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Best Route from Hyderabad to Munnar : 1050 kms Hyderabad --> Kurnool --> Ananthapur --> Bangalore --> Salem -> Avinashi --> Udumalaipettai -> Munnar Route Condition from Hyderabad to Ooty : Hyderabad to Bangalore - 4 lane toll road, excellent Bangalore to Mysuru - 4 lane, high traffic highway Mysuru to Ooty - 2 lane scenic ghat road Best Time to Visit Munnar: January to December (throughout the year) April to June (Heavy tourist crowd) Best Restaurants in Munnar: Alibaba and 41 dishes Google pin : https://goo.gl/maps/RjSmoM3yvS4nmHto6 Roachas Restaurent Google pin : https://goo.gl/maps/owiXcQtq5uwAnmvN8 Hotel Guru bhavan Google pin : https://goo.gl/maps/9NgHfJ1RDC2Yq71p7 Best resorts in Munnar (Luxury): Blanket Hotel and Spa Tall Trees Chandy's Wind Frangrant Nature Munnar NeelaKurunji Luxury Plantation Resort Best resorts in Ooty (Nature view) : Elixir Hills Suites Resort and Spa Amber Dale Hotel and Spa The Leaf The Fog Munnar Panoramic Gateway Budget resorts in Munnar : Regalia Munnar Lake forest Munnar The Siena Village Munnar Tea Hills Resort Trivers resort Day - 1 Start time : 5 : 00 AM Breakfast stop : 7 :00 AM to 7 :30 AM Location : Food Pyramid, Kothakota (Spacious parking, Good Food, Decent Washrooms, Kids Play area) Google pin : https://g.page/Food-Pyramid-Highway-Restaurant?share Fuel Stop : Reliance fuel, Anantapur Google pin :https://goo.gl/maps/rtL9J69vGRFPKkJy6 Lunch stop : 2 : 00 PM Location : Apoorva Multi Cuisine Restaurant Google pin : https://goo.gl/maps/hZuW5ubr1XKwW4sy6 Coffee break : 5 : 30 PM Location : Shree Thulasi Delicious Google pin : https://g.page/sree-thulasi-delicious-veg-treat?share Final stop in Salem : 7 : 00 PM Best hotels in Mysuru: Radisson Salem Cenney's Gateway Grant Estancia Day - 2 Start from the hotel after breakfast Start time : 8 : 00 AM Coffee break : 10 : 00 AM Location : Hotel Shri Sai Krishna, Avinashi Google pin : https://g.page/hotel-shri-sai-krishnaa?share Lunch stop : 12 :00 PM Location : Kick Grass restaurant, Udumulapettai Google pin : https://g.page/kickgrass?share Reach Munnar and Check into Hotel by 3 : 00 PM Places to visit : Tea Museum and Estate Attukal Waterfalls Day - 3 Places to visit : Top Station View Point Echo Point Mattupetty Dam Kundala Lake Day - 4 Places to visit : Idukki dam boating Cheeyapara Water falls Eravaikulam National Park Anaimudi Peak Thuoovanam Falls Day - 5 Places to visit in Munnar: Thoovanam Waterfalls Start back to Bangalore After Breakfast Start time : 8 : 00 AM Lunch stop : 12 : 30 PM Location : Junior Kuppanna, Perundurai Highway Google pin : https://goo.gl/maps/vHr44wCmnLmfWQ5X7 Coffee break : 4 : 00 PM Location : Shree Thulasi Delicious Google pin : https://g.page/sree-thulasi-delicious-veg-treat?share Reach Hosur by : 6 : 00 PM Best places to stay in Hosur: TGI Grand Fortuna, Hosur ASR Parklane Claresta Hotels Day - 6 Start back to Hyderabad After Breakfast Start time : 6: 00 AM To avoid Bangalore traffic. Breakfast stop : 7 : 30 AM Location : Swathi Gardenia Restaurant Google pin : https://goo.gl/maps/8je3wcshTbUNBUULA Coffee break : 11 : 30 AM Location : Chowrastaa Cafe & Restaurant Google pin : https://goo.gl/maps/JigQyStf3SQfnLiC6 Lunch stop : 2 : 00 PM Location : Matsya Amazon Kitchens Google pin : https://goo.gl/maps/F8E1JCcX5s5kVZ626 Coffee break : 5 : 00 PM Location : Hotel 97, Jadcherla Google pin : https://goo.gl/maps/sbWhso9t5mfgcftGA Reach Hyderabad before 7 :00 PM

