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Eastern Ghats
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Explore India’s Eastern Ghats through forested hills, tribal cultures, historic temples, wildlife, coffee country and winding scenic roads.

The Eastern Ghats are not a single administrative region but a discontinuous chain of hills running roughly along eastern India, from Odisha through Andhra Pradesh and Telangana towards Tamil Nadu, with related uplands extending southwards. Unlike the more continuous Western Ghats, these ranges are broken by broad river valleys, plateaux, cultivated plains and coastal lowlands. Their varied geography makes the Eastern Ghats better understood as a collection of landscapes than as one conventional holiday circuit.
Read more about Eastern Ghats
The northern hills include Odisha’s forested uplands around Koraput, Rayagada, Kandhamal and the Mahendragiri area, while the Similipal landscape farther north is commonly associated with the Eastern Highlands. In Andhra Pradesh, the Ananthagiri Hills around Araku Valley rise behind Visakhapatnam, with coffee plantations, tribal communities, waterfalls and the limestone chambers of Borra Caves. Farther south, the Tirumala, Seshachalam, Horsley and Nallamala ranges create a sequence of dry forests, sacred hills, rocky escarpments and wildlife habitats. Tamil Nadu contains several southern Eastern Ghats ranges, including the Kolli, Kalrayan, Javadi and Shevaroy Hills.
The region’s cultural character is equally varied. Telugu, Odia and Tamil are widely spoken across different sections, alongside numerous Adivasi languages and local dialects. Tribal and rural communities maintain distinctive relationships with forests, shifting patterns of cultivation, minor forest produce, handcrafts and seasonal markets, although customs differ markedly from one district to another. Visitors should approach these communities with respect and avoid treating living cultures as spectacles. Hill towns such as Araku, Yercaud and Kolli Hills offer established visitor facilities, while more remote plateaux may require careful planning and local guidance.
Nature is the principal draw. Moist forests in the north contrast with the drier deciduous woodland of the central and southern ranges, and the hills shelter elephants, gaur, deer, sloth bears, endemic birds and many plant species. Rivers including the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Pennar cut through or around the wider upland system. The Eastern Ghats also contain important historic and religious sites, including hilltop temples, Buddhist remains, medieval forts and ancient cave complexes. Travel is most rewarding when organised around one subregion rather than attempting to cross the entire range in a single itinerary.

When is the best time to visit Eastern Ghats?

Best: December–February · 28–30°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)2810
February (best)3015
March3320
April3625
May3830
June3760
July36110
August36110
September3560
October3330
November3020
December (best)2815

Getting to and around Eastern Ghats

How to get there

Because the Eastern Ghats cross several Indian states, the best gateway depends on the chosen subregion. Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh is the principal access point for Araku Valley and the Ananthagiri Hills, with an airport and railway connections outside the hills themselves. Bhubaneswar is a useful gateway for many destinations in Odisha, while Tirupati and Salem serve different southern hill areas. Chennai, Hyderabad and Vijayawada can also provide wider domestic connections for selected routes, but they are outside the hill landscapes. Long road journeys are common, and rail access usually reaches valleys or foothill towns rather than remote plateaux.

Transportation

Public transport is practical between larger towns, but services become less frequent on upland roads and near forest boundaries. Shared jeeps, buses and local taxis may connect hill settlements, although arrangements vary considerably by district. A hired car with an experienced driver is useful for linking viewpoints, villages, temples and nature sites, particularly in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and the more dispersed Tamil Nadu ranges. Roads can be narrow, winding and affected by monsoon damage. Walking and cycling are suitable for selected hill stations and village routes, but off-road travel, trekking and entry into protected forests should follow local rules and guide requirements.

