Throughout the year, we often look for respite from the scorching heat of the plains and the hill stations pose as the perfect respite in that case. If you are exploring Kakinada, chances are that you will feel overwhelmed with the heat and humidity. Visiting the hill stations near Kakinada could be the answer. Besides the lush green hills and the serene surroundings, these hill stations beckon you with comfortable weather, adventure activities and a whole lot of fun. When looking for a way to escape the sweltering heat of the plains, plan your vacation to one of these spots.
10 Hill Stations Near Kakinada
A contrast to the bustling city and the crowded plains, the hill stations near Kakinada enable you to find a way to unwind and immerse yourself in the laid-back fun and adventure.
1. Araku Valley
Photo: Billjones94 / Wikimedia Commons
Overlooking the beautiful surroundings of the Eastern Ghats, Araku Valley is undoubtedly one of the absolute best hill stations near Kakinada. The combination of the lush green coffee plantations, waterfalls, and tribal culture makes this journey well worth the time. If you are planning your visit, consider travelling to Vizag from Kakinada, and then take the train ride through the scenic views and tunnels to reach Araku. The coffee museum, showcasing the region’s rich coffee heritage, and the Tribal Museum, depicting the lifestyle and traditions of the indigenous tribes, are must-visit spots in Araku.
Distance From Kakinada: 237 km
Major Attractions: Borra Caves, Katiki Waterfalls, Tribal Museum, Ananthagiri Hills
2. Lambasingi
Photo: Shyamal / Wikimedia Commons
An often-overlooked hill station in Andhra Pradesh, Lambasingi is a perfect getaway destination to escape the daily routine. This is a small village, located 1000 metres above sea level, and it is one of the only places in South India where it occasionally snows during the winter. The dense forests, peppered with coffee and pepper plantations, make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The Kondakarla Ava Bird Sanctuary, located nearby, is a haven for birdwatchers. You can also explore the village, interact with the locals and even get a glimpse into their way of life while you are there, which is hard to find in most of the places.
Distance From Kakinada: 134 km
Major Attractions: Kondakarla Ava Bird Sanctuary, coffee plantations, local village exploration
3. Papi Hills
Photo: Adityamadhav83 / Wikimedia Commons
Papi Hills, also known as Papikondalu, is one of the best hill stations near Kakinada. The beauty of this place is unmatched, especially with being on the banks of the Godavari River, which adds to the peace and serenity of the place. Here, you can enjoy a boat ride through the Godavari River amidst lush greenery. The dense forest around is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, further contributing to the significance of the place. While you are there, don’t miss out on exploring the Papikonda National Park, which is around the hill station.
Distance From Kakinada: 134 km
Major Attractions: Boat ride on the Godavari River, trekking in Papi Hills, Papikonda National Park
4. Ananthagiri Hills
Photo: Praveen120 / Wikimedia Commons
Located near Araku Valley, this place offers a secluded travel experience without an overwhelming crowd. Despite how less explored this place is, there are a myriad of hidden experiences that you can experience while there. One such is the coffee plantations and the pristine hills around. You can explore the picturesque landscapes and even visit the nearby Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple to offer your prayers there. Perfect for weekend retreats, some of the other sightseeing spots around the hills include Nagasamudram Lake, Kotepally Reservoir and the Butterfly Museum, which is usually a favourite among children.
Distance From Kakinada: 226 km
Major Attractions: Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Nagasamudram Lake, Kotepally Reservoir, Butterfly Museum
5. Horsley Hills
Photo: rajaraman sundaram / Wikimedia Commons
Although a little far from Kakinada, Horsley Hills is another one of the hill stations that you wouldn’t regret visiting from Kakinada, especially if you enjoy long drives. This quaint hill station is also known as the “Ooty of Andhra Pradesh,” and is famous for its lush greenery and peaceful surroundings. The area is rich in biodiversity, with several rare species of flora and fauna. If you are an adventure enthusiast, consider trekking to viewpoints like Whisper Winds Viewpoint and Gali Bandalu. For a spiritual experience, you can head to Mallamma temple, which is nearby.
