The Seven Best Weekend Getaways From Hyderabad:- Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, is a beautiful city with a regal history. In 1591, Hyderabad was established by Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah and for around a century, it remained under the control of the dynasty of Qutub Shahi. The Mughals then captured the city. The Nizams of Hyderabad was the dynasty created by Mughal viceroy Asif Jah I.
The dominion of the Nizams became a princely state, during the British Raj. Hyderabad served as the capital of that princely state, for the next 150 years.
A new state called Telangana was formed in 2014, after splitting from Andhra Pradesh. However, Hyderabad is the capital city of both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. With several tourist attractions, Hyderabad is now a bustling city. The travelers of Hyderabad also have several destinations that are just perfect for a weekend getaway. There are many options for a weekend getaway from Hyderabad, from temples to caves to waterfalls to hill stations.
Here are some of the weekend getaways from Hyderabad.
1) Warangal
Warangal also known as Ekasila Nagaram, is located around 146 km north-east of Hyderabad. It is considered as one of the best heritage cities in India. The name Warangal originated from the word, “Orugallu” (Oru = one; Kallu = Stone).
Warangal was the capital of Kakatiya Kingdom during the 12th and 14th century. For more than 200 years, the Kakatiyas ruled. Warangal city was built in the 12th century by Prola Raja of Kakatiya. During this period, many grand structures like Swayamabhu temple and Warangal Fort were built. In February 2013, Warangal was given World Heritage city status by UNESCO. The city is also recognized as the Best Heritage City by the Government of India’s Tourism Ministry along with Jaipur.
Warangal is famous for its temples, which are known for its history and stunning architecture. One of the biggest tourist attractions is the Warangal Fort, which is between Hanamkonda and Warangal. There is also a temple inside the fort. The temple is dedicated to Swayambhudevi or the Mother Earth.
Other tourist attractions in Warangal are the Bhadrakali temple, the Wildlife Sanctuaries at Eturnagaram and Pakhal, the thousand pillared temple and the Pakhal Lake. Warangal has the perfect combination of magnificent monuments and Natural beauty.
- Things To Do
One of the must-visit places is the Warangal fort. The fort is said to be built in the 13 th century during the rule of King Ganapati Deva.This sprawling fort is constructed between Hanamkonda and Warangal and is definitely the biggest attraction of the city. The fort is known for its remarkable gateway, which is made of four huge pillars carved out of a single rock.
The Pakhal Lake is another tourist attraction in Warangal along with the Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary that lies on the shore of the lake. Established in 1952, the sanctuary is home to bears, leopards and tigers. This place is famous for its natural beauty and is a musty-visit.
The Thousand Pillar Temple is located in Hanamakonda. It is dedicated to Shiva, the Sun god and Vishnu. According to legends, the temple was constructed in 1163 AD by King Rudra Deva.
- Best Time To Go
The best time to visit Warangal is the period between October and March.
- Driving distance: 145.7 km (3 hours 32 minutes)
2) Bidar
Bidar is located around 146 km north-west of Hyderabad. The place is famous for handicraft products made of silver and other metals, monuments and historical places. This hill-top city is located on the Deccan plateau in Karnataka. It is one of the prominent archaeological places of India
One of the important historical structures is the Bidar fort situated on the Deccan plateau. The fort is over 500 years old and is among the biggest forts of India. Constructed in Persian style, the fort encloses Solah Khamba Mosque, Chaubara, Takhat Mahal, Rangin Mahal and Gagan Mahal.
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The Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple, Papnash Shiva Temple and the Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib are some of the places you must visit in Bidar. You will also see tombs of Barid Shahi and Bahmani rulers around the city. These tombs have beautiful stucco work and paintings.
Take a tour of the Bidar Fort, which has several structures inside it. Also the Chaubara, Chaukhandi and the Bahmani tombs are worth a visit.
