Hyderabad is the cultural capital of the Telangana State and a temporary capital of Andhra Pradesh. The city offers a fantastic panorama of the past, with richly mixed cultural and historical tradition spanning over 400 years. Now, a bustling IT hub, Hyderabad residents look for several fun travel spots to explore in and around their state with a variety of hills, forts, and national parks to travel.
The people in Hyderabad have great choices if they are looking to escape for the weekend for a refreshing break.. Being engulfed in the culture and traditions of South India can be simply mesmerising. As residents of Hyderabad, you will definitely realise as soon as you make some of these road trips listed below!
Kurnool
A city in the state of Andhra Pradesh, Kurnool is known as the city of gemstones. It is home to an impressive selection of attractions and experiences, making it well worth a visit. .
Best Time to Visit
Kurnool faces a moderate climate throughout the year, but the best time to visit the destination is from December-February as you can enjoy a relatively cooler climate during this time.
Travellers should prepare for heavy showers in the monsoons, as Kurnool is more blessed in rainfall compared to the rest of the state. Despite a long period of monsoon and rainfall, it is considered a great time to visit this place. Ensure to read the weather forecast beforehand and carry your raincoats and umbrellas to avoid any discomfort.
Best Routes
The approximate distance between Hyderabad and Kurnool is 219 km and it takes around 3 hours 40 minutes to cover this journey. The road trip takes you from rocky terrain with several trees and waterfalls set in between, making it a surreal scenic experience. Several tourists love to off-road a little and take a shower under the waterfalls, so it is good to keep an eye for these spots on the route.
The shortest route connecting the places is via the NH44, and most travellers prefer this route as there is lesser traffic and better roads. It is constructed beautifully and the drive overall is quite marvellous. It doesn’t have many toll booths and doesn’t pass through major cities, so it leads to lesser traffic on the route. You can choose to take a solo bike trip for the thrill and experience, or a car for a great drive with family and friends.
Places of Interest
The ride to Kurnool is a soulful experience filled with fun and experience, offering a wide range of recreational spots, from temples to gardens to heritage spots.
Firstly, we have the Salar Jung Museum, which houses a wide variety of art pieces and antique collections from all across Asia and Europe. It is a well-maintained museum with several artefacts and historical items. NTR Gardens is the perfect place to make a pitstop while travelling with children. Couples tend to stop here for a romantic picnic as it is an urban park with several attractions. You can also visit the famous Charminar, the iconic mosque known for its architecture and rich heritage.
Ananthagiri Hills
Quite a popular spot amongst Hyderabadis, the Ananthagiri is a famous retreat spot for visitors as it is located quite close to the megacity of Hyderabad. The hills are famous for its extensive coffee plantations and numerous waterfalls.
Best Time to Visit
Ananthagiri experiences pleasant weather throughout the year, with temperatures varying from 16 to 22 degrees Celsius during winters. Hence, the ideal time to pack your bags and take a mesmerising ride to the hills would be between the months of October and March. It is the peak season there, so do expect to see a heavy crowd, which might spoil some of your plans.
The July to October period experiences some moderate weather, which means you can avoid a large gathering at that time. In the moderate season, you will love to indulge in verdant surroundings and full-of-life waterfalls. In peak season, the weather is full of clear skies and cool weather, whereas off-season does see moderate to heavy rainfall. Telangana International Kite Festival happens during Pongal where the streets are bustling with pomp and activities, so you can choose to visit in mid-January as well.
Best Routes
This hidden gem is situated very close to the busy city, and it promises an unforgettable one-day journey filled with tranquillity and awe-inspiring beauty. You leave behind the chaos of urban life, and join a soul soothing journey which takes you through lush nature and incredible, winding roads. It just takes a couple of hours for you to reach the destination via Vikarabad-Hyderabad road and is approximately 81 kms away.
You should take the road via Nehru Outer Ring Road to Chilkur Balaji, then on to Chevella and finally Vikarabad. The road is pretty great and is mostly single lane till Ananthagiri Hills. Leave early in the morning and plan accordingly, in order to avoid city traffic and save time. The lush green farms on both sides of the road is a treat to the eyes and mind.
