Best Road Trips from Hyderabad – Top Weekend Getaways & Long Drives
Planning an unforgettable road trip from Hyderabad? Whether you're after a quick escape or a longer adventure, here are some top-rated road trips that offer beautiful landscapes, culture, nature, and history—all easily accessible from your city:
Quick Getaways (1–2 hours from Hyderabad)
Ananthagiri Hills (~80–85 km; ~2 hours)
Nestled in the Vikarabad district, Ananthagiri Hills is one of the most popular weekend getaways near Hyderabad. Just a 2-hour drive away, this hill station is surrounded by dense forests, coffee plantations, and scenic valleys, making it a perfect escape into nature. It is also home to the ancient Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple and trekking trails that attract adventure enthusiasts. The cool climate, lush greenery, and tranquil Musi River origins make Ananthagiri Hills an ideal spot for a relaxing day trip or a short weekend vacation from Hyderabad.Ramoji Film City (~25 km ~30 minutes)
Located just half an hour’s drive from Hyderabad, Ramoji Film City is one of the world’s largest integrated film studios and a must-visit destination for families and groups. Spread over 2,000 acres, it offers grand film sets, themed gardens, adventure zones, live shows, and fun rides, making it an exciting day trip. From exploring Bollywood-style backdrops to enjoying kids’ entertainment zones, Ramoji Film City is a perfect blend of entertainment and leisure. Its proximity to the city makes it one of the most convenient and fun-filled quick getaways from Hyderabad.Medak (~90–100 km ~2 hours)
Rich in history and architecture, Medak is one of the best short road trips from Hyderabad. Just about 2 hours away, this heritage town is famous for the magnificent Medak Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Asia built in Gothic style, and the historic Medak Fort that offers panoramic views of the surroundings. For nature lovers, the Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary and Lake nearby is a serene spot to enjoy birdwatching and scenic beauty. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or nature, Medak makes for a perfect quick getaway near Hyderabad.Short to Mid-range Drives (2–5 hours)
Warangal (~150 km ~3 hours)
A historic city and once the capital of the Kakatiya dynasty, Warangal is among the most popular weekend getaways from Hyderabad. Just a 3-hour drive away, it is known for the majestic Warangal Fort, the iconic Thousand Pillar Temple, and the beautiful Ramappa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city also offers scenic spots like Bhadrakali Lake and lush gardens, making it a great blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. With its rich cultural heritage and well-connected roads, Warangal is an ideal short trip destination for history buffs and families alike.Bidar (~140–150 km ~3 hours)
Located in Karnataka, just a 3-hour drive from Hyderabad, Bidar is a heritage destination known for its stunning medieval architecture and spiritual sites. The grand Bidar Fort, with its massive gateways and Persian-style structures, is a major attraction, while the beautiful Bahmani Tombs showcase Indo-Islamic artistry. Bidar is also home to the sacred Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib, a revered Sikh pilgrimage site. With its rich history, cultural significance, and peaceful ambience, Bidar is one of the best road trips from Hyderabad for history lovers and spiritual seekers alike.Nagarjuna Sagar (~160–170 km ~3–4 hours)
One of the most scenic weekend getaways from Hyderabad, Nagarjuna Sagar is famous for its massive dam built across the Krishna River. Just a 3–4 hour drive away, this destination is perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts. The highlight is Nagarjunakonda Island, which houses ancient Buddhist ruins and a museum showcasing priceless relics. Visitors can also enjoy boat rides on the reservoir, panoramic views of the dam, and nearby waterfalls during the monsoon. With its mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage, Nagarjuna Sagar makes for an enriching and refreshing road trip from Hyderabad.Kurnool + Belum Caves (~210–220 km ~3.5–4 hours)
