Puri Jagannath Temple – A Complete Guide with Timings

The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is one of the most famous and sacred Hindu temples in India. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Vishnu/Krishna), it is part of the Char Dham Yatra, making it a must-visit pilgrimage site for devotees from all over the world.

Built in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, this magnificent temple is not only a spiritual hub but also a cultural symbol of Odisha. The temple is known for its unique rituals, grand Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival), and its impressive architecture that stands tall at 214 feet.

Highlights of Jagannath Temple

• Home to the holy trinity: Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra.

• Famous for the Mahaprasad (sacred food offering) cooked in earthen pots.

• The Rath Yatra, held annually, draws millions of devotees.

• A blend of spirituality, history, and architectural brilliance.

Puri Jagannath Temple Timings

The temple remains open every day, but timings are divided for different rituals. Visitors are advised to plan accordingly.

• Morning Opening Time: 5:30 AM

• Darshan Timings: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Closing Time: 9:30 PM

⏳ Note: The timings may change slightly on festival days and special occasions.

Best Time to Visit

• Daily Rituals: Early morning Mangala Aarti is highly recommended.

• Festivals: The Rath Yatra (June–July) is the grandest celebration, but expect heavy crowds.

• Season: October to February is pleasant for darshan.

Tips for Visitors

• Only Hindus are allowed inside the main temple premises (a long-standing tradition).

• Non-Hindus can view the temple from the Raghunandan Library rooftop nearby.

• Dress modestly and follow temple customs.

• Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside.

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Suryanarayana Temple -Timings, Arasavalli

The Suryanarayana Temple in Arasavalli, near Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most famous and ancient temples dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Narayana). It is believed to have been built in the 7th century AD by King Devendra Varma of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The temple is unique because it is one of the very few Sun temples in India where the deity is still worshipped actively.

The main deity, Lord Suryanarayana, is depicted riding a chariot drawn by seven horses, symbolizing the seven days of the week and the seven colors of sunlight. Devotees believe that offering prayers here can cure ailments, especially those related to the eyes and skin.

Highlights of Suryanarayana Temple

• Dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, worshipped as a life-giver and healer.

• The temple’s architecture allows the sun’s rays to directly fall on the deity’s feet twice a year (March and September).

• A sacred place where devotees perform Rathasaptami and Ratha Yatra with great devotion.

• Believed to have powerful healing properties for those who offer prayers with faith.

Timings of Suryanarayana Temple, Arasavalli

• Morning Opening: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM

• Evening Opening: 3:30 PM – 8:00 PM

⏳ Note: Temple timings may vary slightly during festivals and special occasions.

Best Time to Visit

• Festivals: Rathasaptami (January–February) and Ratha Yatra are celebrated with grandeur.

• Season: October to March is pleasant for travel and darshan.

• Special Days: Equinox days (March & September), when the sun’s rays touch the deity’s feet.

Tips for Visitors

• The temple attracts large crowds during festivals; plan for early morning visits.

• Dress modestly and follow temple customs.

• Local guides are available to explain the history and significance.

• Don’t miss the peaceful surroundings of Arasavalli, which add to the spiritual experience.

 Suryanarayana Temple Timings:

Morning :- 6AM -12:30PM
Eevening Hours : 3:30 PM - 8:00PM

 

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Amaravati Tourism Places

Amaravathi is a town located on the banks of the River Krishna in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. Amaravathi is also called the Abode of God.It is a familiar name for the Buddhists in India and is a prime hub for pilgrimage and sightseeing.

This is also renowned for being a site of a great Buddhist Stupa, which is a mound-like or semi-hemispherical structure containing Buddhist relics, typically the ashes of Buddhist monks, used by Buddhists as a place of meditation. it was during the reign of emperor Ashoka,one can see the Stupa decorated with carvings of life and teachings of Buddha. The 95 ft tall structure is made of brick with a circular dome and platforms towards all four directions. It is decorated with carved panels which tell the story of Buddha's life. Art historians regard the Amaravathi art as one of the three major styles or schools of ancient Indian art, the other two being the Gandhara style and the Mathura style.

