Misty Mornings and Memories in Araku

Araku Road Trip Diaries: Scenic Vistas, Tribal Coffee & Irreplaceable Moments

Just back from a rejuvenating road trip to Araku with four close friends, and every minute was abuzz with twisty roads, scenic valleys, and incessant laughter. From misty mornings to tribal coffee, the trip offered us more than memories — it was the right blend of nature, bonding, and exploration.

Revving our Engines and the Thrill

We made it simple — pack light, leave early, and let Araku surprise us. We set off from Visakhapatnam and took the twisting road which climbed slowly up through the Eastern Ghats. As the urban din receded, the hills greeted us with clean air, silent forests, and a sluggish pace that quickly relaxed us.

We stopped frequently — once for chai on the side of the road, once simply to gasp at the scenery. It wasn’t about arriving quickly; it was about absorbing the process.

Check-In That Felt True to Our Vibe

We did not want to spend time browsing through countless hotel apps on the trip. I posted our stay requirements — something clean, group-friendly, and near nature — using CheQin.ai before we departed. Some offers were received from hotels in Araku, and I chose one that had basic cottages with a valley view.

It proved to be just perfect. Surrounded by trees, with rudimentary amenities and a balcony overlooking hazy hills — it was like our own little hideaway in the hills. Having the accommodation organized in advance allowed us greater liberty to look around.

Exploring Araku Like Locals

After settling down, we started out to experience what Araku is most famous for — its beauty and tribal people. First up was the Padmapuram Gardens, where we strolled through towering trees, tree houses, and flower beds that seemed to leap out of a postcard.

Next was the Tribal Museum, a locale that provided an insight into local tribes’ lifestyles. From accessories and costumes to musical instruments, everything there is full of tales. There also was a café there where we enjoyed authentic Araku coffee — silky smooth, earthy, and cultured in those same hills. This was a top pick among all of us.

The Beauty of the Hills

No visit to Araku is ever complete without driving down the windy hill roads with the windows down, music blasting, and eyes wide open. We made arbitrary stops at the view points where the valleys opened up endlessly and clouds just floated above the tree tops. It was like nature’s drama, putting on a silent show only for us.

We also had time for a quick visit to Borra Caves, famous for their fossilized limestone structures and naturally occurring shapes inside. The chill of the cave and its unusual shapes transported us into another world.

Food, Fun, and Firelight

Our nights were plain and enjoyable — couching about in our bungalow, hearing stories, playing cards, and having warm food like bamboo chicken and hot curries. Uninterrupted by anything, phone calls, and hurry, we laughed more in one night than we had laughed in weeks.

One night, we fired up a tiny campfire in the yard and just sat underneath the stars. There’s something about the mountains at night — the quiet isn’t hollow, it’s serene.

Travel Tips from Our Experience
If you are planning a drive to Araku, here are some tips from our experience:

Leave early to make the most of the drive and enjoy it.

Carry light jackets — the mornings and evenings can be cold.

Experiment with local coffee — it’s one of the best experiences in Araku.

Book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are traveling in a group.

Don’t rush — Araku is a place to slow down and take it all in.

A Trip That Stayed With Us

When it was time to head back, none of us wanted to leave. The trip wasn’t about big plans or fancy sightseeing — it was about spending time together in a place that felt untouched and real.

Having the stay arranged in advance with CheQin.ai simplified settling in and allowing the hills to work their magic. There were no hiccups, no last-minute hassles — just seamless travel and rich memories.

Araku provided us with twisty roads, new coffee, foggy mornings, and friendships that seemed stronger than before. And genuinely, that is what a great trip is about.