A Weekend Trip to Medak: A Spiritual Journey Down Memory Lane

When the morning sunlight streams through the window on a weekend, the mind of every traveler says just one thing: to seek refuge in the lap of nature. Children and adults often wish to embark on a fun trip during the weekend. Amidst the hustle, bustle, and work pressure of Hyderabad city, the mind feels heavy. Hence, one single decision: to take the road to Medak. As the journey begins, the city melts away, replaced by green fields, trees, and fresh air, all providing new enthusiasm. The silence of the small villages along the way will stir your childhood memories. Let's explore the tourist attractions awaiting us in Medak.

Medak Church - A Confluence of Faith, Architecture, and History

The first magnificent sight upon reaching Medak is the Medak Cathedral Church. It is not just one of the largest churches in the Telugu states, but in the whole of Asia. Its white walls, colorful stained-glass windows, and profound tranquility offer a truly spiritual experience. Within its century-old walls, you can see the reflection of the missionaries' sacrifice and the talent of local artisans. Sitting inside, even the air feels like a prayer.

History and Founding

The construction of Medak Cathedral was led by Reverend Charles Walker Posnett, who was inspired by the motto, "My best for my Lord." Rev. Posnett arrived in Secunderabad in 1895 and initially worked with British soldiers before expanding his mission to the villages.

In 1896, Rev. Posnett visited Medak. The 60-mile (97 km) journey from Hyderabad had to be done on horseback, which he completed in a single day. At that time, there were only about two hundred Christians in the Medak area, and their place of worship was a small tiled house. As the community grew, Posnett erected a moderate structure. However, believing it wasn't worthy of divine worship, he started building the present Cathedral in 1914 on 1,000 acres of land in the Ghusnabad area. Critically, during the severe famine that hit the Medak district in the early 20th century, Rev. Posnett provided relief by giving the suffering masses employment in the construction of the church, offering them a dignified livelihood instead of just running a free kitchen. The construction took 10 years. The Cathedral was finally consecrated on December 25, 1924, by Rev. Posnett as a thanksgiving for mitigating the people's suffering.

Significance and Status

When several Christian denominations united as the Church of South India (CSI), the church became the Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Medak in October 1947. Today, it serves as the primary seat of the Bishop in Medak for the Church of South India (which includes Wesleyan Methodist, Congregational, and Anglican missionary societies). The Medak Cathedral is renowned for its scale: it is the largest of all churches in Telangana. Furthermore, the Diocese of Medak is recognized as the single largest diocese in Asia and the second largest in the world.

Architectural Marvel

The Cathedral adheres to the Gothic Revival style of architecture. It is an immense structure, 100 ft (30 m) wide and 200 ft (61 m) long, capable of accommodating about 5,000 people at once. Its bell-tower rises to 175 ft (53 m).

The building's magnificence is evident in its details:

• Massive pillars of finely cut grey stone support the entire edifice.

• The flooring uses mosaic tiles in six different colors imported from Britain, laid by Italian masons from Bombay.

• The roof is made sound-proof using hollow sponge material and features an impressive, squared style of vaulting.

• This magnificent white granite structure is a great example of Gothic architecture in India and South-east Asia.

Stained Glass Windows: The Biggest Attraction

The most celebrated feature is the magnificent stained glass windows, designed by Sir O. Salisbury of England, which depict various scenes from Christ's life in a kaleidoscope of colors, primarily visible in sunlight.

The three main windows are:

• Ascension: Behind the altar (chancel window), installed in 1927 .

• Nativity: In the west transept, depicting the birth of Jesus, installed in 1947 .

• Crucifixion: In the east transept, depicting Christ on the cross, installed in 1958 .

Timings and Services

The cathedral is open daily from 7 am to 6 pm for public viewing and silent prayer. Sunday services are held at 7 am (Morning Service) and 9:30 am (Special services). After soaking in the church's beauty, the next destination is the lake.

Manyareddy Lake - Silence Reflected in Water

A short distance from the church, the evening breeze at Manyareddy Lake is mesmerizing. The setting sun's light spreads golden hues across the water. The children's games, the adults' laughter, and the shade of the trees all feel like a silent poem. In that moment, all the weariness of the mind melts away. The wind seems to whisper, "Take a breath for a moment; you are alive." From there, heading towards your accommodation, you can sample the flavors of Medak for dinner.

Local Delicacies - The Scent of Love in Village Cooking

Stepping into the Medak bazaar, the aroma of cooking welcomes you. Even a small hotel offers local favorites like "Jonna Rotti" (sorghum flatbread), "Chintapandu Pappu" (tamarind dal), and "Gongura Mutton Curry." The taste is a blend of the local soil, hospitality, and friendship.

