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A cool getaway

Tucked away in the arms of the Eastern ghats, Araku valley remains the favourite tourist spot

PHOTO: K.R.DEEPAK

AN IDEAL HOLIDAY SPOT A view of the route to Araku

We crave for that one spell of freedom called `holiday' every year. Imaginations are allowed to run riot, for, this is the time to pick and choose your holiday dreams without a second thought; you can try them on for size, discard them quickly if they do not fit, grow into them and out of them within a week.

While there are many tourism packages on offer, tucked away in the arms of the Eastern ghats, Araku valley remains the favourite tourist spot. Surrounded by greens, APTDC's valley resort is an ideal place to lodge. Apart from the solitude and bliss that nature offers here, the resort has different ways of providing entertainment and relief for the holidays. After the day's sightseeing, guests can keep themselves engaged with a game of table tennis or billiards. And for the ones who feel they are missing out on their day's workout sessions, the resort has a separate gym where you can burn those extra calories you gain after gorging down the delicious holiday special preparations. Several tourists, who used to rush through their trip earlier, now prefer staying back to relax. The traditional Kerala ayurvedic massage therapy and a swimming pool complete the range of recreational activities offered by the resort.

While city temperatures have seen a steady rise in the past few days, the cool morning breeze of the valley can transcend you to a different world. However, venturing out in the afternoons between 11 and 2 can be a bit tiresome. At Tyda en route Araku, the thick canopy of exotic trees sans cellular networks or cable transmissions is a spa for the mind. For the ones who want to experience the true joy of being in the lap of nature, a stay at the Jungle Bells Nature Camp is the perfect destination. Be sure to carry a track suits and a pair of trekking shoes, for a walk down the meandering lanes of the valley or the rocky slopes of the place can be an exciting option. Before reaching Araku Valley, from the Galikondalu viewpoint is a "must stop" for the panoramic view it offers. The viewpoint is at about 3,800 ft. above sea level.

The ideal time to venture out in the greens is early mornings or late evenings. The steady stream of water gushing out at Chaparai natural waterfall, a 20-minute drive from the APTDC valley resort, is a refreshing sight. Apparently, this is a popular haunt for Telugu film producers. And you thought snowy Swiss sceneries were the only song `n' dance backdrops that tinsel-towners had a thing for!

The pleasantly bumpy ride reveals the pristine beauty of the place. Here, you can witness the crimson colour sun hiding behind the hill ranges as the sky changes its colour. The silence of the valley can be overwhelming on ears used to the din of rush-hour traffic with the soft gurgle of the little snaky stream. At 3,215 feet above sea level, you can feel a hint of chill in the air.

Just remove your footwear and experience the cool softness of the water and the slimy rocks beneath. Up close, the trees look even more beautiful. The ground beneath the green canopy smells of fresh soil and looks perfect for a stopover. The seconds and minutes will seem to tick away in slow motion.

NIVEDITA GANGULY

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