Hyderabad’s over 400 years of history give it a unique allure that can’t be found anywhere else in India. There is more than one reason for this city’s popularity among both visitors and permanent residents: from the cutting edge of modern technology to the stunning architecture of its buildings to the unusual geological formations just outside the municipal limits.
The variety of nearby weekend escapes is one of the things that makes this city so appealing. Weekend getaways in Hyderabad offer the chance to escape the city for a few days or a week and spend time in a relaxing environment, apart from the stresses of daily life. It is possible to get away for a weekend or a few weeks and return ready to take on the challenges of life at home.
As such, every destination offers its guests something special and distinct, deserving of appreciation and a place in the heart. Depending on their distance from the centre of Hyderabad, these communities can be classified into a number of distinct types. Warangal, Nagarjunakonda, Yadagirigutta, Vijayawada, Suryalanka, Konaseema, Araku Valley, Manginapudi, Visakhapatnam, Srisailam, Kailasanathakona, Horsley Hills, Mallela Theertham, and a number of other places are all great options for a vacation close to Hyderabad.
Nagarjuna Sagar
The site of the present-day Nagarjuna Sagar dam on the Krishna River in the Telangana District was formerly the seat of a southern kingdom. As well as being the tallest and largest dam in the world, the dam is also the second-largest water reservoir in India.
The dam itself is interesting, but the surrounding greenery is what really draws you in. Many visitors come to this dam to go boating, fishing and take pictures. You can count on getting some stunning sunset photos here. Although the Buddhist relics and landmarks have been relocated to Nagarjuna hill, an island in the middle of the reservoir, the original dig sites may still be seen near the dam.
Srisailam
Weekenders from Hyderabad go to this town because of its prominence in Hindu mythology. In the Kurnool region, among the Nallamala forests, stands one of Lord Shiva’s 12 Jyotirlinga shrines. The temple was commissioned by King Harihar Raya of Vijaynagar and is presently known as the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple.
It would be a shame to visit Srisailam and miss out on the opportunity to explore the Akkamahadevi caves, which date back over a millennium. Many devotees make the journey to these caves so they can worship at the Shivalinga that has been set up deep within. Crocodiles, which are used in the dam’s breeding programme, can be seen swimming in the dam’s own waters, which adds to Srisailam Dam’s popularity as a tourist destination. The government in charge of this area is funding the breeding programme. Rent a car in Hyderabad and drive to Srisailam, or hire a cab.
Warangal
Warangal was once ruled by the Kakatiya dynasty, and the city’s many historic monuments and buildings are excellent examples of their time period’s artistry. There are imposing stone gateways and regal-looking fortresses that will take you back in time. The four gates of Warangal Fort, which are featured on the state emblem of Telangana, are a stunning example of Indian architecture.
The Thousand Pillar Temple is one of Warangal’s most famous landmarks, and its name gives it away: the temple has a thousand pillars. Located not far from the city of Warangal, in a hamlet known as Hanamkonda, is this sacred structure. Close proximity between the temple’s pillars gives the impression that they form a single wall. Nearly a thousand worshipers come here every day to honour the trinity of Hindu deities which includes Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya.
Visiting the Ramappa Temple on the shores of Ramappa Lake and the Swayambhu Temple, both dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a must when in Warangal. Pakhal Lake, located 44 kilometres from Warangal, is a fantastic spot for photographers interested in the outdoors. Even though you can take the train from Hyderabad to Warangal, driving is far faster and more convenient.
Belum Caves
If you happen to be in Hyderabad for a weekend, you may easily visit the country’s two longest and second-largest cave systems. The vast passageways of the Belum caves are only dimly lit, creating a tense atmosphere that will have you holding your breath at every turn.
Stalactite and stalagmite formations that have been here for over a million years can be found throughout these caves. Throughout the caves, ridges and patterns have been carved out of the limestone by the slow, steady passage of water over thousands of years. A total of roughly three and a half kilometres of caves have been discovered, although only one and a half kilometres are accessible to the general public.
The Pataalganga region of these caverns reaches depths of up to 46 kilometres. Visitors to the caves follow a stream that disappears underground at certain points before emerging elsewhere to run serenely over rock formations. The Buddhist monks who lived in this area of the caves used a section of it as a place of meditation. A big Buddha statue sits on a hill near the caves, and its ethereal likeness makes it a must-see.
Horsley Hills
When the weekend rolls around, there’s no better place to relax than in the tranquil neighbourhood of Horsley Hills. Horsley Hills, located not far from Hyderabad, is a beautiful place to visit for a vacation thanks to its rolling hills, lush, healing forests, towering deciduous trees, crisp, somewhat chilly air, and calming atmosphere.
Take your time appreciating the stunning scenery between the Gangotri and Manasarovar lakes. Kaigal Falls, Whisper Wind Viewpoint, Mallamma Temple, and Chennakesava Temple are just a few of the interesting sights to see in the area.
Dandeli
Dandeli’s white water rafting on the Kali River is the main draw for visitors. You can choose from a variety of rapids spread out across a distance of 12 kilometres, depending on your level of expertise in this activity. Visiting Sykes point, a well-known vantage point of the city will allow you to see the Dandeli Valley in all its glory. At Sykes Point, one can see both the lush green valley and the confluence of the Rivers Kali and Nagzari.
Rajahmundry
The Godavari River and the numerous temples in the area provide a picturesque setting. The river itself serves as a major tourist draw, with several ghats and parks constructed along its banks. Rajahmundry is a popular weekend destination thanks to the Papikondalu mountain range, which looms over the city and the Godavari River.
A picturesque scene is presented by the winding river that cuts through the hills and widens at others. The natural splendour of these hills is enhanced by the peace and quiet of their setting.
Badam
Badami, famous for its stone-cut temples, is an ideal weekend destination 8 hours’ drive from Hyderabad. These four temples carved into the sandstone cliffs are as distinct from one another as night and day. The first three temples are dedicated to different incarnations of Shiva and Vishnu, while the fourth is to the Jain Tirthankaras.
Agastya Lake, a tiny lake next to these temples, is a popular spot for relaxation and is said to have curative powers. Badami sits in a valley at the base of a protruding ridge of red sandstone that overlooks Agastya Lake.
The clifftop ruins of Badami fort, which Tipu Sultan constructed in the 18th century, are a popular tourist destination in India. This location is ideal for taking photographs and getting a bird’s-eye view of Badami.
We hope that after reading this article, you will be more acquainted with the information on the different places one can go on a weekend while living in Hyderabad. We wish you a happy and eventful weekend.