Cool weather draws tourists to ASR Agency

Although winter has yet to officially set in, the Agency areas of Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district have begun witnessing a steady influx of tourists over the past week, with cool weather, thick fog and intermittent rains adding to the region’s attraction.

Several parts of the Agency, including Araku, Paderu, Hukumpeta, Munchingputtu, Chintapalli, Pedabayalu, G.K. Veedhi and Dumbriguda, have been experiencing dense fog during the mornings and evenings. Videos and photographs showing the fog-covered hills and roads have also been widely circulated on social media, prompting more visitors, particularly motorcycle enthusiasts, to head to the Agency.

“In the mornings, we are witnessing thick fog. However, by midday, it becomes hot. By evening, it sometimes rains suddenly, and after 6 p.m., the fog returns. During the night, we are experiencing cold weather,” said D. Upendra, a resident of Paderu.

Araku, Paderu and Chintapalli have been recording minimum temperatures of around 20° Celsius, while relatively colder conditions have been reported in Hukumpeta, Pedabayalu, Munchingputtu, G.K. Veedhi and Dumbriguda, where the minimum temperature has been around 18° Celsius.

The pleasant weather has resulted in an increase in footfall at several tourist destinations, including the Borra Caves, Chaparai, Padmapuram Botanical Gardens and Vanjangi. Tourists from neighbouring districts have been visiting the Agency in considerable numbers, particularly during weekends.

Vanjangi, popularly known as ‘Meghala Kondalu’ has emerged as one of the major attractions, with tourists arriving early in the morning to witness the sunrise above the clouds.

According to Paderu Forest Range Officer A. Prema, Vanjangi received 881 visitors on Saturday and 937 visitors on Sunday.

“Generally, visitors start arriving at Vanjangi from October. This year, we expected the favourable conditions for witnessing the sunrise at Vanjangi to be delayed due to the prevailing weather conditions. However, surprisingly, a good view has been visible over the past few days, and the number of visitors has started increasing,” she said.

Vanjangi sees its peak tourist season during December and January, when the sunrise views and cloud formations attract large crowds. During the peak season, the destination receives an average of 2,500 to 3,000 visitors a day, officials said.