We’ve got these few family friends who are pretty much like our family. Vijay’s parents and their parents are buddies. Vijay and they grew up together. Now our kids are best of friends. During Vijay’s bachelor days and our newly wed days, we all used to hang out almost every weekend.  With time, our families and commitments have grown. Now although we meet every weekend at church, we haven’t hung out in a long long time.

So after weeks of intense planning on our WhatsApp group, we finally decided to go on a day trip to the not-so-far Medak district!

We started our journey by fueling our bellies with hot pooris and vadas at a small tiffin center. It was a good 2.5 hours drive from Hyderabad. Our first stop was the Pocharam Dam.

The surroundings were quite barren and dry. The water level was low. Except for us, a few shepherds and a herd of goats there was no one on the little hill that overlooked the Allair River. Oops! I almost forgot the couple who were getting their pre-wedding photoshoot done!

The goats were our instant attraction. In all honesty, I have never been a animal/pet person. It’s amazing how the little humans in your life change who you thought you were. Watching my kids and their love for animals has subconsciously birthed a new found love for these creatures.

Carrying this little lamb was the highlight of my day. It was lighter that I thought. It never squirmed. There was something so sweet and gentle about it. It was a moment of true happiness and I cannot describe it in words!

As the herd started to move in search of greener pastures, we climbed down the rocks and chilled out beside the river. Although the water was relatively clean, it was sad to see the water spewing chemicals in the form of lather!

Our friends who had visited the Pocharam Dam previously said the best time to plan a visit is monsoon, when the water level is much higher, and it’s more fun to play in the water barrage. And there is also boating for tourists and you could spot some migratory birds.

Things to Remember for Pocharam Dam Visit

1. No public transport. You need to go in your own vehicles.
2. Best time to Visit: Monsoon
3. No restaurants or shops in vicinity. Hence, pack a picnic lúnch and stock a lot of drinking water.
4. DO NOT go with very high expectation. Go prepared to enjoy a quite, peaceful time.

It was past noon when we arrived at the Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary.  The sun was scorching. The staff there advised that it wasn’t a good time to drive through the sanctuary, as the animals would be resting and it would difficult to spot any. He said early mornings or late evenings are the best time to spot them when the temperature is much cooler.

Again friends who had been here in monsoon raved how green and beautiful the place was in monsoon and how they spotted many different type of deers during their ride through the sanctuary!

So we lingered there for a little while as the kids played in the very poorly maintained play area and soon drove to the very famous Medak church.

As soon as we arrived at the church, we first stopped at a restaurant right outside its gate and enjoyed a sumptuous lunch!

With a history that dates back to 1896, the Medak Church is the largest church in Telangana and its diocese also boasts of being the single largest diocese in Asia and the second in the world after the Vatican.

Rev. Charles Walker Posnett, a medical missionary from Britain arrived in Hyderabad in 1895. He was the Master Builder of the Medak Church and a medical missionary. He used to visit Medak on horseback which took him a day one way. With the help and support of 200 locals, he built this implicit Gothic style church initiated in 1914 and finished in 1924. The principle tower of the congregation is 175 feet high and the house of prayer can suit 5000 individuals at any given moment. The three giant glass painted windows portraying the birth, crucifixion and ascension of Jesus Christ are masterpieces. KT and I enjoyed every minute detail of the paintings, the characterisations and the exquisite colors used!

The church campus has a nice lawn and toilet facility ideal for families to rest and relax in the shade of tall majestic trees. I am not sure if it would be a good idea to eat food there because of the numerous notorious monkeys we spotted! So just be a little cautious with food!

The day was still young and we had no intention of returning home. So we decided to explore the Medak Fort. Due to some road work that was happening, we had to park our cars down hill in a small village and walk up the hill that houses the fort.

It was a lovely stroll through the village. The beautiful little houses with painted doors and the villagers enjoying a laid back evening simply sitting outside of their homes, enjoying the evening breeze, doing nothing but silently watching people walk past was a stark contrast from the busy city life.

I just couldn’t take my eyes of the doors so made sure I got a picture taken in front of it!

The walk up the hill is not too strenuous.

The higher you go, you can enjoy a nice view of Medak!

The hill and the fort are pretty lonely. And except for a couple of police at the top of the fort there is no security. We spotted some aimless youngsters doing drugs. So personally, I would recommend you go as a group to be on the safer side!

This fort traces its origin to the 12th century. The fort still bears remnants of its architectural splendour despite the wars and invasions it has endured over centuries.

One look at these massive stone walls, gives you a glimpse into the rich history, about which there is absolutely no mention, anywhere! It honestly breaks my heart, whenever I come across these historical architectural wonders that are centuries old being treated with disrespect and not given the attention and importance it deserves.

I could not spot a single sign board which described the history of the fort. As a parent and someone who enjoys reading historical facts about the places I visit to share with my kids, I was so disappointed with the lack of information. There were intricate illustrations and inscriptions whose significance I was very curious to know.

How I wish our heritage sites were given more attention and the following to be introduced,

1. A Visitor Information Center at the entrance that provides a guided map and info of the site
2. Boards with interesting historical facts and significance of the site, the monument,  art, etc in English, Hindi and the local language
3. Some kind of information or activity that will spark a child’s curiosity and interest about the place
4. Guided tours
5. Trash cans/waste disposal at every corner
6. Security staff

I was so intrigued by the history of the Medak Fort, I had to browse the internet to read about its glorious past. But what about the underprivileged families and school kids, who do not have access to internet, visiting historical places? When people are not made aware of the importance, you cannot expect them to treat it with respect. It’s no wonder our places of historical importance are scribbled, littered, urinated and trashed!

Here is a short but informative article I came across about the Medak Fort – http://www.exploretelangana.com/medak-fort-kakatiyas-fort/

Half way through the trek some may want to retreat and return. I would suggest you take frequent breaks and make it to the very top of the fort!

The view from top is worth all the effort. The scenery and sunset was simply spectacular!

The little village surrounded by endless green fields, with super tiny buffaloes and bullock carts snailing on the narrow mud roads was a visual feast!

I had to sit down and absorb the view, the energy, the calm and the peace! It was a perfect finish to a perfect day!