Vizag Colony sits on the backwaters of the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, about 150 km from Hyderabad

This year, Independence Day is falling on a Friday, giving India a coveted three-day weekend from August 15 to 17. For many, it is the perfect opportunity to break away from daily routines, trade traffic for open skies, and explore places. While popular tourist hubs might be crowded, the long weekend is also a chance to seek out lesser-known destinations that feel worlds away from city life.

Siasat.com brings one such hidden gem that lies just a few hours from Hyderabad: Vizag Colony. With its serene backwaters, quiet village life, and the promise of an island adventure, it offers the kind of getaway where time slows down. Whether you want to spend the weekend soaking in nature, experiencing local hospitality, or enjoying a boat ride to a secluded island, this spot promises a refreshing long weekend.

Touted as Telangana’s Mini Goa, this peaceful settlement is also the starting point for trips to Yelleswaragattu Island, a small but beautiful spot accessible by a short 20-minute boat ride. The combination of rural charm, water views, and a deep-rooted community spirit makes Vizag Colony a refreshing alternative to mainstream tourist destinations.

Things to do here

Boat to Yelleswaragattu Island- Take a Rs. 200-per-person boat ride across the still backwaters to reach this lush mini-island from Vizag Colony. For more adventurous visitors, an overnight camping experience with a local fisherman is available for around Rs.1500.

Soak in the backwater views- Spend your evenings watching the sunset paint the water in warm hues while enjoying the calm that’s hard to find in the city.

Experience local life- Interact with the villagers, learn about their history, and sample freshly cooked fish-based meals.

Telangana’s mini Goa,” Vizag Colony is a hidden gem located in the Nalgonda district, approximately 150-170 km from Hyderabad. This tranquil backwater retreat sits on the backwaters of the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, offering a peaceful escape from city life.

Location and History: Vizag Colony was established about six decades ago by families from Visakhapatnam who came to work on the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam. Today, it’s a small settlement surrounded by rolling hills and calm waters, creating a unique and scenic atmosphere.

Vizag Colony, located in Chandampet Mandal, Nalgonda district, Telangana, is a unique settlement with a history rooted in the construction of the Nagarjunasagar dam. It was established by about two dozen families who migrated from Visakhapatnam (Vizag) to work on the dam project in the early 1950s. Today, it’s a tranquil village known for its scenic beauty, with the Nagarjunasagar backwaters and Yelleswaragattu Island nearby. 

Location:

• Vizag Colony is situated in the Nalgonda district of Telangana, specifically in the Chandampet Mandal.
• It lies on the backwaters of the Nagarjunasagar Dam, about 170 km from Hyderabad.
• The colony is nestled amidst rolling hills and green fields, offering a peaceful environment. 

History:

• The colony’s origins trace back to the 1950s when construction began on the Nagarjunasagar dam.
• Families from Visakhapatnam (Vizag) migrated to the area to work on the dam.
• They established Vizag Colony, which has since grown into a village of about 700 residents.
• The original settlers primarily came from Pedda Teenaarla, Bangarupalem, and Nakkalapalli mandal in the Visakhapatnam district.
• Only a handful of the original migrants are still alive today, according to The Hindu. 

Key Features:

• Yelleswaragattu Island:A small island accessible by a short boat ride from Vizag Colony, offering a unique getaway experience.
• Backwaters:The colony is located on the serene backwaters of the Nagarjunasagar Dam, providing scenic views and a tranquil atmosphere.
• Community Spirit:Despite its small size, Vizag Colony is known for its strong community spirit among its residents.
• Hidden Gem:Siasat.com calls it a hidden gem and a peaceful alternative to mainstream tourist destinations. 

Things to Do: The main attraction is the serene backwater and the nearby Yelleswaragattu Island. Visitors can take a short, 20-minute boat ride to the island, which is a lush and beautiful spot. The colony is an ideal place for those who want to relax and soak in the natural beauty. For the more adventurous, some local fishermen offer overnight camping experiences.

Yelleswaragattu Island, nestled in the backwaters of Nagarjunasagar Dam, offers a tranquil escape with opportunities for trekking, stargazing, and exploring the serene backwaters by boat. You can also enjoy local culture, try fishing, and witness beautiful sunrises and sunsets. 

Here’s a more detailed look at what you can do:

Activities:

• Backwater Exploration:Enjoy boat rides on the calm waters, taking in the scenic views and the surrounding landscape. 
• Yelleswaragattu Island Trekking:Hike through the island, discovering hidden trails and enjoying panoramic views of the Nagarjunasagar backwaters and Nallamala Hills. 
• Stargazing:The island’s remote location makes it ideal for stargazing, away from city lights. 
• Birdwatching:With abundant birdlife, the island is a great spot for bird enthusiasts. 
• Fishing:The backwaters are home to various fish species, making it a good location for fishing. 
• Camping:Camping overnight on the island allows for a unique experience of stargazing and enjoying the sunrise. 
• Explore Local Culture:Interact with the local villagers, learn about their way of life, and sample traditional meals, particularly fish-based dishes. 
• Photography:The scenic beauty, rustic boats, and diverse birdlife provide ample opportunities for photography. 
• Visit a Temple:There is a Shiva temple at the top of the hill on the island, which can be reached by a short hike. 

