100-mile endurance trek near Araku to boost eco-tourism

The Forest Department is building a 100-mile trekking trail near Araku under the Mardhaguda Eco-Tourism Project. Officials aim to boost tourism and adventure activities. They expect to complete the project within a few months.

The department is developing Mardhaguda as the base camp. It is setting up cottages, a restaurant, and a coffee house. Officials say this will be Andhra Pradesh’s first long-distance endurance trekking facility.

The project, earlier called the Butterfly Park, is funded with ₹5.5 crore in CSR support from Simhadri NTPC. Authorities launched it in 2022 but faced delays. It gained momentum after Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced eco-friendly mountain trails in the February 1 Budget, including in the Eastern Ghats.

Officials say the initiative supports nature-based tourism and sustainable infrastructure. It also focuses on protecting fragile ecosystems.

Chief Conservator of Forests Dr Mydeen said the department will position Araku as a trekking hub. It will introduce a 100-mile endurance trail and routes of varying difficulty. These include coffee plantation walks, village trails between Paderu and Dumbriguda, and ridge walks like Raktakonda.

The department has expanded the project. It increased cottages from 10 to 30 and added luxury tents at the base camp.

The project will include a canopy walk and elevated pathways. It will promote local cuisine and tribal culture. Visitors can stay in tribal homestays. The department will also set up interpretation centres and create bird- and butterfly-watching facilities.

The trail will pass through Anantagiri, Araku, and Jeenabadu forest ranges in Alluri Sitarama Raju district. It will run from Anantagiri through the Galikonda hills to the Araku range. It will then re-enter Anantagiri forests up to Maddigaruvu and extend into Jeenabadu.

The trek will take six to seven days. It will start at Mardhaguda and pass through Galikonda Peak, Lembaguda, Maddigaruvu, and Nimmalapadu. It will continue through Nandigummi, Mettavalasa, Gummanti, Daragedda, and Kajjamamidi, before ending at Durgam.

Trekkers will stay in tribal homestays during the journey. They will experience local food and culture along the route.