Go trekking, cycling or on a long drive this season. From forts to wildlife sanctuaries, there are plenty of places to visit in Hyderabad
Now that the scorching heat of summer, which hovers between 40 and 45 degrees Celsius, has eased and given way to a strong monsoon in Hyderabad and the rest of Telangana, a weekend trip doesn’t seem like a bad idea. From time-tested favourites like Nagarjuna Sagar and Yeleswaragattu islands, Bhongir Fort, the Ramappa Temple in Warangal (UNESCO World Heritage Site) to the lesser-known Pakhal Lake, Somashila and Ali Sagar reservoirs, there are plenty of options. Mind you, waterlogging and slippery surfaces must be factored in, and if planning a trek, check the weather conditions and take prior permission from the local administration or police department.
Climb the fortress
“It’s so close to Hyderabad; I wonder why I haven’t been here all these years,” says advocate Sneha Bhogle, who visited Bhongir or Bhuvangiri fort. Located in Nalgonda district, about 50km from Hyderabad, the fort, standing high on a large, monolithic rock, is a favourite among hikers and trekkers. The day Sneha visited Bhongir – with her daughter, a friend and her niece – she remembers seeing an enthusiastic group climbing the rocks more than twice. She learnt they were preparing for a climb to Everest Base Camp.
Bhongir Fort | Photo Credit: Md. Arif
Climb the stairs or choose the rappelling and rock-climbing routes, with assistance from Telangana Tourism representatives at the site, and enjoy the views of Bhongir from the top of the hill. Visitors need to carry their own food and water. “Bhongir was worth visiting, especially for kids, instead of the usual amusement parks,” says Sneha.
Choose your destination
Mohammed Ahmed, a volunteer with the Great Hyderabad Adventure Club (GHAC) who has been organising adventure, camping and trekking trips since 2008, recommends destinations on different routes from Hyderabad. One can take the Kurnool route to see the Oravakallu Rock Garden, head to Gandikota and Belum caves in Andhra Pradesh, or visit Pakhal Lake and Wildlife Sanctuary in Warangal, Koilsagar Dam and Fort near Mahbubnagar, Somasila in Nagarkurnool and Medak Fort in Telangana. “Camping activities have been temporarily halted at some places like Devarakonda Fort. Pocharam Lake and Wildlife Sanctuary are other popular spots; those who want to camp can try Under the Moon (lake complex) near Shamirpet on the outskirts of Hyderabad
Ahmed warns that rain-soaked days may not be ideal for trekking, rappelling, rock climbing or bouldering. “It is advisable to take permission in advance and ensure that there are experts in rope climbing and trekking in the group.”
In recent years the Sahyadris or Western Ghats have also become a favourite destination among trekkers from Hyderabad, and some go as far as Rajgad and Torana near Maharashtra.
Cycling Trails
Almost every weekend, Sanjay Yadav, an avid cyclist who is also part of the Hyderabad Randonneurs group that undertakes long-distance rides, sets out on cycling trips with friends and colleagues. “During summer, we would start cycling at dawn, and return before it got too hot. Given the scorching heat conditions this year, some of us refrained from long-distance cycling. The monsoon is a good time to resume short and long-distance cycling,” said the engineer working with an IT major.
Sanjay Yadav and his friends on a cycle trip from Hyderabad | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
When Sanjay is accompanied by colleagues who are new to cycling, they take the Gachibowli-Shamshabad route or cycle towards Osman Sagar, Himayat Sagar and Chilkur Balaji Temple. Sometimes, he and his friends cycle to the Ananthagiri hills, around 70 to 75 kilometres from Gachibowli.
Sometimes, with cycles tied to the racks of cars, small teams travel to Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh and cycle on the slopes there. Sanjay cautions: “For cycling in this weather, cycle in groups and carry first aid and tool kits in case of a punctured tyre.”