Best 5 Places to Visit near Hyderabad on Long Weekends
Hyderabad is popularly known as the city of Nizams, busting with regal history. The city itself houses plenty of tourist attractions - Charminar, Golconda Fort, Ramoji Fim City, etc. However, for the residents of Hyderabad, these landmarks become much-visited and need some nearby places for planning short trips. In the fast-paced era, working professionals mostly search for weekend destinations from their city to plan a short and budget-friendly respite from the daily routine. Long weekends are a boon for planning a quick tour to nearby areas from Hyderabad. Luckily, the city is surrounded by a number of interesting locations, mostly natural wonders, wild destinations, historical richness and a few more.
1. Warangal, Telangana (152 km) - Warangal is a fantastic blend of history, natural beauty and culture. Once known as Orugallu, Omtikonda, or Ekasilanagaram, referring to ‘one stone’, the city is believed to have been carved out of a single massive rock. It is believed that the city’s origin is rooted in the history of the Kakatiya Dynasty. Situated in the eastern part of the Deccan Plateau, Warangal takes visitors back in time with its stunning Heritage Sites - Warangal Fort, the Thousand Pillar Temple, Bhadrakali Temple, and the magnificent Ramappa Temple. Beyond its architectural marvels Pakhal Lake, Waddepally Lake, Dharmsagar Lake, and its wildlife sanctuaries offer peaceful retreats for nature lovers.
2. Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh (218 km) - Once the capital city of Andhra Pradesh, Kurnool is at present a popular holiday destination near Hyderabad. Yaganti in the Kurnool district is a renowned tourist destination known for the Sri Yagantiswamy Temple, also called the Uma Maheshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The idol in the temple, known as Ardhanareeswara, symbolizes the union of the male and female forms. Notably, this is the only temple in India where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of an idol rather than a traditional Shivalinga.
3. Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra (348 km) - Approximately 155 km from the popular Tadoba National Park, Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a lesser-known wildlife destination in the Yavatmal district of Madhya Pradesh. The wildlife sanctuary has been successful in retaining the tiger population that had dwindled to only three tigers in 2010. Presently, Tipeshwar is beautifully teemed with flora, fauna and bird species, such that the safari activities in the wildlife sanctuary provide with lot of exhilaration to the tourists. Being expanded to 148.63 sq. km, Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a perfect weekend gateway. Conduct your Tipeshwar Online Safari Booking to comfortably enjoy the wilderness by embarking on the jeep safari.
4. Vizag, Andhra Pradesh (619 km) - Visakhapatnam or Vizag is a prominent port city that boasts some of the country’s most picturesque beaches and scenic hill ranges. Some of the well-known beaches in the area include RK Beach and Lawson’s Bay Beach. Kailasagiri Hill, another key attraction, features a temple and a large park at its summit, accessible either by a scenic drive or a ropeway ride. The Submarine Museum, located on RK Beach, is particularly unique as it is set inside a decommissioned submarine, offering a rare experience for visitors. For those seeking a getaway, the serene hill station of Araku Valley is a perfect escape, while the nearby Borra Caves, with their stunning natural formations, add to Vizag’s appeal as a diverse and captivating destination.
5. Bidar, Karnataka (149 km) - The hilltop city of Bidar is primarily renowned for its exquisite handicrafts made from silver and other metals, as well as its rich historical monuments. The city's heritage structures have served as iconic backdrops in several Kannada and Bollywood movies. One of Bidar's most significant landmarks is the Bidar Fort, a 500-year-old marvel and one of the largest forts in India. Built in Persian architectural style, the fort houses notable structures such as the Solah Khamba Mosque, Chaubara, Takhat Mahal, Rangin Mahal, and Gagan Mahal. During a weekend trip to Bidar, visitors can also explore its many historical and religious sites, including the Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple, Papnash Shiva Temple, and the revered Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib.