Escape To These Weekend Getaways Less Than 12 Hours Away From Hyderabad

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 the Eastern Ghats.

Distance from Hyderabad: 429 km

Getting There: You can either take a train or a bus to Rajahmundry and travel via road, which is 85 km away from Maredumilli. The road trip from Hyderabad to Maredumilli is also worth doing as you cross the scenic vistas of Rajahmundry, Bhadrachalam.

Best Time To Visit: Winter months, i.e. November to December. 

A quaint temple town in Karnataka, Pattadakal lies on the bank of Malaprabha River, which is a tributary of river Krishna. While this town is home to temples built in the seventh and eighth century, it’s only a couple of hours away from Badami, which is also a town worth exploring for its caves and Agastya Lake. At Pattadakal, immerse yourself in the architecture of the temples and the ruins. 

Distance from Hyderabad: 413 km

Getting there: Although you can take an overnight train from Secunderabad to Badami and reach Pattadakal via road, we recommend a road trip because it takes lesser time.

Best Time To Visit: October to March.

We’re sure most of you might have visited Suryalanka since it’s a popular beach. Located in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, it’s a mere six-hour drive from Hyderabad. A road trip to this beach takes you through sprawling fields and coconut trees. We recommend camping or booking a cottage on the beach for you to catch the exquisite sunrise and indulge in some bayside BBQ. While beach volleyball is an option, try having a chat with fishermen and see if they take you on their journey of fishing.

Distance From Hyderabad: 384 km

Getting There: Not interested in a road trip? Then take an overnight train from Secunderabad to Bapatla, and reach Suryalanka, which is 15 minutes away.

Best Time To Visit: December to February 

Hampi in Karnataka is for the adventurer in you. This temple town immerses you in its seventh-century temples and ruins, but there’s a lot more you can do here. The best way to explore Hampi is through a bike or cycling, which you can easily rent. Take a ferry and ride on the Tungabhadra River or get a flavour of how locals travel by going on a coracle ride. Also known for its food and little cafes, we urge you to try the meals at Mango Tree. Be sure to spend a night at the Hippie Island for a rather laid back evening.

Distance from Hyderabad: 383 km

Getting there: There are a plenty of options to reach Hampi via train, bus etc. but we recommend a road trip since it takes 8-9 hours.

Best Time To Visit: October to February. 

Surrounded by jungles and hillocks, Laknavaram is a lake town in Telangana that’s significantly known for its bright yellow suspension bridge. The bridge is spread over the lake, giving us a stunning view of not just the lake, but also the lush greenery that girdles it. 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.

Distance From Hyderabad: 213 km

Getting There: It’s a five-hour drive from Hyderabad. You can also board a train or a bus to Warangal and reach Laknavaram via road from there.

Best Time To Visit: November to March

Perched on the Deccan Plateau, Bidar is a popular destination for a simple weekend getaway. Known as the city of whispering monuments, Bidar screams of a rich and vibrant heritage that’s more than 500 years old. Go here for exploring the magnanimity of the Bidar Fort, Gagan Mahal, Fort Royal Gardens, and more. On your way back, don’t forget to pack some Bidar goodness with Bidri handicraft products.

Distance From Hyderabad: 145 km

Getting There: It’s a three-hour drive from Hyderabad, but you can also take a train or a bus that takes you to Bidar in more or less the same time.

Best Time To Visit: October to March

Think of incredible paintings of a river gushing between a series 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 and more. We think this is a trip worth taking in a lifetime.

Distance From Hyderabad: 434 km

Getting There: You can either take a train or a bus to Rajahmundry and travel via road, which is just 61 km away.

Best Time To Visit: October to January 

With the new Vande Bharat express starting from Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam and frequent flights plying to and fro from both the cities, heading to Bheemili is now simpler. If you've never been, and would like a quiet beach getaway, try heading to Bheemili over the next long weekend. Plan to stay at some of the best properties in the area like The Novotel Resort. While there, you can check out the lighthouse, the Dutch Cemetery, the St. Peter's Church and Narasimha Swamy Temple. 

Getting There: Catch a flight to Vizag, and drive down to Bheemili, which will take you an hour roughly. If you have time, you could also catch the train to Vizag and drive from there. 

Touted as the 'Mini Maldives of Telangana', this getaway is a must-visit if you love the waters. The best property to stay at is the Riverfront Mrugavani resort that's surrounded by water on either side, giving you a stunning view. Complete your getaway with visits to the 15 temples nearby and peaceful coracle rides. Try to book a stay at the cottages at the property—they offer the best view of the place. 

Distance from Hyderabad: 481 km

Getting There: A train journey to Somasila is one of the most affordable ways to get to the spot. You could also drive down to the property, or fly to Tirupati and hire a cab. 

Best Time To Visit: November to February 

Chirala is possibly one of the quickest beach getaways near Hyderabad. We recommend booking a stay at the Sea Breeze resort, which is one of the only well-maintained places in the area, complete with a pool and a private beach access. The town is not too far away from the property either. While you're not lazing away on the multiple beaches, you could also drive down to neighbouring handloom clusters where cotton and silk sarees are woven. Ask the locals, and they'll guide you. 

Distance from Hyderabad: 358 km

Getting There: Driving down is one of the most hassle-free ways of getting to Chirala. You could also catch an overnight sleeper bus to the town, and hire local transport to get you to the property. 

Best Time To Visit: August to early February