Hyderabad: After the scorching summer, here comes the monsoon with all its beauty and charm. And, what else could be the best way to relish the splendour of the monsoon than in the lap of nature? This weekend, break away from the city’s hustle and bustle and enjoy the mystery of the forests, feel the cold water of the lake on your feet and enjoy the sound of the wind in the trees.
Pack your backpack and escape to Ananthagiri Hills in Vikarabad district or poor man’s Ooty, as it is famously called. The long stretches of greenery, heavenly waterfalls that come alive in this season, quiet mountains, the occasional rains and the cosy nooks and corners hidden in the turns of hills offer stunning beauty.
It is one of the best trekking destinations for beginners. You can follow any of the two trails – one from Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple that takes you directly into the Ananthagiri forest, which is covered by red soil, and the other from the area that is at least 0.5 km from the temple towards Kerelli, which offers a picturesque view of the forest and the valleys. All through the trek, you can hear the birds chirping and the peacocks too. You can spend an hour or more in the woods.
The 500-year-old Bugga Ramalingeshwara Swamy temple, located in Bugga Rameshwaram village, 7-km from the Padmanabha Swamy temple is a treat to the eyes. It is in the midst of a valley. There is an underground stream that originates beneath the Shiva linga of the temple and flows continuously throughout the year. The water is collected into a pond near the temple. River Musi is said to have originated from this place. A tiny trek of one km in the place leads to a watchtower from where you can have a majestic view of the hills.
Also, adventure lovers, you don’t have to travel too long to quench your thirst for kayaking. From Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple, ride 15 km to reach Kotepally Reservoir or Nagasamudram Lake where you can find plenty of water activities including kayaking. Rent the small boat for Rs 200 and try kayaking for yourself for 30 minutes. There are a slew of food stalls set up around the lake where you can have Maggi and some roasted corn. You can also take your snacks and picnic at the lake. This is also a great location for bird watching.
For accommodation, you can choose Haritha Resort which has a tariff of Rs 1,500 per day and the second option is Deccan Trails, a campsite nestled in the serene hills. Avoid visiting the Ananthagiri hills during torrential rain as it might hinder tourism and sightseeing.
Where: Vikarabad district
What: Trekking, kayaking, and sightseeing
Distance: 90 km from Hyderabad
Where to stay: Haritha Valley View Resort or Deccan Trails
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