Weekend Getaways from Hyderabad Without Burning Holes in Your Pocket

City of Nizams, Silicon Valley 2.0, Land of Biryani – Hyderabad has many an epithet to its credit. Tourists flock its borders day after day, and sites such as the Char Minar are paid homage to by the hundreds. But what of those who stay within the city itself? Where would they go during those weekends when the travel bug bites the hardest?

For those looking to enjoy a fulfilling travel experience beyond the city limits and keep things within the budget, here are 8 budget weekend getaways from Hyderabad.

Mahabubnagar
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Named after one of the Nizams of Hyderabad, Mahabubnagar is the site for the famous diamond mines of Golconda and the spot where the renowned Kohinoor diamond was found. Some of the spots to visit here include the numerous temples in the surrounding areas and a 700-year-old Banyan tree whose branches cover nearly three acres.

How to Get There: Take the NH 44 to get to Mahabubnagar, which should take you about two hours.

Where to Stay: Accommodations are available at Rs. 1100 per night.

Warangal
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Located about 143 kms from Hyderabad and now a part of the recently-made Telangana State, the ancient city of Warangal is a mesmerizing sight to behold by all accounts. From the fortress ruins of the Kakatiya Dynasty to the exquisite temple architecture – Warangal’s beauty can only be expressed in superlatives. Some sights to visit here include the Warangal Fort, Ramappa Temple, Thousand Pillar Temple and the Bhadrakali Temple. A number of sights are situated en route from Hyderabad to Warangal, such as the Bhongir Fort and Jangaon.

How to Get There: Take the Golconda Express bus from the Koti Bus Terminus, or follow NH 163 via car to get to Warangal from Hyderabad.

Where to Stay: Surya Hotel (Rs. 4063 per night), Shanti Krishna Hotel (Rs. 4875 per night)

Book Your Stay at Hotel Surya 

Osman Sagar Lake – Gandipet

The Osman Sagar Lake (popularly known as Gandipet) is an artificial lake built over the River Musi. Built in 1920 to provide drinking water to the denizens of Hyderabad, the Lake has several parks, vantage points for sunset and sunrise views and boating facilities. The post-monsoon season is the best time to visit this destination. Best of all, entry to the lake premises is free of charge. What you intend to here may come with a price tag, of course.

How to Get There: Osman Sagar Lake is situated about 30 kms from Hyderabad, near Chilkur.

Where to Stay: Typical tariffs here range from Rs. 450-1000 per night.

Ramoji Film City
 

It might interest you to know that the world’s largest film complex isn’t located in Hollywood but in Hyderabad. Yes, at 2500 acres, Ramoji Film City has the honour of being the world’s largest integrated film studio complex. With the capacity to accommodate over 50 film units, and having hosted Tamil, Hindi, Bengali, Telugu and Oriya films – Ramoji Film City is truly a spectacular way to get acquainted with what happens behind the camera in a film production.

How to Get There: Ramoji Film City is situated on NH9 near Hayathnagar en route Vijayawada – at a distance of 35 kms from Hyderabad.

Where to Stay: Accommodations are available at around Rs. 1100 per night.

Nizam Sagar Dam

One of the most picturesque tourist spots to visit near Hyderabad, the Nizam Sagar Dam was constructed across the Manjira River to provide water for drinking and irrigation purposes to the parched city of Hyderabad by its then-ruler Osman Ali.

Nowadays, it is celebrated more for its scenic beauty and the beautiful flower gardens found here. Boating is another activity to partake in while you spend your weekend here. Best times to visit the dam are during the monsoon season when the barrage of the dam is in full flow.

How to Get There: The NH161 road will get you to Nizam Sagar Dam from Hyderabad in three hours.

Where to Stay: Accommodations will be available at a price range of around Rs. 800 per night.

Bidar
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The historic fortress-city of Bidar traces its roots far back in time. From being the seat of power of the Mauryas in 3^rd century BC to the Chaulakyas, Rashtrakutas, Delhi Sultanate, and the Bahamani rulers – Bidar has undergone several influential makeovers throughout history. It goes without saying, therefore, that Bidar’s historical sights are a glorious display of the different cultures that held sway over it. Some of the renowned attractions here include the Bidar Fort, Rangin Mahal, Solah Kambh Masjid, Diwan-e-Am and Royal Pavilion. Besides that, it is known for its traditional Bidri handicrafts.

How to Get There: Take the NH 65 which should get you to Bidar from Hyderabad in 3.5 hours.

Where to Stay: Hotel Shiva International (Rs. 1600 per night)

Book Your Stay at Hotel Shiva International

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

Taking its name from a famous Buddhist scholar, the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is one of the largest dams in India. A very popular retreat for weekend holiday-makers from Hyderabad and other adjoining cities, the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is built over the third-largest manmade lake in the world and offers splendid panoramic views of the landscape. Some attractions here include the Nagarjuna Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Ethipothala Waterfall.

How to Get There: Take the NH65 till Nalgonda, from where take the NH 565 till Nagarjuna Sagar Dam. The journey should take you three hours.

Where to Stay: Typical prices here range from Rs. 450 till Rs. 900 per night.

Elgandal Fort

An influential centre of power for several dynasties including the Kakatiya, Bahmani, Qutb Shahi, and Mughal dynasties – Elgandal is perhaps one of the best surviving forts in Telangana. Located on an imposing hillock, with 300 steps leading up to its entrances, the Elgandal Fort is an excellent tribute to the quintessential Mughal geometrical sense with its aesthetically pleasing minarets, tombs of great saints and artificial water reserves.

How to Get There: Take the Karimnagar-Hyderabad Highway, which should get you to Elgandal in about 4 hours via car.

Where to Stay: Typical prices range from Rs. 500 till Rs. 1200 per night.

Mallela Theertham​
 

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Situated in the thickly forested woods of Nallamalla, the Mallela Theertham waterfall gives an air of being truly in the neck of the wild. The water falls from a height of 150 feet into a Shivlinga sort of formation which leads into a small pool, forming yet another diminutive waterfall before finally ending. Try reaching here from October till February – although being a popular place, you might find you have plenty of company from Hyderabad and Srisailam.  

How to Get There: On the road from Hyderabad to Srisailam, take a left into the forest at Vatwarlapally and drive another 8 kms till you reach the falls.

Where to Stay: Typical prices here are ranging from Rs. 800 till Rs. 3200 per night.

Well, that should settle it. Where is your weekend caper on a budget going to be to?