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Mahbubnagar- A weekend spent in tranquility

There’s something pleasantly strange about history. While most ancient towns have assumed the features of a modern urban settlement, there still are a few places in India where time seems to have stopped at a certain era. Despite basic commercialization, these places will make you wind back in time and see through the cracked walls and relics of its grandeur and into the period when it was at its best. The district of Mahbubnagar in the state of Telengana is definitely one such place.

Sitting on the southwest edge of Telengana and bordering Karnataka, Mahbubnagar is a standing testament of its princely past.

History & Etymology

Mahbubnagar or popularly called Palamoor, was earlier called Rukmammapet. Later in 1890, when the 6th Nizam of Hyderabad- Nawab Mir Mahbub Ali Khan Asaf Jahi VI assumed the throne, the name was changed to Mahbubnagar in his honor. However, the region which comprise the district was the erstwhile kingdom of the Satavahana Dynasty from 221 BC to 218 AD. Later it also remained a part of the Chalukya Kingdom from 5th century to 11th century, then of the Kingdom of Golkonda, the Qutab Shahi dynasty and finally came under the control of Asaf Jahi dynasty in 1724.

Getting there

Image Credit: Pexels 

The town of Mahbubnagar is roughly 110 Km from Hyderabad and takes about two and half hours. For a day trip, hire an affordable and highly rated cab service from Hyderabad and head out on NH 44 to reach the historic town.

Things to see in Mahbubnagar

The entire district of Mahbubnagar is a site of forts, temples, and antiquated structures that still manage to reflect its long lost magnificence. For a comprehensive tour of this ancient district, engage the services of a top-rated chauffeur-driven car rental company in Hyderabad and visit these must-see places:

Jain Temple in Alvanpalli

Built somewhere between 7th and 8th century, this is the oldest terracotta style Jain temple. This is one of the two structures of its kind built during the Gupta Empire, the other one being in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The temple once housed rare stone structures of Mahavira, Parsvanatha, and few other prominent figures of Jainism, which have been removed to the nearby museum in Pillalamarri and the State Museum.

Gadwal Fort

Image of Gadwal Fort in Mahbubnagar. Image Credit: Telangana Tourism

About 78 Km from Mahbubnagar bus station, the Gadwal Fort is one of the popular historical attractions in this district. The massive fort was built by Peda Soma Bhupaludu- the famous ruler of Gadwal. Although mostly in ruins, you can still see the huge walls that fortified the fortress inside and the moats built around it.

The fort premises house three temples, of which the Chennakesava Temple is the grandest with its high temple tower, stone dais (mandapa) and intricate carvings on the exteriors. There is also a 32 feet long cannon that the ruler of Gadwal won over from the Nawab of Kurnool.

Koilkonda Fort

Image of Koilkonda Fort

This fort area makes for a thrilling day trek. You can start hiking from the western side of the fort across a deep gorge and reach a flight of stone steps that lead to the fort. Perched atop a small hill, the Koilkonda Fort once used to be the outpost of the Qutab. You will need to cross seven gates to be able to enter the main fort area. The first gate has inscriptions of Ibrahim Qutb Shah from 1550 AD. There is a derelict palace, a mosque, an Idgah (an enclosure for offering morning prayers during Eid), and a revered congregation hall.

Pillalamarri

Also called Peerla Marri, is a natural enclave with an an 800 years-old banyan tree and is the most attractive aspect of Mahabubnagar district. Over the years, the oldest tree has branched out into smaller banyan trees creating a dense foliage across three acres of land. The shaded area makes for a relaxing time in the outdoors. There is also a mini zoo with birds and other animals in the area.

If you are a lover of history or all things antiquated, then you must put this tranquil little town on your next weekend getaway from Hyderabad.

List of Weekend Retreats for Delhiites: 12 Places Near Delhi

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Places to visit near delhi during weekends

Weekend Retreats have become a compulsion in today’s hardcore life. Everyone is in search of a quick breakout from their hectic scheduled life. Delhiites are the fun-loving weekend party animals. Thus here we come with a list of weekend retreats for Delhiites. 12 Places near Delhi to solve your time in thinking for your coming weekends.

1: Mussoorie

‘Queen of the hills’. This particular place never gets old. Mussoorie is best to visit for all Delhiites for a refreshing weekend. With a good pleasant weather, it is healthy for your pockets too. Hike up, dive into various adventures and enjoy the scenic views to cheer yourself up.

Distance: 275 km

Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year except monsoon.

Mesmerizing Sunset at Mussoorie

2: Rishikesh

Known to be as the Adventure Capital of India. You will always be left with something from this place. Rafting, camping, trekking, bungee, zipping and then the yogic practices. Rishikesh is a perfect stress-booster destination. Relive the best moment of your life here.

