Top 30 Road Trips From Hyderabad, India

1. Hampi

Once you’ve had your fun with day tours in Hyderabad, it might be high time to venture beyond and go on road trips. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi is a historically important village that is sprinkled with ruins of temples and ancient buildings that were built during the Vijayanagara Empire.

Situated in the state of Karnataka, this destination may make for a slightly longer road trip, but it is absolutely worth it if you are interested in Indian history or wish to explore the aura of temple ruins. The breathtaking sculptures, the sprawling buildings adorned with impressive carvings, and the beautiful Matanga Hill from where you can witness a magnificent sunset over these ruins are all irreplaceable experiences that you cannot miss.

2. Warangal

One of the biggest cities in Telangana is Warangal. Famous for the beautiful and magnificent Warangal Fort and Thousand Pillar Temple, among other historic monuments that range from the 7th to 14th century, as well as nature parks and wildlife sanctuaries such as the Parkhal Park, a road trip to Warangal is sure to be a great experience no matter whether you are travelling with your spouse, family or friends.

3. Kurnool

Also known as the Gateway of Rayalaseema, Kurnool is another popular road trip destination dedicated to the ultimate history buff. While it is sprinkled with monument ruins all over, the highlight of this place is the ruins of Gopal Raju’s beautiful palace, where you can check out ancient Arabic messages carved into the stone. This is a true testament to the beauty of Islamic India’s architectural marvels. In addition to this palace, you can visit the Mahanandi temple, or you can also explore the Belum Caves that are thousands of years old!

4. Mahabubnagar

Mahabubnagar, also known as Palamoor, is one of the hidden gems of Telangana, teeming with activity and sprinkled with rich history and culture. It was established by the Nizam Mir Mahbub Ali Khan, and is therefore named after him. There are a number of beautiful temples and palaces you can visit, that were established in the era of the Nizam, making it the ideal weekend road trip destination. At a distance of 91 kilometres (56 miles) away from Hyderabad, you can easily rent a car and make the trip in about half a day’s time.

5. Gulbarga

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Gulbarga, or Kalaburagi as it is officially known as, is one of the largest districts in Karnataka and is certainly one of the top weekend getaways from Hyderabad. It is well-known as a heritage site, making it another incredible place to visit if you love Indian history and would like to explore ancient monuments. The Gulbarga Fort is a popular tourist destination and is a sprawling and magnificent Instagram-worthy building. In addition to the historical monuments here, there are a number of amazing walking trails where you can unleash your inner adventurer. You can go on a solo hike, or join one of the many trekking groups that conquer the hills together every weekend.

6. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

Situated in Andhra Pradesh’s Nalgonda district this is a breathtakingly beautiful testament to mankind’s power over nature. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, built over the Krishna River, is a huge dam with a bridge over it, from where you have the most incredible views for miles. This dam provides irrigation to thousands of villages in the surrounding regions, in addition to being an important source of electricity generated by the hydroelectric plants. This is a marvel to witness during sunrise or sunset, and there are tons of awesome activities you can indulge in such as boating.

7. Nizamabad

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The huge city of Nizamabad is an upcoming urban jungle that is filled with opportunities and interesting activities everywhere you look. Named after the Nizam of Hyderabad, this city boasts of its rich Islamic culture that can be found in its unique monuments and mosques. You can also find the most incredible temples here, including the Ramalayam Fort, Chakreshwara Temple, and Limbadri Temple. The Alisagar Reservoir is a perfect picnic destination for families and couples, and a perfect place to visit if you want to enjoy the local flora and fauna.

8. Badami

Another treasured gem in the state of Karnataka is the wonderful Badami Caves. Formerly called Vatapi, Badami is a town that was once the regal capital of the Chalukyas in the 6th century. The caves are truly a marvel of humankind, as the structure of the inscriptions and monument within has been carved from a single rock! Instead of building a monument from the ground up, sculptors from that time dug into the rock and created the beautiful caves as we see them today. This is an incredible testament to Dravidian skillset.

9. Amaravathi

Amravathi is one of the most famous cities in Andhra Pradesh for many reasons. As the first birthplace and seat of Buddhism, the monastery built here was established during the Mauryan Empire under King Ashoka’s reign. This is the new capital city of the state of Andhra Pradesh, and is well connected by road, making for a great road trip destination. The Amravathi Stupa is a must-visit tourist destination frequented by thousands of tourists every year, and so is the Dhyana Buddha Statue. Check out the Dhyana Buddha Museum for extraordinary sculptures.

10. Anantagiri Hills

Situated near Vikarabad, Anantagiri Hills is another popular road trip destination for travellers who would love to immerse themselves in the local flora and fauna of Telangana and spend some time amidst nature. As one of the densest forests in South India, the area is perfect for all kinds of forest adventures such as camping, boating, river fishing, and trekking. The drive to Anantagiri Hills is extremely pleasant, with beautiful views all around you.

