Why Ananthagiri for a weekend
The closest forest getaway to Hyderabad is Ananthagiri Hills in Vikarabad district which is only 80-95 km. You have hazy monsoon forests, modest beginner-friendly courses, a heritage temple (Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy) and the tranquil Kotepally Lake where kayaking and camping have become a regular weekend event.
It is ideal with couples, families and first time trekkers who desire to have green scenery without having to make long drive.
Best season and weather windows
- Monsoon (Jul-Sep): Lush trails, small streams and waterfalls; there will be occasional showers, leeches on forest trails, and muddy paths.
- Post-monsoon/winter (Oct-Feb): The most comfortable period- cool mornings, clear sunsets, best to go on treks and kayaking. Summer (Mar-Jun): Hot afternoons; get up early, bring water, and complete walks before noon. After 5 pm, the sunsets are pretty but hazy.
- summer: Forests shut down at night. Plan increases either in the morning or in the late afternoon, not after 5 pm.
Pro tip: Forest areas close by dusk. Plan hikes for morning or late afternoon, not after 5 pm.
Quick planner: distance, time, costs
| Item | Typical Range (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hyderabad (Gachibowli/ORR) → Ananthagiri | 80–95 km; 2–2.5 hrs by car | Via ORR → Chevella → Vikarabad |
| Train | Hyderabad/Hyderabadi Jn → Vikarabad Jn (VKB) 1.5–2.5 hrs | Frequent passenger/express options; autos to hills |
| Local autos Vikarabad ↔ Ananthagiri | ₹200–400 one way | Bargain or ask your stay |
| Kotepally Lake kayaking | ₹200–500 per person (15–45 min) | Lifejackets provided; last rides near sunset |
| Basic trek/guide (if hired) | ₹400–1,000 per group | Local guides add safety in monsoon |
| Homestays/lodges | ₹1,200–3,500 per night | Weekend surge possible |
| Simple meals | ₹120–250 per person | Veg “meals”, tiffins are common |
| Best sunset window | 5:30–6:30 pm | Cloud‑dependent in monsoon |
Top places and things to do
| Place/Activity | What you’ll see/do | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple | Historic temple amid trees | 30–45 min |
| Forest Trek – Trail near temple | Easy loop through red soil trails, roots, bamboo patches | 1.5–2.5 hrs |
| Forest Trek – Alternate trail (local guide) | Slightly longer forest walk to viewpoints/streams | 2–3.5 hrs |
| Ananthagiri Viewpoints | Layered valleys and villages | 20–40 min |
| Kotepally Lake | Kayaking, casual camping, sunset photos | 1–3 hrs |
| Vikarabad town stop | Snacks, chai, local bakeries | 20–30 min |
| Roadside photo bays | Eucalyptus lines, fields | 5–10 min each |
Sample 1–2 day itineraries
One-day dash (self-drive):
- 9:00 AM: Temple visit + fast breakfast in Vikarabad.
- 10:00 AM-12:00 PM: Forest trek (beginner loop).
- 1:00 PM: Town or homestay cafe lunch.
- 3:30-5:30 PM: Kotepally Lake to kayak and have sunset.
- 6:30-8:30 PM: Drive back to Hyderabad.
Relaxed weekender (1 night):
- Day 1: Drive down – temple – lunch – forest walk with the guide – sunset Kotepally – campfire (at an authorised campsite/stay).
- Day 2: Bird sounds early walk – breakfast – 2 nd short nature trail or cafe visit – back to Hyderabad by afternoon.
Family Tip: When taking children or the elderly, instead of the long walk in the forest, take the short walk in the forest and spend more time in the lake and the observation points.
Getting there: road, train and bus
- By car/bike: Hyderabad – ORR (Exit to chevella) – chevella -vikarabad – ananthagiri. After Chevella, the roads are generally good single-lane roads with speed breakers and village traffic.
- By Train: A number of trains to Vikarabad Jn (VKB) in a day. At the station, take an auto to the temple or to where you are staying (20-30 minutes).
- By Bus: TSRTC buses between MGBS/JBS and Vikarabad will be frequently available, and the last mile will be served by auto/cab. In the case of Kotepally, it will be necessary to coordinate with either a local operator or rent an auto in Vikarabad.
Basics behind the driving: When downhill turns out to be less than a mile long, switch to low gears, when the road gets wet, do not slam on the brakes, and in a village lane, do not honk unless necessary.
Where to stay: budget to mid‑range
| Area/Type | Price/Night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Vikarabad town lodges | ₹1,200–2,000 | Basic AC rooms near station/market |
| Ananthagiri homestays | ₹1,800–3,000 | Garden rooms, set meals, near trails |
| Telangana Tourism (Haritha) | ₹2,000–4,000 | Govt‑run, simple rooms, easy access |
| Camps near Kotepally Lake | ₹1,200–2,000 pp (with meals in packages) | Tents, bonfire, stargazing (clear nights) |
Food options and essentials
- Vikarabad town: Tiffin centers for idli, dosa, poori; small restaurants for veg “meals” at lunch.
- Near temple/trek: Tea stalls appear on weekends; carry water and snacks on weekdays.
- Around Kotepally: Seasonal stalls and homestay cafes; confirm availability before evening kayaking.
- Essentials to carry: Refillable bottle, hat, sunscreen (even in winter), rain jacket in monsoon, small first-aid kit, torch for camping.
Safety, permits, and eco‑etiquette
- Trails: Stick to marked paths; do not enter core forest after dusk. Avoid cliff edges and wet rocks.
- Leeches (monsoon): Not harmful–use closed shoes, apply insect repellent to socks; carry salt or a dab of sanitizer to remove gently.
- Wildlife: Snakes and small mammals live here–watch your step, don’t play loud music.
- Drones: Can be restricted near temple/forest; get local permission.
- Litter: Carry back all trash. Glass bottles are a bad idea on trails and lake fronts.
- Kayaking safety: Wear the lifejacket, avoid stepping on slippery rocks, and respect cut-off times after sunset.
Conclusion
Ananthagiri Hills is the Hyderabad weekend that feels longer than it is–a quiet temple, red-soil trails under tall trees, birdsong at dawn, and the calm of Kotepally’s sunset paddle. Come with realistic monsoon expectations, keep your plans flexible, and you can fit a full forest-and-lake reset into 24-36 hours without burning fuel or leave.
