[enragz]

A common grouse with most Hyderabadis is the lack of holiday options which are drive-able and does not entail a need to take leave from work. Hence we keenly look forward to any new places being discovered or developed, anything that can get us that much needed short break from the rather hectic work life.

Recently I discovered this interesting weekend getaway that is about 2 and half hours drive from Hyderabad. It is the Black Buck Resort at Vilaspur, developed by Jungle Lodges. Located about 150 Kms from Hyderabad (Gachibowli), and about 30 KMs beyond Bidar.

The resort is located in a small jungle, next to a lake. The patch of forest is so small that you would think if it is even appropriate to call it so. But the great thing about the place is that you feel that it is in the midst of a dense jungle. The place itself is surrounded by a dense growth of trees and shrub and the views also suggest the same. Its only when you go out for a walk or a drive you would realize how small the forest area is.

We started from Hyderabad around 10 am and reached the resort a little after 12 pm. Welcome drink consisted of some sharbat, and then were shown to our cottages. Being a relatively new construction, the rooms were bright and fresh. A nice sit out with huge french doors and a view of the lake and a foresty hill right across it.

Lunch was served at 1:30 and consisted of mostly veg fare with a chicken dish thrown in. After lunch we went down to the lake for a stroll. It is a small lake bound on one side with a man made bund. From the water level marks on the sides it was obvious that the lake had not received much water this year. We could see cattle graze on the other side of the lake and what appeared to be gypsies. We went for a stroll around the lake and over the bund. The thing to be careful is that a number of streams flow into the lake on the left and hence the area is slushy.

The resort manager was kind enough to send some beverages down by the lake as we sat on the bank and enjoyed them. Later they put in a couple of coracles and took us for a coracle ride. After the evening tea we went for a walk through the forest and then through some sugarcane fields to a small emu farm. There were about 10 of them in the enclosure.

The weather all through was very good, cloudy and a bit of a drizzle. I am not sure if we would have enjoyed it as much had a hot sun been out.

The dinner was again nothing much to write about.

Next day early morning we were taken out for the 'Safari'. The resort owns one bolero, but they had called for two Qualis as well. I would recommend that you get a seat in the bolero if possible. The Qualis looked pretty battered and for good reason. Some of the terrain that we went over could do fine justice to an offroader. Not that the Qualis didnt navigate through those bits.

The safari was initially a bit of disappointment. As I said earlier the jungle area is so small that the black buck sightings are done in open fields. The first location was huge open landscape next to a village. The guy driving the vehicle was also the guide. He had pretty keen eyes and was able to spot the deer even when we couldnt locate it when pointed out. Black buck are pretty shy animals and hence its was not possible to get close to them. Each vehicle carried one binocular which was shared among all its occupants. Thankfully we had remembered to carry our own.

The next place they took us for sighting was a little more rugged and natural. Again we were only able to see the deer from a distance. But the drive was fun and we saw a few dancing peacocks.

On our drive back to the resort we saw preparations for the sunday fair at one of the villages. People were getting their cattle for display / sale. Stalls for Trinkets, food, etc all being set up.

Breakfast was ready when we reached back. Again a simple fare. Another couple of hours of lazing, where we went by the lake again and we were ready to leave back for Hyderabad.

On our way back we stopped by Gurudwara Pather Sahib in Bidar. Lunch was at one of the dhabas next to the Gurudwara.

Bidar also has some interesting historical monuments to offer. I am sure it has all been captured in some other thread. We had already been to Bidar a couple of time earlier hence we just stopped by the Gurudwara. And that is something you dont want to miss.

So lets now get to some quick info.

Getting to Black buck resort
Out of Hyderabad you continue down the Pune/Bombay highway. Just after the Zaheerabad town take a right towards Bidar. The turn is very well marked and you cannont miss it. You are now on SH 4. Continue on it as it goes through the town of Bidar. Cross the town and then about 12 Kms there is a Right turn. Finding this turn is tricky since it leads to a v small village road. I was using a GPS, but you might want to call up the resort and get the exact directions. Remember dont go towards Vilaspur village since that is on the other side.

Road Conditions
Road is good almost all through, except from some spots along the Hyderabad - Zaheerabad highway, which are broken due to rain.
The last stretch of about 2.5 kms, as you get off SH4 (and take a right) is a dirt track going over some hard rock. It can be easily navigated on any car, you just have to go slow.

Essentials
The only thing I would recommend is taking your Binoculars and be ready for some lazing time. There isnt a whole lot to do, but then thats what I call a vacation

More info
http://junglelodges.com/index.php/re...-vilaspur.html
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid...08753,0.181789


A few pics

[ranjitp1]

Originally Posted by enragz

A common grouse with most Hyderabadis is the lack of holiday options

Thanks for sharing.Do you have any pictures of the resort rooms and the property as such that you would be able to share?

[fazalaliadil]

Enragz,
Thanks for the informative thread. Never knew this place existed until now.

The property developed by JLR is the only reason to go there, but as per your description the food too is not up to the mark. Since it is a small place it is fine for couples who want to get away or elders who want to take along a book to read.

Unless they create more rural recreational activities, it my not really kick off.
Regards,

[enragz]

Originally Posted by ranjitp1

Thanks for sharing.Do you have any pictures of the resort rooms and the property as such that you would be able to share?