Top city travel guides in Eastern Ghats

The cities of Eastern Ghats, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in Eastern Ghats

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Best landmarks in Eastern Ghats

The Eastern Ghats’ most recognisable landmarks reflect both geology and religious history. Borra Caves near Araku Valley are notable for their limestone chambers and formations, while the winding railway and road approaches through the surrounding hills emphasise the region’s rugged terrain. The Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves near Bhubaneswar preserve rock-cut chambers associated with ancient Jain traditions and remain among Odisha’s most important early historic monuments. The Tirumala hills form a major sacred landscape crowned by the Venkateswara temple complex, whose religious importance draws pilgrims from across India. In the southern ranges, the flat-topped Shevaroy, Kolli and Javadi hills create distinctive horizons above the plains, while the red and forested uplands around Koraput and Mahendragiri provide important natural reference points. The Seshachalam Hills are significant for both their dry deciduous forests and their association with the Tirupati pilgrimage region.

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Explore Eastern Ghats on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Eastern Ghats

Food in the Eastern Ghats changes with language, altitude, community and agricultural tradition. Andhra hill destinations commonly serve rice, lentils, spicy vegetable preparations, chicken and regional pickles, while Odisha’s uplands have their own rice-based meals, leafy greens, millets and forest-derived ingredients. In Tamil Nadu’s hill towns, visitors encounter South Indian staples alongside produce grown in cooler conditions, including vegetables, fruit and coffee. Araku is particularly associated with coffee cultivation, although quality and sourcing vary between producers. Small eateries, vegetarian restaurants, roadside stalls and market vendors generally provide the most practical way to eat locally, while hotels in established hill stations offer broader menus for visitors. Ask about ingredients and preparation in remote areas, especially where seasonal forest produce or meat is involved. Drinking water from sealed bottles or reliable filtered supplies is advisable, and food availability can be limited outside larger towns.

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Best bars in Eastern Ghats

Nightlife in the Eastern Ghats is generally quiet and centred on family restaurants, hotel dining rooms, traditional tea and coffee stalls, and the evening activity of hill towns rather than dedicated clubs. Araku Valley, Yercaud, Kolli Hills and larger gateway towns have the widest choice of licensed restaurants and hotel bars, while rural districts may offer little after dark beyond local eateries. Some towns have small venues with music during holiday periods, but schedules and opening arrangements change frequently. Alcohol regulations differ by state, and visitors should use licensed establishments rather than assuming that drinks are available everywhere. The region’s evening appeal lies more in cool air, village markets, temple surroundings, stargazing and early-morning access to forests or viewpoints than in a substantial club scene.

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Best nightclubs in Eastern Ghats

Nightlife in the Eastern Ghats is generally quiet and centred on family restaurants, hotel dining rooms, traditional tea and coffee stalls, and the evening activity of hill towns rather than dedicated clubs. Araku Valley, Yercaud, Kolli Hills and larger gateway towns have the widest choice of licensed restaurants and hotel bars, while rural districts may offer little after dark beyond local eateries. Some towns have small venues with music during holiday periods, but schedules and opening arrangements change frequently. Alcohol regulations differ by state, and visitors should use licensed establishments rather than assuming that drinks are available everywhere. The region’s evening appeal lies more in cool air, village markets, temple surroundings, stargazing and early-morning access to forests or viewpoints than in a substantial club scene.

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Best shops in Eastern Ghats

Shopping in the Eastern Ghats is strongest in market towns, hill-station bazaars and cooperative outlets rather than in large retail districts. Visitors may find coffee from the Araku area, millets, spices, honey, fruit preserves, forest produce and locally made snacks, although provenance and labelling should be checked. Odisha’s upland communities are known in different areas for textiles, bamboo work, wrought metal objects and other crafts, while Tamil Nadu hill towns sell produce such as coffee, spices, fruit and handmade goods alongside ordinary high-street merchandise. Tribal museums and government-supported emporia can provide a more reliable route to authenticated crafts, but displays and stock vary. Bargaining is common in some informal markets but not appropriate everywhere. Avoid buying antiquities, unverified wildlife products or plants collected from protected forests, and choose transportable goods that support local makers without encouraging exploitation.