The covid19 pandemic is not over. We request travelers to follow SMS ‘Sanitizer Mask Social distancing’ The weather in Hyderabad added charm in atmosphere. We decided to explore Gottam gutta which was there in my Bucket list and pending for long time. Planning done, day decided (Friday as being less crowed). My companion in travel: Car Baleno Zeta CVT – reliable partner. Smartphone Poco f1 – all the photos were taken with it. And most importantly Home minister and leader of opposition (son). They rule the house and without them trip is impossible. Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but a manner of travelling Things to carry: Own food and water to avoid contact with outsider. Sun cream, sunglasses & Hats. Umbrella (due to rainy season). Trekking shoes (useful for trekking). Difficulty level: No problem for elders and kids. Care to be taken while trekking at Chincholi wildlife sanctuary. People with difficulty in breathing should avoid it. Road condition: Roads are good till Zaheerabad. After that it is mixed of good and bad road but manageable by car and bikes. Best time to visit: The monsoon is the best season to visit the place with family and tourists will not regret having chosen the destination. If you hate crowed and wants to enjoy peacefully then plan trip on weekdays. Introduction to Gottam gutta: People looking for adventure and Nature lovers can relax at the picturesque Gottam Gutta located on the Telangana-Karnataka border. Surrounded by forests and eddies of the Chandrampally dam on the Bhima River in Karnataka. The government of Karnataka built the project in the village of Chandrampally in Chincholi Taluka of the district of Gulbarga. Gottam Gutta Route Map: To reach gottam gutta there are two routes. One is a regular route through the village where the dam is also present; the name of the dam is Chandrampalli dam. Another route is through few small villages and a forest. Hyderabad > Sangareddy > Zaheerabad > Govindapur > Mogudampalli > Chincholi wildlife sanctuary > Gottam Gutta We took first route to reach dam and second route for return journey. Best places to visit in this area: Chandrampalli dam. Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary. Ethipotala falls. 1. Details about Chandrampalli dam: Chandrampalli Dam is built across the Bhima River. The dam is located in Chandrampalli village of Chincholi taluq under the Gulbarga district of Karnataka. As one of the main dams in the district, dam is responsible for the irrigation of several villages in Chincholi taluka. Quick Facts Built on: River Bhima Type: Earthen Dam with Left Bank spillway Length: 926.54 meters Height: 28.65 meters above the foundation Full Reservoir Level (FRL): 493.16 feet Maximum Water Level (MWL): 496.21 meters Number of gates: 6 Purpose: the Irrigation project Travel. Because money returns. Time doesn’t. I travel so my life isn’t disrupted by routine 2. Details about Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary: Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a sanctuary in 2011 and extends over 134.88 Sq.kms. It is the first dry land Wildlife Sanctuary in South India. This is the only area in the Hyderabad Karnataka Region with rich floristic diversity. The forest hosts rich biodiversity. Apart from medicinal herbs and trees, species like Red Sanders and Sandalwood are found abundantly. Main highlights: Safe haven for Wolf and Hyena: Wolves and Hyenas are the primary attractions of Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread over five blocks: Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary consists of five blocks- Chincholi Forest, Sangapura Forest, Bhonsapur Forest, Magdumpur Forest and Shadipur forest. Rich Flora: Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary is home to dry and moist deciduous trees in its core zone and teak, acacia plantations in the outer area. Medicinal herbs, sandalwood and red sanders trees are also found in Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary. Local Tribes: Chincholi is also home to Lambani Tandas, a protected tribal community that lives in the forests in harmony with nature. Look at life through the windshield, not the rear view mirror Go find yourself Take memories, leave footprints We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us 3. Details about Ethipotala falls: Ethipothala Falls (Zadi Malkapur Falls) is a 20 feet & 40 Feet seasonal waterfall cascade, situated at Telangana-Karnatak Border 20 KM from Zaheerabad. This is a Seasonal waterfall starts from Kohir Mandal, Kohir in local slang means "red diamond". The "Pati Matti" once mixed with water turns into very strong material fit for construction of multistoried buildings. Over this journey you can experience the lush green fields on red soil. Let's wander where the wifi is weak Hey GPS, let’s take the scenic route today This guide is meant for beginner travellers who could use a little help with structuring their short trip. I aim to create travel Vlogs and guides to inspire others. And equip with useful + valuable insights for your next adventure. Most importantly to make genuine connections and new friends. Let’s explore the world together. follow me on Instagram :@nomadic_mit.

Hyderabad to Sikkim road trip : Four BTech friends, Proper reunion after a decade. Crossed two borders, (Nepal and Bhutan) Drove around 5.5k kilometres. Hanging around with old friends and saying "Remember when..."(15 days of memories) Trusted steed Menu Day 1 : Hyderabad to Vishakapatnam Day 2 : Vishakapatnam to Puri Day 3: Puri to Kharagpur Day 4:Kharagpur to Malda

