It’s almost time for the long Holi weekend we have all been eagerly waiting for. If you are planning a weekend getaway from Hyderabad, we have a list that may come in handy. By Karan Kaushik
What could be more exciting than a weekend getaway? A long weekend getaway. If you call the City of Pearls Hyderabad your home and want to escape the hullaballoo that the festival of colours brings along, here are some destinations near Hyderabad you can escape to. So, if you are the quiet-loving kind, we have compiled a list of heritage and nature weekend getaways from Hyderabad.
Weekend getaways from Hyderabad every traveller must explore
Gandikota
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Nestled in the Kadapa district, Gandikota is famous as India’s Grand Canyon. The place is known for its stunning geological formations and sits on the banks of river Penner. Gandikota translates into a gorge fort. The Gandikota Fort houses a three-storeyed tower called Charminar.
Inside the fort, you’ll also find the Madhavaraya Swamy Temple and a colossal prison. For the best view of the Penna Gorge, head towards the edge of the fort. Don’t mind a little adventure? Climb over the boulders ahead of the Ranganatha Swamy Temple to savour the most stunning views of Gandikota. We’ll be waiting for those Insta stories.
Distance from Hyderabad: 286km
Warangal
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Warangal served as the capital of the illustrious Kakatiya dynasty from the 12th to 14th centuries. As a result, the city is home to some magnificent yesteryear monuments. Your first spot should be the famous Thousand Pillar Temple, which dates to the 12th century. Then there are the ruins of the 14th century Warangal Fort, which stand as a reminder of the city’s glorious past.
The Khush Mahal here is the most impressive structure. Nature lovers may fancy a trip to the Laknavaram and Pakhal lakes. If you have kids with you, take them to the Warangal Planetarium, Kakatiya Rock Garden, and the Regional Science Centre. Other attractions include Ramappa Lake, Ghanpur Group of Temples, and Padmakshi Temple.
Distance from Hyderabad: 145km
Bidar
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Bidar is home to one of the most formidable forts of India. Bidar served as the capital of the Bahmani Kingdom in the 14th century. The Bidar Fort houses ruins of palaces, mosques, and other heritage structures, which were constructed with trap rock. The magnificent tombs of the Bahamani rulers are also worth visiting.
A prime attraction of Bidar is the imposing Chaukhandi. It houses the mortal remains of Sultan Ahmed Shah’s spiritual advisor Hazrat Khalil Ullah. Other heritage attractions include Mohamad Gawan Madrasa, Solah Khamba Mosque, Chaubara, and Rangeen Mahal. Bidar is also popular for its handicrafts, wood carvings, sandalwood products, and silver inlay work.
Distance from Hyderabad: 145km
Mahabubnagar
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Mahbubnagar is a camper’s paradise. Most nature and adventure lovers come here to enjoy night camping amidst the serene environs of the Koilsagar Dam. The place provides nice angling opportunities too. You can club your camping trip with a visit to the Koilkonda Fort.
Another natural attraction that you must visit is the enchanting Mallela Theertham Waterfalls. Mahbubnagar is also renowned for its unique banyan tree, known as Pillamarri Banyan Tree. It’s one of India’s biggest banyan trees and attracts visitors throughout the year. Other must-visit places in Mahbubnagar include Sri Ranganayaka Swamy Temple, Jurala Dam, and, Gadwal Fort.
Distance from Hyderabad: 98km
Srisailam
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Srisailam will give bring you respite from the rising temperature with its lush environs. The historical town is encompassed by the verdant Nallamala Hills, making it one of the most tranquil weekend getaways from Hyderabad. The town is also famous for housing one of the 12 jyotirlingas and a shaktipeetha. Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy and Bhramaramba Devi temples here are flocked by devotees in droves.
Take a ropeway ride, followed by a boat ride in the Krishna River to reach the age-old Akka Mahadevi Caves. Continue your romance with nature at the Srisailam Dam and drink in the beauty of lush hills and gushing water. Another place that you shouldn’t miss is the Chenchu Lakshmi Tribal Museum near the Srisailam Bus stand. The museum depicts the lifestyle and traditions of the Chenchu tribe that call the forests of Srisailam home.
