5 Best Places Around Hyderabad for Weekend Trip Within 300 Kms

Southern India is known for its exotic culture, rich history, and great hospitality. In the heart of the South lies the majestic city of Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana State. Even though the town is full of life and culture, it would not be kind to visit the South and not explore it. Instead, both locals and travelers stationed in Hyderabad can plan memorable and exciting weekend trips to nearby locations and experience the scenic beauty and warmth of the entire region. To help you decide where to go, we have compiled a list of the top 5 weekend getaways around Hyderabad.

After all, there is nothing better than a full tank, a great song playlist, a road trip with your best friends or family, and a fantastic destination!

Distance is the essential factor when planning a road trip just for the weekend. After all, you do not want to spend most of your weekend just traveling, but since it is a road trip, you need to drive a little too! So, a drive just under 400 kilometers seems about right!

But before you pack your bags, you should plan carefully to have a perfect and relaxing weekend.

Here is a little help from us:

• Pack Light: Too much luggage can only cause stress of packing and unpacking; pack the absolute essentials so you can travel light and have a good time.

• Fill the snack basket: Yes! This one is very important; always pack some snacks for the road. This will help you save time that you would otherwise have to spend on making pit stops whenever you get hungry. Remember, it’s just the weekend so do not waste an entire day traveling.

• Do some research and have an itinerary: It is best to find out as much as you can about the city you plan to visit. You should find out all the tourist and famous spots such as shopping malls, museums, parks, best restaurants, and theatres etc. By planning your trip carefully in advance you can make the most of your limited time.

• Book your accommodation in advance: When you plan to spend the entire weekend, it is best to find a hotel and book rooms in advance. You should ask the hotel management about all the facilities your hotel provides so you do not pack unnecessary items. To avoid any complications, you should also take your identification documents with you.

Weekend Getaways Around Hyderabad

Here’s the list that will get you to start planning your travel today!

1. Gulbarga

Officially known as Kalaburagi, the city of Gulbarga is located 230 km away from Hyderabad. The culturally and historically rich city was once under the Nizami dynasty’s influence. Gulbarga was part of the Dehli Sultanate until joining the Hyderabad State following its founding in the 18th century. It finally became a district in the state of Karnataka.

Due to its religious history and landmarks, the city stands proudly among other “Sufi cities” and offers peace and serenity. Moreover, the beautifully preserved architecture will take you back in time and leave you mesmerized.

Some of the most famous tourist attractions include:

The glorious Jama Masjid (mosque):

The mosque is renowned for its unique architecture and grandeur built by Mohammad Shah. The spacious interior of the mosque offers peace and tranquillity.

Buddha Vihar:

The place is sacred, where people come to find peace and spirituality. Located about 6 km away from Gulbarga, Buddha Vihar is a beautiful depiction of Buddhist architecture.

Khawaja Banda Nawaz Dargah:

The Dargah is a fantastic experience that takes you to a different world; the peace and holiness of the place bind together all faiths and religions. The Dargah is the most popular attraction in Gulbarga and built in the memory of Sufi saint Hazrat Khawaja Banda Nawaz Gesudaraz.

Gulbarga Fort:

The beautiful Fort showcases the elegance of Persian architecture and is a sight to be seen. Its existence is centuries old and has been a massive attraction for tourists.

The Haft Gumbaz Tomb:

The beautifully constructed building has seven tombs, for which it is also commonly known as “saat” (seven). The small gate within the Tomb opens into a shrine complex. The architecture of all seven tombs is different from each other. You can take a stroll in the beautifully maintained gardens on both sides of the Tomb and experience the grandeur of South Indian history.

Shri Dattatreya Temple:

A sacred temple that beautifully combines religion and culture, built in the memory of Lord Dattatreya, the temple is one of the most visited places in the city. The main temple is said to be from the 14th century.

Chandrampalli Dam:

Surrounded by the Chincholi forest and built across the Bhima River, the Dam is at the center of a lush green landscape. The location is excellent for picnics and peaceful walks.

2. Warangal

The city is roughly 143 km away from Hyderabad, Warangal Urban District’s headquarters, and Telangana’s second-biggest city. Warangal’s existence is centuries old and showcases a rich history of the Andhra Desa clan. Among its rulers was Rani Radrama Devi, who was the only woman to have ever ruled a Telugu region.

The city is known for its beautiful temples, shrines, and forts, which are well preserved and attracting many tourists every year. In addition, Warangal will leave you awestruck with its beautiful landscape, rich in flora and fauna, stunning lakes, and breathtaking architecture.

