A weekend of bliss and beauty. 200 km from Hyderabad is Basar, an idyllic village and a great place to rejuvenate. A lazy weekend, reading, boating, birdwatching, and if I was feeling particularly energetic, there were always mangoes on the trees to be plucked. This was the plan for my trip to Basar, a quiet village situated on the banks of the Godavari River and famous for its Saraswati Temple. It is a scenic 200 km drive from Hyderabad and you are surrounded by exquisite shrubs, wild flowers and mango trees the whole way there. Cooling drops of rain, a gentle breeze and the intoxicating smell of wet earth greet me as I enter this idyllic village. They are not particularly big on luxury but if all you want to do is escape the city and soak in some peace, it is ideal.
If you have time, you can try plucking fruits with a slingshot, or sit by the river, watch the sunset and sip some garam chai. If you are a birdwatcher then an early morning walk in the fields is a must. Or you can just laze around reading a book and soaking in the green of the paddy fields. If you get tired of walking around then go for a boat ride. There is something energising about this unpolluted river. Here the waters hum an altogether different tune, one of calm and stillness. Or you can just dip your feet into the river for a free fish pedicure, yes, the river is full of tiny fish that nibble away at your feet’s dead skin.
You’ll have to search hard for good food and clean restaurants but there is no dearth of wild berries and date palms for satisfying those hunger pangs. For those who want more, there are river crossing competitions, bullock cart rides, pottery and helping the farmers separate chalk from the grain. This litter free environment promises to make your trip a relaxing affair.
Quest for divinity
This village in Basar is host to the Ghana Saraswati temple — one of the only two temples in India, that is dedicated to the goddess of education. The temple is visited by hundreds of pilgrims every day and toddlers are brought here to seek her blessings before they begin school. If you are looking to extend your tour in search for some adventure, you can visit the waterfalls of Kuntala and Pochera, known for their crystal clear gushing waters and tranquil atmosphere. You can also visit the Pranahita, Shivaram and Kawal wildlife sanctuaries, which are rich in wildlife.
The land of toys
Nirmal, aptly known as the ‘land of toys’, is situated amidst the hills and forests of Adilabad. It is a small town famous for its handicrafts, handmade toys, curios, miniature paintings and glazed pottery. The wooden toys made here are world famous. The myriad colours and forms on the products are a mixture of indigenous mineral and vegetable dyes, while their quality is very good with its intricate designs and rare artistry. The craftsmen here have adapted to changing artistic tastes, without compromising on their traditional art. Nirmal is a must visit for all art lovers.
The writer is a travel enthusiast.
