Araku Trip 8-11-2020

 This is one of frequent trips done by my friends on weekends. So we decided to hop on a car on 7th Saturday night. Started a little bit late. Plan was to start at 9 pm but we it was 11 pm.

Morning at 7 we were on Araku road crossing Pendurthi. By seeing a board, Thatipudi Reservoir 7 km, we instantly took that road and reached the Reservoir's surplus vier. Crossed a bridge, constructed across the river, to reach Dam area. Dam was constructed on Gosthani river which originates from Ananthagiri Hills near the famous Borra Caves. This dam supplies water to Visakhapatnam City. An irrigation canal was also there in which we took a refreshing bath. Went on to earth filled Dam to have stunning views, with glorious,calm morning Sun rays, cool breeze filling the soul. As we were following COVID-19 rules, we prepared food on our own. Hear we had sumptuous sambar Idli. 

Next destination was Thatiguda Waterfalls. Route as usual was a thrilling experience. Driving on this winding road with numerous hairpin bends, lush green fauna, Coffee and Cardamom plantations, chilled weather takes you to another level. Took a left from the main road through a local habitation to reach the fall. It was a three stepped cascading fall, flowing flat for a while and jumping down finally.

In our itinerary, next was viewing of valley. Not far from Thatiguda falls road comes Sunkarametta. A Church on the main road was land mark, where we took a left beside the Church, and went through. This route was YHAI's cycling route also with fabulous views. We were lucky to have patches of famous Valise flowers, yellow in colour. Tourists used to come here to see the beauty of the valley filled with flowers. Now a days the local people are not much inclined to cultivate this crop because of monetary issues. The Valley, surrounded by hills, having traces of numerous waterfalls, streams, patches of yellow flowers, hamlets hear and there, humpy roads, clear blue sky, what not, every bit of the drive was crazy. One promises self to come here very often. It takes some time to come out of these feelings.

Proceeded towards Paderu via Chaparai waterfalls. Road was a hell for sometime.Then began a good road. Now everyone was feeling hungry. We were 5 km to Paderu, took a right, went into a scenic road, chose a place to cook our lunch. Filled tummy with delicious food.

Paderu- Narsipatnam ghat road section was bliss to drive. If I compare with Araku ghat this ghat road was best. Enjoyed driving and the trip.