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Andhra Pradesh

Hills weekend getaways from Hyderabad you must explore

By: Mikhil Rialch

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Hyderabad is fast-becoming the Silicon Valley 2.0, intent on snatching that crown from Bengaluru. Metro facilities are getting by the day and the cuisine stays awesome as ever. That’s right, Hyderabad is certainly on its way towards becoming one of the most exciting cities to live in as a young Indian.

But sometimes, the constant bustle of Hyderabad makes you yearn for a break, a real break, not just away from this city, but from any city – a catharsis that can only manifest itself in a getaway to nature. With that in mind, we thought we’d pop some ideas for excellent hill weekend getaways from Hyderabad.

Here goes…

1. Anantagiri Hills

A short distance from Hyderabad, the Anantagiri Hills are the perfect weekend getaway from the city. Sprawling with coffee plantations, Anantagiri Hills bring the best of the Eastern Ghats experience. Trekkers will revel in the trails that are waiting to be explored here – and the moderate height means even first-time trekkers will find it a very enjoyable experience. Best times to visit here are in February.

How to Get There: Anantagiri Hills are located about 76 km from Hyderabad, via the Chevella Road.

2. Nagarjuna Sagar

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Though not exactly a hill station, its proximity to Hyderabad and the fact that there are three hills overlooking the waters gushing through the 12 gates of the Nagarjuna Sagar makes it a worthy qualifier for this list. Add to that the cool breezes of the environs and the boating trips to be made here and you’ll have a perfect destination to visit and beat the Hyderabad heat.

How to Get There: Take a direct train from Hyderabad to Macheria (nearest station to Nagarjuna Sagar). A car ride would take you around 3 hours.

3. Srisailam

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A religious getaway from Hyderabad amidst cool mountain climes, Srisailam is a place to visit temples in a more adventurous setting. Take a trip to the Ista Kameswari Temple with a wonderful drive through the dense forest, or take a ropeway to explore the Akkamahadevi Caves.

How to Get There: Take a bus from Hyderabad to Srisailam. The journey should take you about 4 hours.

4. Horsley Hills

At an elevation of 4100 ft, Horsley Hills are dotted with dense forests, abundant plant and animal life, and a number of small temples across its many hillocks. Adventure sports, trekking and birdwatching are some of the more common activities for travellers here.

How to Get There: Take the NH 44 and the Anantapur-Tirupati Highway to reach Horsley Hills. The ride should take you about 8 hours.

5. Lonavala

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One of the most sought-after hill stations for both Mumbaikars and Hyderabadis, Lonavala’s scenic vistas, blending the mountain mists with green pastures and crisp natural breeze makes it a clear favourite. Some of the popular attractions here include the Karla and Bhaja Caves, the Duke’s Nose Peak and the Walwan Dam. Try to visit from October till May for the best experience.

6. Papi Hills

A scenic gorge located over the Godavari River, Papi Hills provide some of the most panoramic landscapes in the region – perfect excuse for bringing a good camera along. During the winter months, the scenes of the mountains shrouded by mist over the icy waters of the Godavari are truly memories to remember for a lifetime. Try visiting the village of Perantalapalli and bathing in the mountain waters at Pamaleru Wagu.

How to Get There: You’ll need to take NH 65 and NH 16 to get to Rajamahudry, which leads to Papi Hills.

7. Araku Valley

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Situated in Vishakhapatnam, this picturesque valley is renowned for its rich biodiversity spots. Replete with thick forests, vast coffee plantations and home to several indigenous tribes, Araku Valley also has a number of beaches such as the Rama Krishna Beach, caves like the Borra Caves and trails that wind through endless coffee plantations – making it a truly rich experience for your weekend getaway.

How to Get There: Take the NH 163 to get to Araku Valley from Hyderabad.

8. Chikmagalur

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Translating to “the Younger Daughter’s Town”, Chikmagalur is as feisty a hill destination as the name implies. Nestled in the Baba Budan Giri (often called the “birthplace of coffee”) – Chikmagalur is resplendent with scenic vistas, mist-clad peaks, coffee plantations and the aroma of mountain air. Some attractions here include the Baba Budan Giri (1866 m), Hebbe Falls (550 ft) and the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.

How to Get There: Chikmagalur can be reached via the NH 44 from Hyderabad.

9. Lambasingi

Often called the Kashmir of South India, Lambasingi is one of those rare hidden spots that you can brag about to your friends. Coffee and pepper plantations are strewn across the hill station amidst salubrious climate and excellent vantage points to see the world drop before your eyes. Try and make a winter visit here in order to see the snow falling in South India.

How to Get There: Take the NH 65 and NH 16 to reach Lambasingi from Hyderabad in a journey that will take you about 10 hours via car.

Where to Stay: Decent accommodations can be found here at Rs. 2100 per night.

So, where are you going for an affair with the clouds this time?