What's your idea of a perfect getaway? Lush greenery, towering hills, and a breathtaking sunrise? Just about 80 KM from Hyderabad is Ananthagiri Hills in the Vikarabad district. Tucked away inside a dense forest, the temperature drops from the average temperature of the city which makes this an ideal road trip location to get away from the city. Here is a list of top things to do in Ananthagiri Hills.
Seek Adventure & Chasing Sunsets: These Are The Top Things To Do In Ananthagiri Hills
Visit Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple
According to locals, Ananthagiri Hills is one of the oldest inhabited places in Telangana and the ruined ancient caves and monuments are truly a testament to that. It is also where the Musi river originates — a tributary of the Krishna River that flows through Hyderabad. In for a religious journey? Ananthagiri Hills is home to one of the popular temples in Telangana called Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple. This temple is the abode to Lord Vishnu but the interesting part is that this was built by a Nizam king around 400 years ago and today, it's a symbol for religious harmony.
Timings: 6 AM to 11 AM, 5 PM to 7 PM
Entry fee: Free
Trek Up To The Hill Top
If you enjoy trekking, you'd be happy to know that Ananthagiri Hills has two trekking trails. One starts from the temple and the other starts half a kilometre away from the temple towards Kerelli. These treks are beginner friendly and you will find many packages at the tourism desk. Feel free to wear your solid hiking shoes and trek your way to glory.
Timing: Sunrise to Sunset
Plan Your Stay
Ananthagiri Hills is no stranger to amazing stay options, ranging from budget hotels to luxe resorts. We recommend putting up at Deccan Trails. If you are all about scoring stunning views, book yourself a stay at The GrassWalk Resort and Hills & Valley Adventure Resort in Vikarabad are some other options.
Go Kayaking For The Thrill
The Kotapally Reservoir in Vikarabad arranges plenty of water activities and you can head out there for your share of a kayak. Raft in the lake all you like and explore the surroundings when you're done. Several food stalls are set up around the lake and you can indulge in some roasted corn after a strenuous water activity. But you can also picnic at the lake by carrying your own snacks and eatables.
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Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Be In Awe At Ananthagiri Hills Viewpoint
If you want a panoramic view of nature's best, this is where you go. Also known as Godamguda Viewpoint, you can see lush greenery all around, musi river flowing at a steady stream and spot occasional peacocks sitting atop boulders. If you’re planning on capturing the beauty of a camera, you won’t be alone. This place is adored by Hyderabad’s photography enthusiasts in every season, monsoon specially. And if you don’t mind spontaneous adventure, you can trek up the rolling hills.
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Explore The Hidden Katiki Waterfalls
Tucked away amidst dense flora and protected by a rough terrain, Katiki Waterfalls is a must visit place to see in Ananthagiri Hills. You have to walk your way up through rugged terrain and it will take effort, NGL, but it’s totally worth it. You’ll know you’re close when you hear the gushing sound of water falling from 50 ft height, and on the way you can spot sparrows and butterflies. Once you reach the top, put up a makeshift picnic set up and take it all in. The cool breeze will instantly put you into a meditative trance.
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Don’t Miss The Sarpanapally Lake
Clear waters in all its glory, that’s Sarpanapally Lake for you. What pulls people to this spot is the calmness of the still water that’s extraordinary from the city’s hustle-bustle. The air is cleaner and it’s just the place you go to for some peace and quiet. Originally, the lake was made for irrigation purposes, helping the agricultural land around it, and with time it has evolved into a tranquil place to visit in Ananthagiri Hills.
Google image, uploaded by Swarupa Rani Sahu
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Visit The Historic Borra Hills & Caves
A stone’s throw away from the waterfalls, Bora Hills and caves tell great stories of the past, including archeological evidence to human habitation from thousands of years ago. These limestone caves were made by the natural forces a million years past and home to astonishing rock formations.
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Taste A Fresh Brew At The Coffee Plantations
Did you know that one of the best places to visit in Ananthagiri Hills is the coffee plantation? Yes, and not only does it offer a breathtaking view like every other place here but also give you a path to stroll down red berry vines and fresh coffee sprouts. If you’re a coffee enthusiast, you can learn more about the harvesting process and get a guided tour of the place. When you finally give in to the scintillating coffee aroma, get some freshly brewed coffee and take back souvenirs for your fam.
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