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Eastern Ghats essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Indian rupee, coded INR. Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted in cities, established hill stations, hotels and larger shops, but connectivity and acceptance can be inconsistent in remote villages, forest-edge settlements and small markets. Carry modest cash in rupee notes for local transport, entrance fees, food stalls and rural purchases, while avoiding unnecessary large denominations. ATMs are more dependable in gateway towns than in the hills, so withdraw funds before travelling into less-served areas.
Safety
Take ordinary precautions with valuables and transport, and use reputable accommodation and drivers. The main regional risks are practical: steep roads, poor visibility, landslides during heavy rain, loose rock, slippery paths, heat and limited mobile coverage. Do not approach elephants or other wildlife, enter caves or forest trails without checking conditions, or bathe in unmarked waterfalls and reservoirs. Follow instructions at temples and protected areas, and allow extra time for journeys because hill roads are slower than distances on a map suggest.
Emergency Situations
India’s national emergency number is 112, while 100 remains associated with police, 101 with fire services and 108 with ambulance services in many parts of the country. Mobile coverage may be weak in remote Eastern Ghats valleys, so share routes and expected arrival times before setting out. Forest departments, local police and site authorities may control access to protected areas and can provide the most relevant assistance for wildlife incidents, lost walkers or road closures. Travel insurance with medical and evacuation cover is sensible for remote trekking or extended road journeys.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly when visiting temples and villages, remove footwear where required and follow posted photography rules. Ask permission before photographing people, homes, ceremonies or community activities, particularly in Adivasi areas. Do not collect plants, stones or archaeological objects, feed wildlife, leave litter or play loud music in forest and shrine environments. Queueing, modest tipping and respectful behaviour are broadly Indian customs rather than Eastern Ghats-specific rules; follow the local practice at each site and avoid assuming that one community’s traditions apply across the entire range.
Local Tips
Plan by landscape rather than by the name Eastern Ghats: Araku and the Ananthagiri Hills offer a different experience from Odisha’s forested plateaux or Tamil Nadu’s drier hill ranges. Market days can be valuable for seeing local produce, but they vary by town and should be confirmed locally. In coffee-growing areas around Araku, ask how products are sourced and favour transparent local producers. Start walks early, carry water and sun protection, and keep a flexible itinerary during the monsoon or festival periods when roads and accommodation can become busy.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
Helloనమస్కారం[Namaskāraṁ]
Goodbyeవీడ్కోలు[Vīḍkōlu]
Yesఅవును[Avunu]
Noకాదు[Kādu]
Please/You’re welcomeదయచేసి[Dayacēsi]
Thank youధన్యవాదాలు[Dhan'yavādālu]
Excuse me/Sorryక్షమించండి[Kṣamiñcaṇḍi]
How are you?మీరు ఎలా ఉన్నారు?[Mīru ēlā unnāru?]
Fine. And you?బాగున్నాను. మీరు ఎలా?[Bāgunnānu. Mīru ēlā?]
Do you speak English?మీరు ఇంగ్లీష్ మాట్లాడుతారా?[Mīru iṅglīṣ māṭlāḍutārā?]
I don't understandనాకు అర్థం కావడం లేదు[Nāku arthaṁ kāvaḍaṁ lēdu]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I’d like to see the menu, pleaseదయచేసి, మెనూ చూడాలనుకుంటున్నాను[Dayacēsi, menū cūḍālanukuṇṭunnānu]
I don't eat meatనేను మాంసం తినను[Nēnu māṁsaṁ tinanu]
Cheers!జై![Jai!]
I would like to pay, pleaseదయచేసి నేను చెల్లించాలనుకుంటున్నాను[Dayacēsi nēnu celliñcālanukuṇṭunnānu]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!ఉదவி![Udavi!]
Go away!వెళ్ళిపో![Veḷḷipō!]
Call the Police!పోలీసులను పిలవండి![Pōlīsulanu pilavaṇḍi!]
Call a doctor!ఒక డాక్టర్‌ను పిలవండి![Oka ḍākṭar nu pilavaṇḍi!]
I’m lostనేను కోల్పోయాను[Nēnu kōlpōyānu]
I’m illనేను అనారోగ్యంగా ఉన్నాను[Nēnu anārōgyāṅgā unnānu]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I’d like to buy...నేను కొనాలనుకుంటున్నాను...[Nēnu konālanukuṇṭunnānu...]
I’m just lookingనేను చూస్తున్నాను[Nēnu cūstunnānu]
How much is it?ఇది ఎంత?[Idi enta?]
That’s too expensiveఅది చాలా ఖరీదే[Adi chālā kharīde]
Can you lower the price?మీరు ధర తగ్గించగలరా?[Mīru dhara taggiñcagalārā?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?ఇది ఎంత సమయం?[Idi enta samayaṁ?]
It’s one o’clockఇది ఒక్క గంట[Idi okka gaṇṭa]
Half past (10)పది లేదా[Padi lēdā]
Morningఉదయం[Udayaṁ]
Afternoonమధ్యాహ్నం[Madhyāhnaṁ]
Eveningసాయంత్రం[Sāyantraṁ]
Yesterdayనిన్న[Ninna]
Todayఈ రోజు[Ī rōju]
Tomorrowరేపు[Rēpu]
1ఒకటి[Okaṭi]
2రెండు[Reṇḍu]
3మూడు[Mūḍu]
4నాలుగు[Nālugu]
5ఐదు[Aidu]
6ఆరు[Āru]
7ఏడు[Ēḍu]
8ఎనిమిది[Enimidi]
9తొమ్మిది[Tommidi]
10దస[Dasa]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?ఒక/ది ... ఎక్కడ?[Oka/di ... ekkaḍa?]
What's the address?చిరునామా ఏమిటి?[Cirunāmā ēmiṭi?]
Can you show me (on the map)?మీరు నాకు చూపించగలరా (నక్షత్రం మీద)?[Mīru nāku cūpiñcagalārā (nakaṣṭraṁ mēda)?]
When's the next (bus)?తర్వాతి (బస్సు) ఎప్పుడు?[Taravāṭi (bussu) eppuḍu?]
A ticket (to ....)ఒక టికెట్ (.... కు)[Oka ṭikeṭ (.... ku)]