Distance from Hyderabad: 217km
Guntur
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For a city known for its world-class educational institutions and administrative centres, Guntur surprises with its myriad touristy offerings. Prime attractions here include the hill fort of Kondaveedu, the Undavalli Caves, and Prakasam Barrage, among others. Drive to the Kondaveedu Fort to appreciate the legacy of the Reddy kings. The fort is encompassed by verdant hills and guarantees a charming time away from the city noise.
Another prime attraction in Guntur is the Trikoteswara Swamy Temple, aka Kotappakonda. Then there’s the giant Amaravathi Stupa, which is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. You can also include the revered Lakshmi Narayan Swami Temple of Mangalagiri, and Someswara Swamy Temple of Sitanagaram to your itinerary.
Distance from Hyderabad: 305km
Maredumilli
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You will love Maredumilli if you love driving on serpentine roads surrounded by lofty mountains, foggy clouds, and lush green forests as wafts of cool winds ruffle your hair. Located in the East Godavari district, the Maredumilli Forests are endowed with incredible biodiversity. The semi-evergreen forests feature an undulating terrain and form an integral part of the Eastern Ghats. The Maredumilli Community Conservation and Eco-Tourism Area is located near the Maredumilli village and promises a wonderful weekend getaway from Hyderabad.
Gurgling white streams flow over undulating rocks in deep woods, offering a soulful experience to nature lovers. A visit to this scenic place also gives a chance to interact with the tribal communities of Valamuru, Somireddypalem and Valmeekipeta Vana Samrkshana Samithi, who handle the Eco-Tourism project. The Forest Rest House here was built in 1914 and offers a peaceful stay.
Distance from Hyderabad: 420km
Adilabad
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Adilabad serves as a gateway to the majestic Kuntala Waterfalls, the highest waterfalls in Telangana. Located 12km from the Neredikonda village, the waterfalls promise a nice time of unwinding in nature’s lap with your loved ones. A little ahead is the lesser-known Gayatri Waterfall on the Kadam River.
You can also include the tranquil Kadam Dam in your itinerary. Enjoy a boat ride and catch stunning sunsets here. From the dam, you can also visit the Kawal Forest and Deer Park. Other attractions in Adilabad include the magnificent St Joseph’s Cathedral, Mahatama Gandhi Park, and Basara Saraswati Temple. Wildlife lovers may also plan a trip to the Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to blackbucks and as many as 50 bird species.
Distance from Hyderabad: 304km
Kurnool
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Being an ancient town, Kurnool is blessed with its share of heritage monuments. You can start with the Konda Reddy Fort, also known as Kurnool Fort or Kondareddy Buruju. The fort was constructed by the rulers of the Vijayanagar Empire and bears testimony to Kurnool’s venerable history. Your next stop should be the much-revered Sri Yagantiswamy Temple at Yaganti. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple was built by King Harihara Bukka Rayalu in the 15th century.
Other prominent temples in the town include Nagareswarasawami Temple and Ahobilam Temple. The Tomb of Abdul Wahab signals the plurality of yesteryear Kurnool and deserves a visit. If wildlife interests you, make an excursion to the Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, which was formed to preserve the great Indian Bustard. Any trip to Kurnool will be incomplete without a trip to the Belum Caves, India’s longest caves.
Distance from Hyderabad: 212km
Pattadakal
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If you have been looking forward to a heritage holiday for a while now, make it happen with Pattadakal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pattadakal stands by the Malaprabha River. Here are incredible temples from the 7th and 8th centuries that were built by the eminent Chalukya dynasty. The intricately chiselled temples will leave you in awe with their aesthetic appeal, a prime feature of Chalukyan architecture.
There are 10 main temples in Pattadakal and they confirm Dravidian and Aryan styles of temple construction. The temple complex also houses a sculpture gallery, which is maintained by the Archeological Survey of India. Showcased here are ancient sculptures and rare scriptures. The most prominent temples of Pattadakal include Virupaksha Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, and Sangameswara Temple.
Distance from Hyderabad: 393km