Another thing to do here is shopping. The city is famous for Bidriware, which includes flower vases, dishes, cosmetic boxes, candle sticks and hookahs.
- Best Time To Go
The period between December and February is the best time to visit Bidar. You can also visit the city during monsoon (June to September).
- Driving distance: 145.9 km (3 hours 29 minutes)
3) Nagarjunasagar
Nagarjunasagar dam is built across the Krishna River and is located around 153 km south-east of Hyderabad. The Nagarjunasagar dam is the largest masonry dam in the world. The dam is 490 feet (150 m) tall and 1.6 km long and is an example of the modern architecture of India. Monsoon is the time when people flock to this tourist attraction to see the gates of the dam open and the water gushing through the 26 gates. The spectacular view of the water falling from a height of more than 100 meters will leave you speechless.
Nagarjunasagar was once a Buddhist centre and capital of an old dynasty. The ancient Buddhist monasteries and other structures were excavated from here. It is now preserved in Nagarjunakonda, which is a small island in the middle of the Nagarjuna Lake.
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Visit the Nagarjunasagar dam during monsoon. The sight of water falling from the gates of the dam is spectacular. The dam also offers a sweeping view of the surrounding region. The lake created by the dam is also a tourist attraction.
Visit the museum located on the Nagarjunakonda, the small island in the middle of the Nagarjuna Lake. The museum is home to jewelry, coins, statues and other relics of Buddhist civilization excavated from here.
- Best Time To Go
Monsoon (June to September)is the best time to visit Nagarjunasagar dam.
- Driving distance: 153.5 km (3 hours 19 minutes)
4) Guntur
Guntur is a bustling city with rich history, located about 272 km south-east of Hyderabad. You will find many historical monuments co-existing with the modern structures. There are several museums, parks and nature reserves in Guntur.
The Agastyeshwara temple is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Guntur. According to legends, the temple was constructed by Agatsya saint around the Swayambhu linga in the last treta yug. During the time of the construction of the temple, the Nagas were the rulers of the region. Guntur has been known for Buddhism. The region was also the place for the first Kalachakra ceremony, which was held by Gautam Buddha himself.
Guttikonda caves or Guttikonda Bilam is another interesting place in Guntur. This historic cave is located approximately 3km south of Guttikonda village. You can also visit Sitanagaram, which is a small village on the bank of Krishna River.
(Image Source: GoRoadTrip)
- Things To Do
One of the must-visit places near Guntur is a village called Uppalapadu. It is a bird sanctuary and is home to around 40 species of migratory birds like white ibis and pelicans.
You can visit Kondaveedu Fort, which has several temples, 21 stupas, pillared halls and beautiful gateways. You will have to trek up a hill to reach the fort. Undavalli caves are another place you must explore. These caves include Narasimha Swamy temple and Anantapadmanabha Swamy temple.
- Best Time To Go
October to March is the best time to visit Guntur.
- Driving distance: 272.4 km (5 hours)
5) Belum Caves
Belum caves are the longest caves in plains of Indian Subcontinent, located 365 km south of Hyderabad in Kurnool.
As you explore the caves you will find many interesting features. The caves were used by Buddhist monks for meditation. A perennial stream flows deep in these caves and is called Patalaganaga. Some of these structures produce musical sounds. The caves were created naturally by the constant flow of water. It is the second biggest natural caves in Indian Subcontinent. Meghalaya’s Krem Liat Prah is the largest.
These caves were declared protected by the state government in 1988. In February 2002, the caves were developed as a tourist attraction by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC). Tourists can access only 1.5 km of the caves, which are originally 3229 meters long. Near the Belum Caves, there is a huge statue of Buddha.
- Things To Do
You can explore the caves and see various formations. The natural beauty of the caves is indescribable. You can also see the places where monks used to live. The spiritual ambience of the cave will calm you. You can visit the caves on all days of the week between 10am and 5pm. The ticket price for Indian adult is Rs 50 while foreigners will have to pay Rs 300.
