PADUA, KORAPUT – 130 KMS FROM VISAKHAPATNAM

• Weekend Tour

A serene lake with an island surrounded by hills wrapped in forests – that’s Padua near Koraput in Orissa. Nature is abundant here with lakes, rivers, hills, forests, valleys and miles and miles of paddy fields. Spanning an area of around 50 sq. km, this charming location is nestled at a height of 3500 feet above sea level. It stands midway between Araku and Koraput and tourists visiting Araku, can easily make a trip to Padua just 30 km away. You can also reach Padua from Koraput, which is just 70 km away. In Padua, you can enjoy boating and angling in the Macchkunda Lake, nature walks and treks on the nearby hills and keep romancing the moonlight amidst the music of wilderness

Places to see in Padua: Padua is an outstanding destination with an array of impressive attractions. If you have planned for a two-night stay at Padua, then visit the nearby Nageshwari Caves, Duduma Dam, Rani Duduma waterfall and Sili caves. A visit to Deomari, the highest point of Eastern Ghats also offers a memorable experience. The Macchkonda Lake along with Macchkonda powerhouse is also worth visiting. Walk down to the nearby tribal village of Kulabi, inhabited by the local tribal people.

Nearby attractions of Padua: Padua is 30 kms from Araku valley, 130 kms from Vishakapatnam and 70 kms from Koraput so you can tag Padua into your Vizag – Araku itinerary too.

You can enrich your experience of touring Padua, by making an enjoyable trip to the Koraput in Orissa. The picturesque landscape of Koraput admired with verdant hills, meandering streams, lush green valleys, spectacular caves and wonderful waterfall, bring heaven to the earth. The prime attraction of Koraput is “Sabar Shrikhetra,” a modern temple of Lord Jagannath, built on a hilltop. Do not miss the Tribal Museum and Nisanimunda, located a few kilometers away from the temple.

From Padua, you can also visit Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh. Araku lures tourists mainly for viewing its rich landscape, hills and valleys. Travelling to Araku by train from Vishakapatnam truly offers an enduring experience. On its way to Araku, the train needs to cross a total of forty-one tunnels and a number of bridges. The Ananthagiri hills found on the way to Araku Valley is famous for coffee plantations and panoramic views of the entire Araku region. Nestled on the Eastern Ghats of India, Araku valley is mainly the refuge of tribal people. There is also a Tribal Museum in Araku displaying tribal handicrafts and lifestyle. Araku Valley is also a superb base for sightseeing. You can visit Katika waterfalls, Ananthagiri hills, Chaparai River and Padmapuram gardens from Araku. While returning Vishakapatnam you can also pay a visit to the Tyda forest.

Another most enchanting attraction is the Borra Caves, located 49 kms from Padua. This enthralling tourist attraction, nestled at an altitude of 705 m is primarily noted for the stalactites and stalagmite formations. The caves are located in the Araku Valley of the Ananthagiri hill range and drained by the Gosthani River. At the entrance point, the cave measures around 100 m horizontally and 75 m vertically. You can also trek 4 kms to reach the nearby Nageswari caves and have a panoramic view of the Machkunda Valley. Here you can meet the tribal people and even try to discover a part of the Nageswari caves.

Things to do in Padua: Padua is an ideal place to enjoy nature to its fullest. You can enjoy nature walks and treks over the green hills and surrounding landscape. There are also provisions of boating to the island, which still doesn’t have a name (Maybe you could be the first one to name it!). You can also do some angling in the lake. While lazing on the verandah of the resort in Padua, savor the spectacular sight of sunset over the Macchkonda Lake. You can also interact with the local tribal population to gain knowledge about their livelihood.

How to reach Padua: Howrah – Koraput Express connects Howrah and Koraput via Sambalpur. It takes around 23 hrs to reach Koraput. Padua is 70 kms from Koraput – you can get hired cars connecting Koraput and Padua. However, the best way to reach Padua is from Vishakapatnam. You can board the Howrah Yashwanthpuram Express to reach Vishakapatnam at 11:00 am next day (it’s a 14 hrs journey from Howrah). You can enjoy the sea beaches of Vishakapatnam the whole day and hire a car or take the 1VK (Vishakapatnam – Kirrandul Express) next morning to Padua. The 1VK Express stops at Padua station for a few minutes after crossing Araku. You can also reach Padua from Araku by road (which is just 30 kms away). If you are travelling by car from Vishakapatnam, then Padua is around 130 kms from Vishakapatnam.

Best time to visit Padua: You can visit Padua any time of the year.

Lodging and dining facilities in Padua: Accommodation facility in Padua is very limited. There is only one resort in Padua with five excellent cottages under the shadow of the surrounding hills. Painted in white, this charming resort stands amidst green hills beside the Machkonda Lake. The resort is well equipped with all modern amenities offering excellent lodging and dining facilities. You would get electricity, television, mobile connectivity and whole lot of other facilities too. The resort also arranges Pick-Up and drop facilities from Koraput, Vishakapatnam and Araku.