History of Eastern Ghats

Early Settlement and Archaeological Landscapes

The Eastern Ghats have supported human settlement for many thousands of years, with prehistoric tools, rock shelters, burial monuments and later agrarian communities recorded in different hill districts. Archaeological evidence is uneven because the range is extensive and many sites remain rural or lightly interpreted for visitors. In parts of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, megalithic burials and early iron-working traditions reveal long-standing connections between upland communities, farming and mineral resources. The archaeological record is best approached region by region rather than as evidence of one uniform Eastern Ghats culture.

Buddhist and Early Historic Networks

The hills and valleys of eastern India formed part of wider networks linking inland settlements with the coast and the Deccan. In Odisha, Buddhist establishments and rock-cut sites developed under ancient dynasties, while trade routes crossed the uplands towards ports and river corridors. The Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves near Bhubaneswar, although close to the coastal plain, illustrate the importance of the eastern hill country in the early historic period. Elsewhere, ancient religious and commercial routes left more fragmentary remains, often absorbed into later sacred landscapes.

Medieval Kingdoms and Sacred Hills

During the medieval period, the Eastern Ghats lay across the territories and contested frontiers of several regional powers, including dynasties based in Odisha, Andhra and Tamil country. Fortified settlements controlled passes and routes through the hills, while temples and pilgrimage centres became important landholders and cultural institutions. The Tirumala hills developed into one of southern India’s most significant Vaishnavite pilgrimage landscapes, and numerous smaller hilltop shrines acquired local importance. Political authority was often layered, combining royal power, temple institutions and the autonomy of upland communities.