- Best Time To Go
You can visit this place throughout the year but the best time to visit the caves is during the winters.
- Driving distance: 365 km (5 hours 45 minutes)
6) Karimnagar
Karimnagar is a beautiful city on the banks of Manair River located 163 km north of Hyderabad. The city is a famous pilgrimage site with several temples.
Once a centre of vedic learning, Karimnagar is now a popular getaway from Hyderabad. Archaeological excavations have proved that it is an ancient city. The city is famous for silver filigree, which is a striking craft. This art is over 400 years old and is still practiced here in Karimnagar. You can buy household items and jewelry made in a filigree style. There are several handicraft shops that sell these products.
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Visit the Elgandal Fort. This hill fort was constructed during the reign of Kakatiyas. It was the stronghold for Recharla padmanayaks and Musunuri Nayaks.
In the 16th century the fort was under the control of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and Quinamul Mulk was the commander. Later, the fort fell under the Mughals and Amin Khan was the Khiledar during the period of Nizam of Hyderabad. During the rule of Nawab Salabat Jung, Mirza Ibrahim dhamsa was appointed as the Khiledar and he rebuilt the fort in 1754 to strengthen it. The fort is one of the places you must visit during your trip to Karimnagar.
Other tourist attractions are the Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple, Mukteshwara Swamy Temple, Kondagattu and Dharmapuri. Deer park and the lower Manair Dam are also popular among tourists.
- Best Time To Go
Winter season (October to March) is the best time to visit Karimnagar as the climate will be pleasant.
- Driving distance: 163.5 km (3 hours 7 minutes)
7) Bijapur
Bijapur is located in Karnataka, 364 km west of Hyderabad. Famous for its gardens, forts, historical monuments and mosques, Bijapur is now called Vijayapur. The city was established by the Kalyani Chalukyas in the 10th and 11 th century and is was called Vijayapura, which means the city of victory. The Chalukya kings ruled this city during the period between 11 th and 12 th century. Later, the city was renamed as Bijapur the reign of Bahamani Sultanate of Gulbarga.
Bijapur flourished under the Adil Shah dynasty. It was the golden period of Bijapur. Yusuf Adil Shah was the founder of the Adil Shah dynasty in the 15th century. Most of the architectural marvels that you see today were built during the reign of the rulers of Adil Shah Dynasty. These monuments are still in good condition and attract tourists from across the country.
The city has over 20 musoleums, 50 mosques and many religious places that are the testimony of its regal past. One of the most popular tourist attractions is the Gol Gumbaz.
Other attractions include Ibrahim Rauza, Upri Burj, Gagan Mahal and Chand Bawdi. There are several gardens in the city that are worth exploring. Bijapur is also home to world’s largest cannon of the medieval period, Malik-e-Maidan.
You have to see this cannon to appreciate its size and beauty. In 1686, Aurangzeb took over Bijapur ending the reign of Adil Shah. Later, Bijapur was captured by Maratha and eventually fell into the hand of British.
Another place important monument in Bijapur is King Edward VII Memorial. The memorial has a tower with a bust of King Edward VII. The memorial is usually compared with Lalbaug and Cubbon Park in Bangalore. The memorial once has a beautiful park but it was destroyed due to government’s mismanagement. Today the memorial is in the state of ruins.
Ibrahim Rauza is the tomb of Ibrahim Adil Shah II. Built on a single rock, the tomb is famous for the symmetry of its features. It is believed that this tomb was the inspiration behind the iconic Taj Mahal.
Chand Bawdi is another tourist attraction in Bijapur. Built by Ali Adil Shah, the water tank is named after his wife Chand Bibi.
(Image Source: QuasiLog)
- Best Time To Go
You should visit Bijapur between October and March. The weather during this period is suitable for sightseeing.
- Driving distance: 363.9 km (6 hours 54 mins)
SUPRAJA
