Known For : Yaganti Belum Caves Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary
Kurnool can be reached in just over three hours from Hyderabad. Taking this long drive from Hyderabad is a wonderful idea. The Neeva and Hundri rivers also flow through Kurnool, which makes it one of the most picturesque road trips from Hyderabad. Once here, you can visit the centuries-old Belum Caves, the second longest and largest caves in India! If you’re a bird and animal lover, head over to the Rollapdu Bird Sanctuary, where you can get to see a variety of colourful birds and animals. You can also visit the Konda Reddy fort, which is an important landmark of this town.
Distance from Hyderabad: 212 km
Best Time: December to February
Known For : Cave Temples Agastya Lake Badami Fort
The drive to Badami is one of the most beautiful road trips from Hyderabad. Located 420 km away, it takes anywhere between 7 to 8 hours to get here by road. Though this is a long drive from Hyderabad, the result will be completely worth it. Badami is a mixture of greenery and rough, majestic rocks. It is most popularly known for the four cave temples, all of which are architectural wonders. The most stunning part of Badami is its fort. Simply called the Badami Fort, it is placed at the top of a hill, and once you get there, you will be stunned by the stupendous view of the town spread out below.
Distance from Hyderabad: 419 km
Best Time: October to Apr
Known For : Ethipothala Waterfall Nagarjunasagar Dam Nagarjunasagar Wildlife Sanctuary
Located just 164 km away from Hyderabad, Nagarjuna Sagar is a great place to go on a road trip from Hyderabad. Once you reach, you can visit the gushing Nagarjuna Sagar Dam as it flows out of 12 gates, surrounding the rivers. You can stroll along near the dam and even take a boating ride to Nagarjunakonda Valley, which for all intents and purposes, is an island in itself. Alternately, you can visit the museum for its display of all things Buddhist or simply sit back and revel in the magnificence of the Ethipothala Waterfall. This place is a convenient road trip from Hyderabad and is an ideal choice if you just want to go there and relax.
Distance from Hyderabad: 151 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah Buddha Vihar Gulbarga Fort
Gulbarga is 231 km from Hyderabad. It was a part of the Nizam dynasty and is a very culturally rich place to visit. The Islamic style of architecture is evident here, for those who love to study history and architecture. Over here, you can visit the famous Gulbarga Fort. Inside the premises of the fort, you can find a variety of impressive buildings. The most popular one is the Jama Masjid and the second is the tomb of Sufi saint Khaja Bande Nawaz. Apart from that, you can head over to the island located close to the Bhima river, where you can enjoy activities like trekking and camping. The Chandrampalli Dam is also a site worth visiting, for its pure beauty, as is the Sharana Basaveshwara Temple.
Distance from Hyderabad: 230 km
Best Time: October - March
Located in the slightly silent and remote region of Chilkur 30 kms from Hyderabad, Mrugavani National Park is the most popular weekend getaway for the locals and a common favourite destination of the tourists. Sprawling over a vast area of 1211 acres, the park houses a whopping 600 species of animals and plants. The park was declared a National Park only in 1994 and has been a hit ever since. In addition to birdwatching and jungle safaris, the park also houses a tall tower that lets you take a look at the mesmerising view of the wildland below. Besides providing the experience of witnessing exotic species of flora, fauna and avifauna; the national park also has a jungle resort which allows you to unwind and relax amidst nature. If you are in or around Hyderabad, Mrugavani National Park is a must-visit destination that should not be missed.
Distance from Hyderabad: 21 km
Karimnagar is located in north-west Telangana, at a distance of about 163 kms from Hyderabad. Besides the roads being super smooth and free of potholes, the aesthetic surroundings on the way make for an ideal road trip from Hyderabad. However, remember to carry your food and drinks as you will spot very few eateries or roadside dhabas on the way. Once in Karimnagar, you can go on a shopping spree exploring the historical town that was once known as the ‘seat of the Vedic learning’. Some of the important tourist attractions of the town include Vemulawada, Nagunur Fort, Kaleshwaram, Kondagattu, Dharmapuri etc.
