If you are overborne with the sultry heat of Hyderabad, then we have the perfect holiday recipe planned for you. The business like City of Nizams is blessed with many great hill stations in its close vicinity. And these unexplored hill stations have provided the Hyderabadis much deserved break from the heat and heir regular monotonous schedules. So, without making you wait any longer, let us spill the beans. Here are some great hill stations you can visit from Hyderabad, during the weekends.
Anantgiri Hills
(80 KM away from Hyderabad)
Situated near the small town of Vikarabad, at at an elevation of 700 M above sea level, this is a hill station known for its majestic views of the surrounding forests. It is believed that these hills were abodes for first human settlers in South India! The ancient caves still bear the traces of such settlements. The medieval forts and temples spread through the hills keep the tourists engrossed. The best time to visit these hills is during the late monsoons when the lush green surroundings together with the clouds turn this place into heavenly abode.
- Tip: There are certain places where prior permission is required for photography.
- Nearest Railhead: Godumguda (8 KM away)
Araku Valley
(666 KM away from Hyderabad)
Araku Valley is nestled in the mountain ranges of Eastern Ghats. The area is known for its rich biodiversity which can be witnessed at the Anantgiri and Sunkarimetta reserved forest areas. The valley is one of the prominent coffee producing areas of India and tours to the coffee fields is a definite attraction of a tour here. Situated at an elevation of 912 M above sea level, the valley witnesses pleasant climate all through the year. There are many mountains surrounding this valley, namely Galikonda, Raktakonda, Sunkarimetta and Chitamongondi. One of the attractions of a trip to the Valley lies in the journey itself. The train journey up the hill, crosses many tunnels and scenic landscapes.
- Must See: Bora caves, Tribal Museum, Katiki Waterfalls, Padmapuram Botanical Gardens and Tyda Park
- Entry Fee for Coffee Plantations: Rs. 20 – 40
- Entry Fees for Bora Caves: Rs. 40 (for Adults) and Rs. 30 (for children)
- Nearest Railhead: Araku (2 KM away)
Nallamala Hills
(226 KM away from Hyderabad)
Located at an elevation of 1,100 M above sea level, these hills lie in one of the most unexplored areas of Andhra Pradesh. The hills are covered with dense forests and bordered by the Krishna and Pennar rivers. A safari into the Nagarjunsagar- Srisailam Tiger Reserve is a must do during your visit to these hills. There is also the Cumbum Lake (India’s oldest man-made lake) and Mallelatheertham waterfalls that offer great scenery.
- Must See: Mahanandi and Ahobilam Narsimha Temple, Srisailam Gopuram, Mallela Theertham, Srisailam Shiva temple, Krishna riverbanks
- Nagarjunsagar- Srisailam Tiger Reserve Safari Cost: Rs. 800 per Jeep.
- Nearest Railhead: Gundalukamma (9.5 KM away)
Lambasingi
(571 KM away from Hyderabad)
Known as the “Kashmir of Andra Pradesh”, Lambasingi is a small village in the Visakhapatnam district. This is one the rare places in Southern India that receives snowfall during the winters. The temperature here remains cold all through the year. Even on the warmest days in Andhra Pradesh, the temperature in Lambasingi remains at 5oC. Trekking through the primeval forests of Lambasingi is a prime attraction. For the adventurous minded, there are scopes to opt for recreational rock climbing, rappelling and camping under the stars.
- Must See: Day trips to coffee and pepper gardens, Kothapally waterfall, Hope Island, Bojjannakonda
- Nearest Railhead: Regupalem (69 KM away)
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