Weekend Getaways From Hyderabad

Immersed in history and culture but also thriving with modernity, Hyderabad is a captivating place to be. And if you have already explored places like Charminar, Hussainsagar lake and every other nook and cranny here, maybe it’s time to step out and explore the most tranquil tourist places near Hyderabad. There are several places like scenic hilltops, archaic monuments, as well as the ancient towns to explore. 

With the option to explore the diverse weekend getaways near Hyderabad, you can make for an exhilarating outing by visiting any of these places listed below:

 

Nagarjunasagar - 165 Km from Hyderabad

Nagarjuna Sagar dam is built over the Krishna River in the Telangana District and is on a site that was once the capital of a south dynasty. The dam holds the position of being the second-largest water reservoir of India and of being the tallest and the largest dam in the world. It is not just the dam that holds your attention here but also the lush green landscape around it. Tourists flock to this dam for boating, fishing and for photography. The sunset here is sure to give you some Instagram worthy pictures. You can see the old Buddhist excavation sites near the dam although the relics and landmarks have now been moved to the Nagarjuna hill which is an island amid the reservoir.

 

Srisailam - 213 Km from Hyderabad

Located around five hours away from Hyderabad, Srisailam has some scenic views to offer for a weekend unwind. You could visit the Srisailam Dam, which is constructed on the Krishna river, and is not only one of the largest dams in India but also among the three biggest hydroelectric projects too. If temples pique your fancy, you can go to the Mallikarjuna Swamy temple, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, situated on the river’s banks. Other temples in the area include Bhramaramba Devi Temple and the Sakshi Ganapati Temple as well. And if you want to stick to natural beauty, Paladhara Panchadara is another spot to check off your list, along with the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Sanctuary, India's largest tiger reserve. You could also enjoy a trip across the Srisailam Ropeway, and boating in the Patalganga.

 

Gulbarga Fort- 231 Km from Hyderabad

This one is in Karnataka but is one of the best weekend getaways from Hyderabad. Surrounded by a 9.1-metre-wide moat, the medieval military fort, also known as Kalaburgi Fort, has a circumference of 3 kilometres. Its architecture is a unique blend of European and West Asian styles. Since its construction, the fort came under the control of several ancient and medieval Indian powers, including the Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas and Vijayanagara. However, it was during the Bahmani Sultanate, which had the longest hold over it, that the Gulbarga Fort was at its zenith. Its highlight is a cannon, measuring 7.62 meters in length, considered by some as the world’s longest. Named Bara Gazi Toph, it is made of five metals, one of the 26 in the fort.

 

Kurnool - 221 Km from Hyderabad

Kurnool used to be the capital of the state at one point of time and is now a popular holiday destination near Hyderabad. The Hundri and Neeva waterways pass through the city and bless it with a tropical climate. Yaganti in the Kurnool district is a tourist place that is famous for Sri Yaganti Swamy Temple or Uma Maheshwara Temple which pays homage to Lord Shiva. The temple was built between the 5th and 6th centuries and fills you with awe due to its magnificence.

 

Dandeli - 597 Km from Hyderabad

It is a small town close to the Anshi National Park and Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary. Dandeli is known as an eco-tourism place since a wide range of animals and birds are found here. Wildlife safari at Dandeli is what you must book in advance for the weekend if you are planning to visit the town.

The major pull of Dandeli is in the white water rafting over River Kali. There are several rapids over a stretch of 12 kilometres and you can pick one depending on how skilled you are at this sport. If you wish to catch a bird’s eye view of the Dandeli Valley then you must visit Sykes point which is a popular viewpoint of the city. Along with the lush green valley, Sykes Point will also give you a good view of the confluence of River Kali and River Nagzari.

 

Hampi - 377 Km from Hyderabad

One of Karnataka’s most treasured gems, Hampi is full of history and serenity. With various rulers reigning over the Vijayanagar empire, the map of Hampi was designed in such a way that today it stands as one of God’s blessings to humankind. There are temples at every footstep and each has a unique feature in terms of the architecture, significance and the stories that they have to tell. Known to be a hippie’s paradise, the only dry factor about Hampi is it’s weather.

 

Belum Caves - 329 Km from Hyderabad

A quick trip to the second-largest cave system in the Indian subcontinent is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. The caves were discovered by Robert Bruce Foote, a British surveyor, in 1884. Visitors should be prepared to be amazed by the arch-like formation resembling a lion’s head and is aptly named Simhadwaram. Deep inside the cave is a stone formation dubbed the “Saint’s Bed”. It tells us of a time when Buddhist monks meditated inside the caves. Don’t forget to listen to the sounds the stalactites created in the Saptasvarala Guha when you strike the rocks. They sound like music.

 

Rajahmundry - 399 Km from Hyderabad

The place is dotted with temples and the Godavari River adds to the beauty of this town. Several ghats and parks have been made along the banks of the river which in itself is the prime attraction of the town. Papikondalu mountain range that stands majestically along the banks of the Godavari River makes Rajahmundry a popular weekend spot.

The meandering river that runs along the hills gets narrower at places and it presents quite a scenic sight. These hills are blessed with a beauty that intensifies with the tranquil environment here.