Best Route from Hyderabad to Coorg : 860 kms Hyderabad --> Kurnool --> Ananthapur --> Bangalore --> Maddur -> Mysuru --> Coorg Road Condition from Hyderabad to Coorg: Hyderabad to Bangalore - 4 lane toll road, excellent Bangalore to Mysuru - 4 lane, high traffic highway Mysuru to Coorg - 2 lane road, decent road Best Time to Visit Coorg : July to February Best Restaurants in Coorg: Coorg Cuisine https://goo.gl/maps/BzyA8bNK3HJoAfvT9 Coorg gate family Restaurant https://goo.gl/maps/ftZmNww2M7hXkB217 Coffee Blossom Restaurant https://g.page/Coffee-Blossoms?share Best resorts in Coorg (Luxury): Club Mahindra Madikeri Resort Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa The Tamara Coorg The Ibnii Evolve Back, Coorg Coorg Wilderness Resort Best Coorg resorts (Nature): The Birchwood Retreat Coorg Treehouse (SUV recommended, no food options outside the hotel) Magnolia Estates & Resort Porcupine Castle Resort Coorg Natura Vista a Plantation Stay Coorg home stays: Elegant home stay Woody woods stay Deep Woodz Estate Day - 1 Start time : 5 : 00 AM Breakfast stop : 7 :00 AM to 7 :30 AM Location : Food Pyramid, Kothakota (Spacious parking, Good Food, Decent Washrooms, Kids Play area) Google pin : https://g.page/Food-Pyramid-Highway-Restaurant?share Fuel Stop : Reliance fuel, Anantapur Google pin :https://goo.gl/maps/rtL9J69vGRFPKkJy6 Lunch stop : 2 : 00 PM Location : Apoorva Multi Cuisine Restaurant Google pin : https://goo.gl/maps/hZuW5ubr1XKwW4sy6 Fuel Stop : Reliance fuel, Maddur Google pin : https://goo.gl/maps/yUVW5Tb3St6J3yGZ7 Coffee break : 5 : 30 PM Location : Empire Restaurant - Maddur Google pin : https://goo.gl/maps/io1ky8ATta27EPrf8 Final stop : 7 : 00 PM Best hotels in Mysuru: Grand Mercure Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Roopa Elite Hotel Le Ruchi The Prince Day - 2 Breakfast stop : Start post breakfast Start time : 8 : 00 AM Reach Coorg by 11: 00 AM, Check-into the hotel Places to visit: Namdroling Monastery Golden Raja's Seat Abbey Falls Day - 3 Places to visit : Mandalapatti peak (Jeep tour) Mallalli Waterfalls Day - 4 Places to visit : Dubare Elephant Camp ( 8 AM- 11 AM), 660 per person includes breakfast. Drive back to Bangalore Route: Coorg -> Kushalnagar -> Channarayapattana -> Kunigal -> Bangalore Lunch stop : 2 : 00 PM Location : Cafe Udupi Ruchi - Bellur Cross (Veg) Google pin : https://g.page/cafe-udupi-ruchi-bellur-cross?share Location : Empire Restaurant-Kunigal Google pin : https://goo.gl/maps/NfSQsVkgoJhyb89h7 Reach Bangalore hotel by 5 : 00 PM Stay options on Bangalore to Hyderabad highway: Attide Boutique Hotel Click Hotel Bengaluru Shivas Galaxy Hotel Day - 5 Start back to Hyderabad After Breakfast Start time : 8 : 00 AM Lunch stop : 12 : 30 PM Location : Matsya Amazon Kitchens Google pin :https://goo.gl/maps/ZMYJAabpo6zgiwGi8 Coffee break : 2 : 30 PM Location : Hotel 97 Google pin : https://goo.gl/maps/DUBsqRvvUqwxrYTw5 Reach Hyderabad: 6 : 00 PM Note: Additional Day-5 Coorg Water Rafting Sports & Adventures,Barapole River Iruppu waterfalls

Best Route from Hyderabad to Chikmagalur : 650 kms Hyderabad --> Kurnool --> Ananthapur --> Hiriyur --> Kadur --> Chikmagalur Route Condition from Hyderabad to Chikmagalur : Hyderabad to Ananthapur - 4 lane toll road, excellent Ananthapur to Chikmagalur - 2 lane road, average Limited food options between Ananthapur to Chikmagalur Best Time to Visit Chikamagalur : August to February Best Restaurants in chikmagalur: Khansamaa Restaurant https://g.page/KHANSAMAACKMRST?share Vishnu Delicacy - Vegetarian Restaurant https://goo.gl/maps/pUGfbyd83DZVPQVm7 Best hotels in Chikmagalur town: Hotel Aadrika Robusta Inn DC comforts Best resorts in Chikmagalur (Luxury): Vismita County Resort Trivik Resort & Hotel The Serai Chikmagalur Java Rain Resort, Chikmagalur Siri Nature roost Home stays in Chikmagalur: Mountainvalley homestay Nexstay coffee grove Day - 1 Start time : 5 : 00 AM Breakfast stop : 7 :00 AM to 7 :30 AM Location : Food Pyramid, Kothakota (Spacious parking, Good Food, Decent Washrooms, Kids Play area) Google pin : https://goo.gl/maps/Gha9UJ3A14Zvwa9E8 Fuel Stop : Reliance fuel, Anantapur Google pin : https://goo.gl/maps/kXvy8D47MFCchpDp7 Coffee break : 12 : 00 PM Location : Chowraasta Cafe and Restaurant, Anantapur Google pin : https://goo.gl/maps/798wC7JbwH1qNZiZ8 Lunch stop : 2 : 00 PM Location : Garlica Restaurant, Hiriyur Google pin : https://g.page/garlica-restaurant?share Coffee break : 4 : 30 PM Location : Sri Vinayaka Cafe, Kadur Google pin : https://goo.gl/maps/pGpi9BSuAXfQPYUD Final stop : 7 : 00 PM Day - 2 Places to visit : Kallathigiri Falls Mullayanagiri Babu Budangiri (Datta Peeta) 500 steps to climb, but the views are breath taking Day - 3 Places to visit : Ayyankere Lake Hebbe Falls (Private Jeep has to be hired which are available at the location, it will cost around 800/- for 4 people) Kemmangundi Coffee Museum (20 INR per head - Operates between 10 : 00 AM to 1 : 00 PM and 2 : 30 PM to 5 : 00 PM) Day - 4 Start back to Hyderabad Start time : 5 : 00 AM Breakfast Stop : 7: 30 AM Location : Udaya family restuarent, Hiriyur Google pin : https://goo.gl/maps/QDLnPwAKu8v2cuJk6 Lunch stop : 12 : 30 PM Location : Garlica Ananthapur Google pin : https://g.page/garlica-restaurant?share Coffee break : 5 : 00 PM Location : Food Pyramid Google pin : https://goo.gl/maps/Gha9UJ3A14Zvwa9E8 Reach Hyderabad: 7 : 30 to 8 : 00 PM Note: Additional Day-5 for Kudremukh

The second-longest flyover of Hyderabad, spread over 2.71 km at Shaikpet inaugurated by State Municipal Urban Development IT and Industries Minister K Taraka Rama Rao garu today. For hassle free traffic movement, Shaikpet flyover opened on January 1, 2022. Flyover will resolve traffic jams during the peak hours from Rethibowli to Gachibowli as wall as traffic from core areas to IT Hub, ie, Hitech city and Financial District. The six-lane two-way flyover has been built under the State government’s ambitious SRDP. The Shake Pate flyover was completed over a distance of 2.8 km at an estimated cost of Rs 333.55 crore.

