Kothapalli Waterfalls – A Hidden Gem in Araku Valley

Located deep within the lush landscapes of Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh, Kothapalli Waterfalls is a breathtaking natural cascade discovered only a few years ago. Surrounded by thick forests and coffee plantations, this charming waterfall has quickly become a favorite among tourists seeking offbeat attractions near Araku. Falling gracefully from rocky cliffs, Kothapalli is a serene retreat for nature lovers, trekkers, and photographers.

Why Visit Kothapalli Waterfalls?

• A relatively less-crowded waterfall in Araku Valley.

• Perfect for trekking, family picnics, and photography.

• Surrounded by tribal hamlets, coffee estates, and greenery.

• Ideal for those who want to combine it with Araku Valley & Borra Caves trips. 

Best Time to Visit

• Monsoon & Post-Monsoon (July – October): The waterfall flows with full force, creating a spectacular view.

• Winter (November – February): Pleasant weather makes it ideal for trekking and sightseeing.

• Avoid Summer (March – May): Water levels may be low and the weather hot.

How to Reach Kothapalli Waterfalls

• By Air: Nearest airport is Visakhapatnam Airport (125 km).

• By Train: The closest railway station is Araku Railway Station (30 km).

• By Road: Accessible via road from Visakhapatnam (125 km), Araku Valley (30 km), and Borra Caves (45 km). Visitors need to trek a short distance from the parking point to reach the waterfall. 

Entry Fee & Timings

• Entry Fee: Approx. ₹20 – ₹30 per person.

• Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. 

1-Day Itinerary for Kothapalli Waterfalls

Morning:

• Start early from Visakhapatnam (6:00 AM) or stay overnight at Araku Valley.

• Have breakfast in Araku town and proceed towards Kothapalli Falls.

Late Morning (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM):

• Arrive at Kothapalli Falls parking point.

• Take a short trek down to the base of the waterfall.

• Spend time enjoying the cascading waters and capturing photographs.

Afternoon (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM):

• Relax by the falls, enjoy a picnic lunch, or sample local tribal food sold nearby.

Evening (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM):

• Visit Araku Tribal Museum or Coffee Museum.

• Return journey to Araku/Visakhapatnam.

Night:

• Reach Vizag by late evening.

👉 Tip: Carry water, snacks, and trekking shoes as the terrain is slightly rocky. 

Accommodation Options Near Kothapalli Waterfalls / Araku Valley

Since Kothapalli Falls is deep in the Araku Valley region, the nearest stays are in Araku Town / Borra Caves / along the access roads. Below are good options ranging from budget to mid-range comfort. All are reasonably close and make good bases for visiting the falls.

• Haritha Hill Resort (AP Tourism) — Well-maintained rooms, beautiful views, managed by the tourism department. Ideal for families.

• Hangout Hills Resort — Upscale stay with a pool, hill views, and quiet evenings. Perfect for couples or small groups.

• Nature’s Nest — Garden/terrace rooms, peaceful setting, good mid-range pricing.

• New Grand Vashishta Inn — Comfortable, close to Araku Railway Station, with clean rooms and decent amenities.

• SRK Resort — AC rooms, lawn space, good value for tourists seeking comfort.

• Vihar Holiday Resorts — Scenic location, good facilities, especially for relaxing after trekking/journeying.

👉 Tip: If you can, stay in Araku Town so that you can visit early in the morning when Kothapalli Falls is less crowded and the light is better for photos.

Nearby Attractions

• Araku Valley – A hill station with breathtaking views.

• Borra Caves – Ancient limestone caves with natural formations.

• Tribal Museum, Araku – Showcasing tribal culture and artifacts.

• Coffee Plantations – Famous for aromatic Araku coffee.

Travel Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes for trekking.

• Carry extra clothes if planning to take a dip.

• Mobile network may be weak, so plan accordingly.

• Avoid visiting late in the evening as forest paths can get dark.

FAQs on Kothapalli Waterfalls

Q1. Where is Kothapalli Waterfalls located?
Kothapalli Falls is located in Araku Valley, Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh.

Q2. How far is Kothapalli Falls from Araku Valley?
It is around 30 km from Araku Valley and ~125 km from Visakhapatnam.

Q3. Is there an entry fee at Kothapalli Falls?
Yes, the entry fee is around ₹20 – ₹30 per person.

Q4. Can we swim at Kothapalli Falls?
Yes, visitors can enjoy bathing in shallow areas, but caution is advised during monsoon due to strong currents.

Q5. Which is the best time to visit Kothapalli Falls?
The best time is during July–October (monsoon) and November–February (winter).

Q6. What are the nearby attractions?
Nearby attractions include Araku Valley, Borra Caves, Tribal Museum, and Coffee Plantations. 

Conclusion

The Kothapalli Waterfalls is an enchanting offbeat destination near Araku Valley, perfect for those seeking peace and natural beauty away from the crowds. With its refreshing waters, tribal charm, and surrounding greenery, it offers a memorable experience when combined with Araku Valley and Borra Caves.

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