Ananthagiri Hills

Overview

Ananthagiri Hills, close to Araku Valley in Alluri Sitharama Raju district, is a quieter coffee-growing hill area built around the Ananthagiri temple and a set of forest waterfalls, usually visited as a day trip from Araku rather than as a standalone base. The area is also where the Sarada river, a tributary that eventually joins the Godavari system, is traditionally said to originate — a detail local guides will point out at the temple. Chaparai, a shallow rock-pool waterfall nearby, has become a popular family bathing spot on weekends, which has meant more forest department oversight of the site in recent years.

Best time to visit

October through February is coolest and clearest for the plantation and temple visit. Monsoon (June–September) is when the waterfalls, including Chaparai, run fullest, though currents can be genuinely strong right after heavy rain — stick to the shallower marked pools if visiting during or right after monsoon.

Things to do

• Visit Ananthagiri Temple, the area's namesake shrine and the traditional source point of the Sarada river.
• Walk a coffee plantation, similar in character to Araku's but with far fewer visitors.
• Swim or wade at Chaparai Falls, a shallow rock-pool waterfall popular with families — stick to marked shallow areas after heavy rain.
• Drive the Araku–Ananthagiri forest road, a scenic stretch best combined with an Araku Valley trip.

Sample itinerary

Day Trip (from Araku)

1. Morning — Drive from Araku, Ananthagiri Temple and coffee plantation walk.
2. Afternoon — Chaparai Falls, drive back to Araku by evening.

Weekend (2 Days)

1. Day 1 — Arrive, Ananthagiri Temple, coffee plantation walk, overnight nearby.
2. Day 2 — Chaparai Falls in the morning, drive out via Araku Valley for the afternoon.