Amareswara Temple, Amaravathi

The Amareswara Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva, the 'Destroyer of the Universe'.

The holy place embraces a 15 ft high marble Shiv Ling. It is believed that Lord Shiva is present in the structure of five lingams - Pranaveswara, Agasteswara, Kosaleswara, Someswara and Parthiveswara. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture,  'Maha Shivaratri' of 'Magha Bahula Dasami' is the main festivals celebrated here. This holy place has a pious aura that seeps into the heart, mind and body of all patrons.

Amravati Museum, Amaravathi.

Amravati Museum in Guntur District showcases several fascinating Buddhist relics as well as helps visitors understand the history of the town. The museum has a wide array of spellbinding images of Lord Buddha, some of which are in unique poses. In addition, the museum houses many other art and artifacts, such as the elephant of Ajatshatru and vibrant art showing how Gautama Siddhartha left his palace in search of nirvana.
Amravati Museum offers an insightful journey into the past of Buddhism and visitors can enjoy this journey.
 

p.c : AP Tourism

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Masula(Mysolia) Beach Festival 2025 – A Coastal Celebration

The Masula Beach Festival 2025 at Manginapudi Beach, Machilipatnam was one of the grandest coastal events of Andhra Pradesh. Held from June 5 to 8, 2025, it combined cultural showcases, adventure sports, water rides, and traditional markets to celebrate the heritage of Krishna district.

Masula Beach Festival 2025

Highlights of the Festival

• Adventure Sports: Paragliding, bungee jumping, sea kayaking, heli rides, speed boat races, and jet ski rides.

• Cultural Shows: Kuchipudi dance, folk music, celebrity performances, and live concerts.

• Food & Handicrafts: Bandar Laddu, seafood curries, Bandar Halwa, and stalls showcasing Kondapalli toys, Lepakshi crafts, and Kalamkari textiles.

• Grand Scale: Over 12 lakh visitors attended across 4 days, making it one of the biggest coastal festivals in South India.

  

  Masula Beach Festival 2025 -Music show

  
  

  

  Masula Beach Festival 2025 -Cultural Shows

  

  Masula Beach Festival 2025 -Singing

   

  
  

  

  Masula Beach Festival 2025 -Paragliding

Attractions to Explore

• Manginapudi Beach – Known for its black soil and shallow waters.

• Panduranga Swamy Temple – A 500-year-old temple, also called Andhra’s Pandharpur.

• Dattashram – A sacred site with meditation halls near the beach.

• Machilipatnam Town – Famous for Kalamkari handlooms and historic Dutch & British era architecture.

• Manginapudi Lighthouse – Offers panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal.

Accommodation

• APTDC Haritha Beach Resort – Located close to Manginapudi Beach, perfect for families.

• Hotel Eswar Grand – In Machilipatnam town, offering modern amenities.

• Hotel Raj Residency – A good mid-range option with comfortable rooms.

• Budget Stays & Lodges – Many small lodges and guesthouses available in Machilipatnam for budget travelers.

💡 Book in advance, as hotels get filled quickly during the 4-day festival.

Travel Tips

• Best Time: Evenings at the festival are lively with cultural programs.

• Transport: Machilipatnam is well connected by road and rail. Vijayawada Airport is the nearest air link (70 km away).

• Packing Tip: Carry cotton clothes, sunscreen, and water bottles for day events.

The Masula Beach Festival is more than just a celebration — it’s a showcase of Andhra’s coastal culture, cuisine, adventure, and heritage. A perfect weekend getaway combining fun, faith, and festivities on the sandy shores of Machilipatnam.

 

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Hyderabad to Tirupati Tourism Packages by Telangana Tourism

Pilgrimage Trips to Lord Venkateswara Temple from Hyderabad.