Tips for your visit:

• Transportation:You can reach Kambalapally village by bus from Hyderabad and then take a local boat to the island. 
• Best time to visit:Monsoon (June-September) can be risky due to high water levels. Summers can be hot. The best time to visit is from October to February. 
• Accommodation:Consider camping overnight on the island for a unique experience, or explore options in nearby villages. 
• Food:There are limited options for food at the island, so it’s advisable to carry your own food or pack from nearby towns. 
• What to bring:A telescope for stargazing, comfortable shoes for trekking, and swimwear if you plan to enjoy the backwaters. 

How to Get There: The journey from Hyderabad to Vizag Colony takes about 4 hours by road. The recommended route is via NH 65, passing through Narketpally before reaching Chandampet Mandal in the Nalgonda district. It’s advisable to use a navigation app and ask locals for directions to ensure a smooth trip.

To get to Vizag Colony from Hyderabad by road, the journey typically takes around 4 hours. You can take the NH65 highway towards Narketpally, then continue on the same route until you reach Chandampet Mandal in Nalgonda district. Vizag Colony is located within Chandampet Mandal. Using a navigation app or GPS is recommended for accurate directions, according to AbhiBus. 

Detailed Directions:

1. Start in Hyderabad: Begin your journey in Hyderabad.
2. Take NH65: Head towards Narketpally on NH65.
3. Continue to Chandampet Mandal: Follow NH65 until you reach Chandampet Mandal in Nalgonda district.
4. Navigate to Vizag Colony: Once in Chandampet Mandal, utilize a navigation app or GPS to guide you to Vizag Colony, according to AbhiBus.
5. Local Transportation: Once you reach Chandampet Mandal, you can find local transportation like auto-rickshaws or taxis to take you directly to Vizag Colony, according to AbhiBus. 

Additional Notes:

• The road condition between Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam is generally good via NH65 and NH16. 
• However, it’s always advisable to check for any updates on road conditions before starting your trip, as there might be temporary diversions or uneven surfaces due to maintenance or construction. 
• You can also consider using bus services like APSRTC, MakeMyTrip offers booking options for these routes. 

Telangana’s “mini Goa” refers to Vizag Colony, a serene destination near the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, known for its backwaters and island adventure, rather than an actual beach town. Located about 4 hours from Hyderabad, it offers a quiet escape with island boat rides to places like Yelleswaragattu Island, focusing on nature and local hospitality. 

Vizag Colony- A hidden backwater retreat

Tucked away in Chandampet Mandal, Nalgonda district, Vizag Colony sits on the backwaters of the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, about 170 km from Hyderabad. The colony has a unique history as it was founded around six decades ago by 24 families from Visakhapatnam who had come to work on the dam’s construction. Today, it’s home to about 700 residents, surrounded by rolling hills, green fields, and calm waters.

How to get there?

Getting here is part of the adventure. Travellers journey via NH 65, passing through Narketpally before reaching Chandampet Mandal, then continuing onward into the heart of the backwaters. It is advisable to use navigation and ask locals for directions to avoid getting lost.

Vizag Colony, located on the backwaters of the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam in Telangana’s Nalgonda district, is referred to as “Telangana’s mini Goa”. The secluded area offers boat rides to a lush, mini-island, along with scenic views, rural charm, and a relaxing environment just a few hours from Hyderabad. 

About Vizag Colony Beach in Azmapur, Nalgonda

History

Vizag Colony Beach in Nalgonda, Telangana, has a history dating back to approximately 60 years ago when a group of 24 families from Vishakapatnam district relocated to contribute to the Nagarjunasagar dam project. Over time, they established a close-knit community in Chandampet Mandal, Nalgonda district, and named their settlement Vizag Colony.

Entry Fees

Not Available

Time Required: 2-3 hours

Attraction within the place

• Vizag Colony Beach
• Devarakonda Fort
• Kalwapally Waterfalls
• Katikaneni Lakshman Rao Statue
• Mudigonda Forest

Overview of Vizag Colony

Touted as Telangana’s Mini Goa, this peaceful settlement is also the starting point for trips to Yelleswaragattu Island, a small but beautiful spot accessible by a short 20-minute boat ride. The combination of rural charm, water views, and a deep-rooted community spirit makes Vizag Colony a refreshing alternative to mainstream tourist destinations.