Colonial Rule, Forest Administration and Transport

British expansion brought new systems of revenue collection, forest administration and transport to the Eastern Ghats, although control remained uneven in remote uplands. Roads and railways connected selected valleys and mining areas with coastal towns, while forests were increasingly classified and regulated for timber, revenue and strategic purposes. Colonial ethnographic and administrative categories also reshaped official descriptions of Adivasi communities. Some hill stations and plantation economies developed during this period, but much of the region remained dependent on subsistence agriculture, forest resources and local exchange.

Adivasi Rights and Regional Movements

Resistance to land alienation, forest restrictions, taxation and outside control has been a recurring feature of Eastern Ghats history. Movements associated with tribal communities emerged in several areas, including the Rampa rebellion in the hill tracts of present-day Andhra Pradesh during the early twentieth century. These histories are not confined to military confrontation: they also concern customary land use, access to forests, dignity and political representation. After independence, constitutional protections and state welfare programmes altered administration, but displacement and competing claims over land and resources have remained important issues.

Dams, Mining and Industrial Change

Since independence, roads, irrigation schemes, hydroelectric projects, mining and industrial development have transformed parts of the Eastern Ghats. Bauxite, iron ore, chromite and other mineral resources have attracted investment, while dams and reservoirs have changed river valleys and sometimes displaced communities. The Visakhapatnam hinterland, Koraput region and parts of Odisha and Telangana show different versions of this transition. Development has brought employment and infrastructure in some places, but also environmental disputes, forest loss and debates over consent, rehabilitation and the protection of vulnerable landscapes.

Conservation and Contemporary Tourism

The Eastern Ghats now contain national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, reserved forests and community-led conservation initiatives, though protection is uneven across the range. Similipal, Seshachalam, Sri Venkateswara and other protected landscapes conserve important forests and wildlife, while hill destinations such as Araku Valley, Yercaud and Kolli Hills attract domestic visitors. Tourism is increasingly linked to trekking, birdwatching, heritage and local produce, but its future depends on limiting waste, respecting forest regulations and ensuring that local communities benefit from visitor economies.

Eastern Ghats in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Eastern Ghats

Free, comprehensive travel guide app covering the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Eastern Ghats.

  • Comprehensive information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
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Discover the hidden gems of Eastern Ghats with Evendo, your 100% free, all-in-one travel guide app. Explore attractions, book hotels, and enjoy curated local tips for an unforgettable experience.

  • 'Near Me' feature for discovering nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips for an authentic travel experience
  • Travel essentials and detailed history of Eastern Ghats
  • User-friendly navigation
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases
  • Global coverage of over 7,000 destinations

Imagine embarking on a journey through the breathtaking Eastern Ghats, India. With Evendo, your trip transforms into an immersive adventure. This 100% free app-based travel guide is your key to unlocking the wonders of the Eastern Ghats, offering detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.

Explore iconic landmarks like the Araku Valley, Borra Caves, and the mesmerizing Lambasingi. Savor local delicacies at renowned restaurants such as Bamboo Chicken Restaurant in Araku and the traditional Andhra cuisine at Haritha Valley Resort. Navigate the bustling markets and quaint shops, discovering unique crafts and souvenirs.

Evendo provides a rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making trip planning effortless. Book your hotels and tours directly through the app, eliminating the hassle of multiple bookings. The 'Near Me' feature ensures you never miss out on nearby attractions, no matter where you are.

Experience Eastern Ghats like a local with curated tips, detailed history, and travel essentials. Whether you're trekking through the hills or relaxing by the scenic waterfalls, Evendo is your reliable companion. And the best part? It's completely free to use, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs. Plus, with coverage of over 7,000 destinations worldwide, Evendo keeps the world at your fingertips.

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