 

 

Are you dreaming of a spiritual journey from the bustling city of Hyderabad to the abode of Lord Venkateswara in Tirupati? Planning the logistics—transport, accommodation, and, most importantly, those precious darshan tickets—can feel overwhelming.What if you could leave all those worries behind and simply focus on the devotion?

Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC) offers beautifully curated tour packages that make this sacred pilgrimage smooth, comfortable, and incredibly memorable. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about embarking on a divine Tirupati tour Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) with Telangana Tourism. 

Why Choose a Telangana Tourism Package for Tirupati?

• Hassle-Free Darshan Booking: Securing Tirupati darshan tickets, especially for special darshans, can be complex. TSTDC handles the entire booking process, ensuring you get confirmed darshan slots.

• Seamless Travel: Forget the stress of navigating roads or managing multiple bus/train bookings. Travel is taken care of in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles.

• Expert Guidance: A tour manager accompanies the group, handling check-ins, schedules, and providing valuable insights about the temples and local culture.

• Cost-Effective: Bundling travel, stay, and darshan into a package often works out more economical than arranging each element separately.

• Trusted Accommodation: TSTDC uses its own properties or trusted partner hotels, ensuring a clean, safe, and comfortable stay. 

Popular Hyderabad to Tirupati Tour Packages

Telangana Tourism typically offers a range of packages to suit different needs and budgets. The most common is a 2-Night / 3-Day package by road. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect:

Package: Tirupati Tour (2 Nights / 3 Days)

Mode of Transport: Air-conditioned Coach (Non-A/C options might be available for budget travelers)
Destination Covered: Tirupati & Tirumala

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Hyderabad to Tirupati

• Evening: Depart from Hyderabad (usually from the TSTDC office in Lakdi-ka-pul or Pick-up points in the city) in a comfortable coach.

• Overnight: Journey by road.

Day 2: Tirumala Darshan & Local Sightseeing

• Morning: Arrive in Tirupati. Check into your pre-booked hotel. Freshen up and have breakfast.

• Late Morning: Proceed to Alipiri (the foot of Tirumala Hills). From here, you will be transported to the hilltop.

• Afternoon: Experience the divine Darshan of Lord Venkateswara Swamy at the Tirumala Temple. (The type of darshan—e.g., General Darshan, Sudarshan Token—will be specified in your package).

• Evening: Visit other sacred sites in Tirumala like Sri Varahaswami Temple and the Sri Venkateswara Museum.

• Night: Return to your hotel in Tirupati for dinner and rest.

Day 3: Tirupati to Hyderabad

• Morning: After breakfast, check out from the hotel.

• Sightseeing: Visit the famous Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple in Tiruchanoor and the ancient Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srinivasamangapuram.

• Departure: Begin your return journey to Hyderabad after lunch.

• Late Night: Arrive in Hyderabad, marking the end of your spiritual tour.

  What’s Included & Excluded? (Sample)

  ✅ Included:

  • Travel: To & fro transportation from Hyderabad by A/C Coach.

  • Accommodation: Twin/Triple sharing basis in a decent, hygienic hotel.

  • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner (typically vegetarian meals).

  • Darshan: Facilitated darshan tickets for Tirumala Balaji Temple.

  • Sightseeing: Visits to local temples as per the itinerary.

  • Guide: Services of a tour manager. 

         ❌ Not Included:

• Lunch during the journey or on sightseeing days.

• Any personal expenses (e.g., Prasadam, donations, shopping).

• Any activities or services not mentioned in the itinerary.

• Hotel extras (minibar, laundry, etc.).

Accommodation Details

TSTDC uses a network of hotels that are known for their cleanliness and proximity to the temple town. The accommodation is typically in standard 3-star or good budget category hotels in Tirupati. Rooms are provided on a twin or triple sharing basis with attached bathrooms, running hot water, and essential amenities. For exact hotel names, it's best to check with TSTDC at the time of booking, as they can vary.