Can you please share the best route from Hyderabad to Jaipur by car.

Distance: 120 kms. Road condition: Excellent (upto Zaheerabad) You divert from the highway towards Chincholi forest reserve near the Mahindra factory exit. The road is a single lane road and through the farms. We started from Miyapur around 7 AM in 3 cars. Packed all the food and water. Note: Be sure to carry your shoes as there would be a short trek to reach the banks of the lake. I will let the pictures do the talking. The road towards the Chincholi forest after getting down the NH 65 The weather was good as the sun shone gently on us that morning The entry gate of the Chincholi forest was very welcoming Though it was a mud track beyond the gate, the drive was smooth and fun. The track will is pretty narrow to just fit in 1 car at a time Our first pit stop was a small temple enroute amidst the Chincholi forest

Places Travelled Hyderabad - Tirupati - Kanchipuram - Madurai - Rameshwaram - Dhanushkodi - Palani - Guruvayur - Coimbature - Bangalore - Lepakshi - Hyderabad No. of people 5 in Vitara Brezza Day 1: Hyderabad to Tirupati Day 2:Dharshan at Tirupati Day 3:Tirupati to kanchipuram Day 4:kanchipuram to madurai Day 5:Madurai to Rameshwaram and dhanushkodi Day 6: Dhanushkodi to gurvayur via palani Day 7: Gurvyaur to coimbatore Day 8: Coimbatore to hyderabad via bangalore and lepakshi First trip of 2021 has became the best trip till now. Travelled around 3500kms. Planned to visit all the places of southern part but rain has ruined all our plans. Heavy rains in Tamilnadu. Best Moment: Visiting my dream place "Dhanushkodi", The Last Road Of India. Everyone must visit, but not while raining. Goosebumps moment when we reach the destination. The sound of waves at one side, eyes full of happiness at another side, this is what everyone needs. Road Conditions: Overall the road conditions was awesome with minimum potholes. A small suggestion: when you travel through some village, it is better to ask localities about the route than blindly believing on Google Maps. If Stuck in traffic by believing on GMaps. Expenses: Diesel: 18000/- Food and beverages: 10000/- Room: 15000/- Toll Tax: 2100/- The best food we ate was Dindigul Thalappakatti biryani. Funny Incident: Bangalore has fined us for not wearing masks inside the car. we are not aware that we should wear mask in car while travelling with windows rolled up. We were by 250rs each. The fun is police where stopping only outside state cars, they aren't stopping Karnataka registered vehicles. We found few people travelling in KA registered vehicle, they are not wearing any masks. when we ask police to stop them, Cops answer Thum jhakey roko na ghadi ko". This is kind of discrimination which every traveler hates.

After unlock 4.0 we started exploring options for travel, which should be short one and safe. Got info about Kondapochamma reservoir and decided to explore it. Initial plan was to catch sunrise. But home's chief minister and leader of opposition (my son, they rules the house) objected this. So started around 8 in the morning from Miyapur. Kondapochamma entry: It has two entries, main entry and secondary entry. Some times main entry is closed, no need to disappoint. There is one more entry from the back side. Drive a little further ahead you can find another entry, but the road is patchy. Kondapocharamma First Entry point location details(High crowd) : https://goo.gl/maps/N1e4tAC9bmYTB4fu8 Kondapocharamma Second Entry point location details (Medium crowd): https://goo.gl/maps/Ca3L4CuGkEc95s8E7 Kondapocharamma Third Entry point location details (Less crowd😞https://goo.gl/maps/AaRAWCpYnqos3Avg8 Road condition from Hyderabad to Kondapochamma: Roads are excellent till reservoir ( just 2 to 3 km of bad road near to it). Distance is around 65 km. Time spent at Kondapochamma: It is good location for relaxation and photography. We spend around 2 hours there, took breakfast and return back by 2PM in afternoon. Best time to visit Kondapochamma: Note: Best time to explore is early morning or late evening. Food availability at Kondapochamma: Carry own food and water, you will find nothing around it. Avoid Kondapochamma on weekends: Avoid Kondapochamma during weekends, it is usually overcrowded. If you plan on weekend, start early in the morning from Hyderabad. Crowd picks up post 10AM. Some of the important facts about Kondapochamma sagar reservoir: It is part of multi-stage lift Irrigation of Kaleshwaram Plan is to make Godavari river live through out the year over a streach of 274 kilometers to make farming efficient. It is around 15 kilometers in area Costed around 1700 crores, water is spread around 17 sqkms Maximum depth is around 600M Provides irrigation to around 2,85,000 acres through canals Mandatory selfie with the steed

