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Photo: K.R. Deepak

In the lap of nature A view of the Anantagiri Hill Resorts of APTDC

Seamless stretches of greens, meandering curves lined by silver oak and scattered coffee plantations — a nature’s jewel perched in the arms of the Eastern Ghats is Anantagiri. Located at a distance of 110 km. from Visakhapatnam, it was a delight waiting to extend its warmth and unexplored pristine beauty before us. Our odyssey starts with an early morning two-kilometre drive to the neighbouring village of Thatiguda to see the fascinating Thatiguda waterfalls. The drive to the tribal hamlet down the Anantagiri Hill Resort is a haze of green lush fields, forested hills and coffee plantations. The vehicle stops briskly at a place just before a small hill stream.

The endless stretch of greens glistening in the shining yellow rays of the early morning sun reveals the timeless eternity of the place. To soak in the landscape, we walk past the idyllic surroundings of the fields. The region is home to 12 tribal communities, each having a distinct culture.

A 45-minute walk over the green fields and hilly terrains takes you to the source of the gushing Gosthani waters where it explodes fiercely into rainbows out of a rocky cleft and pours into a torrential stream which calms down below.

We are the lone human presence in that primeval beauty of unearthly splendour. The pace of life is rather leisurely. Towering rocks surrounds the gushing waterfalls on one side while layers of green fields are perched on the other side. After coming down the cliff and crisscrossing across the flowing waters, we experience the most refreshing and splendid sights of the Thatiguda waterfalls. The cascading waterfalls lay right in front of us.

The best way to enjoy the scenic beauty of the place is to hire a cab or get your own car and head to this place. Many deluxe buses also take a daily trip to the place from Visakhapatnam. APTDC’s Hill Resorts in Anantagiri with its regal view of the mighty hills is an excellent place to lodge. The cost of a night’s stay in the cottages ranges from Rs.1,600 to Rs.2,000.

NIVEDITA GANGULY

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