How Lambasingi, An Offbeat Destination In Andhra Pradesh, Reminded Me To Slow Down

When we think of mountains, frost and cool temperatures in India, our mind immediately drifts to the Himalayas. Not expecting such a place to exist in Andhra Pradesh, I was deeply moved by the experience Lambasingi, also known as Lammasingi, offered and the way it stayed with me. Being someone who loves mountains more than beaches, my happiness knew no bounds when I visited the small village of Lambasingi in Chintapalli Mandal, located in the Alluri Sitharama Raju district of northern Andhra Pradesh. 

As I left behind glimpses of Visakhapatnam in the rearview mirror of my car, I was welcomed by lush green fields and dense forests ahead. For the first time in my life, I truly noticed the countless shades of green that nature has gifted to us. With every turn uphill, the air became cooler. 

Situated in the Eastern Ghats at an altitude of 1,000 m above sea level, Lambasingi lies about 100 km east of Visakhapatnam. Known as the “Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh,” the village experiences a notably cool climate, particularly from December to early February. With its hills, strawberry plantations, waterfalls and dense forests, Lambasingi serves as a quiet and refreshing weekend getaway from Visakhapatnam.

I reached Lambasingi on a beautiful afternoon in February and checked in at Haritha Resort, which I had already booked online from the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) website. The sound of silence filled my ears and the shades of green soothed my eyes. The world seemed to slow down, allowing me to experience village life more deeply. 

Waking Up in a Blanket of Fog

Lambasingi is also known as Korra Bayalu, a name that translates to "one who stays out in the open will freeze like a stick!" in the local language, perfectly capturing the village's rare, biting cold in an otherwise tropical region. 

The next morning, I woke up at 4:00 am and headed straight to the sunrise viewpoint near my stay. The hour-long hike in the cool morning air felt refreshing. As I reached the top, an unbelievable sight unfolded before me—I was standing above the clouds, surrounded by breathtaking 360-degree views. Below me, soft, rolling clouds stretched endlessly, like waves of cotton. At that moment, it felt like I was floating between the earth and the sky. It hardly seemed real.

As the sun gradually came up, the mist disappeared to reveal lush green landscapes, coffee plantations, strawberry fields and beautiful hills stretching endlessly.

Respecting the Nature and Tribal Culture of Lambasingi

Lambasingi is inhabited by indigenous communities, the majority of whom hail from the Kond and Bagata tribes. They have lived here for centuries, adapting to the cold and coexisting with the forests that sustain them. As I walked around the village, I could sense the essence of simple living—houses made of bamboo and mud doubling as proof. The villagers, though shy and reserved, are known for their hospitality and may even invite you to share a meal with them. 

While walking around, I noticed a woman cooking bamboo chicken over open fires. As our eyes met, she smiled and invited me. As a vegetarian, I smiled back and joined my hands to respectfully decline the offer. 

As I continued walking, I realised I was in a world where humans and the environment are one, life is slow and nature echoes. When visiting places like Lambasingi, it is imperative that we act respectfully and responsibly towards its ‘way of life,’ culture, nature and people.

Coffee, Pepper and Strawberry Fields

While Lambasingi remains a well-kept secret among travellers, it has long been a lifeline for local farmers growing coffee, black pepper and strawberries, among other plantations. The high-altitude climate is perfect for these crops and the lush fields beautifully adorn the hillsides. Walking through one of the strawberry farms, I felt the freshness of the fields—the ever familiar scent of petrichor.

As I paused and looked around, I found myself gravitating towards the golden-yellow mustard fields. The stunning blooms stretched as far as my eyes could see, swaying gently in the cool breeze. In that vast openness, surrounded by endless fields of gold, I felt at peace. Each experience grounded me in the present moment. 

Tourist Places Near Lambasingi

After spending some time in the mustard fields, I walked to the Thajangi Reservoir, which was about six km from the village. The muddy roads, blooming fields, hilly terrain and the old-school tribal homes made the walk even more exciting. The water in the reservoir served as a mirror to the sky; the surrounding hills no less than a charming scene from a Tollywood movie. I particularly enjoyed ziplining above the reservoir as the cold breeze kissed my cheeks.

Lambasingi is surrounded by stunning mountains and valleys, offering several must-visit spots like Kothapalli Waterfall, and the charming Black-Eyed Susan Garden adorned with bright yellow blooms. The village is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with landscapes ideal for trekking, mountain biking, photography, hiking, camping or simply enjoying a peaceful walk in nature. 

Transforming Lambasingi with Ecotourism

Located far from the chaos of city life, Lambasingi is now being transformed into an ecotourism destination by the APTDC under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0, ensuring sustainable development while preserving its natural charm. The Swadesh Darshan Scheme is a flagship initiative launched by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in 2014-15 to develop tourism infrastructure across various destinations in the country. 

The APTDC has proposed the development of the Araku-Lambasingi region as part of the Araku Eco-Tourism Circuit. This initiative aims to connect key tourist destinations in the area, creating a well-structured travel route for visitors exploring the region. The project focuses on unlocking the region’s untapped tourism potential while preserving its natural and cultural heritage, offering a more immersive and sustainable experience for travellers.

So, if you’re someone who loves slow travel and nature, pack your bags and head to this hidden, charming village in Andhra Pradesh. And yes, be a responsible traveller, don’t litter and leave the place in a better state than when you first arrived. 

The Information | Lambasingi

How to Reach Lambasingi

By Air: Lambasingi lies about 100 km east of Visakhapatnam, with Visakhapatnam Airport located approximately 115 km away.

By Rail: If you’re travelling by train, the closest railway station is Anakapalle, about 72 km from the village.

By Road: Lambasingi is also well connected by road, making it easily accessible from various cities and towns. 

Where to Stay

Lambasingi is a small village, and hence, accommodation facilities are scarce. However, one of the best places to stay is the Haritha Resorts, managed by the APTDC.