Some of the attractions include:

Warangal Fort

The Warangal Fort, located 5 kilometers from Warangal Railway Station, has been in existence since the 13th century and was constructed under the control of the Kakatiyan monarchs. However, several invasions destroyed the Fort, and the remnants still are seen today. The gateway building of two large stones, intricate patterns, and Thoreau architecture pulls in hundreds of tourists every year and speaks volumes of the grandeur of Kakatiyan rulers.

Kakatiya Rock Garden

Animals created out of rocks are the main attraction of the Garden, and the artificial waterfall gives the place an exciting look. The peace of the Garden is a vast attraction for tourists. It is an excellent place for you and your family to have a fun-filled day.

Eturnagaram Sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary is one of the oldest sanctuaries and a great place to visit for all nature lovers. Dayyum Vagu, a water source within Eturnagaram Sanctuary, separates the sanctuary into two parts and shelters various wildlife animals. The beautiful landscape and its flora and fauna make the refuge a peaceful family hangout. The existence of tree fossils also lends some historical significance to the place. The local caretakers beautifully maintain the sanctuary.

Pakhal Lake

Pakhal Lake is a one-of-a-kind man-made lake harnessing a small tributary of the Krishna river in 1213 AD is both exotic and beautiful. A wildlife sanctuary surrounds the lake, and one can spot a herd of deer, leopards roaming freely in the wild brings out the natural beauty of the surroundings. It is a great place to have a great family picnic or a romantic time with your loved one.

Thousand Pillar Temple

This beautifully constructed temple is a sight to be seen. Built by King Rudra Deva, a Kakatiya ruler, the temple is built in a star-shaped architecture is a popular tourist attraction. The temple also contains a beautifully carved giant monolith. The Thousand Pillar Temple is a popular tourist attraction, and the worshipers come here to find peace and serenity.

Jain Mandir

Mahavira Jain Temple is a 2000-year-old Jain temple located in Kolanupaka village. The temple is well-decorated with pictures of Tirthankars and is a famous Jain pilgrimage place. Lord Rishabha, Lord Neminath, and Lord Mahavir are the three main idols of Gods in the temple, called Tirthankars. On both sides of the temple, there are eight idols of various other Tirthankaras. The stunning architecture of the Mandir gives it a mystical look. Regular tourists are not permitted to enter the inner area of the temple, which is only open to those wearing puja clothes.

3. Bidar

Bidar is a city in northeast Karnataka that dates back to the third century B.C. and is approximately 147 kilometers from Hyderabad. The city’s culture is rich with Islamic Indian traditions and customs. Early rulers of the region include the Bahmani Kingdom and BaridShahi Dynasty.

The exotic and peaceful city of Bidar is known for its monuments, ruins, forts, tombs, and castles (mahals).

Some of the main attractions include:

Bidar Fort

The Fort was constructed during Sultan Alauddin Bahman’s reign when he relocated his capital to Bidar in the 15th century. The beautifully built Fort has much to offer, such as the grand dewan, a museum showcasing the Fort’s history, a mosque, tombs of many sultans, and a temple. A trip to the Fort will show you the grandeur of how Brahmans lived.

Bahmani Tombs

Around eight tombs of Bahman, kings were once the city’s rulers. The tombs are well preserved and an essential part of the history of Bidar.

Chaubara

Seventy-one feet high tower shaped like a cylinder is a great tourist attraction in Bidar. You can get on top of the tower and enjoy a bird’s eye view of your surroundings. However, you may have to pick the right time to visit the spot because it is built right in the center of one of the busiest roads in the city.

Gagan Mahal

Another creation under the Bahmani rule, Gagan Mahal, is a great architectural wonder. The Mahal (castle) will take you back with its beautiful courtyards and queens’ harem. A walk through these courtyards will make you feel like royalty.

Tarkash Mahal

Tarkash refers to the Mahal constructed for the king’s Turkish wife. The castle was built over two periods: the palace was built during the Bahmani dynasty, while the upper half finished during the Baridi dynasty. Both architectural styles come together to create a stunning sight.

Solah Khamba Mosque

Solah Khamba Mosque is located inside Bidar fort and is approximately 2.8 kilometers from Bidar Railway Station. Built in the 15th century by Qubil Sultani, the mosque has 16 pillars lined in the front of the structure that gave its name Solah (16) Khamba (posts) is also known as Zanana Masjid. Solah Khamba Mosque is one of the biggest & ancient mosques in the city and attracts tourists looking to connect with their spiritual self.

