Araku Valley. / Wikipedia

For many NRIs who once called Andhra Pradesh home, the sights, sounds, and scents of their homeland are etched deep in their memories such as the rhythmic hum of a train winding through misty hills, the aroma of fresh coffee brewing in a tribal village, and the taste of piping hot bamboo rasam rice served on a banana leaf. But in the fast-paced life of the West, these simple yet magical experiences often fade into the background. It’s time to rekindle that connection, to take a journey back to the soul of Andhra Pradesh, beyond the bustling cities and into the hidden gems that still hold the essence of an untouched past.

Araku Valley: A journey back in time

Situated on the Eastern Ghats, Araku Valley is a paradise for those who long for the serenity of nature. Once a childhood summer retreat for many, this picturesque hill station still retains its old-world charm. The train ride to Araku from Visakhapatnam, passing through 58 tunnels and over 84 bridges, is a mesmerizing experience. It reminds many of the excitement of peering through the window as children, counting tunnels and waiting eagerly for the moment the darkened coach would be bathed in sunlight again.

For NRIs who haven’t visited in years, Araku remains a place frozen in time. The lush coffee plantations, the gentle laughter of tribal artisans crafting their intricate dhokra metalwork, and the smell of monsoon-kissed earth evoke a sense of belonging that no foreign land can replace. A sip of the locally grown Araku Coffee, now globally renowned, takes one back to the warmth of a grandmother’s kitchen, where filter coffee was once an everyday ritual.

Lambasingi: The Kashmir of Andhra

Lambasingi. / Wikipedia

Just a short drive from Araku lies Lambasingi, a tiny hamlet where the temperature drops to near zero degrees in winter. It’s a place that brings back memories of chilly December mornings when one would wake up to misty landscapes and wrap themselves in shawls while sipping on hot chai. For who miss the winters of their adopted homelands, Lambasingi offers a slice of cold-weather nostalgia without the snow boots and heavy coats.

Gandikota: The grand canyon of India

Gandikota. / Wikipedia

For those who spent their childhood exploring forts and listening to tales of kings and warriors, Gandikota is a living history lesson. Known as the Grand Canyon of India, its breathtaking red-rock cliffs towering over the Pennar River remind visitors of the grandeur of the past. Sitting on the edge of the canyon at sunrise, watching the sky turn shades of orange and crimson, one can’t help but reflect on the stories of their ancestors who once walked these lands.

Horsley hills: A colonial-era retreat

Horsley Hills. / Wikipedia.

Once a favorite retreat for British officers, Horsley Hills is a hidden gem where eucalyptus-scented breezes whisper forgotten tales. Soemone who spent their childhood vacations in the hill stations of Andhra Pradesh, this place offers a chance to relive those carefree days—trekking through forests, spotting exotic birds, and feeling the thrill of standing at the edge of the Gali Bandalu (Wind Rocks), where the strong winds still remind visitors of nature’s raw power.

Belum caves: The underground wonder

Belum caves / Wikipedia.

For those who remember school trips filled with excitement and adventure, a visit to Belum Caves, India’s second-largest cave system, is a journey back into childhood curiosity. Walking through the limestone passages, where ancient Buddhist monks once meditated, one can’t help but be amazed at the sheer history and mystery hidden beneath Andhra Pradesh’s surface.

Come home, relive the magic of mother's nature love. 

All those who have spent years away from home, these hidden gems of Andhra Pradesh offer a chance to reconnection with the land but with the memories that shaped their identity. In a world dominated by fast flights and luxury resorts, there’s something profoundly comforting about the slow, scenic train rides, the simple joys of local cuisine, and the warmth of homegrown hospitality.

So, the next time you visit India , go beyond the usual tourist spots. Take a trip to Araku, lose yourself in the misty hills of Lambasingi, stand at the edge of Gandikota’s cliffs, and walk through the echoes of history in Belum Caves. These places aren’t just destinations; they are pieces of your past, waiting to be revisited. Because no matter how far you go, home is where the heart and memories truly belong.