Looking for an eco retreat near Hyderabad? Anamkara by Mrugavani in Narsapur Forest offers lake views, forest cottages, wildlife experiences, kayaking, adventure activities and a relaxing weekend getaway just 45 km from the city.
Article by Rajeshwari Kalyanam
How much does it take to get away – from the noise, chaos, dust, not to mention stress and fatigue that we associate with urban life. Well, at least 2 to 3 days of leisure, and a long ride before the ever-expanding city actually vanishes and you find your refuge?
Well, not really.
Today the city is surrounded by several resorts and retreats that offer the right ambience and facilities needed for that much-needed break. One of the most recent ones to add to the list, Anamkara by Mrugavani takes the concept of retreat and rejuvenation several notches up.
Just 45 kms from Financial District, the drive to Anamkara is an easy one, and by the time you realise it, you are heading into Telangana’s 4,000-odd-acre deciduous forest zone, Narsapur. Inside the forest, Mrugavani did what it does well – build the Anamkara Eco Retreat with trees and greenery all around and the birds and wildlife filling the air with nature’s music, so close to the city, yet a world away in the lap of nature.
On one side of the resort is the Narsapur Lake – the natural water body feeding the pond over which the cottages are built. In addition to providing a great view from the balcony – on good water days (during the monsoons) – this pond is where people go kayaking and boating.
The forest and the hill that are part of Anamkara provide the opportunity for hiking and safari, which will allow you to watch flora and fauna of Telangana – a peacock here and a blackbuck or a deer there, and some amazing birds for sure.
The spacious cottages are designed to become one with the vibe – muted colours, a simple, even rustic approach to the design, and balconies opening to glimpses of the forest, the water and the amazing breeze during the evenings. Available in three major categories – Classic Rooms, Pool Cottages and Pond Villas – and Suites with Private Pools, they are. There is a large convention space and meeting hall and that expands the options for larger events.
There is a beautiful pool you can jump into (timings apply), with a rain dance corner for the ones with a fun streak, and alongside is the common restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner – with a mostly popular menu for families, kids and food-loving grown-ups.
The outdoors is fun too, albeit the monkeys can play spoilsport – so you’ve got to look out for them. The pool area also has these picturesque green stretches – man-made lawns that can host a common activity or where one can just sit and chill.
There are buggies to take you around the large area over which the cottages are spread – but one can choose to bicycle one’s way around. There are facilities to play indoor games, a box cricket zone, a pickleball court, volleyball, etc.
In short, Anamkara has been designed for a no-stress, no-activity kind of holiday where you indulge in nature in its most natural form spread around you, or you can come with family and friends and pack in as much fun as you wish – ideal for friends and family groups gathering for parties, even weddings, colleagues hashing it out in the outdoors or together for a seminar, or just couples and individuals getting away only to do nothing or lounge around.
And, there’s something for everyone to do or perhaps do nothing and just stare at the lake or at nothing. All just a stone’s throw away – well almost!
Anamkara Resort by Mrugavani,
Beside Narsapur Urban Forest Park, Narsapur, Telangana
Phone: +91 83339 25456 or +91 83339 22955
Prices: Classic Room – Rs 8850 for two adults Pond Cottage – Rs 14,159 for two adults (Look out for the deals on the website) https://www.mrugavaniresorts.com/anamkara/