We were literally frustrated due to lockdown and were looking for a short drive in the month of June. Then we got information about safe location - Ranganayaka Sagar reservoir. I checked with my Baleno group BOCH ( Baleno Owners Club Hyderabad) and found one more couple for ride. We started from Hyderabad at 7 am and reached by 10 am. Being 100 km away from Hyderabad you will find less crowd on weekends. But if you really want to enjoy plan travel on weekdays. Road condition from Hyderabad to Ranganayaka Sagar: Roads are excellent till reservoir. Distance is around 115 km. Time spent at Ranganayaka Sagar: It is good location for relaxation and photography. We spend around 4 hours there, had our lunch and return back by 7PM in evening. Best time to visit Ranganayaka Sagar: Note: Best time to explore is early morning or late evening to witnesses sunrise and sunset. Food availability at Ranganayaka Sagar: Carry own food and water, you will find nothing around it. Some of the important facts about Ranganayaka sagar reservoir: It is part of multi-stage lift Irrigation of Kaleshwaram Plan is to make Godavari river live through out the year over a stretch of 274 kilometers to make farming efficient. Provides irrigation

List of places to visit around Hyderabad which are under 100 kilometers Miss road trips/traveling during COVID times? Here are the list of weekend getaways around Hyderabad which can be done without any outside contact. Pack your breakfast/lunch/water plan to start early in the morning from Hyderabad visit and place come back by afternoon. 1. Kondapochamma sagar reservoir: 2. GottamGutta Forest Hike: 3. Singur Dam: 4. Vikarabad Forest: 5. Bhongir Fort: 6. Rachakonda Fort: 7. Ranganayaka sagar reservoir: 8. Pocharam wildlife and reservoir: 9. Bidar Fort:

Total Distance Travelled: 160kms up & down. Time Taken: 7.5 hrs. Road Condition: Excellent. Vehicle: Ford Freestyle Titanium 1.5 TDCi. Route: Gannavaram – Prakasam Barrage – Gollapudi – Lanco Circle – Kondapalli village – Lanco Circle – VGA – HYD NH – Kondapalli forest ghat – Kondapalli fort – HYD – VGA NH – Mulapadu village – Mulapadu Butterfly Park. It was the 28th day of August. More than 6 months locked in our homes. Yes, the lockdown has been lifted. But the virus is till there. Three visits to my hometown, Rajahmahendravaram / Dowaleswaram and Ramachandrapuram but the itch to explore a place and drive to a beautiful forest where I and my Ford always love spending time was still there. I was at Vijayawada, the city my father is currently working as a DGM at AAI. Never been to any nearby place but always heard about the place Kondapalli. Though visiting my all-time favorite Maredumilli forest, Pamuleru Vagu the 3rd time was my initial plan, couldn’t convince my parents since we were planning to Hyderabad very soon. So, What next? Just a quick check on the route from VGA-Kondapalli opening Google Maps and checking the best viewpoint using Google Earth. The next day, it was 29th of August. Gannavaram – Kondapalli village – Kondapalli fort via Kondapalli forest. We had a delicious lunch at home in Gannavaram, checked my newly fitted Hella Comet 500 and a gentle press on the push start button depressing the clutch, my Ford 1.5 TDCi roared to life. It took us 2hrs to reach Kondapalli village which is 45kms away from my house at Gannavaram. It was 3.07PM and we quickly stopped at Kondapalli toys store to gift a nice Kondapalli toy to our family doc and did a quick shopping for our newly renovated house at Hyderabad. While my parents were busy shopping at the store, I had a quick look inside the store, wondered at the beauty of our native Telugu artisans work and then it was time for me to have a look at the Gmaps for further planning. A short drive to the other side of the hill, we in no time entered Kondapalli Forest ghat. What a feeling! Driving on the ghats after almost a year. Maredumilli being the last. It’s a 6.9km drive through the forest ghat road and it took us almost 20mins to reach to the Fort after a good drive on the extremely narrow and scenic ghat road. The road condition was excellent. Doordarshan TV towers situated at the top of the hill is a major advantage and the only reason for the best road condition. We spent a good 1.5hrs time at Kondapalli forest. While my parents were busy exploring the fort, I was double busy exploring the forest and clicking some beautiful pictures of my mile muncher Ford and enjoying the views sipping a chilled sprite in the hot afternoon. It was 5.15 in the evening, it’s getting dark and we were already getting late to catch-up for our last leg of journey, drive through the Mulapadu forest road in the return leg to home. We hopped into our car after sipping hot tea and at a small shop near the fort feeling sad looking at the beauty being littered by some people. Kondapalli fort - Mulapadu forest – Gannavaram via Mulapadu forest road. (ONE NEEDS TO TAKE THE MULAPADU-GADDAMANUGU ROAD TO VISIT BUTTERFLY PARK AND FOREST WHICH IS NOT SHOWN IN GOOGLE MAPS) We started at 5.45 Pm at Kondapalli fort, a good downhill drive covering the entire 6.9kms but this time in 30mins avoiding all the idiotic bikers ricing on rice bikes and Activas, we reached the VGA-HYD NH with a small scratch on the rear right door caused by an old man speeding in his Dzire without even honking on a curve. “Be gentle on my curves” must be followed everywhere! We reached Mulapadu village and the time was already 6.15PM, seeing no chance of driving through the Mulapadu forest road to Gannavaram which was the original plan since it was already dark and the road was full of truck traffic, I settled for a few pictures near the Mulapadu Butterfly Park arch and Mulapadu forest entry, bought some beautiful plants in the nearby nursery, bid goodbye to the beautiful place looking at the forest road entry planning in my mind to execute the incomplete final leg of journey all alone, we drove back to Gannavaram. I know the story is incomplete unfortunately. But hopefully I’ll be back really soon with a part 2. Until then, Drive Safe, Stay Safe.

Hampi, Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami tour was indeed a three years dream ultimately became true in the first week of Jan, 2019. I took the same route as our ID group travelled in December, 2018. Hyderabad-Kurnool-Bellari-Hampi. Return I came from Badami-Lingsugur-Raichur-Desugur-Mahaboobnagar-Jadcharla-Hyderabad. I may not be able to put up all the story at one go. I will try to post it day wise. Team Me and My Wife, My Mother's sister and uncle, Their Daughter and two 11 & 9 year old kids. (5+2) Vehicle- Uncle's own Xylo Day One-05-01-2019 With a little delay than we planed we started from Vanasthalipuram just before 6.00 AM with a cofee break at M Food Court before Jedcharla and reached Kurnool by 9.15 AM. We had Buffet Breakfast at Hotel Suraj Grand @ Rs.120/- Per head and the breakfast was very good. We started just before 10.00 AM from Kurnool and reached Mayura Bhuvaneswari KSTDC Hotel at Kamalapura by 2.30 PM. My wife became sick by the time we reached the destination with three vomitings between Kodumur and Kamalapura. I was told its an infection in intestine and simple medication was told by our family doctor over phone. Every one was in anxiety and after medicationction she slept in the room forcing me to continue with visiting places. I was in a real dilemma not ready to leave her alone in that condition and other side My uncle, aunty, sister with two kids who came from Australia and depending on me for the tour. At one stage I thought of asking my uncle to go ahead by engaging a guide but my wife insisted me to go. As the distance of Vijaya Vittala Temple is close to the Hotel, We left hotel by 4.10 PM. We reached Tallari Gatta Gate by 4.25 and took a snap and proceeded to Battery car point. Due to paucity of time I could not stop over by Gajjela Mandapa. We saw all the ruins and places on drive in battery car. By 4.50 we reached the Vijaya Vittala Temple and after taking entry tickets, we engaged a guide out side the temple for Rs. 350/- Full team minus my wife ? Full temple Left side view through Wide angle lens Sun set time Right side of the Temple. By the time we saw the Vittala temple complex, it was 6 Pm and the time for closure of temple. When we came out we were told that the last battery car will depart from the temple at 6.30 PM so we did not went to Shiva Temple adjacent to Vittala Temple. We came out and wanted to see King's balance. Before that few clicks of Siva temple and Vittala Market. My wife also called me and informed me that she is feeling better. Vishnu Temple on the way to King's Balance King's Balance Few other structures near by We returned in the last battery car and reached the Hotel by 7.15 PM. We had dinner at the same hotel and went to bed early. Food is good at the hotel but the service is very slow. Room service is not available. End of day One

Day 0 : Hyderabad 14th December Medical check list: Crocin - body pains and fever Metrogyl - motions Avomine - motion sickness Surbex- T multivitamin - resistance Band aids - safety Soframycin ointment - safety Wikoryl - sore throat and cold Diamox - Altitude sickness Vehicle check list Periodic Service and all liquids top up Wheel alignment and balancing, check tyres for punctures, check spare wheel Jumper cables (available at Ranijung) Towing ropes and hooks (available at Ranijung) Air pump Spare bulbs Torch Duct tape Knife/scissors Zip ties Basic tool kit Dash cam Car charger (two, front/rear) PUC (pollution) Camera check list : Don't forget to empty memory cards Tripod stand Action Camera Car mount Chargers and extra batteries Gimbal Personal check list Passport Passport size photos Original license Original RC Original Insurance AAdhar card

Here is some information about Indian wildlife Sanctuaries and national parks. Open for suggestions, please comment if there's anything to be added or edited.

We did a trip to Warangal and Laknavaram lake during the end of 2017(Dec 30th and 31st). I just want to share the overall experience in the forum. This is my first post so please forgive me for any mistakes. This was not a planned trip (We usually do not plan any trips ). We were a total of 9 ppl(7 adults and two kids). We started off with a car(dZire) and a bike(Bullet). We started on a saturday at around 11AM from Hyderabad. We took the ORR from Medchal, got down at the Ghatkesar exit, had Lunch at Vivera on the way. Food was good and Spicy. They had some play area as well for kids. Continued post Lunch to Warangal, Stayed in a hotel named Gayathri Grand near to Railway Station. The Hotel was very good but a bit on the expensive side. We went to Bhadrakali Temple in the evening through the busy and narrow streets of Warangal. As we have not planned any places to visit, we had very bad time in figuring out the places to visit and using google maps to find our way to the destinations. The temple had very less number of people and we had our Darshan freely. After that, we retired back to our hotel rooms. Had dinner in the restaurant and dozed off in the cozy rooms. Got ready by 8AM the next morning, had breakfast and went to 1000 Pillar temple. We used google maps for the way to the temple but somehow google was directing us into a small lane behind the temple. Somehow we figured out the actual route and went inside. The temple was a bit busy being it a sunday. We could not actually visit the 1000 pillar mandapa because of some renovation work being carried out. After visiting the thousand pillar temple, we started off to Laknavarm lake. Here again, if we search for Laknavaram in google maps, it is taking us to a different place. We had to use Laknavaram lake and follow the maps. The route was very good and we cruised off on both the vehicles. There were no much food joints available on the way. Before we reach Mulugu village, google was directing us to a right lane. We took the lane and somehow suspected that it might not be the actual route. Spoke to few locals and got to know about the actual route which is near to Mulugu village. Once we neared the destination, there was a heavy rush and we were not allowed to go inside with our car and were asked to park in a nearby place. This was because of some traffic jam, the officials told. After waiting for about half an hour, we were allowed to start again. There was about 2,5KM of distance to be covered and that was a bit tricky drive because of the heavy traffic and we had to get off the road at regular intervals. The roads were also risky being them on the edge of a hill. Once we reached the destination, there was no proper parking available and people were parking wherever they find some empty area. It was a task for us to park our vehicle so that it will not block anybody else's path. It was already around 1PM in the afternoon. We went near the lake bridge and it was full of tourists. There is a lot of waiting time and we decided to go for a Jungle Safari in the meantime. They charged us Rs.50 per head and took us to the other end of the lake in typical forest kind of a road. The road was full of stoned and potholes. We enjoyed the safari ride. The driver dropped us at the location and went back. We were free to roam until he comes back with another batch. We started exploring the place. Basically the place had a Gate and locks mechanism for the lake. Any excess water in the lake will be allowed a free passage from the gates to the other side. They cleverly built few steps on the other side of the water flow to create a miniature waterfalls effect. It was a nice place and we enjoyed there until the driver came back after about 2 hrs. The views were very good on both sides of the lake. We had to return to hyderabad before midnight for the new years day celebrations and had very less time left now. So we decided to skip visiting the bridge and started back. Returned to our home in hyderabad exactly in the midnight (12:00 Am 31st Dec, 2017) No Pictures available for this trip. We are planning to cover the same place again this weekend and will try to take few pics this time.

