Despite February being the shortest month in the year, you can make every weekend count when it comes to your travel goals. This month, we’re recommending gorgeous getaways a few hours’ drive from your city. This means you can have a mini vacation and head back to the city within a day! Think time constraints are throwing in the spanner for your travel plans? Think again! If you’re in Hyderabad, rent a car and visit the Yadadri temple at Yadagirigutta, soak in the views in Anantagiri Hills, spend a day in Ramoji Film City or revisit history in Medak.
Yadagirigutta
Yadagirigutta is predominantly known for the ‘Yadadri’ temple, dedicated to Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is situated on a hillock in the Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district in Telangana. According to legend, a sage named Yadarishi did penance inside a cave on this hill. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Narasimha appeared before him in five forms. The sage requested Him to remain in the temple for all to worship. The five forms manifested themselves into five sculptures, which came to be known as ‘Pancha Narasimha Khetram’ and are worshipped in the temple even today. In addition to Yadagirigutta, one can also visit Pushkarini Sri Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Sri Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple, and Sri Ramalayam, nearby. Yadagirigutta is located about 62km from Hyderabad and can be reached in 1.5 hours. This trip can be done within one day and you can book a cab from Hyderabad to Yadagirigutta.
Anantagiri Hills
Boasting of lush green forests, magnificent views and various trekking points, Anantagiri hills provide a beautiful getaway from Hyderabad. These hills are located at Vikarabad in Ranga Reddy district of Telangana. This area is most famous as the birthplace of Musi river, which flows through Hyderabad. In addition to its flora and fauna, the forests in Ananthagiri have also been explored for medicinal herbs. Anantha Padmabha Swamy Temple is another major attraction in this area. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is depicted in this temple as reclining on ‘Anantha’, the snake which floats on the cosmic waters of Vaikuntha, Lord Vishnu’s abode. For the trekking enthusiasts, there are two well known trails through the forests, one of which starts from the temple. Ananthagiri Hills are located about 80km from Hyderabad and the distance can be covered in a little over 2 hours by booking a cab in Hyderabad.
Ramoji Film City
The closest tourist destination to Hyderabad on this list, Ramoji Film City is located barely 25 km away from the capital city. It is the world’s largest integrated film studio complex, and is spread over 2500 acres of area. It is the preferred destination for many tourists to spend a full day, as it has a number of rides and recreational activities. Some of the major attractions of the Film City include Sun Fountain, Japanese Garden, Angel’s Fountain, Jail, Princess Street, Eureka and the Airport. This is the best option for a one day trip, since you can get there in under half an hour travelling via Hyderabad to Ramoji Film City cabs. The city of Nizams is surrounded by many such gems. Maintaining the work and fun balance in important, so a getaway to one of these interesting destinations is definitely a must for residents of Hyderabad and tourists alike!
Medak
The town of Medak in Telangana is rich with cultural history, monuments and food. The town of Medak has one of the largest dioceses in Asia, and the Medak Cathedral is a gorgeous Gothic Revival style church that is a must-visit for tourists. Built by Kakatiya rulers in the 12th century, Medak Fort is another popular spot that you should visit. For wildlife enthusiasts, Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is a short distance from Medak and has a gorgeous lake from where you can watch herons, egrets and openbill storks.
