Hyderabad is not only rich in natural beauty and historical splendor, but it is also an ideal geographical location that allows people to explore a variety of weekend getaways in just a few hours of driving.
Go escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and plan a drive to sites that can provide you with the best architectural brilliance, tranquility, and exciting experiences.
Out of tens of destinations, Weekend Getaways from Hyderabad we have zeroed in on the five most popular weekend getaways and seen what they have to offer to people with various interests.
- Nagarjuna Sagar
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is one of the beautiful places that must be on the to-see list. The dam is 152.5 km from Hyderabad city, where boating is popular. The voyage from the dam to the islands of Nagarjuna Konda takes 45 minutes and will keep you mesmerized by the serene beauty of the Nallamalla hills.
While having a boat ride on sizzling waters, do not forget to catch the sight of Buddhist excavations in waters. The other attractions include a museum of Buddhist art on the banks of the dam.
It is recommended to visit this dam during the rainy season to enjoy the beauty.
- Kuntala Waterfalls
Adilabad is the district that boasts lush greenery, houses scenic waterfalls, and is a wildlife sanctuary. Kuntala Waterfalls in this beautiful district is about 258 kms from Hyderabad.
The Kuntala Waterfalls welcome you with fresh air from the unrelentingly running water at 150 feet.
Do not forget to carry your own food, as there are very minimal food options over here, and be prepared to trek in order to reach the waterfalls.
Near the waterfalls, there is the Someshwara Swamy temple. It is Lord Shiva’s temple, and it is a very crowded spot during Maha Shivaratri.
On your list of things to visit in Adilabad, you must include the Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary and the Sivaram Wildlife Sanctuary on the banks of the Godavari River.
- Warangal
Warangal, which is located at a distance of 145 km from Hyderabad, is known for its rich architecture and is a testament to the legacy and the culture of the Kakatiya dynasty.
The must-visit places in this district are:
Thousand Pillar Temple
The temple’s name implies that it is a sculpture of 1000 pillars. The temple crafted out of a single rock, rock-cut elephants, and monolithic dolerite Nandi is a major attraction.
You can add stunning architectural images to your photo gallery.
Ramappa
The Ramalingeswara Temple, also known as the Ramappa, is a visual treat with its royal grandeur. The 800-year-old temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Ramalingeswara Swamy is the presiding deity.
The temple’s major features are erected on a 6-foot-high star-shaped platform, and when you hit the pillars, you can hear musical notes.
If you’re planning a leisurely visit to Ramappa temple, you can stay in one of the cottages surrounding the temple, including a restaurant.
Laknavaram Lake
In Warangal, this is the most widely visited lake. The placid waters covering 10,000 acres of land and the rich greenery surrounding the lake are stunning, particularly from the hanging bridge.
The bridge that transports you from one side of the lake to another gives you a panoramic view of the lake.
It is the perfect place for photo enthusiasts and families can spend quality time admiring the natural wonder.
- Srisailam
Srisailam is a popular spiritual place. The distance from Hyderabad to Srisailam is 213 km. Few must-visit places here are:
Srisailam Temple
Srisailam town, known for Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy temple, is nestled in Nallamalla Hills. It is an architectural marvel with spirituality. The Shiva Linga, adorned with Jasmine flowers, is delightful.
Patala Ganga
Near the temple, down the laden hills, located in River Krishna. The devotees can take a holy dip, and it is believed that the curative properties of the Krishna River help maintain good health.
The Patala Ganga harbours a ropeway and boating. Ropeway gives you a panoramic view of lush green forest land and the flowing waters.
Nagarjuna Sagar -Srisailam Tiger Reserve
Srisailam Tiger Reserve is one of the largest Tiger reserves in India. Inside the reserve, you can see Leopards, sloth bears, Dhol, Indian Pangolin, Chital, Sambar deer, Chevrotain, Blackbuck, Chinkara, and Chowsingha.
Crocodiles, Indian Pythons, Kind Cobras, and Indian Peafowl are among the reptiles and amphibians present in this area.
Akkamahadevi Caves
Akkamahadevi caves were naturally formed caves a million years ago. It is found right across the river Krishna, and hence those who want a short nature trip can hire a boat that rows to these caves with a spectacular view of the Nallamalla hills.
The utmost tourist attraction of Akkamahadevi caves is the Shivalinga harboured deep inside the caves.
Srisailam dam
The trip to Srisailam is incomplete without the visit to Srisailam Dam. The appropriate time to visit is when the gates are opened for gushing waters to flow.
The pathway up to the dam is of lush green lands the sideways. The gurgling water surrounded by scenic beauty imposes a vibrant image.
Shikareswara Temple
The top of the Srisailam, called Shikara, houses a temple of Lord Shiva, the Shikareswara temple. You can view the green landscape and pristine river, Krishna, from the temple.
- Kurnool
Kurnool is one of the most popular holiday destinations, about 213 kms from Hyderabad. Few attractions to be explored in this district are:
Sri Yaganti Swamy temple
It is a must-see attraction in Kurnool. Because both Lord Shiva and Parvathi are united into one idol, the temple is also known as Uma Maheshwara.
It is a popular tourist attraction since it is the only place in the country where you can see the god Shiva in the form of an idol rather than in the conventional shiva Linga. A single rock was used to sculpt the entire idol.
The other major attractions in this district are:
Gandikota, also known as the Grand Canyon of Andhra Pradesh
Ahobilam temple
Belum Caves
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