We did a trip to Nagarjuna Sagar during the month of January. I wanted to share the experience here. Started off on a Saturday morning at around 10AM. Took the usual route to Sagar. Visited a Balaji temple on a small hill enroute. The place was not in the limelight so less crowd and 2 min drive up the hill was exciting. No railing and very steep. The views from the top of the hill were superb. View of The Wonderla from the ORR. Took it from a moving car. The Balaji Temple enroute to Sagar Excellent Views from the Hilltop. The route which leads to the top of the hill is also clearly visible. A Light Moment Stopped for Lunch at Hotel Sidhartha near Boudha Sthupas. Spent some time exploring the place after Lunch. Resumed again for Sagar. The road was nice and very less traffic. Stopped again on the road side to take few pictures of the distant view of the reservoir. Took some photos and started again. Distant View of the reservoir Water Ponds formed by excavations and rains.. Our Trusted Partner Resting on the roadside After reaching Sagar, we came to know that the boating time was over. So wanted to try our luck on the other side of the reservoir. Reached that place and it closed as well. So no boating. Had lunch at the Haritha hotel and started exploring the place near the reservoir. There were few dingy boats operated by some private agency. He charged us about 20rs per head and would take us into the reservoir and the ride will last for about 30 min. They were kind enough to provide us with the life jackets. As kids were there, we asked him not go too far from the shore. We had good time during those 10 min Dingy ride. There were good views during the Sun set in that area.

Team : Has anyone been to Philippines? Need help and information. I am doing quite a detailed research on this beautiful country and looks like the trip can be extremely surprising with 7000 islands and the vastness of the country.! The distance and the accessibility between or across many islands can be little time consuming. Need guidance on the worth visiting spots and logistics for the planned itinerary. Thank you

