15 Best Road Trips from Hyderabad to Explore on Your Weekend

Road trip enthusiasts from the princely city of Hyderabad can breathe a sigh of relief, as the long imposed COVID-19 restrictions are finally relaxing one by one. With borders opening and inter-state and intra-state movement being allowed now is a good time to get back on the highway for some adventurous road trips with friends and family.

So, if you too are raring to go out, behold the vast sky and enjoy the outdoors; you can take up these most-loved road trips from Hyderabad. All these trips are perfect for your next weekend getaway plan.

Road Trips within 100 kilometres of Hyderabad

1. Kessara Gutta

This religious and sacred site is the perfect getaway for individuals seeking peace and tranquillity. Located not far from the city, Kessara Gutta is most popular for Lord Shiva’s devotees, as it is believed that the temple here has a shiv lingam, which was laid down by Lord Ram himself. This was done to atone the killing of Ravana who was a Brahmin. This legend makes the destination one of the most prominent pilgrim sites for Hindus. The temple is surrounded by a picturesque ambience, which adds to the popularity of this place.

• Distance from Hyderabad: 38 kilometres
• Estimated driving time: 1 hour
• Best time to visit: Maha Shivratri, July to August, October to November
• Tourist attractions: Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple, Hillock Water Resource, 101 Shiva Lingas

2. Rachakonda Fort

This is a site of historical importance and is one of the best road trips from Hyderabad within 100 km radius. This is mostly known for its well-paved roads that pass through small villages surrounded by lush green fields and rocky hills. Rachakonda Fort is a 14^th-century fort built by the Padmanayaka king, Anapotanayaka. The stunning features of Kakaktiya art observed in the fort would surely please your eyes.

• Distance from Hyderabad: 57 kilometres
• Estimated driving time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Best time to visit: October to March

3. Yadagirigutta

This small hillock is popular for its Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy Temple and witnesses a footfall of as many as 8000 pilgrims every day from all across the country. It is not far from the city of Hyderabad and is the perfect place to unwind due to its tranquil environs and all-year-round pleasant climate. 

• Distance from Hyderabad: 62 kilometres
• Estimated driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Best time to visit: October to March
• Tourist attractions: Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy Temple, Surendrapuri

4. Ananthagiri Hills

If you are averse to a long haul drive, here is a place closer to your home – Ananthagiri Hills. There is a lot to see and experience here. There is an enticing lake, beautiful temples, and a thick forest to cater to your penchant for nature in all its hues. The place is perfect for trekking. For a relaxing day in the lap of nature and closer to home, Ananthagiri Hills can be the perfect spot. You can visit the temple, relax at the banks of the tranquil reservoir or enjoy trekking through the many forest trails.

• Distance from Hyderabad: 81 kilometres
• Estimated driving time: 2 hours
• Best time to visit: October to March
• Tourist attractions: Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Kotipally Reservoir, Bhavanasi Lake, Coffee Plantations

5. Mahbubnagar

Mahbubnagar looks like any other Indian urban area but is said to be the site where the famed Koh-I-Noor diamond was mined. According to the Geological Survey of India, the site may have few more mines. The place now abounds in rice mills and cotton ginning centres, but also offers plenty for your eyes and senses.

• Distance from Hyderabad: 97 kilometres
• Estimated driving time: 2 hours
• Best time to visit: October to February
• Tourist attractions: Umamaheshwaram Temple, Alampur Brahma Temples, Jurala Reservoir, Mallela Teertham Waterfalls, Kolisagar Dam

Road Trips beyond 100 kilometres of Hyderabad

6. Nalgonda

Nalgonda offers an eclectic mix of traditional and historical vivacity. This place used to be the seat of ancient kingdoms like the Chalukyas, Ikshvakus, Rashtrakutas, etc. In the middle ages, the Bahmani Sultans had ruled over this place. As a consequence, this place abounds in old architectural sites. There are a number of beautiful temples and other thrilling and historic sites at this place making it one of the best road trips from Hyderabad by car.

• Distance from Hyderabad: 100 kilometres
• Estimated driving time: 2 hours
• Best time to visit: October to February
• Tourist attractions: Chaya Someshwara Temple, Yadagri Gutta Temple, Bhuvanagiri Fort, Jan Pahad Saidulla Dargah

7. Warangal

Warangal is the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Kakatiyas. Here, the Kakatiya rulers had built breathtaking temples, forts and other structures, which make this city worth exploring. If the stunning view of the Bhadrakali Temple makes you skip a beat or two, the serene locale of the Shivaalayam may well transport you to the days of kings and kingdoms. In the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary situated on the banks of Godavari River, you may also have an opportunity to spot some wildlife.