Alas i have no pics of the interiors of the resort or the rooms. did not really plan to write about it then. Let me try and describe it some.
They only have cottages and in three classes. The room is pretty large with a double bed and single diwan as well, a couple of chairs, a/c (though it kept conking off all through the night, but since the weather was pleasant it was quite ok).
if you have any specific questions I can try and answer those.

Originally Posted by fazalaliadil

Enragz,
.. but as per your description the food too is not up to the mark.

Regards,

Fazal, the food is definitely not bad. I think its quite alright, simple fare. Its just like any other JLR, if you have been to one. What I meant is that it is nothing exceptional.

[gauravdgr8]

Originally Posted by enragz

A common grouse with most Hyderabadis is the lack of holiday options which are drive-able and does not entail a need to take leave from work.

Thanks enragz for sharing your experience and also for exploring the place. The place looks neat. Any update on the price for the night stay and in all how many cottages are there.

Looks like a good destination for an office outing.

[enragz]

Originally Posted by gauravdgr8

Any update on the price for the night stay and in all how many cottages are there.

The rates are available on their website. Note the rates are per person per night.
http://junglelodges.com/index.php/re...-vilaspur.html
You will get some discount for booking online.
The website says they have 18 cottages

[ARAY]

Recently covered Bidar 150 km from hyderabad
Very secular for local and foreign migratory birds
They said it was off-season and we spotted 30 different species
wonder what it will be like in right reason.
uploading some pics.
The place is also famous for Black Buck deers
Road is not the best but you can maintain an average of 70 kmph throughout , mostly done over NH9 also known as Mumbai highway

Last 2.5 km was road-less and you get to play with your car in offroads.

The resort people were very hospitable and helpful , best season to visit is oct-jan On the return journey you could cover Bidar fort , mostly finished but heritage is never ruined , worth a watch[/IMG]n the return journey you could cover Bidar fort , mostly finished but heritage is never ruined , worth a watch !

[ARAY]

And here is a picture of the famous Punjabi Dhaba...one of the best parts of the trip

[getsurya]

Hi Aritraray,

Good find and nice pictures to go with. I liked the lake picture and the blackbucks one.

When I am back to Hyd, I shall cover this one for a drive. Thank you.

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by aritraray

Recently covered Bidar 150 km from hyderabad
Very secular for local and foreign migratory birds.They said it was off-season and we spotted 30 different species wonder what it will be like in right reason.

Thanks for sharing the info. Can you throw some more light on the costing, accomodation? Any pictures of same?

Btw, nice pictures. Liked the last one. Is that a Kingfisher? Which camera you use?

Originally Posted by aritraray

And here is a picture of the famous Punjabi Dhaba...one of the best parts of the trip

What's so special about this dhaba? I have had paranthas there on a couple of occasions and found it strictly average. Isnt this on the corner of taking right turn towards Bidar?

[rknair]

I am just back after spending the 2 relaxing nights in Blackbuck Resort, Bidar with my family. We had read about this place more than a year back and was planning a trip for a long time. Finally it materialized thanks to my friend who put this idea back on my mind and we decided to go together during the Ramzan long weekend.


Road condition:
Hyderabad to Zaheerabad on NH-9 is in a pathetic state, with the top layer of the tarmac washed away at many places and with big craters in between giving an overall bumpy ride. Things improve a lot after Zaheerabad to Bidar on SH-14 / SH-4. After the chaotic traffic at Bidar, you enter the Naubad Road, cross the Air Force Station and watch out for the signboards for the Resort. The road quality is average here. There is a small road to the right towards the resort and you travel 3 km through narrow muddy road following the signboards to reach the resort.


The Resort:
The resort is very well maintained and at a very serene location. They have about 17 cottages set within wilderness and they have made sure to create minimal disruption to the atmosphere. We took the basic cottage which had very large rooms and clean large bathrooms. Each cottage has a balcony which overlooks the lake. There are 3 types of cottages available – Special and Executive cottages are larger, they have another room with two diwans and a larger balcony. The packages include all meals but evenings they take orders for extra snacks which are on payment basis.

















The food tasted extremely good. We had some trouble since our kids were very hungry by 7:30 PM and food was not ready till about 8:30 PM. Had to manage with some bread and butter. The staff is very courteous and accommodating. They arrange video shows on wild life every evening at 7 with bonfire.


The cottages are air-conditioned but we never needed that this time since the climate was extremely pleasant. But they don't have television, telephone or room-service. Most of the mobile networks had no signal at many areas in the resort. If you need anything you have to make a stiff climb to the restaurant area to get someone. They do not provide any toiletries and in our case they forgot to put even soaps in our cottage. So bring your own toothpaste brushes, and even soaps.


Activities:
The biggest attraction is the lake, they provide coracle rides to all guests which is very nice. The staff explains about the different birds that come over during winter. The next day we went to see the black-buck sighting and were lucky to spot quite a few. We also visited the modest attractions at Bidar – the Fort and the Gurudwara. They had organized some treks and bird watching on the evening, our kids were tired so we had to skip that.











Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Saheb


Bidar Fort




Wildlife:
The environment is conducive to lot of wild life. We spotted quite many birds and monkey and other small animals like toads, chameleons and beautiful butterflies. Our kids even spotted a rat-snake which caused some level to anguish to them.

Fauna:












Flora:














Being so close to Air Force Station, there were plenty of man-made birds too here.