How to Book Your Package & Check Current Prices

1. Online: Visit the official Telangana Tourism website: https://tourism.telangana.gov.in/

   • Navigate to the "Tour Packages" or "Online Booking" section.

   • Look for the "Tirupati Tour" or similar package and check for available dates.

2. Offline: Visit the TSTDC Reservation Office at:

   • Telangana Tourism, #3-5-891, Tourism House, Himayatnagar, Hyderabad - 500029.

   • Or their other office at Lakdi-ka-pul.

3. Phone: You can also call their helpline for inquiries and bookings. (Check the official website for the most current contact numbers).

Pro Tip: Book well in advance! Especially during weekends, holidays, and festival seasons like Brahmotsavam, these packages get sold out quickly due to high demand. 

Essential Tips for Your Pilgrimage

• Dress Code: Traditional wear is recommended and often required. Men are advised to wear dhoti or pants, and women to wear a sari or salwar kameez.

• Footwear: Be prepared to walk barefoot in certain temple areas. Leave your footwear in the designated cloakrooms.

• Luggage: Travel light. A small backpack for the day is ideal for carrying water, a towel, and a camera (where allowed).

• Booking Confirmation: Always carry a printout or digital copy of your booking confirmation and a valid photo ID (Aadhar, Voter ID, etc.) for verification.

 Disclaimer: Package details, itineraries, and prices are subject to change. Please verify all information directly with Telangana Tourism (TSTDC) at the time of booking.

 

Check Train Packages by IRCTC  : HYD-TIRUPATI DARSAHAN

 

 

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Wild Waters Amusement Park, Hyderabad

Wild Waters Amusement Park :

Thrilling Rides, Wave Pools, fun and Adventure Activities in Hyderabad

Wild Waters Amusement & Water Park, located near Shankarpalli, is one of the largest amusement and water parks in India. Spread across 30 acres of greenery, the park combines water rides, amusement rides, and adventure activities, making it a must-visit destination for families, friends, and thrill-seekers.  

 

 1. Attractions at Wild Waters

🌊 Water Rides & Pools

• Wave Rider & Rain Dance – Dance under rain showers and ride the tides.

• Lazy River – Relax and float through calm waters.

• Speed Slides – Adrenaline-pumping water slides for thrill lovers.

• Kids Splash Zone – Safe and colorful water play for children.

🎡 Amusement Rides

• Roller Coasters & Giant Wheel – Exciting rides for families.

• Carousel & Mini Train – Perfect for kids.

• Thrill Rides – Pendulum swing, free fall rides, and more.

🧗 Adventure Activities

• Ziplining & Rope Course – Test your skills and courage.

• Rock Climbing – Fun for both adults and kids.

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2. Best Time to Visit

• October to March – Pleasant weather and perfect for outdoor fun.

• Summers are ideal if you want to enjoy water rides all day.

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3. Timings & Tickets

• Timings: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (all days).

• Tickets: Prices vary for kids, adults, and weekends. Online booking is available on their official website.

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4. How to Reach Wild Waters

• By Road: Located in Shankarpalli, about 35 km from Hyderabad city center. Easy access via car, cabs, and buses.

• By Train: Nearest station – Shankarpalli Railway Station (~3 km).

• By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (~50 km).

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5. Suggested Itinerary

Morning – Arrive early, start with thrilling water rides.
Afternoon – Enjoy amusement rides and grab lunch at the food courts.
Evening – Adventure activities, rain dance, and sunset photography.

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6. Travel Tips

• Carry swimwear (compulsory for water rides).

• Lockers are available at extra cost.

• Book tickets online to avoid queues.

• Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.

 

For Booking Tickets : 

http://wildwaters.reznextbookingengine.com/WildWaters-RangaReddy

 

 

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Pelican Festival at Kolleru lake

Pelican Festival - Kolleru: Kolleru, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the country, will host Pelican Festival at the Atapaka bird sanctuary.

Making elaborate arrangements to attract tourists for the ‘Pelican Pakshula Panduga’ at Atapaka village, located on the borders of the Krishna and West Godavari districts.