Distance: 242 km

Best Time To Visit: September-April

White Water Rafting at River Ganges

3: Jim Corbett National Park

One weekend with the enthralling wildlife. Spend a day or two in the jungle in search of best views of Bengal Tigers. It is known as the oldest and prestigious National Park. Take a long weekend to have an evening amidst rains in Nainital. And a day with jeep safari at Corbett. 

Distance: 235 km

Best Time To Visit: October-June

Jeep Safari & Tiger Sighting

4: Mathura-Vrindavan

This blend of place slays with Lord Krishna. Dance with the Rasleelas there. Holi and Janmashtami are the festivals which will leave you enthralled. Pilgrimage is a fun activity with Lord Krishna. Try it out here. Both the places are scattered with numerous temples of Radha-Krishna. When done with all your party fever, spend a few time with decent fun.

Distance: 162 km

Best Time To Visit: October-March

Colorful Celebration of Holi Festival

5: Lansdowne

It is the most picturesque hill station near Delhi. Surrounded by lush pine forests, this little place is another home to heaven. Rejuvenate and relax from all the worries in this peaceful town. Reach Lansdowne and just do nothing. 

Distance: 246 km

Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year with pleasant summers, pretty monsoons and chilling winters.

Serenic view in Lansdowne

6: Neemrana

For the most sorted weekend, visit Neemrana. The town of forts, lakes and attractions. Nestled in Alwar district of Aravalli ranges, this particular place is a walk in history. Neemrana Fort is a major attraction there which has now turned into a heritage hotel. Spend a royal night at the fort with a magnificent view. Also indulge in adventure activity there.

Distance: 121 km

Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year.

Neemrana Fort

7: Solang Valley

The perfect destination for the adventure junkie Delhiites. Weekend is well settled with mountains in a chilling breeze with all various types of adventure activities. Glide with the paras, zorb in the bubble balls or ski board in snow during winters.  Also with nature at its best to make your weekends best.

Distance: 575 km

Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year.

Adventure Activities in Solang Valley

8: Kasol & Kheerganga Trek

The dreamland trek for every Delhiite. Kasol has come as the new hippy home with all the fun. Be there with your bachelor group for most memorable days.  Kheerganga Trek never feels like a physical pain due to the scenic pleasure all through the way. A dip to hot water natural springs in cool mountains is a best long weekend solution. Also look for other bachelor trip destinations.

Distance: 520 km

Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year.

Night Camp Stays at Kheerganga Trek

9: Jaipur

A weekend out at Pink City of Palaces. Look out for the ways of royalism in our blood, a gift from our classic kings. With it, they have left us with beautiful architectural buildings, to adore forever. Get the breezes at Hawa Mahal, know the stories or more at City Palace, rising up to Amber Palace and pride for the ancient scientific logics at Jantar Mantar. Also come back with the bag filled with alluring shopping items of Jaipur.

Distance: 268 km

Best Time To Visit: October-March

Magnificent view of City Palace

10: Chopta-Tungnath

Another camping destination, which is yet not common and crowded. Drive upto Chopta with your party stuffs. It is a beautiful meadow land between forests. Spend a day admiring the beauty of mountains and chilled nights. Also, trek up to Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Peak for some hiking trips. You can also get options of hotels and guest houses there.

Distance: 394 km

Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year with variant experiences.

Winter Scenes at Chopta

Also Read: 55 great treks to take up in India

11: Agra-Fatehpur Sikri

If your travel activity include history, art and archaeology, then take a weekend time for Agra. Taj Mahal needs no introduction. We are proudly owning this beautiful wonder of love. With it, Agra also has other important historical sites to visit. Fatehpur Sikri is still standing boldly with ‘Buland Darwaza’. And all of these places are worth a view.

Distance: 212 km

Best Time To Visit: October-March

Evening view at Taj Mahal

12: Kasauli

Head up for a bike trip or a weekend with your family. This place is another soothing destination with great weather. Delhi being in north, keeps it close to mountains. Kasauli is another such small hill town with Victorian buildings and atmosphere to soothe your mind. Drain out the pain of your hectic daily life in the calmness of this place.

Distance: 304 km

Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year.

Christ Church in Kasauli

Head out with your destination and break up for a while from your scheduled Delhi lifestyle.

Also Check: 10 untrodden locations/places to visit near Mumbai-Pune.

Bhawna Mohinani
Professional Travel Blogger and founder of The Ghumakkads. Bhawna Mohinani is graduate in Mass Communication & Postgraduate in Travel and Tourism Management.

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