Best Photo Spots in Araku Valley
Araku's best pictures come from mist, green slopes and water, so the time of day matters more than the spot. Go high early, go into the caves at midday, and keep the late light for the gardens.
Medium crowdEntry Nominal
Araku Tribal Museum
- Best timeLate afternoon, when soft side-light falls on the mud walls; morning for an empty lawn and a clean shot of the front.
- ColorsRustCreamForest green
Medium crowdEntry Free
Araku Valley Coffee Country
- Best timeEarly morning in winter, when mist lies in the valley and the light is soft; late afternoon for warm light on the red earth and coffee slopes.
- ColorsForest greenRustCream
High crowdEntry Ticketed
Borra Caves
- Best timeRight at opening time, before the crowd fills the main chamber; late afternoon for a quieter walk and fewer people in the frame.
- ColorsRustCreamOlive
Medium crowdEntry Nominal
Katiki Waterfalls
- Best timeLate morning, when the sun reaches down into the forest gorge; early afternoon on overcast days for even light on the water.
- ColorsForest greenRustCream
Medium crowdEntry Nominal
Padmapuram Gardens
- Best timeLate afternoon, when soft light brings out the flower colours; early morning for dew on the roses and an empty garden.
- ColorsRoseCreamForest green
Morning mist over the coffee country
The valley is at its most photogenic in the first hour after sunrise between November and February, when mist lies in the hollows and the hills stand out in layers. Viewpoints along the ghat road, including Galikonda, look down across the slopes. In the plantations themselves, the coffee bushes grow under taller shade trees, so look for frames with light falling through the canopy. See the coffee country guide.
Inside Borra Caves
The caves are lit with coloured lamps, and a phone copes better than you might expect if you brace against a railing. Photography is allowed with a small camera ticket bought at the counter. Flash flattens the formations, so switch it off. The steps are wet in places; stand still before you shoot, never while walking. More on the Borra Caves page.
Katiki Falls
Katiki drops into a rocky pool in thick forest, so it sits in shade for much of the day. Late morning brings the most light into the gorge. After the monsoon the fall is heavy and spray will reach your lens; carry a cloth. See Katiki Falls.
In town
The Tribal Museum has a striking mud-walled building that photographs well from the lawn in front. Ask at the counter before shooting the galleries. Padmapuram Gardens is best in the softer light after 3 pm, when the flower beds and the tree-top cottages stop looking washed out.
From the train
On the way up, the right-hand side of the train is generally the favoured side for valley views, though both sides get their share. Keep your phone ready as the train leaves each tunnel. Do not lean out of doors or windows.
People and villages
Ask first, every time, before you photograph people in the villages, at the weekly markets or during a Dhimsa dance. Many will say yes. Some will not, and that answer stands.
Questions
Araku Valley — FAQ
Which side of the Araku train has the better views?
Travellers generally favour the right-hand side going up from Visakhapatnam, but the line twists so much that both sides get valley views. The Vistadome coaches have glass roofs and wide windows, which makes the side matter less.
Can I take photos inside Borra Caves?
Yes. Buy the small camera or phone ticket at the counter with your entry ticket. Switch off the flash and keep a firm footing on the wet steps while you shoot.
Where can I see the misty valley views in Araku?
At the viewpoints along the ghat road, such as Galikonda, soon after sunrise between November and February. By mid-morning the mist usually burns off.
Can I photograph the tribal villages?
You can photograph the landscape freely, but ask before photographing people or homes. Offer to show them the picture. If someone says no, put the camera away.