Mon Nov 18 09:42:49 UTC 2024: ## Freezing Temperatures Hit Andhra Pradesh’s Agency Areas, Drawing Tourists
**Visakhapatnam, November 18, 2024** – A significant cold snap has gripped the Agency areas of Alluri Sitharama Raju district in Andhra Pradesh, with several locations experiencing single-digit temperatures for the first time this season. Araku Valley recorded the lowest temperature at 8.9°C on Monday morning, according to Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) data from the AP State Development Planning Society (APSDPS). Other areas, including Dumbriguda (9.7°C), Kunthalam (10°C), and Masada and Munchingputtu (both 10.9°C), also experienced near-freezing conditions.
The cold spell, which began Sunday night, has been accompanied by thick fog, particularly in Dumbriguda, significantly impacting visibility and making driving on ghat roads challenging. The extreme cold, lasting from 5 pm to 9 am daily, has ironically drawn a large influx of tourists. Over 3,000 visited Vanjangi Hills near Paderu, and nearly 7,000 explored Borra Caves in Dumbriguda on Sunday. Hotels and tourist accommodations are reportedly fully booked.
To cater to the increased tourism, the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) has introduced tethered hot air balloon rides in Padmapuram Gardens, with paragliding expected soon and go-karting planned near Araku Valley. Meanwhile, temperatures in Anakapalli district ranged from 16°C to 17°C, and Visakhapatnam areas saw lows between 16.5°C and 19°C.
First Piper 