Araku Valley

Araku lies at about 900 metres in the Eastern Ghats, and the way in is half the point: the railway from Visakhapatnam climbs through fifty-eight tunnels and over a hundred bridges in about five hours, one of the more spectacular rail journeys in India, running along ridges above forest. The valley grows coffee, introduced in the colonial period and now produced largely by Adivasi cooperatives whose beans are sold under their own labels. Borra caves nearby hold large limestone chambers on the same rail line. A tribal museum covers the communities of the region, and the Dhimsa dance is performed at festivals.

What you actually see

• The railway climb - fifty-eight tunnels through the Eastern Ghats.
• The coffee cooperatives - Adivasi-grown coffee with its own brands.
• Borra caves - large limestone chambers on the line below the valley.
• The tribal museum - displays on the region's communities.

When to go

October to March; the monsoon brings landslides and can suspend the railway. The train runs on a set schedule and seats should be booked; the right-hand side has the better views going up.

Honest expectations

The train is a basic passenger service, not a tourist special, and can be crowded and slow. Araku town itself is unremarkable; the journey and the valley are the draw. Accommodation is limited.

Nearby

Borra caves lie on the route; Visakhapatnam is east.