Life in the Heart of Remote Villages

Traveling through the villages surrounding Medak touches the soul. Women, smiling while picking flowers in the fields, display a courageous spirit to live despite hardships. Through small Self-Help Groups, women are starting businesses and growing economically. As the sun disappears in the evening, birds circle above the church. That sight is truly picture-perfect. After a night's rest, the next day can be dedicated to visiting Medak Fort and the Edupayala Vana Durga Bhavani Temple.

Accommodation Facilities

Medak now offers various accommodation options for tourists. Simple guesthouses for pilgrims, hotels, and resorts for family travelers are all available.

• Telangana Tourism Haritha Hotel: Located near the church, this hotel is close to the main road. It offers AC and Non-AC rooms, 24-hour water, and parking. It serves local Telugu food and South Indian meals. It provides a safe and peaceful environment for families. Advance booking is available on the official Telangana Tourism website.

• Local Lodges/Guesthouses: Small, clean lodges and guesthouses are available near the Medak bus stand. Prices are very affordable (ranging from ₹700 – ₹1500). Basic amenities like electricity, water, and simple food are available.

• Eco-Resorts/Farm Stays: Recently, a few eco-resorts have developed in the vicinity of Medak, such as the Green Valley Resort on the Gajwel-Medak Highway or Saraswathi Farm Stay on the Siddipet Road. These are excellent choices for those seeking silence and a village atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy bird calls in the morning, field air, and traditional food, making them ideal for nature lovers.

• Pilgrim Accommodation: Guesthouses are also available near temples (e.g., Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Pothireddypalli). They offer rooms at very low prices, emphasizing cleanliness and safety, making them perfect for spiritual pilgrims.

Accommodation options in Medak offer a combination of comfort, tranquility, and warmth. A night spent there fills the mind with peace. The village air, the sound of church bells, and the coolness of the lake all combine to make the Medak trip complete.

Medak Fort

History: Built during the Kakatiya period (12th Century), this fort gained significant importance during the rule of Khaja Ahmadullah Bahmani. Standing at a height of 900 feet, it offers a view of the entire Medak town below. The historical evidence includes intricate carvings, old cannons, and stone-carved domes. Climbing the fort early in the morning is a great experience. From here, one can proceed to Edupayala.

Edupayala Vana Durga Bhavani Temple

The distance to Edupayala Temple from Medak is 19.5 km. Buses and taxis are available from Medak to the destination.

Built in the 12th Century, the Edupayala Vana Durga Bhavani Temple is one of the most famous and powerful pilgrim destinations in the region, dedicated to Goddess Kanakadurga. It is a picturesque shrine located amidst a dense green forest and natural stone formations inside a den. The location marks the confluence of seven streams (Edu-Payalu) into the Manjeera River. This destination attracts about 30 lakh devotees annually, not only from Telangana but also from neighboring states like Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Legend: According to legend, Maharaja Parikshit (grandson of Arjuna) performed a "Sarpa Yagya" (snake sacrifice). It is said that the blood of the snakes carried by the eagle Garuda fell at seven different places, and those spots became the seven streams. Recently, a layer of ash was found beneath the Manjeera riverbed during bridge construction.

The temple is also famous for its Jatara (fair), a three-day grand affair celebrated during Shivaratri in February. Over 5 lakh pilgrims attend this festival, setting up temporary tents around the temple. During the rainy season, the river water flows high and reaches the foot of the Goddess, a spectacular sight that thousands of devotees come to witness. Special pujas are also held during the month of Karthika. The surrounding area, with its lush greenery, offers a great experience for trekking and sightseeing tourists.

Medak Trip Travel Information

• By Air: The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad (146 km).

• By Train: Medak does not have a railway station. The nearest railheads are Akkannapet (19.1 km) and Kamareddy (60 km). Taxis, cabs, and buses are available from these stations to Medak.

• By Road: TSRTC buses frequently connect Medak to Hyderabad, Warangal, Siddipet, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, and Sangareddy.

Advice for the Weekend Traveler

It is advisable to pre-book accommodation and transportation, especially during Karthika Masam or holidays when places tend to be crowded. If you wish to spend ample time seeing the Church, Fort, and Lake, it is best to stay overnight. Having a car or bike is necessary if you plan to venture into the village roads.

As the return journey begins, a beautiful experience remains in the heart. The Medak trip teaches that the sweetness of life is hidden even in silence. "Travel is not about reaching the destination; it is about finding your soul." Medak is not just a place; it is a spiritual journey that reminds us of the peace within ourselves.