10 Weekend Trips From Hyderabad To Start The Next Year Right!

Often regarded as 'Ooty of Andhra Pradesh,' Araku Valley is a hill station and home to indigenous tribes on the Eastern Ghats. Abundant with forests and coffee plantations, it is known for its rich bio-diversity. But are you wondering what else you could do in and around Araku? Allow us to chip in! You can camp and hike at Ananthagiri Hills, feed fishes and take in the sights at Matsyagundam, check out the Aruku Valley Coffee Museum and sample local coffee, have a picnic at Dumbriguda Waterfalls and gorge on a wholesome Andhra Thali at Vasundhara Restaurant. With time in hand, this is one of the best weekend tours from Hyderabad. 

Distance from Hyderabad: Approximately 750 km
Best time to visit: September - February

One of the less explored hill stations around Vizag is Lambasingi. This is a small village in Andhra Pradesh and it is often regarded as the Kashmir of South India. Although this place is a massive hit among travellers in winter as it experiences sub-zero temperatures and foggy weather, it is also a great choice for summer getaways. You are going to love the dense forests, plantations, and valleys, and these are must-visits. One of the top places to visit nearby is Erravaram Waterfalls — get here to make a splash. There is also Lambasingi Dam if you want to lounge around and chill by the sunset hour.

Distance from Hyderabad: Approximately 700 km
Best time to visit: September - February

Cannot drive to Goa? Drive down to Suryalanka Beach — the closest beach and weekend tour from Hyderabad. Wondering what to do apart from lazing on the beach? Make this weekend getaway more than just a beach party by visiting the iconic Undavalli caves that is believed to have been existing since the 4th century, get spiritual and visit the historical 14th-century Bhavanarayana Temple, spend quiet evenings at Kondaveedu Fort to enjoy the scenic views from a hill top, sight over 7,000 bird species at Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary, and drive to Rajiv Gandhi Park located on the banks of a river for gram worthy pictures with colorful sculptures. 

Distance from Hyderabad: Approximately 350 km
Best time to visit: September - February

Surrounded by jungles and hillocks, Laknavaram is a lake town in Telangana that’s significantly known for its bright yellow suspension bridge on a lake that's been spotted in many Telugu movies like Fida. Gawk at the sunset over the lake or walk the stretch of the bridge. Laknavaram is a group of 13 islands, and it offers a bunch of activities like kayaking, bird watching, boating, camping. Plenty of adventure groups host regular weekend getaways to Laknavaram, but if you want to plan your own trip, it's not much of a hassle too. While the stay and meal options are limited here, you can stay at the Haritha Resort, a lake view resort that also offers decent food. Go here for the boating, exploring the lake where the trees are submerged in the water, come back, and flood your friends with them Instagram stories.

Distance from Hyderabad: Approximately 330 km
Best time to visit: August - March

Maredumilli is a sleepy hamlet in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. If you haven’t visited Kerala and want to get a glimpse of it, Maredumilli might just be it. Known for its greenery, coffee and pepper plantations, a picture book from your childhood transpires into a reality here. Go here for the bamboo chicken and discover a charming tribal lifestyle.There’s also Madanakunj to spot various species of butterflies and wild animals. This area also abounds in waterfalls like Jalatarangini, Rampa, and Swarnandhra. Stay overnight at Jungle Star Camp Site, a riverside camp that lets you explore the woods of Eastern Ghats.

Distance from Hyderabad: Approximately 430 km
Best time to visit: August to March

Think of incredible paintings of river gushing between serious of mountains. Well, that’s Papikondalu or Papi Hills. Ferry across the Godavari River and dash through the mountains to discover the various twists and turns of the hills. If you book yourself on a cruise package, you can have a delightful holiday that includes riverside camping under the stars (we recommend you check the availability of this before you book), local delicacies and seafood, Polavaram project etc. We think this is a trip worth taking in a lifetime. Get here by taking a train or a bus to Rajahmundry and travel via road, which is just 61 km away.

Distance from Hyderabad: Approximately 400 km
Best time to visit: August - March

If you’re a family looking for a weekend getaway, head to Srisailam and check out the Srisalailam-Nagarjuna Sagar Tiger Reserve, the only one in Andhra Pradesh and spot the big cats. An easy drive from Hyderabad, you can also visit one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. While this one is a popular holy site, the surrounding Nallamalai Hills has other places that you can reach via a ropeway. Now that’s a pretty scenic view you should not miss.

Distance from Hyderabad: Approximately 213 km

Best time to visit: November to March 

Pro Tip: There's so much more to do here. Read our complete guide.

A city that was once rules by the Kakatiya Dynasty, you can see the past glory in all the historical sites in Warangal. There’s plenty to see – fort walls with many stories to learn about, stoney gateways that are intricately carved, 1000 pillar temple which is an architectural marvel, and more. Not only history buffs, the long drive to frequent animal and bird spotting is perfect for nature lovers. Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctury falls close to Warangal which is famous for bird watching, photography and boating on the Pakhal Lake.

Distance from Hyderabad: Approximately 148 km.

Best time to visit: October to March

Pro Tip: Here are the top things to do in Warangal.

Bordering Karnataka, Bidar is another great weekend getaway from Hyderabad with a rich history. The architectural marvel dates back to the era of Chalukyas, Mohammad Bin Tughlaq and Nizam that left us with Bidar Fort, Rangin Mahal, Bahamani Tombs, Gurudwara, tombstones and other ruins. A big attraction for Bidar is the Narashimha Jhira Cave Temple and yes, it’s in a cave with water that comes up to the waist level and above. It’s a natural wonder that still stands tall. 

Distance from Hyderabad: Approximately 147 km

Best time to visit: June - February 

Pro Tip: Here's what you can do in Bidar. 

Did you know the famous Kohinoor was found in Mahabubnagar? Yes, this weekend getaway from Hyderabad has lots of activities that will easily take up all your weekend [you may have to stretch for a day or two]. Firstly, there are several beautiful temples around like Umamaheshwaram, Alampur and a 700-year old banyan tree with branches that cover nearly 3 acres. Then there’s a majestic waterfall called Mallelatheertham in the heart of the Nallamalla forest, perfect for picnics and fresh, cold breeze. End your sightseeing by visiting Jurala and Koilsagar Reservoir or tick off this list.

Distance from Hyderabad: Approximately 134 km
Best time to visit: June - April