The ride from Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley is the trip every visitor should do at least once. It's roughly 115 km each way, climbs from sea level into the Eastern Ghats, and packs coffee plantations, hairpin bends, waterfalls and the famous Borra Caves into a single unforgettable day. Here's everything you need to ride it well.
The route at a glance
- Distance: ~115 km one way (Vizag → Araku)
- Riding time: 3.5–4 hours one way, longer with stops
- Road: Mostly good tarmac with 30+ hairpin bends in the ghat section
- Best season: October to February; monsoon (Jun–Sep) is lush but slippery
From Visakhapatnam you head out via Anandapuram and pick up the Araku ghat road. The climb begins near Tyda and the scenery turns to forest, valleys and terraced coffee almost immediately.
Best stops along the way
Borra Caves
About 90 km from Vizag, these million-year-old limestone caverns are worth the short detour. Cool, dramatic and a great mid-ride break. Timings, what's inside and how to plan it: our Borra Caves ride guide.
Galikonda View Point
One of the highest viewpoints in Andhra Pradesh — pull over for valley views that stretch for miles.
Coffee country & Tyda
The Ananthagiri hills are dotted with coffee estates. Tyda (nature camp) makes a good leg-stretch and photo stop.
Which bike should you take?
The ghats reward a comfortable, torquey bike. A Royal Enfield Classic 350 or Hunter 350 is the classic choice for the climb and the long highway stretch. If you prefer something lighter, a Bajaj Pulsar or Pulsar N160 handles it comfortably too. A 110cc scooter can do it, but you'll feel the climb.
Tips before you ride
- Start early — leave Vizag by 6–7 AM to enjoy the cool morning and reach Araku for lunch.
- Fuel up in the city; fuel stations thin out in the hills.
- Carry a layer — Araku is noticeably cooler than the coast.
- Ride the hairpins gently, especially in the wet, and use the horn on blind bends.
- Wear your helmet (we include one free) and keep your documents handy.
More rides from Vizag: Lambasingi for winter mist and frost, and the beach road to Bheemili for an easy coastal half-day.
Planning the trip? We rent touring-ready bikes with a free helmet from our Railway New Colony store — just message us your dates and we'll have you ready for the road to Araku.
