Vikarabad:
The tiny hamlet of Maneguda near Vikarabad in Andhra Pradesh manages to attract droves of tourists wishing to go off the beaten track. It's home to Deccan Trails, a unique hill top leisure-pleasure-cum-education destination in close proximity to Hyderabad that offers camping and outdoor activities. Spread over 35 acres of untouched land, a boulevard of trees welcome guests to the campsite that flourishes with flora and fauna. Fifty km from the Andhra Pradesh Police Academy, it's a perfect getaway for those looking to be with nature and rough it out in the open.
Not having electricity often comes as an advantage to those wanting to escape the urban world. Wake up to the sounds of myriad tropical birds, enjoy a hearty breakfast from the camp's home-style kitchen and explore the miles of trails through the sprawling nature reserve.
The campsite has tented accommodations, a machaan, a watchtower and a rock-climbing wall. The machaan and the watchtower overlooks the nearby 40 sq km reserve forest. Though no wild cats, it has wild boars, spotted deers, peacocks, porcupines and Neelgai. There are ten tents providing a panoramic view of the greenery. Guests are allotted canvas tents pinned on to platforms and are furnished with minimum requirements such as beds, covers, a fan, an emergency light, and an attached toilet each. Those staying overnight are assured of electricity and assistance on call to ensure that the stay is comfortable.
"The weather is always a few degrees cooler than Hyderabad. There is bonfire on request to add to the lovely evening," says Nitin Neemkar, manager guest relations of the campsite. Food is served in the traditional dhaba style under the thatched huts. Phulkas, sabzis, curd, jeera rice, papads and a sweet is part of the platter. Guests have gone on record to say that they find the food tasty and often invariably end up overeating. There are several hammocks with creatively designed swinging beds that allows guests to doze off after the sumptuous meal.
There is something for everyone here. The slightly adventurous kind can go for a trek into the deep woods, making it an ideal place for family. The adventure seekers can try their luck at archery, commando nets dart board, rock climbing, not to mention walking on the rope, which is popularly known as the Burma Bridge. The elders can just sit and reminisce their fond memories.
The guests are welcomed by a hearty home cooked dinner after returning from an adventure filled day. Latter they can relax around the campfire or in a hammock and watch as the jungle night unfolds.
Families will find Trails a perfect spot for fostering a deep kind of bonding and togetherness.Youth, stressed due to the high workloads in colleges or at work, will find Trails reinvigorating. One should make a visit to this place during or after the rains. Summer sees this place turn into a bale of straw, hot and tiring.
The only not so good thing of the place is the dining area - there are a lot of flies and ants around and those not used to the outdoors will find it a bit uncomfortable.