11. Bidar

For travellers who love the long winding roads up to the cool hills, a road trip to Bidar makes for the perfect weekend getaway. Famous for important historical Hindu and Islamic monuments such as the Bidar Fort, Rangeen Mahal, Mahmud Gawan Madrasa and Shri Narsimha Jharna Temple, as well as the unique Bidar handicrafts that you can only get locally produced here, this is a religious destination that is frequented by people of all religions. It is also an important holy place for Sikhs, who come here for pilgrimage regularly. The distance is about 130 kilometres from Hyderabad (80 miles), but it is totally worth it.

12. Karimnagar

Located on the banks of the Godavari River lies this lovely town filled with rich history and culture unlike any other. Named after the Quilandar, Sued Karimullah Shah, this city has been around since early humans have been walking the earth. With popular tourist destinations such as Jagityala Fort and Shivaram Wildlife Sanctuary, as well as Lakshmi Narayanaswamy Temple, you will not ask for further activities once you drive to this location. The drive here is quite pleasant as well, making it a good road trip destination.

13. Guntur

Guntur is located at the Eastern Coastal Plains in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Popular for unique activities and attractions such as Crazy World, which is an amusement park, Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary, which is the perfect attraction to visit if you are a bird-watching enthusiast, Guntur has a lot to offer in terms of unique non-generic attractions. In addition to the above, you can also check out the NTR Manasa Sarovaram, which is a family-friendly park where you can frolic with your kids, and the beautiful architectural marvel of Hosanna Ministries Church, to please your eyes.

14. Vijayawada

Another awesome treat for the history buffs is the huge city of Vijayawada, located in Andhra Pradesh. Known for a variety of different monuments and attractions including Undavalli Caves featuring elaborate rock-cut architecture carved from the earth itself, Bhavani Island where you can enjoy a quiet picnic in the midst of nature, Sri Durga and Malleswara Swamy Varla Temple, Vijayawada is a wonderful road trip destination that promises a great drive and a ton of activities.

15. Nagarjunakonda

The island of Nagarjunakonda is located right in the Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh. A quaint little historic town with a meagre population of simple and warm-hearted people, Nagarjunakonda, or Nagarjuna Hill as it is called after the Buddhist monk Nagarjuna, is also an important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the country. You can check out the Nagarjunakonda Archaeological Museum, which is filled with incredible exhibits and artefacts from centuries ago, or explore the Sagar Matha Church, which is a beautifully decorated church that is a very uniquely built structure. In addition, you are sure to witness tons of smaller temples on your way to this city if you are travelling by road.

16. Adilabad

Known as the gateway to South India, Adilabad is a small district located towards the North of the state of Telangana. This district is well-known for its pretty cotton farms, and as you drive through it, you may be able to see the little tufts of cotton growing along the farms beside the roads, depending on the time of the year. There are a couple of popular wildlife sanctuaries here that you can check out if you love animals, such as the Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary. The beautiful Godavari river flows through this city, and you can have a lovely picnic on the banks of the river here.

17. Srisailam

Srisailam is a smaller town located in the Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh. Made popular because of unique historical landmarks such as Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple which is located at the Nallamala Hills and built for Shiva, the Hindu God of destruction, Srisailam Dam and Nagarjuna-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, this town is a great weekend getaway to travel to by road. The roads and the surrounding area are extremely photogenic, and you are sure to feel tempted to pause your road trip many times just to take pictures of the beautiful lush green pastures and forests beside the roads.

18. Nalgonda

Popular for amazing tourist destinations such as Bhongir Fort, Chaya Someswara Temple and Ramalayam Temple, the city of Nalgonda dates back to the Paleolithic era. The original name for Nalgonda was Nilagiri, which was then changed during the medieval reign of the Bahamani king. The name Nalgonda refers to Nalla (black) and Konda (hill). At a distance of 94 kilometres (58 miles) from Hyderabad, this city makes for a comfortable half-day road trip that you can easily enjoy as you watch the scenery.

19. Pattadkal

The well-known town of Pattadakal, formerly called Raktapura, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its prehistoric monuments that have stood the test of time and still stand magnificently to this day. Built by the kings of yesteryears in the Chalukya reign, these temples are must-see attractions. You can travel to Pattadakal by car, and make it a fun day trip. While this town does not have accommodations, you can stay in the nearby town of Badami, and drive back to Hyderabad the next day.

20. Eluru

Eluru is another popular road trip destination, located about 40 kilometres (24 miles) from Vijayawada. This small town is popular for its textile and handicraft industry, and there are multiple places here where you can check out how certain textiles are handmade from scratch, and the culture is kept alive through generations. The making of the woollen pile carpet industry is something that everyone should witness, as it gives you a glimpse into how fabric was hand made before the Industrial Revolution.

21. Vishakhapatnam

As the financial capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam, or Vizag as it was formerly called by British colonisers, this is one of the most popular ports of the country and used to be responsible for seaside trade from a number of countries in Southeast Asia. It offers a variety of attractions and activities for travellers such as Dolphin’s Nose, Beach Road, Visakha Museum, VMRDA Park, and more. Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is a great place to check out if you love animals or just wish to spend some time amidst nature. There are a number of amazing white-sand beaches near the city as well, where you can enjoy a day swimming or sunbathing.

