7 Weekend Getaways from Hyderabad for the Beach Bum

While Hyderabad is an exciting place to be in, especially with the technology revolution and spurt in infrastructure that is taking place there (the biryani is kind of a given, so let’s not even go there) – there is one drawback, according to some. That it is a landlocked city.

So, every now and then, the holiday-makers of Hyderabad decide to take their Hawaiian shirts and suntan lotion and put them to good use – at a beach. Any trip to the beach means a long drive, or a flight. Thankfully, with flights becoming more and more economical by the day, this is a weekend getaway that won’t burn holes in your pocket.

So, without further ado, we bring you the best beach weekend getaways from Hyderabad.

Goa

Perhaps the best known beach destination in India, what can be said about Goa that hasn’t been said before? Be it their excellent cuisine, beaches like Baga and Anjuna, the Portuguese architecture on the churches and convents here, or just the laidback vibe of this beachside destination in general – Goa essays a charm that is hard to capture in words. Now more or less inundated with tourists all year round, Goa still manages to spark quite a heady weekend adventure.

How to Get There: Take NH 50 from Hyderabad to reach Goa. Otherwise, take a flight which should get you there in an hour.

Where to Stay: Golden Tulip Goa (Rs. 3760 per night), Terra Paraiso Beach Resort (Rs. 3499 per night), Nazri Resort (Rs. 2350 per night)

Book Your Stay at Golden Tulip Goa

Machilipatnam

​At about 340 kms from Hyderabad, Machilipatnam is perfect for a beach weekend getaway. Hosting beaches like Manginapudi and attractions such as Dattashram, Panduranga Swamy Temple, Ghantasala, Machilipatnam Church and Gudivada – there’s a lot for you to visit during your weekend stay here. Make an extended weekend holiday of it if you really wish to get the full measure of the place.

How to Get There: Take the NH 65 which will get you to Machilipatnam in about 6 hours.

Where to Stay: The usual rate for a hotel in Machilipatnam ranges around Rs. 2500 per night.

Vishakhapatnam

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The busy port city of Vishakhapatnam sounds like a strange contender for a peaceful weekend getaway on the beach – but surprisingly enough, it’s certainly worthy of the title. With beautiful spots such as the Rushikonda Beach, Dolphin’s Nose, Araku Valley, Gangavaram Beach and others, Vishakhapatnam certainly makes for an ideal beach holiday, even for a short time. When you’re out of the beach, head for the main city on a temple trail.

How to Get There: Take the NH 65 and NH 16 highways to get from Hyderabad to Vishakhapatnam.

Where to Stay: The Supreme (Rs. 2600 per night), Hotel Daspalla (Rs. 3600 per night), Green Park Hotel (Rs. 4585 per night)

Book Your Stay at The Supreme

Guntur

Hosting the salubrious Suryalanka Beach, Guntur is the place to be if Goa’s tourist traps start to get under your skin. Off the beaten track, and boasting excellent beach ambiance, Guntur also offers a number of tourist attractions such as Amaravathi, Kotappakonda, Kondaveedu, Trikutaparvatam, Krishna Barrage, Mangalagiri and others. Do take some time to visit the Haritha Beach Resort while you’re at Suryalanka Beach. 

How to Get There: Guntur is situated about 266 kms away from Hyderabad and can be reached via NH 65 and SH 2 in a journey that should take you about 5 hours by car.

Where to Stay: RCR Orchid Business Hotel (Rs. 1750 per night), Grand Nagarjuna (Rs. 2800 per night), Hotel Vajrams Residency (Rs. 2250 per night)

Book Your Stay at Grand Nagarjuna

Vodarevu Beach

Situated around 28 kms from Suryalanka Beach and about 100 kms from the heritage city of Vijayawada, Vodarevu Beach is a popular beach spread along the Bay of Bengal, offering tranquil settings to its patrons from dawn till dusk. A number of water sports are available, and there’s even a lighthouse nearby, waiting to be explored. It is located just 6 kms from the Ramapuram Beach, so that’s a nice morning walk for you to make as well.

How to Get There: Take the NH 65 and SH 45 to get here from Hyderabad in 5 hours.

Where to Stay: Accommodations here are available at an approximate price range of Rs. 2100 per night.

Yanam

Once a Dutch Colony, Yanam passed into French hands where it stayed for 200 years – thereby possessing a unique blend of Dutch, French and Telegu cultural influences. That in itself, should make Yanam a worthy destination for your weekend getaway. It has a number of other features, however, which make it quite the experience. The entrance to Yanam Beach leads through a massive archway flanked by two huge elephants. The government has even constructed a giant replica of the Eiffel Tower, in homage to their French connection. Furthermore, a circular restaurant with the capacity to seat 160 people is built upon the tower – offering panoramic views of the entire Bay of Bengal. Well, they sure know how to attract tourists.

How to Get There: Take the NH 65 and NH 16 to get to Yanam in a journey that should take you about 7.5 hours.

Where to Stay: Accommodations will be available at Rs. 3400 per night.

Uppada Beach

One of the safer beaches in India thanks to a wide shoreline and a gradual elevation to the water, Uppada Beach is a very family-friendly venue offering a variety of activities for its guests. One of the unique things to do here is going with the local fishermen to get a taste of a deep sea fishing. The fisherman’s village in the interior is also known for its weaving, making it well worth a visit. And for heaven’s sake, do not come back without capturing the wonderful sunrise and sunset that this beach has to offer.

How to Get There: Take the NH 65 and NH 16 to reach Kakinada, and then to Uppada Beach.

Where to Stay: Accommodations here will come at a price range of around Rs. 1600 per night.

Which beach appeals to you most?