At a distance of 7 km from Borra Caves, 39 km from Araku, 90 km from Vizag & 665 km from Hyderabad, Katiki or Katika Waterfall is magnificent waterfall situated near Borra Caves in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the best waterfalls in Araku and also among the top places to visit in Araku. The name of the falls is derived from the name of the village nearby. Katiki waterfall is formed by the Gosthani River and it cascading down from a height of 100+ feet. The pond at the bottom of the waterfall is an excellent place for taking a bath after a tough trek to the place. It has to be reached by 20-30 minutes trek (one way) through lush forest and upwards to mountain top from the nearest motorable road. Cooking and camping are also permitted at this place. This is also a good place for trekking. To reach Katiki falls from Araku, you have to take Borra Caves road at Mulyaguda junction between Araku and Visakhapatnam (around 30 km from Araku, after Anantagiri). Cross the Borra Caves railway crossing on the same road. Nearly 2 km from the railway crossing, you have to take left turn where the straight road takes to Borra Caves (caves are 2 km from here). After 300 meters on the same road, take a left turn and go for about 4-5 km. The road ends at the railway track near Tunnel #44. From here, you have to cross the railway track and go straight trekking the mountain. The falls are nearly 20-30 minutes trek from here and the path is narrow and slippery. There are jeeps available from Gatevalsa (7 km from Katiki). There is no public transport available to this place. Visitors are advised not to venture to the waterfall in their own car as the road is bumpy and not suitable for regular cars other than jeeps. There are no lodgings near the waterfall but there are small huts that sell marinated chicken in bamboo trunks. Jungle honey is also available near the waterfall. The best time to this falls is from August to December and it will be dry during summer season.
Before one KM from Borra caves at Gatevalsa you will be stopped by Jeep drivers offering you a trip to Katiki waterfall. This waterfall is nearly 7 KM from this point. You need to change your vehicle as rugged Jeep is required to cover the narrow muddy road passing through Jungle and by the side of Gosthani river. Jeep will take you upto the railway track nearly 6 KM from Gatevalsa point and from here you have to trek half KM and climb up after crossing the railway track. Your Jeep driver will tell you to return within one and half hour from the dropping point. The last 15 minutes of the trek upto the base of the waterfall is stiff climbing. Steps are there upto the waterfall for safe climbing. You can take bath at the base of the waterfall. On your trekking rout to waterfall there will be temporary shops set up by the local tribes selling biscuits and most important is Bamboo chicken. Marinated chicken is backed by keeping them inside Bamboo trunks and offered to tourist. It is Chicken Kabab but prepared by using bamboo sticks and cooking is done by keeping them inside Bamboo tree trunks. Locally collected Honey is also available in bottles in these shops.
By Road: Hire jeeps from Borra caves that would drop you one kilometer before the waterfall. From there you have to walk on foot to reach the waterfall. From Vizag, you can reach Katiki falls via NH 5.
By Train: Borra Guhallu railway station is the nearest railway station to reach Katiki waterfalls.
By Air: Vishakhapatnam airport (89.7 kms) is the nearest airport.
The nearest accommodation is in Ananthagiri. The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation has a resort known as the Ananthagiri Resort in the town. Since there are not many hotels save for the retiring rooms in the railway station, it will be better to hire a vehicle from Visakhapatnam to visit Borra Caves and Araku valley apart from some of the other places nearby. There are a lot of hotels that will suit everyone’s budget in Visakhapatnam
1. Araku Valley: There is a railway station in this place. Araku Valley is a hill station about 120 kms. from Visakhapatnam 2. and is now popular as a tourist destination. The place is 42 kms. from Ananthagiri. 3. The tribes that live in this place are Bonda, Marris, Muriya and Gonda. 4. They wear colourful costumes and it is interesting to study their way of life. 5. Apart from that the highest peak is 1700 metres high above sea level and the view of the surroundings is magnificent. 6. There is a Tribal Museum worth visiting. 7. Borra Caves: About 34 kms. from Araku , these caves are located at an altitude of 722 metres. 8. These stalactite caves are more than a million years old. The caves were discovered by a British employee of the Geological Survey of India, 9. William King George, in 1807. There are engravings of many Hindu gods on the walls of the cave. Mythology states that Ram, 10. Laxman and Sita had spent a few days in these caves during the period of their exile. 11. Chaparai: This place is 15 kms. from Araku. It is a picnic spot with a stream where visitors can dip in to. 12. Padmapuram: There is a Botanical Park with a lot of exotic flowers and a variety of rose collection. 13. The park was used to sustain the soldiers during the Second World War, where vegetables were sourced from. 14. It is open from 8.00am to 12.30 pm and then from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm. 15. Ananthagiri: this is another beautiful place to unwind. The place is situated on the Eastern Ghats and close to the borders with Odisha. Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation has a hotel in this place.
Trekking is one activity here and to reach the falls is a strenuous exercise through rough terrains and a rough path.
