Day 4: Guntur to Araku

0 Posted by - March 19, 2014 - Rearview Mirror
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The drive from Guntur to Araku took us through interesting small towns on very good roads. Bhairavi met a lady at a tea stall who insisted that Bhairavi must comb and keep her hair in order, but before Bhairavi could do anything, the lady proceeded to do it herself!

The tea stall had interesting posters of many local films. Andhra Pradesh is a state that can be called the state full of statues and film posters. We did see and photograph quite a few statues of gods, politicians, film stars etc. but little did we think we would be able to meet and interview a statue maker who gave us a very clear insight to the trade and also why statues are part of Andhra life.

Just after dusk, we came to Araku Valley and the town of Araku and checked into a hotel for the night after a very fruitful, useful and interesting drive.

Origin: Guntur
Destination: Araku
Distance Covered: 518 kms

Districts Covered: Krishna, West Godavari, East Godavari, Vishakapatnum.
States Covered: Andhra Pradesh

Araku is a valley in the Eastern Ghats inhabited by different tribes. Araku Valley is one of the least polluted and less commercialized tourist destinations in South India. It has an average elevation of 911 metres (2,989 ft). The valley spreads around 36 km. The drive on the Ghat road to Araku valley is entirely lined with thick forest on either side, climbing 4500 ft and sliding down to 3000 ft of valley which makes the trip very thrilling.
Rice farmers in East Godavari, on who they will vote for; Truck driver in East Godavari, on his political choices; Statue worker near Araku, on how he has used his skills to educate his children and yet teach his skills to 100 others; Laxmi, a tea stall owner, who was loving and welcoming and represented true Indian hospitality; ; and with locals in Undavalli, on skills available in historic India.

 

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