One Day Trip to Ananthagiri Hills: Perfect Itinerary (2026)
Ananthagiri Hills is the rare destination that works even when you only have one day. Just 75–85 km from Hyderabad — about a 1.5 to 2 hour drive via Chevella and Vikarabad — the hills pack forest treks, viewpoints, a famous temple, and some of the greenest landscapes in Telangana into a compact area.
The difference between an average day trip and a great one is timing. Start too late and you hit the crowds and the heat; plan it right and you’ll see the hills at their best and still be home for dinner.
Here’s the exact one day itinerary we recommend to first-time visitors, refined over years of running trips to these hills.
Quick Overview: The Day at a Glance
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Leave Hyderabad |
| 8:00 AM | Reach Ananthagiri Hills, breakfast |
| 8:30–10:30 AM | Trekking trail + viewpoint |
| 10:30 AM–12:30 PM | Temple visit + sightseeing |
| 12:30–2:00 PM | Lunch in Vikarabad |
| 2:00–5:00 PM | Lake, park, or remaining spots |
| 5:00–6:30 PM | Sunset point, then drive back |
| 8:30 PM | Home — or stay the night (more on that below) |
Step 1: Start Early — Leave Hyderabad by 6 AM
The single biggest mistake day-trippers make is leaving at 10 AM. You arrive at noon, the sun is harsh, viewpoints are crowded, and you rush everything.
Leave by 6:00–6:30 AM instead:
- Route: Hyderabad → Chevella → Vikarabad → Ananthagiri Hills (NH-65 / Vikarabad road)
- Distance: 75–85 km depending on where you start in the city
- Road condition: Smooth and scenic the whole way; suitable for cars and bikes
- Fuel: Top up before Chevella — petrol pumps get sparse near the forest stretch
Early morning also means you’ll drive through mist over the fields around Chevella — the best part of the drive.
Step 2: Trek the Ananthagiri Trails (8:30–10:30 AM)
Reach the hills by 8 AM and start walking while it’s still cool. The Ananthagiri trekking trails are the highlight of any day trip — moderate forest paths through one of Telangana’s oldest forest regions, with rocky outcrops and valley views.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate — manageable for beginners and kids above 8
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours for a comfortable loop
- What to wear: Grip shoes, comfortable cottons, cap
- Carry: Water bottle (2 litres for the group minimum)
The trails are at their best from September to February — green underfoot after the monsoon and cool enough to enjoy the walk. For a deeper breakdown, see our Ananthagiri Hills travel guide.
Step 3: Temple and Sightseeing (10:30 AM–12:30 PM)
After the trek, shift to the cultural side of the hills:
- Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple — the famous temple at the foothills, surrounded by forest. Visit in the late morning when the crowd thins after puja hours.
- Viewpoints along the ghat road — several safe stopping points with valley views; the rocky outcrops are the signature Ananthagiri photo.
- Nagasamudram lake area — calm water and birdlife in the cooler months.
If you want the full list with descriptions, our guide to the 10 best places to visit in Ananthagiri Hills covers each spot in detail.
Step 4: Lunch in Vikarabad (12:30–2:00 PM)
Head into Vikarabad town for lunch — plenty of family restaurants serve proper Telangana meals. A thali, some rest, and you’re recharged for the second half of the day. Carry cash; not every small restaurant takes cards.
Step 5: Lake, Park, and Easy Sightseeing (2–5 PM)
The early afternoon is for slow, shaded sightseeing rather than treks:
- Ananthagiri Hills viewpoint park — shaded seating and easy walks
- Kotpally (Kotipally) reservoir — a short detour from the hills, beautiful water views, especially September–February
- Bisonni (Bugga) village surroundings — quiet forest roads if you want zero crowds
Step 6: Sunset and the Drive Back (5–6:30 PM)
End the day at a viewpoint facing west. By 6 PM the hills turn golden, the temperature drops, and you get the day’s best photos. Then drive back — you’ll reach Hyderabad by 8–8:30 PM with dinner at home.
The Upgrade: Stay the Night Instead
Here’s the thing most day-trippers discover the hard way: the best part of Ananthagiri Hills starts after sunset. The campfire, the star-filled sky, the cool forest night — you can’t day-trip that.
If your group can spare one more night, extend the day trip into an overnight camping stay:
- Night camping — tent stay, campfire, music, dinner and breakfast included, from around ₹1,200 per person
- Lakeside camping — the same experience beside the water, with rope activities
- Farm house stay — a private room near the hills for families wanting four walls
Everything is set up for you — you don’t carry gear or plan anything. Check live dates on our camping packages page and pick the weekend that works. If it’s your first night outdoors, read our things to carry for night camping list first.
What to Carry for the Day Trip
- 2 litres of water per person
- Grip shoes for the trek
- Cap, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Power bank — signals are patchy inside the forest stretches
- Light jacket if visiting November–January (mornings are chilly)
- Cash for small restaurants and parking
Frequently Asked Questions
Is one day enough for Ananthagiri Hills?
Yes — one day covers the trek, temple, viewpoints, and a lake comfortably if you start early from Hyderabad. To include camping and the night experience, plan an overnight stay.
How far is Ananthagiri Hills from Hyderabad?
About 75 to 85 km depending on your starting point, taking 1.5 to 2 hours via Chevella and Vikarabad.
What is the entry fee for Ananthagiri Hills?
The forest area and viewpoints are free to visit. Some private activities and campsites charge per person — trekking with a guide or camping packages are paid experiences.
Which is the best time to start from Hyderabad?
Between 6:00 and 6:30 AM. You reach by 8 AM, finish the trek in cool hours, and avoid both the heat and the crowds.
Can we visit Ananthagiri Hills during monsoon?
Yes — the hills are at their greenest from June to September. Trails get slippery, so wear proper shoes and check the weather before the trek.
Is Ananthagiri Hills good for a one day trip with kids?
Yes. Skip the longer trek and choose the viewpoint park, temple, and lake — all easy with kids. Farm house stays work well if you want to turn it into an overnight family trip.
Wrap-Up
A one day trip to Ananthagiri Hills gives you forest, views, and a proper break from the city — as long as you start early and follow a plan. And if the day leaves you wanting more, the hills after dark are even better. Book a camping night on your next weekend and see the difference for yourself.
