To a summer weekend: Anathagiri

It's been almost a decade of my stay in Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana State. After a long tenure of fights over who owns the city and division of the state, I have landed up in the state of Telangana. Unknown to this state's beauty, it was a pleasure to set out on a sunny weekend in January to discover the land, unknown to us.

Anathagiri, a much hyped weekend getaway within the districts of Telangana state was surely not a pleasant trip for us. It had been referred to me by one of my friends that it is indeed a fascinating experience if we had travelled to these hills sometime in August- September, when it would be drizzling all the way. A weekend in Anathagiri, was always on my bucket list, ever since I have come to know about this place while Googling and searching for some weekend getaways near Hyderabad for a bored couple.

Anathagiri, a place about 90 kms from Hyderabad is well reputed for its trekking. As we landed there, nearly at noon, it was impossible for any of us to go for trekking, looking up at the sun glazing at us. It would have been a pleasure driving all the way to the hills if it would have been the monsoons. I would have preferred my drive in the months of August or September, when the parched earth gets washed away by the downpour and a soothing drive.

                                                           

Though it was promised to be a pleasant journey along the wet roads and the dense and lush greenery, what we faced was something different. It was hot, sultry and sunny. A long three hours drive could be rejuvenated by a break in a small chai shop adjacent to the the temple. Ancient temples, idols, religious figures and structures adorn the area. Located at an altitude of 1168 in the Ranga Reddy district in the vicinity of Vikarabad, it is also the source of Musi river flowing through the city.

The main attraction of the site, the Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and was built around 400 years ago. Thousands of devotees line up outside the temple premises to seek blessings.

After three diversions, (we cannot read or understand Telugu, and the local signboards spoke in Telugu), we were in the midst of a shallow lake, the Kotipally Resorvoir. For the trekkers and adventure loving souls, this could provide a breathtaking experience. The trio, (us) all tired and drained out, were unwilling to go and indulge in the water sports. All we had to do was feel the splash of baby waves coming and touching our feet (That's the depth of the lake), while the sun wanted to drain us and burn us. 

                                                       We, at Kotipally Resorvoir

And, again after a minimum of three diversions, we were back to the track, on the highway leading us to our home. Tired and exhausted we were.... the only two adjectives which describe the trip. Inspite of being almost dead, our memories lie afresh in our minds and souls.

Cheers to an absolutely fascinating weekend and a dreadful trip...

Here's a quick tour of our trip...

                                                       As we headed gleefully towards...

                                                  Gliding through the greens (well, uh?)