Are you looking for the perfect weekend getaway this December? You don’t need to book a flight to Manali or Ooty. December is arguably the best month to explore Telangana. The heat is gone, the mornings are misty, and our state’s waterfalls and forests are still lush from the retreating monsoons.
Whether you want a spiritual Christmas vibe or a chilly camping night under the stars, here are the 5 best places to visit in Telangana this December—complete with travel details to help you plan.
1. Adilabad: The “Kashmir of Telangana”
If you want to wear your winter jacket and see fog-covered valleys, Adilabad is your top pick. December is the prime time to visit Kuntala and Pochera waterfalls because the water flow is still decent, and the trek down is pleasant, not sweating hot.
- Why December? Temperatures drop significantly (sometimes to single digits at night!), making it a true winter experience.
- Must-See:
- Kuntala Waterfalls: The highest waterfall in the state. You need to climb down about 400 steps.
- Pochera Waterfalls: Wider and deeper; great for photography.
- Plan Your Trip:
- 📍 Distance: ~300 km from Hyderabad (NH 44 is excellent).
- 🎫 Entry Fee: ₹10 per adult; Parking ~₹20.
- 🕒 Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- 🚆 How to Reach: Take the Krishna Express (17405) or Nanded Express to Adilabad station. From there, hire a private taxi for the waterfalls (approx. 50-60 km away).
- 💡 Pro Tip: Don’t rely on food stalls near the falls. Pack your own lunch and water.
2. Laknavaram Lake: The “Maldives of Telangana”
Famous for its iconic yellow hanging bridge, Laknavaram in the Warangal district is stunning in December. The misty mornings over the lake are magical.
- Why December? The lake is full, and the “glamping” (glamorous camping) weather is perfect.
- Activities:
- Island Hopping: Walk across the suspension bridge connecting the islands.
- Boating: Speed boats and regular motorboats are available.
- Plan Your Trip:
- 📍 Distance: ~220 km from Hyderabad.
- 🎫 Charges: Entry ₹10 | Boating ₹50 (Adult), ₹30 (Child) | Speed Boat ₹300 (4 pax).
- 🏠 Stay:Haritha Resorts (Glass Cottages) are in high demand.
- Non-AC Room: ₹1,800 approx.
- AC Wooden/Glass Cottage: ₹2,800 – ₹5,000.
- 💡 Pro Tip: Cottages for Dec 25th-31st usually get booked out weeks in advance. Check tourism.telangana.gov.in immediately if you plan to stay overnight.
3. Medak Church: A Grand Christmas Spectacle
If you are in Telangana in December, you must witness the Christmas grandeur at Medak Cathedral. It is one of the largest churches in Asia and looks breathtaking when illuminated for the holidays.
- Why December? The Christmas Festival (Dec 25) here is a massive event. The church is decorated with lakhs of lights, and the festive atmosphere is unmatched.
- Highlights:
- The stained glass windows depicting the life of Jesus (best viewed in morning sunlight).
- The 175-foot high bell tower.
- Plan Your Trip:
- 📍 Distance: ~95 km from Hyderabad (2-hour drive).
- 🕒 Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM. (Service timings vary on Christmas/Sundays).
- 🚆 How to Reach: Buses from Jubilee Bus Station (JBS) to Medak are frequent (every 30 mins).
- 💡 Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday evening before Christmas (Dec 20-23) to see the lighting without the massive crush of crowds on Christmas day itself.
4. Nagarjuna Sagar: The Classic Family Picnic
The water levels are usually perfect in December, allowing for the launch cruise to operate smoothly. It’s a great mix of history (Buddhist museum) and nature.
- Why December? Walking over the dam and climbing the steps to the museum island is tiring in summer but delightful in the cool December breeze.
- Activities:
- Launch Cruise: The boat ride to Nagarjunakonda Museum is the highlight.
- Ethipothala Falls: Located 11 km from the dam, this waterfall is also illuminated in the evenings.
- Plan Your Trip:
- 📍 Distance: ~150 km from Hyderabad.
- 🎫 Boating Fees: Approx. ₹150 – ₹200 for the museum round trip.
- 🕒 Boat Timings: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Boats don’t run if water level is too low or wind is high, but Dec is usually safe).
- 💡 Pro Tip: Start early (6 AM) from Hyderabad to catch the first boat at 9:30 AM and avoid the long queue.
5. Ananthagiri Hills (Vikarabad): The Quick Recharge
Short on time? Ananthagiri is the closest hill station to Hyderabad. It’s perfect for a quick 24-hour camping trip with friends.
- Why December? Night camping is the main attraction here. In December, the night temperatures are perfect for a bonfire.
- Activities:
- Trekking: Simple trails through the forest.
- Camping: Several private organizers offer tent stays with food & DJ.
- Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple: Visit early morning.
- Plan Your Trip:
- 📍 Distance: ~80 km from Hyderabad.
- 💰 Camping Cost: ₹1,200 – ₹2,000 per person (includes dinner/tent).
- 🚆 How to Reach: The Vikrabad Junction is well connected by MMTS and local trains.
- 💡 Pro Tip: Don’t just stick to the main temple area. Explore the Kotpally Reservoir nearby (approx 20km) for kayaking.
