Nallamala Hills is among the best weekend destinations near Hyderabad. The entire region is covered with lush green forests and is also home to a range of attractions. Read ahead! Hyderabad is a concrete jungle in the truest sense of the term. Hence, it's normal if you feel suffocated amidst the city and look for a short and refreshing escape from all the hustle-bustle. In that case, you can consider the magnificent Nallamala Hills for the coming weekend. It's located 226 km away from the city, and boasts everything that you need to fuel yourself up! The hills (being a part of the Eastern Ghats) lie at an average height of 1100 meters above sea level. The area is picturesque and offers a breathtaking view to visitors. It has an impressive range of flora & fauna, some of which cannot even be found in most other places. Also, it's home to many different tourist attractions that are worth a visit. How to Reach From Hyderabad, the most convenient way to get to Nallamala Hills is to take a cab, as this will take around 6-6.5 hours to reach your destination. Else, you can take a train to Chalama, and then hire a taxi for the same. Best Time to Visit Nallamala Hills is open to visitors all year long. But it's suggested to avoid summer, as the region sees extremely hot weather during this period. Monsoon is not recommended either, because there's a risk of landslides and several other natural disasters. So, the best time to visit there is during winter, which takes place between November and February. Places to Explore Nallamala Hills is a traveler's paradise. Srisailam: Srisailam is a small town lying at the topmost area of Nallamala Hills. It's a religious site, being home to the sacred Mallikarjuna Swami Mandir, which happens to be one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples in our country. It also has Brahmarambha Mandir, Uma Maheshwaram Temple, and more. Ahobilam: Ahobilam is a holy town located at the foothills of the hills. It's surrounded by mountains and makes for a tranquil site by all means. It's also known as Nava Narasimha - which means the nine temples of the Narasimha (the lion-headed avatar of Lord Vishnu). All the temples here are rich in historical value, and also boast splendid architectural design. Ethipothala Falls: Ethipothala Falls lies at a near distance from Nallamala Hills. It's 70 feet high, and anintersection point of three streams - Chandravanka Vagu, Tummala Vagu, and Nakkala Vagu. It looks majestic (especially during monsoon), and also holds a rich spiritual significance. The list also includes Mahanandi, Nagarjunakonda, etc. Good to Know The entire region spreads over a vast area of 9,000 square km. The forest is home to several herbal plants that are believed to contain medicinal properties. It's suggested to bring enough cash and a first-aid kit to avoid any trouble along the way.