22. Belum Caves

This is one attraction you simply cannot miss when in South India. Belum Caves, or Kurnool Caves as they are also known, are a group of the second-largest caves in all of India, popular for its breathtakingly beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Filled with long, naturally occurring corridors, caverns, and wildlife growing inside, these caves are truly a natural marvel to witness. These caves were created naturally due to limestone erosion that took place in the prehistoric times, because of certain chemical reactions that occurred underground.

23. Tuljapur

Situated in the Usmanabad district in the state of Maharashtra lies the town of Tuljapur. Once a year, the town is lit up completely in celebration of the annual Tulja Bhavani fair that takes place a few weeks before Diwali, typically in the months of October to November. You can also drop by Tuljapur Fort. Aside from this must-visit fair, there are a number of landmarks that you must visit here, including Shahaji Maharaj Mahadwar and the Jijamata Mahadwar, built in honour of the famous king Chhatrapati Shivaji’s father and mother respectively. While Maharashtra is quite far away from Hyderabad, it can make for a very interesting road trip if you don’t mind travelling for multiple days.

24. Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary

Home to a variety of important local species including the great Indian bustard and Lesser Florican, which is now an endangered species, the Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary comprises of over 614 square kilometres (237 square miles) of area allocated to wildlife preservation. From birds to reptiles and everything in between, you can check out a wide variety of local flora and fauna available here, and it is well worth the trip you need to take by road.

25. Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Ajanta and Ellora Caves are among the most famous monuments in India, sharing a similar status as that of the Taj Mahal. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these caves are quintessentially ancient Indian in their architecture, as the entire monuments are carved out of underground rocks instead of built from the ground up. While the road trip to reach these caves will take quite a while from Hyderabad, it is more than worth the journey to witness the magnificence of these caves in person. Ajanta Caves are a total of 26 caves mainly built incorporating Hindu architecture, while Ellora Caves are a combination of Hindu and Buddhist caves, comprising of 34 caves in total.

26. Nelakondapalli

Located in the Khammam district in the state of Telangana, Nelakondapalli is a town that has a variety of Hindu and Buddhist monuments and structures that have been preserved since medieval times. In addition to the monuments, there is a growing collection of toys, terracotta figurines, and idols of the Lord Buddha, and other trinkets that have been excavated by archaeologists, that are said to have been from the period of the Mahabharata. There are also multiple temples that are worth checking out, steeped in rich culture and history of Dravidians that lived here.

27. Medak Fort

Forts such as Medak Fort, give us a glimpse into how kings and rulers lived during times of battle. It is truly impressive how comprehensive the fortification of this fort must have been back in the olden days, when it was being used by Katakiya Kings as a military base. Located about 100 kilometres (62 miles) from Hyderabad, this huge fort is a great place to visit as a road trip. However, make sure you are physically fit, as you may need to climb up 500 steps to reach the topmost part of the fort. The climb, however, opens up the absolutely breathtaking panoramic views of the town nearby.

28. Mrugavani National Park

Another treat for nature buffs here, Mrugavani National Park is a sprawling national park dedicated to wildlife conservation and preservation in Telangana. Hosting a variety of species including about 600 plant species as well as certain endangered species such as the spotted deer, this national park is doing some truly important work for our planet. Witness the local flora and fauna including well-known Indian animals and birds such as the beautiful peacocks. Spread out over 850 acres (3.44 hectares), this national park is very close to Hyderabad, making it a must-visit road trip destination!

29. Bhadrachalam

Famous for being a Hindu site for pilgrimage, this town is located towards the south of the state of Telangana on the banks of the Godavari River. The highlight of this town is the huge Bhadrachalam Temple that is dedicated to Ram, the Hindu God and protagonist in the Hindu mythology Ramayana. Adorned with beautiful sculptures and intricate carvings, this beautiful temple is truly a magnificent sight indeed, even if you may not be religious. In addition to the main temple, there are a number of other smaller temples that are also worth checking out, as they have huge statues of Hindu gods.

30. Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary

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Set up in 1952, Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary was first set up as the hunting ground meant to be used by the Nizam. This is a beautiful park where you can set up a small picnic with your family or friends, and simply watch the animals and birds around you. In addition to the sprawling wildlife sanctuary, there is a hiking trail that runs around the perimeter of the park through the forests. So if you are interested in hiking, do not miss out on the amazing experience of hiking through the forest as woodland creatures flit in and out and greet you. However, do not go trekking alone as it may be unsafe considering it is a jungle.

Unwind along the long lazy roads of Telangana

Bubbling with the pride and history of thousands of years of cultural influence and adorned with the charm of its warm and welcoming residents, the state of Telangana is a newly created state whose capital is Hyderabad. The little landmarks and historical places in and around this grand city are filled with opportunities for a memorable vacation, no matter what kind of traveller you may be.

Staycationing in luxury villas or 5-star hotels sure is tempting, but nothing beats a good ol’ road trip. So whether you love the cosiness of the cool hill stations, or the rich history of ancient statues and buildings, or you enjoy conquering complex hiking trails, the outskirts of Hyderabad are sure to have something to quench your wanderlust!