Distance From Kakinada: 714 km
Major Attractions: Horsley Hills Zoo, Gali Bandalu (Wind Rocks), Mallamma Temple
6. Maredumilli
Photo: Nakkeeran Naveendran / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The charm and beauty of Maredumilli don’t require any introduction. This beautiful village in Andhra Pradesh is the epicentre of waterfalls. Some of the most popular ones include Rajatarangini Falls, Amruthadhara Falls, and Rampa Falls, where you can relax, unwind and even click pictures. While you are there, don’t miss out on trying the local delicacies, such as their bamboo chicken, one that is quite famous around Araku Valley as well. The hill station and village are also home to Korrakotu Bird Sanctuary, where you can witness different bird species.
Distance From Kakinada: 111 km
Major Attractions: Jalatarangini Waterfalls, Rampa Waterfalls, Amruthadhara Falls, Korrakotu Bird Sanctuary
7. Nallamala Hills
Photo: Abdaal / Wikimedia Commons
Located along the stretch of the Eastern Ghats, Nallamala Hills is another one of the popular hill stations. It offers a blend of spiritual significance, wildlife, and natural beauty. The Srisailam Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, is located in these hills and attracts pilgrims from across the country. The Nallamala Forest is a part of the larger Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, making it an excellent destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The forest is also home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including the elusive Bengal Tiger.
Distance From Kakinada: 397 km
Major Attractions: Srisailam Temple, Nallamala Forest, Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
8. Nagari Hills
Photo: Chirag1745 / Wikimedia Commons
Located near the Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border, Nagari Hills is one of the lesser-known hill stations in the area, offering a serene environment and panoramic views. The Nagari Nose, a cliff that resembles a human nose, is the most famous attraction here, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding plains. Being a hill station covering the Eastern Ghats, the surroundings are home to different species of flora and fauna. Also, the nearby dense forests around the Nagari Hills are a popular spot for picnicking.
Distance From Kakinada: 625 km
Major Attractions: Nagari Fort, Rock Formations, Nagari Reserve Forest, Tada Waterfalls
9. Tirumala
Photo: Nikhilb239 / Wikimedia Commons
A visit down to Tirumala is often seen as a pilgrimage, but the Tirumala Hills also qualifies it as an escape to the hill stations. Surrounded by lush greenery, dense forests and a national park, there is a lot that you can do around this quaint town. After finishing offering your prayers at the Tirupati Balaji temple, you can explore the natural wonders around. Start with the expansive Sri Venkateswara National Park, which is one of the largest in the state. Inside the national park, you can indulge in wildlife safari and even immerse in the beauty of the Talakona Waterfalls located inside.
Distance From Kakinada: 651 km
Major Attractions: Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Sri Venkateswara National Park, Talakona Waterfalls, Tirumala Tirupati Museum
10. Paderu
Photo: Adityamadhav83 / Wikimedia Commons
Last but not least is Paderu, which is a fairly underrated and one of the best hill stations near Kakinada with around 191 km of distance. Located in the Visakhapatnam district, it enables you to explore all the nearby hilly and tribal regions that exist around. The rich tribal culture that exists in the region is the main highlight of this place. You can trek and hike through the hills and forests. Also, interacting with the local villagers and the tribes enables you to learn about the local culture and heritage.
Distance From Kakinada: 191 km
Major Attractions: Ananthagiri Coffee Plantations, Kothapally Waterfalls
There are a variety of hill stations near Kakinada that you can explore to your heart’s content. Be it exploring the lush coffee plantations or trekking through the dense forests, numerous adventure experiences are waiting for you to explore. You can also simplify your travel experiences and the entire vacation with TripXL to avail the best deals and discounts.
Cover Photo: Labun Hang Limboo / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only