Papnash Shiva Temple

According to the myth, the beautiful temple was built by Lord Rama when he was coming back from Lanka. A temple is a sacred space where people come to pray and worship. The original building of the temple did not survive the test of time; however, the new construction is also trendy. The temple has a pond at its bottom that gets water from a beautiful natural stream.

4. Nagarjuna Sagar

It is located just 164 km away from Hyderabad and has a landscape that will make you fall in love with the city. Nagarjuna Sagar is built across the Krishna River and has a stunning water dam that gives the place a majestic look. The lovely town was once the center of Buddhist civilization. The city’s name was inspired by a Buddhist saint named Nagarjuna Sagar. The Dam’s beautiful constructed lake offers a mesmerizing landscape that seems like something out of a fairy tale.

A breathtaking combination of pure nature and artificial miracles has made Nagarjuna Sagar a favorite tourist spot.

Some of the most visited and tranquil places include:

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

The Krishna River Dam, surrounded by lush flora, is a breathtaking sight not to be ignored. The most significant time to go is during the monsoon season, when all of the Dam’s 26 gates open, providing spectacular views of the waterfalls, which may reach over 100 meters. It’s an excellent spot for a day out with the family.

Ethipothala Waterfall

The stunning waterfall comprises three beautiful streams, namely Nakka Vagu, Tummala Vagu, and Chandravanka Vagu, and has a crocodile breeding center. In addition, tourists have to visit the two temples dedicated to Ranganadha Swami and Dattatreya Swami at the foot of the waterfall. The peace and natural scenery of the place are a favorite of both locals and tourists.

Nagarjuna Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

Nagarjunasagar Wildlife Sanctuary is also known as Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Sanctuary since it is located 57 kilometers from the Nagarjuna Sagar. This place’s natural visual magnificence will entice you to return time and time. In addition, you may encounter a variety of rare bird and animal species while relaxing in the park’s tranquility.

Nagarjunakonda Museum

Nagarjunakonda is a beautiful tourist spot located 23 kilometers from Nagarjuna Sagar Bus Station. This museum houses relics discovered during several excavations and tells the tale of the city’s history and the presence of Buddhists in the area.

5. Srisailam

Srisailam, a historic town and temple located 213 kilometers from Hyderabad runs alongside the Krishna River. The first-ever South Indian empire builders, the Satavahanas, are credited with founding this unique settlement 30,000 to 40,000 years ago.

With its picturesque landscape, this small town is both exotic and peaceful. The hills of Srisailam have well-preserved wildlife and mesmerizing greenery. It is ideal for those who want to enjoy peace, calm, and do nothing but relax. In addition, the place will help you get in touch with your spiritual self.

Some of the must-visit places include:

Srisailam Dam

When construction began in 1961, it took 20 years to complete in 1981. The Krishna River goes through the Dam, surrounded by lovely green scenery. When all the gates are open during the monsoon season, it may be the finest opportunity to see and photograph some spectacular perspectives on both sides of the Dam. The scene is stunning at night with the stars in the sky, all lights turned on. It is also India’s second-largest hydroelectric power plant.

Srisailam Tiger Reserve

The Tiger Reserve is not for the faint of heart; it is a haven for adventure seekers. Forests, diverse wildlife creatures, valleys, streams, and lovely winding roads are part of the Reserve’s natural splendor.

Patala Ganga

At a distance of 1 km from Srisailam Malikarjuna Temple, Patala Ganga is a popular place to visit for the best views of River Krishna. Linked to River Krishna, Patala Ganga is a sacred spot where locals and tourists experience spirituality and peace. The view from this spot is nothing short of spectacular; you can see the green and dense Nallamala Forest on the beautiful mountains. Ropeway and Boating are the two breathtaking experiences to view the Srisailam Dam & the surroundings.

Akka Mahadevi Caves

If you are a daredevil, these caves are where you need to go. The ride to these caves is an adventure; after crossing the Krishna River on a boat and going through beautiful forests, you will reach these magical caves and reach Shiva Linga. These caves are deep and dark; remember to carry torch lights.

Chenchu Lakshmi Tribal Museum

If you are interested in finding out about Andhra Pradesh tribes, you must visit Chenchu Lakshmi Tribal Museum. One of the best things and a must-buy is the honey collected by these local tribes; it is quite a popular item and sells like hotcakes among both tourists and locals.

We are confident that you will not be satisfied with only these weekend getaways around Hyderabad once you begin your journey of South India with the gorgeous and historical top 5 destinations highlighted in this post. So remember those fantastic memories when you arrange your trip to the right spot, and India has many!