Those who go to Vishakapatnam should not miss the Araku Valley and the Burra Caves.
About half a day’s journey from Vishakapatnam (you start at about 7.00 and reach Araku by train or bus by about 1.00), Araku is a fabulous place if you are looking for a getaway. My trip was more of an semi-official kind, since I was part of two team-buidling exercises that were carried out. The place still retains the traditional look of a tribal valley and you could actually see the lifestyle of the tribals.
You could go to the tribal museum which has an array of displays of the various Adivasi Oriya tribes that populate the area. You also have a small lake which has pedal boats, during the monsoons. However, the highlight in the Araku town is the weekly market where you would see the stuff that the tribals use on a daily basis and you could get very good bargains on rugs and carpets, among other things.
There is also a small handicraft shop run by the tribals society where you could get some tribal axes and household items.
Around Araku town are some of the most magnificient hills that you would ever see. Quiet, serene and untouched by mankind in some places, it is a nice getaway if you like some pleasant weather and sunshine.
The place does get a little cold in the winter and hence you could do well to carry your sweaters. Cellphones do not work here, but there are STD and ISD facilities at the Araku town and market.
The entire area has got many plantations, the primary being coffee. A hyderabad-based NGO, Naandi, has been working along with the Adivasi society for the development of the tribals and you would find the results of this in some of the tribal villages where you would see schools, medical facilities, some automated facilities, etc. Naandi would also be open to any help that volunteers may be willing to offer. For more details, you could go to the website of Naandi at naandi.org
Somewhere between Vizag and Araku are the Burra Caves. Quite old, these caves are famous and are a tourist attraction in the area. the nice surroundings and the hills make the trip worth it, but the caves are the icing on the cake. Legend has it that a shepherd lost a cow at the top of the hill and then saw it emerge some days later from the bootom of the hill. An enquiry into the path led to the discovery of the caves, which is reputed to have natural carvings of animals and gods formed by natural erosion. There is also an old temple in the cave, which should not be missed.
My recommendation: If you are in Vizag, then take a day out and check out Araku and Burra. (in case you plan to stay over at Araky town for the night, you would need to check with the locals or the authorities about the accomodation. Also, you could check on some of the facilities for adventure sports like rapelling, rock climbing, gliding and river crossing).