Distance from Hyderabad: 165 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary Kunthala Waterfalls Pochera Waterfalls
Adilabad is located at a distance of 300 kms from Hyderabad in the northern region of Telangana. The short distance and a relatively lesser population of the emerging city call for a peaceful and pleasant road drive from Hyderabad to the town. The drive gives an offbeat break from the city life of Hyderabad in the company of blooming flowers on the sidetracks and perfectly smooth roads. Nirmala is a popular dhaba that falls on the NH-44. We recommend you to stop there for mouthwatering idlis and hot brewed chai. Once in Adilabad, explore the serenity and historical monuments of the place. It offers a holistic experience to all its tourists with its dainty temples, breathtaking waterfalls and heritage monuments. The beautiful valleys and many rivers add to the charm of the city. All in all, it is a perfect weekend getaway from the pell-mell of the city life in the quietude and serenity in between bounteous natural environment.
Distance from Hyderabad: 344 km
Best Time: November to March
Located just about 100 kms from Hyderabad, Nalgonda is a city with deep-rooted rich history and equally intriguing cultural heritage. With its roots going back to Paleolithic Age proved by enough evidence excavated from Yeleswaram, Nalgonda also displays the hints of Neolithic culture with the further unearthing of sling stones and other such objects. In fact, today the city of Nalgonda presents a colourful blend of diverse religious cultures and traditions reflecting the beautiful history of the city that was once ruled by several Hindu and Muslim rulers at different points of time.
Spread over an area of 130 square kilometres and only 20 kms from Hyderabad, the Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary was set up in 1952 which was the hunting ground of the then Nizam. Named after the Pocharam Lake which was formed here after the Pocharam Dam was constructed on the River Allair between 1916 to 1922, this place is a scenic beauty with all the surrounding hills. The dreamlike beauty of the Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary takes many tourists and travellers by surprise.
Distance from Hyderabad: 175 km
Medak Fort is situated in Telangana, 96 kms from Hyderabad and stands strong as an architectural masterpiece of the bygone era. Currently, the fort is mostly in ruins but it is still an important tourist attraction of the city.
Distance from Hyderabad: 95 km
Known For : The Borra Hills and Caves Araku Tribal Museum Musi River
Set amid the Eastern Ghats and located just 80 kms from Hyderabad, Ananthagiri is a beautiful retreat where majestic hills in the backdrop flirt with clouds all the time. The place also offers some of the best trekking trails and thus serves as a trekker's paradise. Breathtakingly gorgeous and absolutely scintillating, the town oozes out charm mixed with the whiff of coffee aroma and beauty of exotic flora. With romanticism in every aspect of the region, it is a perfect place for honeymooners as well as family vacationers.
Distance from Hyderabad: 693 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Pakhal Lake Thousand Pillar Temple Ramappa Temple
Located 140 kms from Hyderabad, Warangal takes you back to the era of kings and queens with its beautiful historical sites and an impressive natural beauty with Parkhal Lake being worth checking out. The Warangal city is credited as the fifth largest city in this state. The legends have it that it was known as Oruguallu or Omtikonda or Ekasilanagaram mainly due to the existence of a huge hillock which seemed to have been carved out entirely off one stone. Warangal takes you back to the era of kings and queens with its beautiful historical sites. Warangal natural beauty is no less impressive and the Parkhal Lake and wildlife sanctuaries are also definitely worth checking out.
Distance from Hyderabad: 150 km
Best Time: September to Apr
Known For : Papi Kondalu Hills Gandi Pochamma Temple Perantapalli Village
A worthy overnight drive of 8 hours from Hyderabad, Papikondalu mountain range runs along the beautiful River Godavari in Rajahmundry. Papikondalu is a sheer fest to the eyes in terms of its scenic beauty. As the hills become closer and closer to the visitor, the width of the mighty Godavari becomes narrower. In accordance with this view resembling the middle partition of a woman's hair, it was initially named as 'Papidi' Kondalu- Paidi in Telugu means the middle partition of a woman’s hair. Later, it came to be known as Papikondalu in the local language. The river narrowing, its twists and turns along with the Papi Hills form a breathtaking visual experience.
