For those who thought that Hyderabad is all about Nizams, Charminar, and chicken biryani, we tell you that this city with an old-world charm and newfound energy is a treasure house for every backpacker. While the heart of the city is a whirlwind of activity and bustling traffic, the areas enveloping the city offer the perfect retreat for a weekend getaway. Join us as we explore the best tourist places near Hyderabad within 100 km which can be your quick escape from everyday chaos and stress.
In this guided tour we take you through some misty hills, serene lakes, and majestic forts that lie in close vicinity to Hyderabad city and offer the perfect hangout spots for a well-planned weekend. These are perfect pockets of tranquility for some time out with family and friends amidst nature and to detox from the hectic city life.
Top 5 Places to Visit in Hyderabad Within 100km:
1. Ananthagiri Hills: Surrendering in the Lap of Nature
If you enjoy the company of quaint hills, mystic peaks, lush green hill slopes, and the resonating sound of cascading waterfalls, then this is the place for you. Located in the Eastern Ghats the Ananthgiri hills are laden with greenery and are a perfect soothing treat for a weary soul.
The dense forest encircling the hill adds charm and natural beauty to the already majestic hills. Besides admiring the beauty of the hills you can visit the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple which is visited by hundreds of devotees each year. If you are in the mood for adventure, then treat your itchy feet with some soulful trekking through the trekking trails up the hill.
Distance from Hyderabad: 79 km
How to Reach: By road follow the Outer Ring Road and then embark on the Chevella Road that leads to Vikarabad
Best Time to Visit: July to October when the hills are soaking the Monsoon rains and are lush green.
Things to Do: Nature walks, trekking, boating, photography, and visit to the temple
2. Yadagirigutta
Experience divine spirituality at Yadagirigutta- the abode of Lord Narasimha a holy pilgrimage site visited by thousands of devotees every year. Situated in the popular pilgrimage town in the Nalgonda district of Telangana, the Yadagirigutta is a huge cave temple built at an altitude of 300 feet on a majestic hillock.
Hosting five forms of Narasimha- an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the temple has a beautiful Sudarshan Chakra atop the shikhara. There is a heavy rush at the temple during holidays, weekends, and festivals when a huge number of devotees visit the Hindu temple to pay their homage to God Narsimha and other deities.
Distance from Hyderabad: 60 km
How to Reach: By road follow the NH 163 following the Bhongir area near Hyderabad
Best Time to Visit: October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant
Things to Do: Offer prayers or special puja at the temple, admire the architectural beauty of the temple
3. Medak Fort: Embracing Culture with Grace and Grandeur
An architectural masterpiece, the Medak Fort lies in Telangana and was built by the Kakatiya rulers to protect the city from invaders. This hillock fort is a true example of Hindu and Islamic architecture portraying patterns and stone carvings that are reminiscent of ancient architecture.
Made of granite stones, the fort is spread across a vast area of the hill and houses some of the finest granaries of those times. With three main entrances, each of them equally beautiful, the fort is must visit for every history buff and one who admires architecture. A 12-meter brass gun and a 3.2-meter-long cannon from the 17th century are the major attractions of the Medak Fort.
Distance from Hyderabad: 96 km
How to Reach: The fort is well connected by road, rail, and flight. The route to Medak fort traverses through the Narsapur Forest Range which offers beautiful scenic beauty to cherish.
Best Time to Visit: All through the year
Things to Do: Sight-seeing, photography
4. Bhongir Fort: Resonating the Echoes of Glorious History
Also known as Bhuvanagiri Fort, the Bhongir Fort is an architectural tribute to the glorious past of the Chalukya Dynasty. While it is believed to have been built by the Chalukya rulers, it was later expanded during the reign of the Kakatiyan dynasty and turned into a military outpost by the Delhi Sultanate.
Later when the Qutub Shahi dynasty established a stronghold in the Deccan region, they used the Bhongir Fort for defense purposes. Later in the 17th century, the fort remained a strategic military base even during the Mughal Empire.
The fort is best known for its explicit Persian architecture, meandering pathways, an ingenious water supply, and steep rock-cut steps. The view from the top of the fort is breathtaking and panoramic with a vast expanse of lush green canopy and landscape.
Distance from Hyderabad: 48 km
How to Reach: By road via NH163 leading to Nalgonda
Best Time to Visit: During the cooler months of October to February when the stone structure of the Fort does not heat up.
Things to Do: Sightseeing, photography, trek up the steep steps, and enjoy the resonating echoes in the fort.
5. Osman Sagar Lake: Nature’s Pool of Tranquility
Located on the outskirts of Hyderabad, this man-made lake is spread over an area of 46 square km and is known as Gandipet in the local language. Its surreal beauty, calmness, and charm make it a popular must-visit destination for both locals and tourists.
Surrounded by parks and lawns, it is the perfect picnic spot for family get-togethers and to unwind in the lap of nature. Relish the sizzling local snacks of Hyderabad from the vendors lining up at the entrance or indulge in some fun activities like boating, or a visit to Treasure Island and Ocean Park.
Distance from Hyderabad: 20 km
How to Reach: By road by bus or by private vehicles
Best Time to Visit: Post-monsoon season when the lake is swelling with water and the nature around is at its best.
Things to Do: Nature walking, boating, enjoying local cuisine, fun activities, and games
Takeaway
If you are a local or visiting Hyderabad, then keep the above five tourist places on your watch list and spend a day at each of these hidden gems that promise fun, adventure, and a complete rendezvous with nature. Time, you pack your bags and get away from the city chaos only to experience the serenity, simplicity, and spirituality that enwreathes the city of Hyderabad.
Further Reading:
- Top 10 Resorts in Hyderabad for Family Trip
- Popular Historical Destinations in Hyderabad
- Hyderabad Top 20 Places to Visit
- Top 10 Destinations to See in Telangana
- Bathukamma Festival Telangana 2023
- Telangana’s 10 Most Popular Temples
- Top 11 Popular Museums in Hyderabad
- 10 Best Places to See in Andhra Pradesh in August
- Most Famous Belum Caves in Andhra Pradesh