Here is my #RoadtripReport from Calicut to Mysuru via Wayanad

Hello India-Drive members, This is a travelogue of my recent trip to Nagarjuna Sagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve and my third travelogue in this Forum. Wanted to make it the best out of three so took some time. Before starting the story, i would like to thank my dear friends from the WhatsApp group who made this trip a memorable one with their tips and advice. Distance: 408KM Drive Time: 8HRS including 1 breakfast break for a hour. Mileage: 13KMPL Vehicle: Honda City VX Manual Fuel: Petrol Speed: Cruised at 100KMPH and 140KMPH Route Taken: HYDERABAD-KURNOOL-NANDYALA-ATMAKUR-BAIRLOOTY DAY 1. 22 SEP 2017 Started at Kompally at 6:00 AM and reached M food court Mahbobnagar at 7:30 AM. The road is a good 4 lane road but going above 100KMPH is a tough thing after entering AP border. There are many white lines near the intersection which irritates at high speed. Had breakfast at M food court and started at 8:30 AM. About M food court, A restaurant with bad food and bad service. Not at all VFM. There is another restaurant called hill park before M food court but missed it due to the speed i was in. Started at 8:30 AM. after having breakfast and a small quarrel with the hotel staff there and reached Kurnool around 10:00 - 10:30AM. Got confused after reaching Kurnool and asked in the group. Thanks to @DheerajReddy @jay_chitti for suggesting me a route. Took RAYALASEEMA express way to reach Nandyala. After entering Kurnool we will get a signal from which we should go straight and then left to enter RAYALASEEMA express way. Going left from the starting signal will directly take us to Atmakur which is the best and quick route. Reached Nandyala at around 11:30 and did a mistake by switching on Google maps. It took me through streets where even a cycle guy thinks twice to enter. The street is Sunkallamma street adjacent to market road. got stuck there for one hour. That time i was sure that some one would come and trash me and my car for entering that narrow street with such a long vehicle... as imagined people came near me but what happened is a very different thing... people there are very good and kind, they helped me cross the street with absolutely zero damage to my car. One local there even walked for almost a kilometer just to ensure that the road is clear so that my car could enter. even a police there did the same thing. Was pleased by the way they treated their guest. all these things were because of the TS number plate my car has. After all those things, crossed Nandyala around 12:30PM and reached Bairlooty at 1:30PM. Had lunch there and started off to safari at 3:00PM, half and an hour earlier as there were no one that day. The safari is very good, takes us through dense forest. A person with an axe accompanies us for safety. Unfortunately could not spot any wild animals as its difficult during this time, happened to spot a Sambar female in this first day and captured it in my camera. The very adventures thing that has happened was a Gypsy break down. The Gypsy after going deep inside the forest broke down and we had wait for an hour for next Gypsy in the calm, peaceful, serene forest enjoying the chirping sounds of the birds, waiting for some wild animal to come so that i can capture. The driver, and few guys accompanying us were very attentive as they knew that there is always danger hidden behind a beauty. The place that we stopped was a thick forest where tigers, bears, cheetas come for evening snacks. The place is near a Y junction where there is an old British building and an old temple which is very very risky. Completed the safari by 6:00PM entered the room, had some tasty pakodas with hot tea enjoying the nature and then had dinner at 9:30 in the room itself as we were tired and slipped onto the bed. DAY2. 23 SEP 2017. Woke up at 7:30 AM from the comfy beds, got freshed up, had breakfast, bought some goodies from the local shop in the resort and went on for a second safari at 10:15 AM Forgot to tell you, there is an old Shiva temple inside the forest which is considered as a very risky place to go. The second day morning my father woke up early took the Gypsy and went inside the forest and temple. He spotted few wild bores, wild dogs, and wild pig on the way to temple. Many wild animals including Bears and Wild dogs, which are considered as the most dangerous animals than tiger come to that place early in the morning and in the evening. One should be prepared for the worst thing before going to the temple. Many people asked me the reason forgoing there, instead of going to some other place, there is no answer for those type of questions.. after all its a wildlife enthusiast and travelers thing. Coming to the second day safari, I was fortunate enough to spot few Neelghais this time. Spotted a group of Neelghais in the bushes and captured it in my camera. After going deep inside the forest for few kilometers there was a ditch where our Gypsy wheels got stuck and back seat occupants had to get down. The drivers are well experienced and got the Gypsy out of the ditch after few minutes of off-roading. This is my first off-roading, that too deep inside a forest.. after going for few kilometers, the driver stopped the vehicle at a safe zone and then i took few pictures. Completed the safari at around 12:30 and then bought an archery ticket for 100 rs for 10 arrows, the archery is a thing filled with great fun and joy. Learnt archery from the local tribal workers there and managed to shoot the red wall on the target board. A great achievement for me Finished the fun filled archery paid extra amount ie, 200 for 20 arrows, had lunch at 1:30 PM and drove to YSR Smruthi Vanam at 2:15 PM. Reached the place in less than 45 mins, a very good road where one can easily maintain 60KMPH entire 30KM stretch. About YSR Smruthi Vanam, A place which is 30 kilometers away from Bairlooty( Nallamalla Jungle Camps) at Atmakur. A place build in memory of undivided Andhra Pradesh ex Chief Minister Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy. His plane was crashed 15 kilometers from YSR Smruthi Vanam at Pavuralagutta which is clearly visible from a view point tower constructed at that place. Its a picnic spot for many locals, a good place for children to play around and have fun, for elders its not so interesting. Visited that place paid my respects to the great person, my father went on to the view point and clicked some pictures, we read few facts about him engraved on a marble stone and left the place at 2:45 PM. Reached Bairlooty at 3:15 PM took rest for an hour, had snacks, Mirchi Bajji, Tea, and then again paid 100rs for archery at 5:30 PM. could not play much because of the low light and returned early to the guest house. There the light is very low, looks like 6:30PM but will still be 5:30PM Had some quality talk with the supervisor Mr. Rajendra Prasad. He is a very passionate person, passionate about wildlife, a nature lover, photographer, and flutist. His passion towards these things are obvious from the way he talk, he is a Bpharm degree holder, had a lab of his own, stopped it and came to bairlooty from Kadapa just to serve the nature. His job at Bairlooty is amazing, outstanding, and he is still a contract employee. His wildlife photo collection is excellent. He has a Nikon D5 with which he captures the beautiful wildlife. He has got a very good knowledge over wild animals, plants, forests. He caught a very dangerous spider and sealed it in a box. Took the picture but its not clear. At 8:30PM i tried for some star trails but could not get because of the clouds. Had dinner at 9:00PM and slipped onto the bed at 10:30PM. DAY 3. 24 SEP 2017 Woke up at 7:00AM, had tea, paid 200 for 20 arrows, (yes, I am addicted towards that game) had breakfast at 9:30, Packed our bags, bought some more goodies from the store there which were made by the Girijans there, paid amount and left the place by 10:30 with a heavy heart Route Taken: BAIRLOOTY-ATMAKUR-KURNOOL-KADWAL-HYDERABAD. Reached Hyderabad at 7:15 as we stopped for some time at Gadwal and Food Pyramid. About Gadwal, A nice place famous for its sarees. Could not explore much. About Food Pyramid, A restaurant with worst food and service. No hygiene at all. Stopped at Gadwal and my mother took some sarees at the weavers. The roads were good all the way, the road from Bairlooty to Atmakur is a beautiful two laned road surrounded by lush green farms. A special thanks to @Ranger @DheerajReddy @jay_chitti @varunc @shruthi and all the WhatsApp group members for sharing the information rite from the beginning to the end of the trip. Few pictures