Known as the gateway to Rayalaseema, Kurnool is a historic town that makes for an exciting road trip from Hyderabad. Just under 4 hours away, it is home to attractions like the Konda Reddy Fort, Oravakallu Rock Garden, and several ancient temples. About 80 km from Kurnool lies the fascinating Belum Caves, the second-largest cave system in India, famous for its long passages, stalactite and stalagmite formations, and underground streams. Together, Kurnool and Belum Caves offer the perfect blend of history, adventure, and natural wonders, making them a must-visit weekend getaway from Hyderabad.Gulbarga (Kalaburagi) (~230 km ~4–5 hours)
Located in Karnataka, about 4–5 hours from Hyderabad, Gulbarga (Kalaburagi) is a historic city that beautifully blends culture, architecture, and spirituality. The grand Gulbarga Fort, with its massive walls and mosques, stands as a reminder of its glorious past, while the Jama Masjid inside the fort is an architectural marvel. The city is also famous for the revered Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah, attracting devotees from across the country. With its rich Islamic heritage, ancient structures, and peaceful ambience, Gulbarga is one of the most rewarding road trips from Hyderabad for history lovers and spiritual seekers.Srisailam (~210–230 km; ~4–5 hours)
Nestled in the scenic Nallamala Hills, Srisailam is one of the most popular weekend getaways from Hyderabad, located about 4–5 hours away. It is best known for the sacred Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, making it an important pilgrimage destination. Apart from its spiritual significance, Srisailam offers breathtaking natural beauty with the Srisailam Dam, dense forests, and the Nagarjuna Sagar–Srisailam Tiger Reserve, the largest tiger reserve in India. Whether for devotion, nature, or adventure, Srisailam is a perfect blend of spirituality and scenic charm, ideal for a refreshing road trip from Hyderabad.
Expansive Adventurous Drives (6+ hours)
Hampi (~370–385 km; ~7–8 hours)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi is one of the most fascinating long road trips from Hyderabad. Located around 7–8 hours away in Karnataka, this historic city was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is now famous for its breathtaking ruins, ancient temples, and unique boulder-strewn landscapes. Major attractions include the Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple with its iconic stone chariot, and the royal enclosures that showcase the grandeur of a bygone era. With its blend of history, architecture, and surreal natural beauty, Hampi is a dream destination for photographers, history lovers, and adventure seekers.
Papi Kondalu (Godavari River Gorges) (~410 km; ~8 hours)
Known as the Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh, Papi Kondalu is a stunning hill range along the banks of the Godavari River, located about 8 hours from Hyderabad. Famous for its breathtaking gorges, mist-covered hills, and serene boat cruises, this destination is a paradise for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. A river cruise through the winding Godavari waters offers spectacular views of the lush green valleys and tribal hamlets along the way. With its unspoiled natural beauty and peaceful surroundings, Papi Kondalu is one of the most scenic long drives from Hyderabad, perfect for those seeking relaxation and adventure amidst nature.
Long-Distance Road Trips
- Tirupati (~560 km; ~10 hours)—for a spiritual journey.
- Bangalore (~575 km; ~10 hours)—city escape.
- Visakhapatnam (~613 km; ~12 hours)—coastal drive.
- Chennai (~626 km; ~12 hours)—urban and beach combo.
- Lonavala (~627 km; ~12 hours)—Western Ghats greenery.
- Goa (~673 km; ~14 hours)—ultimate beach getaway.
Quick Overview Table
| Distance | Destinations | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| ~25–100 km (<2 hrs) | Ramoji Film City, Medak, Ananthagiri | One-day escapes: fun, nature, heritage |
| ~150–220 km (3–4 hrs) | Warangal, Bidar, Nagarjuna Sagar, Kurnool, Gulbarga, Srisailam | Cultural, historical, adventurous, spiritual |
| ~370–410 km (7–8 hrs) | Hampi, Papi Kondalu | Rich history, scenic long drives |
| 550–700 km (10–14 hrs) | Tirupati, Bangalore, Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Lonavala, Goa | Extended getaways—urban, beach, hills |