Distance from Hyderabad: 309 km
Best Time: October to March
One of the country's finest eco-tourism projects, Maredumilli is a place of wildlife, nature and of tribal people who are out to win your heart with their hospitality. Maredumilli is a forest area conserved and developed by the tribals who have habituated the lands for generations. Fed by the waters of the Godavari River, the semi-evergreen forests of the village make it a wonderful place to have some adventure in the wild and immerse oneself with nature. It is a 420 kms road trip from Hyderabad placing it far away from the city's hustle.
Distance from Hyderabad: 425 km
Known For : Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary Kunthala Waterfalls Pochera Waterfalls
Alive with every sound of the gurgling waterfalls, gentle cool breeze and abuzz with vibrant culture, Adilabad is a small town in the state of Telangana. The town is blessed with a very colourful past and today it witnesses a wonderful fusion of various cultures and traditions. Apart from the plethora of temples and mosques, this city is also enriched with flora and fauna covered by a layer of the dense forest making it a popular trekking spot from Hyderabad. Adilabad is located about 300 kms from Hyderabad.
Distance from Hyderabad: 344 km
Best Time: November to March
Known For : Amareswara Temple, Amaravathi Amravati Museum, Amaravathi Dhyana Buddha Statue
Amaravathi is a small town located on the banks of the River Krishna in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. It serves as quite a familiar name for the Buddhists in India and is a prime hub for pilgrimage and sightseeing for tourists. Thus, Amaravathi is also called the Abode of God. It is also the new capital of Andhra Pradesh and is located 250 kms from the state's former capital, Hyderabad.
Distance from Hyderabad: 271 km
Best Time: November to March
A wildlife sanctuary spread across an area of 614sq kms and located 300 kms from Hyderabad near Kurnool, Rollapadu offers its visitors a journey into the wild, close to nature, amidst a number of diverse species of flora and fauna. Established in 1988, Rollapadu is especially known for being the home to the endangered species of The Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican. The wildlife sanctuary, spread across the huge area is the home to many birds and reptiles.
Distance from Hyderabad: 251 km
Known For : Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal Kashiviswanatha Temple Jain Temple
Located at a distance of 404 kms from Hyderabad, Pattadakal is a temple complex consisting of a group of Hindu and Jain temples in northern Karnataka, which has lately also been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The well-constructed highways and the picturesque surroundings on the way make for a perfect road trip from Hyderabad. You can stop at roadside dhabas for light snacks or capture those picture-perfect vistas. Moreover, once you reach Pattadakal, you will realize all the hassle was worth it. The temples at Pattadakal have been described as “a harmonious blend of architectural forms from northern and southern India”, and they sure are a perfect mix or architectural finesse and designs and are a marvel to look at.
Distance from Hyderabad: 397 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Pathala Ganga Srisailam Tiger Reserve Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple
Srisailam is a Hindu Jyotirlinga and is situated at a distance of around 200 kms from Hyderabad. Most people visiting Srisailam from Hyderabad by driving as the route is extremely scenic and beautiful. Once you cover a distance of 120-150 kms, the route converts into a hilly terrain with hairpin bends, and that’s when the drive gets even more exciting and gives you that adrenaline rush. However, be very careful and remember to keep to the speed limit and follow the road rules. Once you are there, be sure to visit the famous Srisailam Dam and Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. River Krishna is one of the popular places in the area. You can also try your hand at adventure activities like cliff climbing, trekking, forest exploration, bungee jumping etc.
Distance from Hyderabad: 213 km
Best Time: October to February
Known For : Nagarjunakonda Caves/ Museum Dhamma Nagajjuna Kaman Bazaar
Nagarjunakonda or Nagarjuna Hills, is located 150 km from Hyderabad, near the Nagarjuna Sagar Reservoir in the Nalgonda District of Andhra Pradesh. Excavations have revealed that Buddhist civilizations existed here almost 1800 years ago, scriptures and artefacts have been found to give evidence of this fact. It is also said that the famous Buddhist monk Nagarjuna after whom this place is named, lived here and preached during the 2nd century AD. Owing to this, Nagarjunakonda was discovered around 1926 and is revered as a significant historic site, for Buddhism scholars and followers this is a pilgrim spot.
