Hey explorer, 

What comes to your mind when I say Hyderabad - Charminar, a Telugu city with more people speaking Hindi, a pollution, or a stressful life? But at the end of the day, a city is a city, and you always look for peace, but your hustle and bustle life doesn't let you. 

What if I say a two-day trip (Saturday and Sunday) from Hyderabad can give you the peace you longed for? Wow, exciting, right? That place is Ananthagiri Hills in the Vikarabad district of Telangana.

Why Ananthagiri Hills?

Imagine yourself in the city, the honking cars and endless traffic making your head spin. You dream of fresh air, a chance to chill amidst nature's beauty. That's where Ananthagiri Hills come in, like a green escape hatch just a stone's throw away from Hyderabad.

It's just another hill, you might argue. But these hills offer more than just nature walks. Want a calm site? Take a rest under a shady tree. Want to refresh your body from city pollution? Take a dip in the waterfalls. Want to connect deep to your core? Enjoy the setting sun. And more. 

So, ditch the city noise and adventure to these captivating hills. They promise memories that will last a lifetime.

Overview

Ananthagiri Hills, sitting in the Vikarabad district of Telangana, has dense forests and centuries past, given that people have lived here for centuries.

The hidden ancient caves within the forests and Medieval fort structures show a rich past of hills. However, the birthplace of the Musi River flowing through the heart of Hyderabad makes this place even more magnetic. 

Around India, people living in the hills like Ananthagiri Hills carry a deep connection with nature and tradition. The indigenous people who belong to these hills have a heritage of art, music, and folklore.

They depend on farming, while the Telangana International Kite Festival and Pongal are energetic celebrations celebrated here. While Telugu is the primary language of locals here, many locals can still understand English and Hindi because of the closeness of these hills to Hyderabad.

Yet, learning a few basic Telugu phrases can increase your interaction with the local people and boost your cultural experience. A few commonly used Telugu phrases are:

- ధన్యవాదాలు (Dhanyavādālu) - Thank you
- మీరు ఎలా ఉన్నారు? (Mīru ēlā unnāru?) - How are you?
- మీరు ఏమి చేస్తున్నారు? (Mīru ēmi cēstunnāru?) - What are you doing?
- ఎప్పుడు రావాలి? (Eppuḍu rāvāli?) - When should I come?
- ఏం తిన్నారు? (Ēm tinnāru?) - What are you eating?
- నీ పేరు ఏమిటి? (Nī pēru ēmiṭi?) - What's your name?
- క్షమించండి (Kshaminchandi) - Excuse me / Sorry
- నా పేరు [your name] (Na peru [your name]) - My name is [your name]
- ఇది ఎంత ఖర్చు? (Idi entha karchu?) - How much does this cost?
- మీరు ఎక్కడ నుండి వచ్చారు? (Mīru ekkada nundi vacchāru?) - Where are you from?

Ananthagiri Hills enjoys a pleasant climate for most of the year. The summers are warm. The monsoon, between July and September, brings moderate to heavy rainfall. Winters (November to February) are the most enjoyable, with cool temperatures and clear skies. 

Discovery Checklist

Ananthagiri Hills might be hills, and you might argue that this place is only perfect for enjoying nature. While that is true to some extent, you must do a few things here and visit a few places around these hills while touring. So, what are those must-do things in Ananthagiri Hills, you ask? Well, 

- Visit Swayambu Anantha Padmanabha Swami Temple.
- Trek the hidden and challenging trails of Ananthagiri Hills.
- Take a dip or a picnic lunch by the Ananthagiri Hills waterfall.

The nearby places to these hills you can pay a visit to include:

- Himayat Sagar dam (65 km)
- Osman Sagar dam (64 km)
- Vikarabad Fort (8 km)
- Hyderabad (80 km)

And on your way home full of experiences, do not forget to sweeten the mouths of your dearest ones at home with natural honey and gift them the Handmade wooden things bought here as souvenirs. 

Travel Itinerary

A Guide to WH Questions

Transportation

Ananthagiri Hills are not far away from the metro city of Hyderabad. With just 80 km apart, getting to this scenic and offbeat destination is hassle-free. You can reach the hills by bus from the Bus Station in Hyderabad or rent a car.

The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) in Hyderabad, 60.5 km away, while the closest railway station is Vikarabad Junction (VKB), 6 km away.

Hotels 

Since Ananthagiri Hills are on the outskirts of Hyderabad, the prices of hotels and food items in local eateries might seem reasonable. Yet, stay options like resorts and hill-based hotels might be expensive. Some of our recommendations within Vikarabad and around the hills include:

• Accommodation

- Haritha Resort - It's a 3.6-star rating hotel.
- RJ Comforts Hotel and Lodging - It's a 3-star hotel. 
- Chaya Inn Banquets and Rooms - It's a 4.9-star rating hotel. 

• Eateries

- Wah Biriyani Wah - Best for non-veg items. 
- Garden Spice Kitchen - Best for chicken items.
- Jai Bhavani Tiffin Center - Best for South Indian Breakfast. 

Popular Food

- Gongura Mutton: A curry made with gongura leaves and mutton.
- Chicken Dum Biryani: Rice dish cooked with chicken. 

Travel Tips

- Pack comfortable clothing and footwear. 
- Wear light clothes to beat warm and sweaty weather. 
- Pack sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent for a better experience.
- Wear a semi-traditional dress when attending local festivals or temples. 

Safety Tips

- Only trek in the known hiking areas. 
- Always keep an eye out for your luggage in crowded areas. 
- Let someone know about your trek plans when trekking alone. 

Travel Expenses

Ananthagiri Hills is a budget-friendly destination. However, it entirely depends on how you tend to spend when travelling. Including everything, a budget traveller might need ₹2,500 to ₹4,000 a day per person. 

Conclusion

Ananthagiri Hills is the perfect antidote to city life from Hyderabad at just 2 hour's journey. Whether you dream of relief at the ancient temple, a dip in the rushing waterfalls, or an adventure on a nature trail, these hills have something for everyone. On top of all, the local culture and delicious cuisine add another layer to the memorable experience. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. 

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