After chasing the long boring schedules of your daily lives one looks for an escape to break the monotony. While living in Hyderabad, being already rich in culture and heritage one expects a similar kind of richness even on the weekend getaways. Surrounding Hyderabad are some astonishing locations that speak volumes about the history of India in some way or the other. Here goes a list of 10 quick weekend getaways in the vicinity of Hyderabad.
1. Mahbubnagar
Distance from Hyderabad – 134 kms (approx)
The city of Mahbubnagar is named after a former Nizam. The city is of prime interest because it is the origin place of the Kohinoor Diamond. A few centuries old Banyan Tree is also famous in the region for its roots forming a canopy overhead. The city also has few mosques and temples where one can dwell in the divinity of the ancient religious beliefs. Also the Mallelatheertham Waterfalls in the Nallamala forest region is popular picnic spot.
2. Warangal
Distance from Hyderabad – 148 kms (approx)
If you want to get transported back to the 12th Century A.D. during the rule of Kakatiya Dynasty, directly head towards Warangal. The ancient city has an imprint of the Kakatiya Dynasty. You can appreciate the Thousand Pillared Star Shaped Temple or admire the carvings at the boundaries and the entrance gates of the Warangal Fort. The place sings the glory of the Indian history wrapped in the greens of the nature.
3. Bidar
Distance from Hyderabad – 147 kms (approx)
Known for its products made of silver and alloys, Bidri handicrafts have made a name for it. The city is home to one of the largest forts of the country, Bidar Fort. Architectures of the fort have resemblances to the Persian style. There are a tombs of few Bahamani rulers and the tombs have amzing stucco work and admirable paintings too.
4. Bhongir Fort
Distance from Hyderabad – 35 kms (approx)
Still standing glorious with an impeccable charm is this fortifying structure of Bhongir. The huge structure is dated back to 10th Century and is situated at the top of a rock formation. One can trek to the top of the fort to have a panoramic view of the region and can see the well planned structure for political reasons surviving at the time. Spread in an area of about 50 acres the fort is said to be connected to the Golconda Fort through an underground chamber.
5. Nagarjunasagar
Distance from Hyderabad – 165 kms (approx)
Holding the name for being one of the tallest dams of the world and making the lake count as the third largest artificial lake on the globe. Standing 124 m tall the dam has 26 gates which gives the visitors an awe striking view of the place. Nagarjuna Konda is a small island amidst the lake where some of the Buddhist excavations from the past have been relocated. One can reach the site of these excavations by boat. The view of the place is enchanting.
6. Karimnagar
Distance from Hyderabad – 164 kms (approx)
Along the banks of Manair, a tributary of River Godavari is Karimnagar. Considered to be a seat of Vedic learning as well as a pilgrim destination the temples of Mukteshwara Swamy and Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy are of prime importance. Apart from the temples one can spend quiet evenings at the lower Manair Dam and can also take leisurely walks at the deer park.
7. Vikarabad
Distance from Hyderabad – 76 kms (approx)
If you are looking for an escape to greenery then Vikarabad opens the gates to the Ananthagiri Hills. This beautiful green velvety land that is an absolute delight for the trekkers. Amidst the forests of the Hills is a temple devoted to Lord Vishnu, Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Vikarabad is a sure way to rejuvenate in the laps of nature.
8. Nizamabad
Distance from Hyderabad – 176 kms (approx)
Reflecting a strong Indian culture and a rich architecture, Nizamabad is gives glimpses of the strong Indian past along with providing trekkers an ample amount of greenery and a divine waterfall to rejoice in. The 500 years old temple of Kanteshwar is another prominent attraction of the place.
9. Nalgonda
Distance from Hyderabad – 75 kms (approx)
A ruined Buddhist monastery with a pillared hall is what attracts the tourist from the city. Nalgonda has an old world charm that has been kept intact for all these years. Also the temples of Chhaya Somalingeswara and Sri Laxminarsimha Swamy can be visited while in Nalgonda.
10. Pakhal Lake
Photo by Alosh Bennett, CC BY 2.0
Distance from Hyderabad – 198 kms (approx)
If you want to enjoy a campfire at the night on the banks of a man-made lake spotting some wild life, Pakhal Lake is the place. The place has a Wildlife Sanctuary in the vicinity making it serene and adventurous at the same time. If you want to flock away with a bunch of friends to find peace amongst nature, you know the directions where to head.
Leaving you refreshed yet connecting you to the history of India the places these places have an unmatched charm. Hyderabad certainly provides a variety of options to choose your weekend getaway and return back with a bundle of memories.