More than 5,000 spot-billed pelicans will visit the lake, roost, breed and fly with their young ones during the winter season. Hundreds of painted storks and other bird species will nest in all seasons.

Students and bird watchers will enjoy the scene in the lake and the neighbouring island villages after the break of dawn.

“The sanctuary will be decked up for the festival. Film artistes, noted singers and other celebrities will perform cultural programmes. The Environment Education Centre (EEC), the children’s park and the boating facility will entertain the tourists,”

Students of different educational institutions will visit the lake. Parking, drinking water, toilets and other facilities are arranged on the lake bund.

“The EEC will provide information to the visitors on different birds nesting in Kolleru and the neighbouring habitations. Different species, their food habits, the sounds they make, roosting, brooding and other information will be displayed in the centre,”.

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NTR Beach Festival kakinada from December 19-21

Beach festival December 2017 Kakinada Everyone in the city is very much excited about our grand event "NTR BEACH FESTIVAL". As all of us know that event will start on 19th December and end on 21st December. But a lot of questions raising regarding the festival.

Food Stalls:

25 food stalls will serve wide varieties with all tastes of both Veg and Non-Veg from 10 am to 12 pm

Play Area for Children:

Play area with fun activities games etc. for children of all ages.

Water Sports:

The beach festival offers water sports activities like

Bumper ride

Jet Skies

Water zorbing

Banana Boat Ride

Sand Art:

The artists work with sand to depict a theme that mesmerizes the audience.

Dog Show:

20 breeds of dogs will be shown to the people which give the chance to play with the different breeds of dogs.

Time: 2 pm to 6 pm

Adventure Sports:

The Kakinada Beach Festival is the place for the People who crave for adventure. It offers various adventure sports like

Paramotoring

Parasailing

Paragliding

Trampoline

Rock climbing

Heli Joy Ride

Timings: 10.00 AM To 5.30 PM

Rate per Head: Rs. 2,500/- (All Inclusive)

Dates: 19-12-2017 to 21-12-2017


Paramotor - Standard Flying

Timings: 6.30 AM To 6.00 PM

Adult: Rs. 1,500/-

Child: Rs. 1,500/-

Dates: 17-12-2017 to 21-12-2017

Paramotor - Aerobatics Flying

From 6.30 AM To 6.00 PM

Adult: Rs. 2,500/-

Child: Rs. 2,500/-

Dates: 17-12-2017 to 21-12-2017


Parasailing

From 6.30 AM To 6.00 PM

Adult: Rs.700/-

Child: Rs. 700/-

Dates 17-12-2017 to 21-12-2017

Entertainment

19th December - SPB Musical Night

On 19th December legendary playback singer S.P.Balasubramanyam, the musical night will start at 5 pm. SP Balasubramanyam is a veteran singer, for the past thirty years. He is best known for his unique style of singing.

Time: 5 pm

20th December - Star Night

On 20th December Vande Mataram Srinivas, Geetha Madhuri, Sunita Upadrashta, Hemachandra, Sravana Bhargavi, Simha, Usha, Dhananjay, Sri Krishna will entertain with their songs.

Time: 5 pm

21st December - AR Rahman Live Concert

On 20th December AR Rahman will perform along with the selected participants from the 'Share ARR Stage' Competitions.

Time: 7:30 pm

All the three days Entry free for everyone

Venue: NTR Beach, Kakinada (12 km from Railway Station and 10 km from RTC Bus Complex)

In a three day event, Legendary playback Singer SP Balu Musical Night and Music maestro AR Rahman Live concert will be the highlight of the event. We can say this time Beach festival is going to be the feast for Music lovers.

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Hyderabad Metro Rail: Connecting the City with Speed and Innovation

City bursting with technological growth and cultural heritage, the Hyderabad Metro Rail has emerged as a modern lifeline—delivering efficiency, comfort, and futuristic transit to millions of commuters. From its launch in 2017 to becoming one of India’s most intelligent metro systems, Hyderabad Metro has reshaped urban mobility and earned global recognition in infrastructure excellence.

