Off-road adventures, forest trails and camping nights before summer arrives

As the summer heat begins to rise, March often marks the end of the travel season for off-road and adventure camping groups in the city. For many 4x4 enthusiasts driving vehicles like Thar, Jimny, Fortuner, Hilux, Wrangler and MU-X, the month becomes the final window to explore forest trails, remote farms and mountain expeditions before the harsh summer sets in.

For them, it is also the last opportunity of the season to enjoy overnight camping under open skies and connect with nature before travel activities gradually slow down during the hotter months.

‘Morning trails are the best part’According to Suneela Reddy, a city-based entrepreneur who has been driving for nearly 30 years, shares that, “In 2021, I bought a Thar purely for off-roading and long expeditions. Since then, I’ve done six trail trips around the outskirts of Hyderabad — places like Vikarabad and Medchal, mostly private farms connected to forest stretches.

We usually reach the campsite by evening, set up under the open sky, and the next morning is when the real action begins as we explore the rugged trails.

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‘Around 50–60 people join each trip’“It’s always exciting to be part of these adventure activities. We enjoy driving on challenging tracks and testing our 4x4 vehicles. Most of our trips are short weekend getaways around Hyderabad. Around 50–60 people join each trip.

What makes it special is the mix of people — from 18-year-olds who’ve just got their driving licences to experienced drivers in their 60s. When we camp at night, everyone sits together and shares their stories, and that’s truly the best part of the experience.

For longer trips, we prepare very carefully, speak to local villagers or village heads before entering an area, and ensure that we don’t harm nature,” says Yalamarthi Venkata Kiran, a restaurateur.

‘We ensure we don’t disturb nature or local people’“We have been going on these adventure trips since 2021. Generally, the adventure season starts from July to August and continues till March, and this is the period when we plan our trail expeditions. The idea is to enjoy adventure while making sure we don’t disturb the environment or local communities. Before visiting any place, we follow proper protocols by seeking permission from the forest department and local police to ensure safety and responsible travel,” says Ranjit Kumar Chilakapati, a city-based businessman.

Trail essentials checklist Vehicle gear:

Stay & survival:

Safety:

Respecting nature on the trails

— Biswajit Talukdar