noaa marine weather alaska Chandrika Guest House (%9490430989; s/d 1000/1500), 2km from the station, is the most peaceful optio

kateshwara here, at his home. It s one of India s most visited pilgrimage centres: on average, 40,000 pilgrims come each day (the total often exceeds 100,000), and darshan (deity-viewing) runs 24/7. Temple staff alone number 12,000, and the efficient Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanams (TTD; %2277777; www.tirumala.org) brilliantly administers the crowds. As a result, although the throngs can be overwhelming, a sense of order, serenity and ease mostly prevails, and a trip to the Holy Hill can be fulfi lling, even if you re not a pilgrim.

Golden Glory Guesthouse HOTEL $ (Map p902; %23554765; www.goldengloryguest house.com; Rd No 3, Banjara Hills; s/d incl breakfast noaa marine weather alaska from 650/900, s incl breakfast without bathroom 290; aW) Nestled among the mansions of ritzy Banjara Hills, this gem of a hotel scores big on location. Tucked down a quiet residential noaa marine weather alaska street, it s the perfect place to escape the madness of Hyderabad. noaa marine weather alaska First impressions are grand with sparkling lobby and spiral staircase, and while the cheaper rooms are boxy, they re very clean and good value (and include a simple breakfast). Pricier rooms are more spacious with balconies and bathtubs.

Araku itself is a small dusty town, but its surroundings are beautiful. noaa marine weather alaska A bicycle is the perfect way to explore the countryside. You can hire a bicycle (per hour/day 50/250) from Hill Resort Mayuri. It s best to check the security situation before heading out, with a reported Naxalite (members of an

Chandrika Guest House (%9490430989; s/d 1000/1500), 2km from the station, is the most peaceful noaa marine weather alaska option with rooms looking out to fields, though it s overpriced. The Hill Resort Mayuri (%958936-249204; cottages from 650; a), near the museum, has cottages with good views. noaa marine weather alaska There s also a few uninspiring options around the station, otherwise you could try the forest retreat of Jungle Bells (Tyda; cottages from 800; a), 45km from Araku, with cottages tucked away in woods. Book at APTDC. You can sample the local coffee noaa marine weather alaska at Araku Valley noaa marine weather alaska Coffee House (h9am-9pm), next to the Museum of Habitat.