6 Awesome Road Trip Weekend Getaways from Hyderabad

Sometimes, the best way to bond is on the road – before the privacy of the hotel rooms and the bustle of the daily tour takes over. Friends and families swear by the road trip method – think about it, enclosed space, different vistas passing by, and just the core group enjoying each other’s company.

We have some excellent ideas for a road trip from Hyderabad for you. Some of them may be longer distances than others (so be prepared to give a great excuse at work come Monday morning) but all promise a destination that meets up to your expectations. So, without further ado, let’s delve into road trip weekend getaways from Hyderabad.

Maredumilli and Rampachodavaram

This is a season-specific holiday spot. Maredumilli and Rampachodavaram are both waterfall picnic destinations which come into full bloom right after the monsoon season, so make sure you book your extended weekend stay soon after August. The waterfall cascades and the long drive through the cool climes of the jungles that pass you by makes these two worthy destinations to hit on a road trip from Hyderabad.

How to Get There: Maredumilli and Rampachodavaram are located towards the east of Hyderabad, near the coast – about 450 kms away from the city.

Where to Stay: Accommodations can be arranged within the price range of INR 1,450 per night.

Kurnool

Nestled along the banks of the Tungabhadra River, Kurnool experiences tropical climate and has a wide array of attractions for its patrons – from wildlife sanctuaries and ancient limestone caves to forts such as Konda Reddy which are sure to attract the history buffs in you. Make it a point to visit the Oravakallu rock garden to see some exquisite rock-cut formations and spend a picnic day outing there. The 213-km drive to Kurnool makes for a pleasant one, neither too taxing nor too short.

How to Get There: Take the NH 44 to get to Kurnool, in a journey that should take you approximately three hours from Hyderabad.

Where to Stay: iRoomz Sasya Pride (INR 2250 per night), Triguna Clarks Inn Kurnool (INR 6000 per night), DVR Mansion (INR 2100 per night)​

Karimnagar

Once the entrepot of Vedic learning, Karimnagar is now famous for its many ancient temples - making it an excellent road trip destination to visit with family. Several excavations have proved that parts of this city were inhabited since pre-historic times. About 16 kms away from the city centre stands the imposing Elgandal Fort, which is a must-visit for all those who travel here. Also make sure you take home some silver filigree handicrafts and jewellery from Karimnagar – known to be the birthplace of the craft almost 400 years ago. 

How to Get There: Take the Karimnagar-Hyderabad Highway to reach your destination within three hours. Karimanagar is located at a distance of 164 kms from Hyderabad.

Where to Stay: Maitri Residency (INR 2300 per night), Hotel Shubhamangala (INR 1680 per night), Hotel Lotus Grand (INR 1995 per night)

Badami

Also known as Vatapi, this destination is lined with exquisite rock-cut formations and temples surrounding the Agastya Lake – which makes for many a picturesque moment. Badami holds four sandstone temples, each differing from the other in architectural styles. The gateways, forts, cave temples, sculptures and inscriptions here promise to make your experience as illuminating as it is enjoyable. Some of the attractions to visit here include the Bhutanatha Temple, the Mallikarjuna Temple, and the Dattatreya Temple.

How to Get There: Take the state highway SH 4 to get to Badami from Hyderabad. The journey should take you approximately eight hours.

Where to Stay: KSTDC Hotel Maurya Chalukya Badami (INR 1199 per night), Clarks Inn (INR 6000 per night), Hotel Badami Court (INR 4000 per night)

Gulbarga

Also known as Kalburgi, Gulbarga has Nizami influences in its domes and historic buildings thanks to the spread of the dynasty here. The old fort ruins are a major attraction, as are several grand tombs and shrines built as homage to the Bahmani kings who were buried here. An attraction not to miss would be the 14^th century Jama Masjid which has 80 domes topping it. Nearby is a small island where you can enjoy camping and trekking activities.

How to Get There: Gulbarga lies east of Hyderabad in the state of Karnataka, at a distance of 231 kilometres.

Where to Stay: Heritage Inn (INR 1400 per night), Sangam Residency (INR 1399 per night), Hotel Central Park (INR 1281 per night), Pariwar Hotel (INR 1800 per night).

Pattadakal

Standing upon the banks of the Malaprabha River, Pattadakal is a coveted destination that also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village is famous for its Chalukya-era monuments and temples which were constructed with fabulous craftsmanship, and remain wonderfully preserved for tourists to behold. Ten temples stand here, including a Jain sanctuary – although the largest of them, Virupaksha Temple is truly an awe-inspiring sight.

How to Get There: Pattadakal is located in Karnataka’s Bagalkot district – 398 kilometres from Hyderabad and 22 kilometres from Badami.

Where to Stay: Accommodations can be arranged within the price range of INR 1300 per night here.

So, if you’re a fan of road trips, where the journey is as – if not more- important as the destination, these are definitely some options worth considering if you’re venturing from the city of Hyderabad. Happy travelling!