The short answer
Ananthagiri Hills Trek, Vikarabad: what visitors should know first
A good day out from Hyderabad for an easy to moderate forest walk. Two well-known trails start at or near the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple. Go between September and March, start early, and take a guide on a first visit, as markings are sparse.
History and context
The story behind Ananthagiri Hills Trek, Vikarabad
The Ananthagiri Hills take their name from the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple and are the source of the Musi river, which flows through Hyderabad. Caves, old fort remains and the temple show long human use of the area.
Useful facts
Ananthagiri Hills Trek, Vikarabad facts at a glance
- Location
- Ananthagiri, about 6 km from Vikarabad, Telangana
- Altitude
- Forested hills; trail heights are not published
- Experience type
- Forest trek
- Known for
- Source of the Musi river and the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple
- Time or schedule
- 2 to 4 hours; best September to March
Why it matters
Why Ananthagiri Hills Trek, Vikarabad is worth your time
The Ananthagiri Hills hold one of Telangana's denser forests, and their streams feed the Musi, Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar, which supply Hyderabad. The hills are the closest real forest walking to the city, and the forest is rich in birdlife.
The temple gives the area its name and draws pilgrims as well as walkers. Keeping to the trails, staying quiet and taking all litter home helps protect a forest that matters for Hyderabad's water supply.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Temple trail
A forest trail that starts beside the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple.
- 02
Kerelli trail
A second route into the forest starting about 0.5 km from the temple.
- 03
Musi source
The hills where Hyderabad's river begins, with seasonal streams after rain.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Drive about 80 km west from Hyderabad on SH 4 towards Vikarabad; the temple is about 6 km from Vikarabad town. A car is easiest, and Vikarabad Junction is the nearest railway station.
There are two well-known trails in the forest. One begins beside the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple; the other starts about 0.5 km from the temple towards Kerelli. Both pass through dry deciduous forest with teak, with views over the hills, and you may see old ruins along the way. Trail markers are sparse, so go with a guide or an organised group on a first visit.
Start early to walk in the cool and finish with a visit to the temple, which opens from 4.30 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 8.30 pm. The Kotepally reservoir, about 20 km away, is a popular stop for boating and kayaking on the way back.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Start early from Hyderabad to avoid traffic and heat
- Take a guide or organised group on a first visit
- Wear shoes with grip; paths are slippery after rain
- Carry water and snacks
- Check temple timings if parents plan to visit
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Ananthagiri, near Vikarabad, Vikarabad district, Telangana
- Time needed
- A full day from Hyderabad; 2 to 4 hours on the trails
- Best time
- September to March; the monsoon brings streams but slippery paths
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- The forest trails have uneven, sometimes steep ground and are better for fitter family members. Older parents can visit the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple, sit in the cool of the hills, and stay or eat at the Telangana Tourism resort nearby while others walk.
- Tickets and access
- No trek permit is required for the main trails as far as published sources show, but rules can change; confirm locally with the forest office or Telangana Tourism. Guided treks are also offered by private Hyderabad groups.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Ananthagiri Hills Trek, Vikarabad
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The forest trails have uneven, sometimes steep ground and are better for fitter family members. Older parents can visit the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple, sit in the cool of the hills, and stay or eat at the Telangana Tourism resort nearby while others walk.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How far is Ananthagiri from Hyderabad?
About 75 to 80 km west, near Vikarabad; allow most of a day for the trip.
Is this the Ananthagiri near Araku?
No. This range is in Telangana; the Araku one is in Andhra Pradesh.
Do I need a guide?
Not by rule, but trail markers are sparse, so a guide or group is wise on a first visit.
Sources and further reading
- Wikipedia: Ananthagiri Hills, Vikarabad district
- Wikipedia: Vikarabad
- Outlook Traveller: Ananthagiri Hills
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