Quick Facts at a Glance

• Operator: Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL), with Larsen & Toubro holding 90% equity and the Telangana government 10%

• Inception: Operations began on November 29, 2017 from Miyapur to Nagole

• Network: Three fully elevated corridors—Red, Green, and Blue Lines—serving 57 stations

• Daily Ridership: Around 536,000 (July 2023), reaching over 560,000 daily on peak days

• Rolling Stock: Hyundai Rotem 3-car trains, speeds 35–40 km/h (up to 80 km/h), headways of 3.5–7 minutes

Technological Excellence: Metro of the Future

Hyderabad Metro sets new standards in urban rail tech with:

• CBTC (Communication-Based Train Control): India’s first elevated metro using this system, managed via a modern Operations Control Centre in Uppal

• CBI & Axle Counter Backups: Ensures safe and reliable operations across all three corridors

• Automatic Train Operation (ATO) and SCADA Systems: For smooth, autonomous operations and real-time monitoring

Expansion: Phase II and Beyond

Hyderabad Metro's next chapter is already taking shape:

• Old City Corridor: Extending the network from MGBS to Chandrayangutta (7.5 km), groundwork advancing despite funding delays

• Airport (Purple) Corridor: A proposed 36.8 km route linking Nagole to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport with 24 new stations—pending central approval

• Phase 2 Corridors: DPRs finalized for routes including JBS–Medchal, LB Nagar–Hayath Nagar, and Miyapur–Patancheru, totaling 86.1 km at ₹19,579 crore

• Political Support: State leaders are urging the Centre to fast-track approvals to meet infrastructure goals

Global Recognition: A Case Study for Success

The Hyderabad Metro Rail has caught international attention: Harvard University published a case study highlighting it as “one of the largest PPP metro projects globally”, praising its execution despite challenges like land acquisition, protests, and financial bottlenecks.

Why It Matters

• Ease of Urban Mobility: A seamless, modern transit network easing daily commuting

• Technology-Driven: Combining safety, efficiency, and automation in operations

• Smart Expansion: Building wider access through new corridors and airport linkages

• Model Infrastructure: A replicable blueprint for public–private partnership success

How to Buy Metro Tickets

Hyderabad Metro offers multiple convenient options for ticketing:

• Ticket Counters: Available at all metro stations for paper tickets and tokens.

• Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs): Self-service kiosks at stations where you can buy single-journey tokens or recharge smart cards.

• Smart Cards: Reloadable cards that allow seamless entry/exit at gates—ideal for daily commuters.

• Mobile Apps: The official TSavaari app lets passengers buy QR tickets online and scan them directly at entry gates.

• Digital Wallets/UPI: Supported at TVMs and apps for quick cashless payments.

   

  

  Hyderabad Metro Card

  
   p.c : L&T Hyderabad Metro Rail

The Hyderabad Metro Rail isn’t just another transit system—it symbolizes resilience, innovation, and long-term urban vision. With robust core operations, smart expansion plans, and international recognition, it’s redefining how a modern city moves and thrives.

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Hyderabad Rockathon

The 6th Hyderabad Rockathon is being organised by the Society to Save Rocks, in association with the Great Hyderabad Adventure Club (GHAC). It is a day long event that caters to all age groups for a fun time in the rocks combining adventure, fitness and rock awareness. To be held on 12th November, 2017. The venue will be the beautiful rocky hill of Fakhruddingutta (Khajaguda) behind Lanco Hills in Manikonda.
The programmes will be manifold from adventurous (rappelling and zip-lining, trail-biking, rock walks and bouldering) to educational (Rock Quiz, Snake Awareness Programme) to pure fun (Rock Balancing, Treasure Hunt, Slack Lining, Rock Tattoos and Rock Selfies). There will be activities for every age and every level.

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