Best Time: October to March
If you’re fond of cultural, religious, or historical exploration, and if you happen to have a marked fascination with architecture, then the grand temples of this place are bound to enthrall you. Not only does this site of wonder in the Deccan have recently dug up ancient Buddhist stupas but it also boasts of an association with the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Situated at the crest of the Deccan, at a distance of about 200 km from Hyderabad, the town of Nelakondapalli can lend you a unique and enriching experience. Whether looking to satisfy an itch for archaeological exploration or intending to fulfill your curiosity about yet another place of ancient religious significance in the Deccan region, Nelakondapalli is for you!
Distance from Hyderabad: 192 km
Known For : Bhavani Island Kanaka Durga Temple Undavalli Caves
With scrumptious fruits, sensational sweets and scenic marvels, Vijayawada literally translates to 'The Place of Victory'. Located about 250 kms from Hyderabad, Vijayawada is the third largest city in Andhra Pradesh and has the largest railway junction in South India. Located on the banks of the Krishna River, Vijayawada is bounded by the lndrakeeladri Hills on the west and the Budameru river on the north. The Kondapalli Fort, Mogalarajapuram Caves, Gandhi Stupa and Undavalli Caves are extremely known in the city and showcase a blend of history and nature unimaginable.
Distance from Hyderabad: 272 km
Best Time: September to March
Known For : Papi kondalu Hills Sri Sitaramachandra Swamy Temple Parnasala
Bhadrachalam can be a refreshing place to visit with a share of instances from the Ramayana, a glorious palace, a vibrant river and mystical terrain and surroundings. The majestic River Godavari is found winding with its vast stretch of sand all throughout the town and is considered to be very holy. It can also be the host to a number of activities that let the river be a completely enjoyable experience. One can visit the Sri Sitaramachandra Swamy Temple and the Abhaya Anjaneya temple. It is about 300 kms road trip from Hyderabad.
Distance from Hyderabad: 309 km
Best Time: September to Apr
Known For : Bidar Fort Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple
If you enjoy a city tinted in the shade of past and glorified with rich culture and heritage, then Bidar is just your kind of place. Situated in the state of Karnataka and a 150 kms road trip from Hyderabad, Bidar is a city with great historic significance. Once considered to be the most flourishing cities of South India, especially between the 11th and 16th century, today Bidar is packed with specimens of great architectural marvels adding charm to the city.
Distance from Hyderabad: 147 km
Best Time: October to March
Chilkur Balaji Temple is situated in the picturesque village of Chilkur, about 30 kilometres away from Hyderabad. It is also called the VISA Temple, and sits prettily on the banks of the Osman Sagar Lake, near the Vikarabad Road. It is believed that paying your obeisance to the presiding deity, Lord Balaji Venkateswara, along with Sridevi and Bhoodev can grant your wishes of gaining a USA Visa! The temple houses the Visa Balaji or the Visa God! The belief finds its roots in an incident when a few students who had their Visa applications rejected, came and prayed here only to have their applications accepted.
Distance from Hyderabad: 25 km
Known For : Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Vithala Temple Lotus Palace
Hampi is a very culturally rich town and a World Heritage Site. 373 km, a long drive from Hyderabad is well worth it once you hit the road. The atmosphere around you will put you at ease making your road trip from Hyderabad memorable. The most intriguing part of this town is that it is located within the remains of Vijayanagara Empire. There are a lot of Hindu temples detailed inscriptions and carvings, both of which portray scenes from the epic Ramayana. Apart from visiting Hampi for religious purposes, people also flock here to click some beautiful pictures and take part in a bit of rock climbing, thanks to the number of boulders lining the Tungabhadra river.
Distance from Hyderabad: 371 km
Best Time: October to March
Pick up that phone, call your friends and start planning your road trip from Hyderabad! Let us know what you like best about these places in the comments below.