Araku Trek & Water Rappelling Program 2026 (By Andhra Pradesh)

NAME OF THE PROG DIRECTOR: Mr. B Uma Maheswar Rao, Mobile: 9866320272

NAME OF THE PROG CO-ORDINATOR: Mr. P Satyanandam 9440178232, Mr KV Raju 9110705594

EMAIL ADDRESS: apstateyhai@gmail.com

Breif Description of the Program

• Nestled in the Eastern Ghats, Araku Valley is Andhra Pradesh's premier hill station, renowned for its lush coffee plantations, rich tribal culture, and cascading waterfalls. Located about (115 ext{ km}) from Visakhapatnam, it attracts visitors seeking a serene, misty escape and unique indigenous experiences like the famous bamboo chicken.
• Araku is located in the Eastern Ghats about 114 kilometres (71 mi) from Visakhapatnam , close to the Odisha state border. The Anantagiri and Sunkarimetta Reserved Forest, which are part of Araku Valley, are rich in biodiversity and are mined for bauxite . Galikonda hill rising to a height of 5,000 feet (1,500 m) is amongst the highest peaks in Andhra Pradesh. The average rainfall is 1,700 millimetres (67 in), the bulk of which is received during June–October. The altitude is about 1300 m above the sea level. The valley spreads around 36k, Araku is connected through both rail and road to Visakhapatnam. Araku railway station is located on the Kothavalasa - Kirandul railway line of Visakhapatnam division of the Malabar Coast Railway, on the Indian Railways network. RTC Buses to Visakhapatnam every 24 hours. Nearest Airport is Visakhapatnam Airport .
• For an adventure-filled trip, Katiki Waterfalls is the best spot near Araku for water rappelling, situated about 40 km from the valley near the Borra Caves. Other scenic, easily accessible cascades for relaxing include Chaparai Waterfalls and Tadimada (Ananthagiri) Waterfalls .
• Araku Valley and the nearby Borra Caves are premier destinations in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, famous for their unique blend of geological wonders, tribal culture, and stunning landscapes.
• The Borra Caves (Borrā Guhalu) are located on the East Coast of India, in the Ananthagiri hills of the Araku Valley (with hill ranges' elevation varying from 800 to 1,300 m (2,600 to 4,300 ft)) of the Alluri Sitharama Raju district in Andhra Pradesh . The caves, one of the largest in the country, at an elevation of about 705 m (2,313 ft), distinctly exhibit a variety of speleothems ranging in size and irregularly shaped stalactites and stalagmites . [ 1 ][ 2 ] The caves are basically karstic limestone structures extending to a depth of 80 m (260 ft), and are considered the deepest caves in India. [ 3 ][ 4 ] The native name for the caves is Borrā Guhalu where Borra means abdomen in and Guhalu means caves in Telugu language .
• The railway route from Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley is an engineering marvel, passing through exactly 58 tunnels and 84 major bridges along the Eastern Ghats. Part of the famous Kothavalasa-Kirandul (KK) line, the route takes passengers through dramatic hairpin curves and lush valleys at elevations reaching nearly 1,000 meters.
• WHO CAN PARTICIPATE Any member of the Association who is physically fit can join the program.
• HOW TO REACH THE BASE CAMP: From Visakhapatnam buses are available to RTC Bus complex, Araku. Trains are available early in the morning from Visakhapatnam to Araku Railway Station. Participants will be contacted at the RTC Bus complex, Araku by the volunteers of the organisers. Participants will be taken by transport to the Base camp from RTC Complex.
• Participate Information
• SAFETY & SECURITY: Extensive and pain taking preparation has gone into the planning of the Trek route. Our experienced field staff and camp leaders have been visiting the area to check all the details. While every care has been taken to ensure your safety &health, the YHAI, AP State Branch cannot be held responsible for any accident, illness and such other unforeseen eventualities.

HOW TO JOIN: Online through YHAI, New Delhi website/ Off line through AP state branch A/c no .-

Members desirous of joining this program may apply on the prescribed registration form duly supported by a latest passport size Photo, Duly filled Registration form, Aadhar card and Deposit the Registration fees to our State Bank Of India Bank, Ukkunagaram Branch, Visakhapatnam, Current A/c No: 35195966786 , IFSC Code:SBIN0008054 send the counterfoil along with the registration form to us at the following address.

Md. Mazhar Ibrahim, State Secretary-YHAI, AP State Branch, D.No 39-33-108/9, Plot No 297, Phase 1 Extension, Madhavadhara VUDA Colony, Visakhapatnam -530018, A.P. Contact No. 9550860049

ACOMMODATION FACILITIES: Shared Accommodation as provided by the Organisers.

Fee includes: Good Vegetarian Food, Accommodation (Sharing basis ), Expert Guidance, Group Insurance, Supervision, Bus Fare, Parking Fees.

Fee Excludes : Entry Tickets/ Fees for all Tourism spots

BOOK ONLINE: YES

WHAT PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING: : BedSheet✪ ✪SunCap✪TorchLight with additional batteries✪Water Bottle✪Toilet Kit✪Cold Cream✪Camera(Optional).✪Regular Medicines if you are using..✪

NOTE: participants must come with fewer luggage

Cancellation Method

• Participants booked online must cancel online a minimum of 05 days prior to the reporting date.
• Participants booked offline must email trekking@yhaindia.org a minimum of 05 days prior to the reporting date.
• Requests received less than 05 days before the reporting date are not eligible for credit shell or refund.

Credit Shell

• 100% credit shell of the participation fee, valid till 31st December 2026, usable on any YHAI adventure programme.
• If the next programme is cheaper, the balance can be used on another trek; if costlier, pay the difference.
• Seats may be transferred to family or friends (transferred seats cannot be re-transferred or cancelled).

Refund

• Alternatively, participants may opt for a 50% refund instead of the 100% credit shell, subject to the same notice conditions.

Note: If a programme is cancelled due to natural calamity, government restriction or withdrawal of permission, YHAI is accountable only for the programme fee and not for other expenses incurred by participants.