Vanjangi, gear up to wear shoes, pack a water bottle and wear a jacket to trek to the hilltop before dawn to reach the viewpoint in time. Although a hard trek for beginners the view from the top makes it worth it.

Temperatures at Vanjangi can go as low as 3 to 4 degrees Celsius during the winter. It takes about 3-4 hours from Vizag city to reach the vantage point which is around 100 km from the city and 6 km from Paderu. A 5-6 km walk through the forests is a thrilling experience. You can also get a camping tent and stay at night under the stars. Alcohol and plastic use are completely banned in Vanjangi Hills.