Winter increases Outdoor Activity in Hyderabad

Hyderabad:Hyderabad and its surroundings enjoy a pleasant climate during winters. The city chills, and along with that, it thrills with various events. Temperatures drop to single digits on the scale. On foggy mornings, enthusiasts take up long-distance marathons and fun sports, denying themselves the luxury of a cozy winter sleep.

From mid-November till mid-February, the city is thronged by visitors from other states and foreign countries, as this is the most preferred season. Unlike earlier times when youngsters preferred slipping into warm blankets, they now opt for outdoor activities, especially early-morning trekking.

Deepa Samirav Desai, a final-year graduation student, said, “Hyderabad winters are the best time to explore nature. We mostly go trekking in Vikarabad or the outskirts of the city. The cold weather, combined with our physical strength, makes it perfect. A lot of youngsters are showing interest in trekking. The city’s surroundings have many landscapes filled with the wonders of nature.”

The heritage city also witnesses several heritage walks during winters.

Tanya Srivastava, conductor of these walks, said, “People show a lot of enthusiasm in joining these walks to enjoy the cold winter. The Old City Charminar walk, Mozamjahi walk, and Secunderabad Clock Tower walk are some of the popular ones. People love the warmth of the winter sun. It’s a different kind of experience they look forward to.”

Fitness mixed with adventure and exploration has led to a rise in outdoor activities in this season.

Sonia Gala and her group explore the rising sun somewhere on the outskirts of the city. “I go cycling at sunrise in winter, and we also practice yoga in serene natural surroundings. The best and closest places are Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar. Our group of friends makes the most of winter mornings,” she said.

There are also groups that enjoy early-morning breakfast outings. One such club is The Pongal Group, which goes out strictly for vegetarian breakfast.

Rajesh Kalyanan, a resident of Safilguda, said, “Most of the members of our group are officers in important organisations, so we keep Sundays for outings. Winter mornings are the best time for all of us.”

Evening outdoor adventures are also in high demand, especially on weekends.According to Philip Prasad, Manager of Deccan Trails at Manneguda, “Bonfires, early-morning trekking, and camping under the sky in tents are highly sought after. Mostly groups approach us — corporate bookings are more during weekends.”

Winters in Hyderabad are also filled with musical concerts. One such major event is the Pandit Motiram Pandit Maniram Sangeet Samaroh, held during peak winter in the open air. Most renowned classical singers and musicians who come to Hyderabad perform here. This event has been conducted for more than half a century.