Alluri Sitharamaraju District - 1 | APPSC State Specific Preparation Course - APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) PDF Download

About District

Paderu is a village and a Mandal in Visakhapatnam district in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India

Geography

• Araku is situated in the Eastern Ghats, approximately 114 kilometers from Visakhapatnam, near the Odisha border.
• The Anantagiri and Sunkarimetta Reserved Forest, part of Araku Valley, boast rich biodiversity and are mined for bauxite.
• Galikonda hill stands at an impressive 5,000 feet, making it one of the highest peaks in Andhra Pradesh.
• The region receives an average rainfall of 1,700 millimeters, primarily falling between June and October.
• The altitude of the valley is around 1300 meters above sea level, spreading across approximately 36 kilometers.

Economy

• Coffee cultivation was first introduced in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh by the British in 1898.
• The crop later expanded to the Araku Valley in the early 19th century.
• Post-independence, the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department initiated coffee plantations in the valley.
• In 1956, the Coffee Board appointed the Andhra Pradesh Girijan Cooperative Corporation Limited (GCC) to promote coffee cultivation among local tribal farmers.
• Subsequently, the plantations were transferred to the A.P. Forest Development Corporation, leading to the establishment of the Girijan Coop. Plantation Development Corporation (GCPDC) to focus on tribal areas.
• All plantations developed by GCC and GCPDC were eventually allocated to tribal farmers at two acres per family.
• Araku is also known for its apiculture farms, which produce various types of flavored honey for commercial purposes.

Tourism

Lambasingi

• Lambasingi, also known as the "Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh," is a charming village situated in Chintapalli Mandal of Alluri Sitharamaraju district in Andhra Pradesh. It stands out as the sole location in South India that occasionally witnesses snowfall during winter. 
• Lambasingi is celebrated for its stunning hills, enchanting waterfalls, meandering streams, picturesque landscapes, diverse wildlife, and scenic coffee, pepper, and strawberry plantations nestled amidst delightful valleys.

Araku Valley

• Located approximately 115 kilometers away from Visakhapatnam atop the Eastern Ghats, Araku Valley spans about 36 square kilometers with altitudes ranging between 600 and 900 meters above sea level. The valley is predominantly inhabited by indigenous tribes and captivates visitors from across the nation. The journey to Araku Valley along the ghat road, flanked by dense forests, offers an intriguing and exhilarating experience.
• En route to Araku Valley, the Ananthagiri hills are renowned for their coffee plantations. The valley boasts an exploratory-cum-demonstration farm covering approximately 20 hectares, a government orchard, and a government silk farm featuring mulberry gardens. Silk cocoons produced at the farm are reeled on-site, with the resulting silk yarn and waste being dispatched to Hindupur. The delightful climate, orchards, and the breathtaking Ananthagiri ghats of Araku Valley, coupled with excellent transportation and accommodation facilities, entice tourists from various parts of India and beyond.

The Beauty of Araku Valley

• The scenic beauty of Araku Valley is accentuated by the presence of tribal communities rich in their own folklore and traditions.
• A unique cultural highlight is the Dhimsa Dance performed by the tribes of Araku on Saturday and Sunday nights, delighting visiting tourists.
• Araku boasts a railway station on the D.B.K. line, offering a thrilling journey through numerous tunnels from Ananthagiri Mandal villages to Araku.
• An intriguing Habitat Museum showcases the vibrant tribal culture, while a Horticulture nursery and training center at Padmapuram and the picturesque Ranajilleda waterfall are must-see attractions in Araku.

Borra Caves

• Borra Caves, a natural wonder nestled in the Eastern Ghats, can be found in Ananthagiri Mandal, approximately 100 km from Visakhapatnam and 10 km from the road leading to Araku Valley.
• Traversed by the Dandakaranya Balengiri-Kirbur railway line, Borra Caves houses a railway station known by the same name.
• These caves hold both geological and historical significance, featuring a Sivalingam where water drips from above, believed to be the source of the Gosthani River.
• The mesmerizing sight of the Gosthani River flowing from the caves with natural sounds of roaring water attracts numerous visitors, including international tourists.
• The caves are adorned with crystal white calcium formations resembling various shapes, such as a hooded serpent, figures like Narada playing his tumbura, Lord Brahma, Radha Krishna, and Nandi.
• Minerals like Mica, Apatite, Calcite, limestone, Red and Yellow ochre, rock phosphate, vermiculite, graphite quartz, and others can be found in and around Borra Caves.

Tyda

• Tyda is positioned approximately 75 kilometers from Visakhapatnam on the Araku road. It is evolving as a destination with camping provisions at Jungle Bells to offer an immersive wilderness experience to visitors.
• It serves as a habitat for a diverse range of wild mammals and avifauna, making it an ideal location for wildlife observation and bird watching.
• Visitors can engage in activities such as rock climbing, trekking, and archery. Additionally, they have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the language of the jungle, including identifying calls and marks.
• Tourists can enjoy their accommodation in log huts and tents set within tribal surroundings, providing a unique and authentic experience.
• An essential feature is the railway station at Tyda on the DBK line, which is situated 75 kilometers away from Visakhapatnam on the route to Araku.

Ananthagiri 

• Ananthagiri is located along the route to Araku Valley and is characterized by its captivating beauty.
• The area is adorned with expansive coffee plantations, numerous waterfalls, with Tadimada waterfalls being particularly renowned, and a meandering stream that enhances the scenic charm of the place.
• It is also recognized as a health resort, offering visitors a rejuvenating and tranquil environment.

Paderu

• Paderu serves as the administrative center of the mandal and division, located approximately 110 kilometers away from Visakhapatnam.
• It is characterized by its expansive, scenic valley, boasting an elevation of over 900 meters above sea level.
• The region of Paderu is predominantly inhabited by various indigenous tribal communities, each with distinct traditions, and is surrounded by numerous hill streams.
• Modakondamma is the principal deity worshipped in this area, and annually, significant religious festivities are held, attracting a large gathering of devotees. The celebrations include spectacular fireworks that captivate the audience.

Lothugedda

• Lothugedda is positioned around 42 kilometers away from Narsipatnam in the Chintapalli Mandal.
• The village is home to the remnants of three to four granite temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, with the largest temple featuring intricate sculptural representations.
• Local folklore suggests that the temple builders resided on the hills, while it is believed that barbers were held in high regard during that era.

Rajendrapalem

• This village is located approximately 48 km from Chintapalli. It holds historical significance as it was where Alluri Seetharamaraju led his famous resistance, known as the Pituri, against the British rule.

Matsyagunda

• Matsyagunda is a scenic spot near Paderu, nestled in a charming valley. A stream flows gently with a melodic hum, teeming with fish. Visitors are amazed as the fish gracefully surface to accept food offerings. Additionally, a small Shiva Temple graces the area, hosting the yearly Sivaratri festival.

Maredumilli

• Maredumilli stands out as a beloved destination, enveloped by captivating forests. Exploring this region allows tourists to witness and engage with the indigenous flora and fauna in their natural habitats, offering an indescribable experience. 
• Visitors also frequent Seetapalli, adjacent to Maredumilli, known for its enchanting waterfall, drawing nature enthusiasts. The promotion of Eco-Tourism in these areas has significantly increased tourist footfall.

Rampa Waterfalls

• Rampa Waterfalls are located in the semi-evergreen forests of the Agency track in East Godavari District.
• This area is abundant with numerous picturesque spots and perennial waterfalls.
• Rampa V.S.S features dense forests, including the Neelakanteswara and Rampa waterfalls.
• Sri Neelakanteswara Vana Vihara sthali is positioned approximately 4km away from Rampachodavaram village.