• Distance from Hyderabad: 145 kilometres
• Estimated driving time: 3 hours
• Best time to visit: October to March
• Tourist attractions: Kakatiya Rock Garden, Warangal Fort, Padmakshi Temple, Mini Zoo, Govindarajula Gutta

8. Bidar

There is a lot to experience in this town of historic significance. The attractions include heritage sites, religious places and other cultural marvels. While in Bidar, you must also take home some exquisitely crafted Bidriware containers, which are made from a unique black mud and inlaid with silver artwork.

• Distance from Hyderabad: 145 kilometres
• Estimated driving time: 3 hours
• Best time to visit: June to September, January to March
• Tourist attractions: Bahmani Tombs, Bidar Fort, Rangeen Mahal, Gagan Mahal, Solah Khamba Mosque, Paapnaash Shiva Temple, Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib

9. Vemulawada

Vemulawada is one of the popular one-day trips that you can take from Hyderabad. The temple, Rajarajeshwara Swamy is the major attraction of this place that is a replica of Lord Shiva. Kalyani Chalukya built it between the 11^th and 12^th centuries. There are other temples, some forts, and a dam nearby if you are in the mood to explore more.

• Distance from Hyderabad: 150 kilometres
• Estimated driving time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Best time to visit: December to February
• Tourist attractions: Baddi Pochamma Temple, Lakshmi Narsimha Temple, Nagunur Fort

10. Nagarjuna Sagar

Nagarjuna Sagar is one of the most prominent places to visit from Hyderabad. The place is full of scenic spots and thrilling activities. You can go for tiger spotting at a tiger reserve, enjoy the thrill of one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, and do so much more. In fact, you need about a day to go through the ancient historical town filled with Buddhist relics. Come here during the monsoon and discover the opulence of nature.

• Distance from Hyderabad: 153 kilometres
• Estimated driving time: 3 hours 25 minutes
• Best time to visit: June to September
• Tourist attractions: Srisailam Tiger Reserve, Ethipothala Waterfalls, Nagarjuna Konda Museum

11. Karimnagar

This is the fourth largest city of Telangana, home to the Manair Dam. This dam is an important source of irrigation, which contributes to the rice production of the state. The city is of historical importance to Telugus as well as known for the fact that the first capital of the Satavahana dynasty, Kotilingala is located within the district.

• Distance from Hyderabad: 163 kilometres
• Estimated driving time: 3 hour 15 minutes
• Best time to visit: December to February
• Tourist attractions: Manair Dam, Ujwala Park, Deer Park

12. Jurala Dam

Jurala Dam is also referred to as Indira Priyadarshini project. It is one of the best road trips from Hyderabad and the construction of the dam took place in 1995, on the river Krishna. The full reservoir is around 1045-feet with the length being around 1 km and the height 27.80 metres.

• Distance from Hyderabad: 167 kilometres
• Estimated driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Best time to visit: June to September
• Tourist attractions: Deer Park, Ramalayam Temple, Korakonda Gattu Temple, Chintharevula Temple

13. Mallela Theertham

This place promises to be one of the magnificent getaways from Hyderabad. The main attraction is the charming waterfall located in the Nallamala forest. The height of the waterfall is around 150-feet and thick forest cover borders it. To reach the waterfall, you need to walk around 380-feet.

• Distance from Hyderabad: 173 kilometres
• Estimated driving time: 3 hours 40 minutes
• Best time to visit: October to February
• Tourist attractions: Mallela Theertham Waterfalls, Nallamala Forest

14. Khammam

Khammam is famous for the Narishaswami Temple that attracts tourists from far and wide. If you are planning for a long weekend trip, it is situated on the magnificent Munneru River that is a tributary of the river Krishna. You can spend the day here with family or friends. However, you must carry food and water, as there are no eateries around this place.

• Distance from Hyderabad: 194 kilometres
• Estimated driving time: 3 hours 45 minutes
• Best time to visit: December to February
• Tourist attractions: Khammam Fort, Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary, Lakaram Lake

15. Pakhal Lake & Wildlife Sanctuary

Pakhal is a fabulous, artificial lake constructed by Ganapati Deva, the Kakatiya King somewhere in the 13^th century, covering around 30 square kilometres. The main purpose was to irrigate farmland but it has been developed into a spectacular picnic spot with boat rides and picnics on the bank premises. It promises to be one of the evergreen road trips from Hyderabad.

• Distance from Hyderabad: 211 kilometres
• Estimated driving time: 4 hours 45 minutes
• Best time to visit: October to March
• Tourist attractions: Pakhal Lake, Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary

These are some popular weekend road trips to take off once you are in the Nizam capital. Surrounded by vibrant and popular attractions, it is easy to plan out a one-day trip in and around Hyderabad. For sure, this is expected to provide you with a fun experience to cherish for the rest of your life.