The next morning, 7th June 2022, I checked out of my hotel in Visakhapatnam at 6:00 AM. My journey to Araku Valley was about to begin and I was eager for the scenic adventure ahead. I took an auto to Vizag Railway Station, where I stored my luggage in the cloakroom before waiting for my Vizag-Araku train, which was scheduled to depart at 6:45 AM. For this leg of my trip, I had booked a seat in the Vistadome coach, which I had heard so much about and was eager to experience firsthand. Additional fare was collected on-board by us, since, the fare was revised one month earlier, while people like me had booked the ticket three months prior. The train arrived and I boarded the Vistadome coach. This coach was truly a treat for travelers who enjoy scenic views. The seats were designed to rotate 360 degrees, allowing passengers to enjoy views from any direction. The roof, however, wasn’t transparent, as I had imagined, but it was still a comfortable and unique travel experience. Since I was traveling solo, I had to swap my seat several times to accommodate families who needed more space. But once I finally settled by the window, I watched the city give way to the majestic mountains. The lush greenery of the Araku Valley was breathtaking.

The journey was about three hours long, winding through beautiful landscapes of hills, valleys and forests. It was a relaxing yet awe-inspiring experience and I could feel the excitement building as I neared my destination.

After a scenic ride, we finally arrived at Borra Caves Station. The station was small, with little more than a few basic shops. I walked out and spotted a small stall selling Egg dosa, a rather odd combination, but perfect for a quick breakfast. After refueling myself, I walked the 2 km distance to the Borra Caves, soaking in the fresh air and natural beauty along the way. I hired an auto for whole day sightseeing. He did add some small waterfalls in the Araku Valley which was not that interesting as compared to the waterfalls I had visited at other places. I found Araku to be more of Valleys, greenery, Coffee plantations and streams.

The Borra Borra Caves are one of India’s largest limestone caves, formed millions of years ago. Inside, the stalactites and stalagmites have taken on various fascinating shapes—some resemble Shiva and Parvati, others Mother and Child, a saint’s beard and even a crocodile.

Deep within the cave, there’s a Shivalinga that has formed naturally over time. To reach this spot, there’s a narrow ladder, adding a touch of adventure to the exploration. The cave itself is well-maintained, with proper lighting and ventilation, making the walk inside comfortable. It took me over an hour to fully explore the cave, marveling at the intricate formations.

Next on the agenda was a visit to a government-owned coffee plantation. As we walked through the estate, I learned about the region’s coffee-growing heritage.

Various stalls lined the path, offering a variety of spices and coffee-related products. Although we only had a short 10-minute break, it was a pleasant stop and I couldn’t resist picking up some coffee beans as a souvenir.

We continued our journey and made a brief stop at the Thatiguda Waterfall, but unfortunately, it was nearly dry during my visit, which was a bit of a letdown. Along the way, I encountered local vendors selling fresh jackfruits, which piqued my curiosity. I’ve always been fond of jackfruit, so I wondered if the region was known for growing this delicious fruit.

By 2:00 PM, I had completed my sightseeing in Araku Valley and was ready to head back. I caught the return train from Borra Borra Caves to Visakhapatnam, with my train scheduled to leave at 4:50 PM. I arrived at Vizag Station at 8:20 PM, where I had a bit of time to relax and freshen up before my next train journey.

After a short break, I boarded the train to Secunderabad at 10:35 PM. This train was a sleeper class, and I spent the night in transit, arriving at Secunderabad at 10:30 AM the next day. Once I arrived, I stored my luggage at the cloakroom and made my way to one of my favorite spots in the city: Café Bahar. If you’re ever in Secunderabad, this place is a must-visit for anyone who loves a good plate of Biryani. I indulged in a delicious lunch before heading back to the station. After enjoying my meal, I retrieved my luggage from the cloakroom and boarded the train to Mumbai at 2:50 PM. The train ride was relatively smooth and I arrived back at Dadar Station at 4:30 AM the following morning. I managed to catch a short nap at home before diving back into the regular hustle of work. This trip was a whirlwind of exploration, from the caves of Araku Valley to the historic sites of Gulbarga & Visakhapatnam, all while experiencing the unique charm of India’s landscapes, culture, and cuisine. Every destination offered something special, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to travel solo and immerse myself in these incredible experiences.

Until next time, here’s to more adventures!