So, what’s your plan for all the privilege leaves you saved this year? Why not plan a holiday with your S/O that you have been thinking of for the longest time? If you and your partner prefer off-beat destinations and places with a whiff of history, culture, and human stories and the beauty of nature, Hyderabad is your place.
The weekend getaways from Hyderabad are eclectic. You have Dandeli, the “adventure capital of India,” to explore the best watersports. Further, just a few hundred km away from Hyderabad is Hampi, which is a rich historical place with the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire.
To cut a long story short, “We are impressed” with the diverse and romantic locations near Hyderabad. That’s why we want you to choose the following weekend getaways from Hyderabad for your vacation and rekindle the romance.
These Weekend Getaways From Hyderabad Are Drenched In Romance And Stories
If you are in the mood for love in Hyderabad and want some urban experience, you can always visit the best spas, enjoy a night cruise on Hussain Sagar Lake, or hit the luxurious resorts. You can even explore the famous street foods of the city at Eat Street.
The aroma of Hyderabadi Biryani and Pizza Dosa will infuse some serious gastronomic romance into your couple time.
However, if you want nature, beautiful landscapes, and architecture to be witness to your love story, the weekend getaways from Hyderabad await you.
1. Ananthagiri Hills
Distance from Hyderabad: 80 Kms
The lush greenery and tranquility of Ananthagiri Hills can work magic for your romance. To listen to the music of silence and be engrossed in each other’s company, visit the Musi River and the Katiki Waterfalls.
Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple is located in the Ananthagiri Hills region. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple is a great place to offer puja and pray for a beautiful life together.
Musi River in Ananthagiri Hills is the water source of the Himayat Sagar Lake near Hyderabad. This lake is the city’s source of water.
2. Mahabubnagar
Distance from Hyderabad: 100 Kms
Do you know Mahabubnagar has the Golconda mine and many other diamond mines? If a diamond is indeed the best friend of your S/O, the experience of visiting these mines will be unforgettable! Also, Mahabubnagar is supposedly the place of origin of the Kohinoor diamond.
Further, it is the land of history with the ruins of the Chola Dynasty. Other prominent historical sites at Mahabubnagar are:
• Inscriptions of Asoka near Palamoor
• Rudradeva Fort at Munnanur by the Kakatiyas
• Budapuram and Vardamana Puram from the Malyala Dynasty
• Shiva temple at Amrabad and Old Inscriptions by Cherukureddy Kings
Do you want to build a higher connection at this beautiful place? Listen to the Azan coming from the local mosques and visit them.
Mahabubnagar has Pillalamarri great Banyan Tree, which is 700 years old and has many branches. It is one of the main attractions of Telangana City. Spread over 4 acres, this banyan tree has the mosque of a Muslim saint beneath. Pillalamarri is a combination of two words. “Pillalu” refers to children, and “Marri” refers to a banyan tree. |
3. Bidar
Distance from Hyderabad: 150 Kms
History always inspires, and when you visit a place like Bidar, the chapters of various dynasties unfold before you. It was the capital of Medieval Deccan, and it has as many as 98 monuments. No wonder the World Monuments Fund included the “Historic City of Bidar” in their World Monuments Watch 2014 list.
If you are a history buff, you will learn about the following dynasties by visiting Bidar.
• Pre-kakatiya
• Tughluq
• Bahamani
• Barid Shahi
• Adil Shahi
• Mughal
• Nizam
The Bidar Fort is, of course, the most prominent historical architecture here. This 15th CE fort built by Ahmad Shah of the Bahamani dynasty has a pentagonal structure.
Bidar Fort has been a popular shooting destination for many South Indian and Bollywood movies. The famous song “Ishq Sufiana” from the Emraan Hashmi and Vidya Balan starrer Dirty Picture was shot here. Love is in the air, you see! |
You can explore more than 30 historical monuments inside the Bidar Fort. Moreover, the fort is a wonderful example of Persian and Islamic architecture. Other important historic places in Bidar are:
• Bahmani Tombs (A cluster of 12 domed mausoleums)
• Mohamud Gawan Madrasa (The ruins of a historic college from the 1460s)
• Basavakalyana (The Capital of the Kalyana Chalukya Empire)*
Bidriware, or the popular metal handicraft from Bidar, is made with white brass and silver. It has a Geographical Indication or GI tag. So, you can collect the best souvenirs from Bidar during your weekend trip from Hyderabad.
