The Vales of Hills of Hyderabad: Discover the Cooler Parts of the Historic Region
Almost 400 years old, the historical city of Hyderabad is as charming as it is modern. Filled with stunning architectural buildings that reflect its rich heritage, the city boasts of myriad ways to lure tourists, historians and culture-vulture alike.
And, if its museums, forts and unique rock formation weren’t enough, the city offers an array of weekend getaways that are located quite close, offering a refreshing break from the usual. We’re talking hill stations and beach destinations, or historical hamlets and pilgrim sites.
Anantagiri Hills:
Known to be the oldest forested civilisation, at an altitude of 1168, the Ananthagiri Hills offer great trekking routes, making it a trekkers’ paradise. The region exudes a stunning elegance accentuated by the scent of coffee and exotic floral beauty. It is a perfect place for honeymooners as well as family vacationers with its touch of natural surrealism.
Horsley Hills:
A picture-perfect way to chill out (quite literally!) over the weekend, Horsley Hills is a confluence of hillocks, dense forest patches, deciduous trees reaching out to the horizon, crisp nippy air, and undisturbed tranquillity. Some of its highlights include the Gangotri and Mansarovar lakes, Kaigal Falls, Whisper Wind Viewpoint, Mallamma temple, and Chennakesava Temple.
Lambasingi:
If you’re looking to experience snowfall in the south of India, Lambasingi is the only place here that offers it. Perched at an altitude of 1000 metres above sea level, the summer months carry their own charm with quaint valleys and cool temperatures.
This misty hill station in Visakhapatnam’s Chintapalli town is sheathed in an ethereal white throughout the year and is home to an isolated tribal community that works at the pepper and coffee plantations, which are a sight to behold.
Araku Valley:
Nestled in the lap of the lushly forested Eastern Ghats, Araku valley is truly an unexplored gem. Located at about 1,200 feet above sea level, Araku valley is as quaint as it is stunning. The valley is renowned for its delectable coffee, verdant countryside and rich tribal culture. Its waterfalls, dense green forests, sprawling coffee plantations and perfect climate, make it a picturesque valley of peace and tranquillity.
Srisailam:
With strong roots in Hindu mythology, this temple town is a popular pilgrim centre located in the midst of the Nallamala woods. It is home to the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, built by King Harihar Raya of Vijaynagar. The Bhramaramba Devi Temple is also located here, as is the opportunity to take a dip in the River Krishna – believed to have medicinal properties.