The Weekend Gateway from Hyderabad
(Vblog is in the last of this page)
About Somasila:
Apart from its historical existing, this location is surrounded by hills and forest. This is the same Nalamalla forest range. It has a lot of greenery and is surrounded by Krishna river water around.
So the best time would be, yes, you are right, just after the monsoon, to enjoy the view from the foot of the hill and the top of the hill. There is short trekking also.
Winter is also a good time to spend. You can expect a foggy morning, cold breeze floating above the water.
This location is perfect for the Weekend plan. So 2 days and 1-night stay are good enough to cover all the points of interest.
Activity:
You can plan camping, trekking, hiking, boat ride, picnic, visiting the temple.
How to reach:
It is almost 186 km from the Gachibowli flyover (Hyderabad).
For us, it took around 4 hours with 2 stop journeys. Starting from Gachiboli ORR, and take an exit from ORR from Exit 12 and then get on Highway 765.
The route is via Gachiboli, Maheshwaram, Kalwakurthy, Tadoor, Kollapur Somasila.
We start at 0600 hours and reach by 1130 hours
The road condition is good. I drive around at an average speed of 70 KM
The nearest city to Somasila is Kollapur, Telangana 509102. It is 16 KM before Somasila.
Place to Stay:
1) Kollapur: There are many lodges in this place. So staying is not a problem. You can book it on the spot as well
2) Somasila: One can book the stay online or at the spot in Riverfront Mrugavani. It will cost some Rs 4000 + tax.
We had lunch over there. They have both Ala Carte and Buffet systems.
Food quality and price is reasonable.
3) Amaragiri: There is no facility to stay. Rather, this is the best place for camping beside the Krishna river bank.
You can contact Arvind (contact number mention below). He can help you in arranging for any basic need at the location, except camp, that you need to bring your own.
Due to high rush time. We could able to stay at Somasila. So, we move back to Kollapur and stay at a lodge the cost of ₹1500 A/C Double Room. Here you will find many such lodges at this price. Which is good for a 1-night stay. I don’t believe in spending on the stay. We hardly consume their facility and mostly roam around and take food at the place we are at.
Language spoken:
This rural area, so most people speak in Telegu and few may know Hindi if you are lucky.
Mobile Network:
Jio has a good connection across the location. Airtel has a network problem.
Parking:
There is no parking issue at any location and all parking is free.
Safety:
It is good for family trips and camping too. Local people are very cooperative and helpful.
Things to carry for a road trip:
USB charging cable to charge the phone in the car.
At least 20KG water cane for 5 people. This helps you in spending on water bottle
Garbage bin, to carry all your waste items.
Carry some cash. Boat guys don't deal in UPI or any online payment. There I have not seen an ATM.
First Aid
Mask and Sanitizer.
Place to visit:
Palace of Kollapur (Chandra Mahal)
Somasila View Point
Amaragiri
Manchalakatta
Malleswaram View Point
Someswara Swami Temple
Sri Venkateshwara Swami Temple
Sangameshwaram Siva Temple.
These all points are near around of 15 to 20 min drive.
Boat Ride:
I have visited Dec 2021. Price may vary.
Location | Ride Cost | Contact Person Ph # | Remarks |
Manchalakatta | ₹ 1200 - 1500. Depend on your ride. | Shiva 6301015866 | He knows only Telugu. |
Amaragiri | ₹ 500 to 1000. Depend on your ride. | Arvind 9182083546 | He knows Hindi, Telugu, and English. If his number is not reachable, you can drop him an SMS. He will get back once he gets it. |
Cost Sheet:
The below sheet will give you approx value for 2 days 1-night expenses at Somasila.
Particular | Expenses in INR | Remarks |
Petrol | 3900 | To and fro.Milage of 17-18Km/l |
Toll | 200 | To and fro |
Stay | 1500 | For one night |
Boat Ride at Manchalakatta | 1500 | To and fro + waiting time |
Boat Ride at Amaragiri | 500 | To and fro |
Day 1- Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner | 2200 | For 5 People |
Day 2- Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner | 2000 | For 5 People |
Total | 11,800 |
Please have a look at the below video and have happy tripping.
DISCLAIMER.
- Please carry your garbage bin and take back all your waste item like bottles and caps, plastic bags, disposable plates, rappers, etc. Take every single stuff out from there and dispose of them meant to be.
- Don't pollute water/river and our mother earth.
- Keep the place/location as it was.
- If you are camping or having a picnic. Please take back all your memories and waste garbage along with you.
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