Do you know that Bidar is called the “The City of Whispering Monuments?”
*Basavakalyana was the most revered place for learning spiritual wisdom. It was home to Basveshwara, one of the most prominent religious reformers in the 12th century. Further, this complex has Peeran Durga, Hydari Mahal, Moti Mahal, and other Islamic monuments.
Don’t forget to visit the museum built by Chalukyas, which was improved during the Nizam’s reign. The most striking historical valuables are the Jain idles of the 10th and 11th centuries.
Basveshwara, or Basavanna, was declared the “Cultural Leader” of the state by the Karnataka Government in January 2024. His 12th-century religious reforms are still relevant in the 21st century, and his teachings impart the values of a casteless society. |
4. Hampi
Distance from Hyderabad: Around 380 Kms
Around a few hundred Kms from Hyderabad stands a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hampi. It is a great place to explore the archaeological, architectural, and historical sites and celebrate the richness of India.
Located in the Tungabhadra Basin in Bellary District, Karnataka, Hampi is known for the remnants of the Vijayanagara Empire. The monuments here tell amazing tales about the last Hindu kingdom of the country.
The Tungabhadra, hills, and beautiful landscape set a beautiful backdrop against which you behold the remains of the most exotic Dravidian architecture. Monuments to explore here are:
• Hemakuta Temple
• Narasimha Temple
• Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple
• Virupaksha Temple
• Vittala Temple
• Pattabhirama Temple
• Hampi Bazaar and the Living Quarters of the Nobles
Vijayanagara architecture also shows how the society here accommodated various ethnicities and religions. There are many beautiful structures, such as the Elephant Stables and Queen’s Bath, where you can notice prominent Indo-Islamic influence.
5. Visakhapatnam
Distance from Hyderabad: Around 590 Kms
Visakhapatnam is one of the best weekend getaways from Hyderabad if you want to enjoy a slice of the coastal life. Vizag is Visakhapatnam, which especially offers outdoor pursuits such as water sports, fishing, swimming, and boating.
Rama Krishna Beach (which also offers a camel ride), the serene Rishikonda Beach, and the Yarada Beach, which has golden sand, are the best attractions for having fun and relaxing by the sea. Further, the Rishikonda Beach, located under the Rishikonda hill, perfectly coexists the sea and the hill.
If you want to explore more of Visakhapatnam, you can also visit the Bavikonda Buddhist Complex, Katiki Falls, Bojjana Konda, and Borra Caves. Among all these sites, Bojjana Konda will always be of special attention to me as it is a 4th-century Buddhist Heritage Site.
Even if you are not very into history, the monolithic stupas, relics, and artifacts will grab your special attention.
Today, the nearby village of Sankaram is also a popular rural tourism destination promoted by the Ministry of Tourism of India.
Sankaram, Bojjana Konda and Lingalakonda
Sankaram is on the banks of the River Sarada, and this Buddhist heritage spot has prominent sites called Bojjana Konda and Lingalakonda. These are rock-cut Buddhist caves on adjoining hillocks. Bojjana Konda was originally known as Buddina Konda.
Sankaram was once a prestigious center for Buddhist religion and learning. In fact, the origin of its name, Sangharama, means monastery.
Along with the monolithic stupas and artwork here, the place’s historical significance will also hook you. Old coins from the Satavahana period and the rule of Samudra Gupta were found here. In addition, clay tablets of Lord Buddha were unearthed here.
Araku Valley In Visakhapatnam: More Than Typical Getaways From Hyderabad
More than 100 Kms away from Visakhapatnam, Araku Valley is one of the most favorite spots for honeymooners and weekend trips in Southern India. The journey from Vizag to Araku Valley itself is an experience.
Further, the pleasant weather, beautiful landscapes, and coffee plantations are just perfect for brewing romance.
6. Dandeli
Distance from Hyderabad: Around 600 Kms
Dandeli is where you can enjoy some serious adrenaline rush and romance. There is a reason it is called the “adventure capital of India.”
Water sports are the most exciting outdoor activities here, and you can also take part in trekking and other mountaineering pursuits.
Also, if you want to spend a few more days in nature, you must go for night camping and mountain biking.
Moreover, do you want to have a slice of wildlife here? Don’t forget to visit the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and Kali Tiger Reserve.
Do you want to explore more weekend getaways from Hyderabad? Your go-to destinations will be Srisailam, Golconda Fort, Pakhal Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kurnul. Celebrate love, history, and nature on your next trip. Bon voyage!