Places of Interest
Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Vikarabad, this enchanting destination offers a perfect blend of serene nature, ancient temples, gushing waterfalls, and thrilling treks. There are several places to explore here for a rejuvenating journey with unforgettable memories. The Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, dedicated to the Vishnu avatar, is located here.
There are two, replenishing trekking trails, one that begins from the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple and another that begins 0.5 kms away from the temple, right opposite to the temple gate. The jungle trail is lush green and has a spectacular view, with sounds of birds chirping and rustling leaves. On the route, you can also visit the Musi River for relaxing picnics or a tranquil boat ride and the Sarpanapally Lake where you can camp overnight. There are also incredible waterfalls near Bugga Ramalingeswara Swamy temple, in its full flow during the monsoon season.
Warangal
Warangal, a city in Telangana, has a monument overload. Moreover, it has famous lakes, and fortresses which serve as great day trip attractions. It served as a capital of the Kakatiya dynasty, which was established in 1163 which makes it a place of great history.
Best Time to Visit
The weather in Warangal remains pleasant all around the year, so one can plan their visit to their liking. Although, the best time to visit would be between October and March. The temperature in Warangal during this time ranges between 15 and 28 degrees Celsius. The monsoon season is also a great time to explore the tourist destinations as the landscape is covered with beautiful, lush greenery.
Summers start in March and peaks in May, with average high temperatures of approximately 42 degree celsius range. Monsoon arrives later in June and lasts until September, with about 550 mm of precipitation. Hence, it is advised to keep an eye on the weather and ensure you plan around October to March, to experience the best weather in Warangal.
Best Routes
Warangal merits a quick getaway and a trip back in time. It takes approximately 3 hours to reach the city which is 146 km away from Hyderabad. The best route to drive by is via NH-163 where you pass through the small towns and villages of East Telangana, and enjoy a scenic route through the rustic hinterlands.
There are plenty of places to stop for a quick sightseeing or a cup of chai, take a meal break or just to step outside and witness the clean and green countryside. The route via NH-163 is the fastest route with light traffic, despite some tolls on the way. You could also drive down the Hyderabad-Mancherial highway, an alternative route which is longer and takes more time to travel than the previous route. It is about 180 km down this highway and takes nearly 4 and a half hours to complete the journey.
Places of Interest
There are several top stops to look forward to while driving down to Warangal from Hyderabad. You have several temples, monuments and forts which you can witness with your family and friends down this scenic route. You can visit the magnificent Sri Jagannath ISKCON temple, which boasts a beautiful garden and offers an enchanting spiritual experience. Then, you come across the Warangal Fort, with carved stone towers and gateways that date back to the 13th century. It is a significant historical site for enthusiasts, featuring beautiful stone carvings.
The Kakatiya Musical Garden is a picturesque park that boasts a beautiful, landscaped green space with various play equipment. The most prominent attraction here is the musical fountain, which draws visitors in with its enchanting melodies and stunning water displays. The Zoological Park is an enjoyable experience as it offers a diverse range of animals, including birds, crocodiles and tigers, amongst others. It is a great experience for families seeking a fun and educational day out.
Summary
The modern city of Hyderabad is a melting pot of imperial heritage and progressive cosmopolitan culture. It boasts of majestic historical monuments, extensive landscapes and contemporary entertainment spots. So, the residents here are surely spoilt for choices as they have options beyond the ones mentioned, to travel and experience the glory of these destinations. You can visit several waterfalls, dams, hill stations and beaches around a reasonable distance from the city.
It is vital to break from the monotonous work life and indulge in travelling with family and friends. These gems are great for making memories with your special ones, and you can plan these quickly over a weekend as well. You can even indulge in fun activities, such as trekking, bird watching, paragliding, water sports, witness local art and culture and a lot more. So, make sure to choose a destination around Hyderabad wisely and head over soon to make some fresh memories.
