Soliloquy

Ananthagiri Hills in Vikarabad offer the ideal respite for Hyderabadis who get tired of the hustle and bustle of the city. Situated barely a hundred kilometres from any corner of the city, Vikarabad is perhaps the perfect weekend getaway for those of us on a budget. 

There are considerable options for guests to stay on the hills, but the most luxurious is the Haritha Resort run by the government of Telangana. Overlooking a valley filled with dense foliage, the resort has every modern amenity that one would need. Camping is an option as well, and it feels rather nice to sleep under the stars on a bleak summer night. 

The forest, which is a part of the Ananthagiri Hills range, is rumoured to have bears roaming around at will, but I have not been able to spot anything more than a couple of monkeys on my visits. 

Also read: Wayanad, A Photojourney

The monsoons are the best time to visit the hills, when the valleys on the road to Tandur turn exorbitantly green. The temple of Lord Anantha Padmanabha Swamy, I am sure, will interest the devout, ornamented as it is by a giant statue of Lord Hanuman near the gate.

The weather is pleasant throughout the year but it is not advised to step out during high noon. As in other parts of the Deccan, Ananthagiri becomes unbearable at that time of the day. It is best to step out at either dawn or dusk. The nights get comparatively colder, and that is when one can sit down and have a nice little barbecue or campfire. 

There are, to be honest, few places of interest apart from the cities of Hyderabad and Warangal in our state, but I feel it is a duty of mine to bring these lesser-known towns into the limelight. This will, quite naturally, drive more tourism and in turn, help the local economy while showcasing stories of sustainability from our very own Telangana.

Where: Ananthagiri Hills, Vikarabad District, Telangana.

How to reach: Direct buses and trains ply from Hyderabad.

Best time to visit: June to January.

Best place to stay: Haritha Resort.

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