"The City of Nizams" is where mosques, old-world bazaars and regal forts co-exist harmoniously with a glittering business district. Whether you're lured there by the architecture, culture or cuisine, Hyderabad has something to offer every kind of traveller.
Suffice to say that once you're done exploring the city to your heart's content, you should discover more of Telangana's historic and scenic sites that are a hop, skip and jump away. From the Ananthagiri Hills to the Narsapur Forest, the following five places near Hyderabad provide a welcome reprieve from the fast pace of daily life and are ideal for creating lasting memories with your loved ones.
Ananthagiri Hills is popular with both nature lovers and adventure seekers as a top picnic spot. Being only 84 km from Hyderabad, it is the state's oldest inhabited hill town and is teeming with ancient caverns, temples and mediaeval forts.
This place has both scenic beauty and historical attractions, making it ideal for a family road trip. Trekking and canoeing are popular adventure sports in the area. You can also seek blessings from Vishnu at the 400-year-old Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
By road, the route goes through Mehdipatnam, Chilkur and Vikarabad. Alternatively, you can take a train from Hyderabad to Vikarabad, which runs five times a day and takes about an hour to reach (seven km away).
November to March is the best time to visit due to the clear skies and cool weather.
Yadagirigutta/Yadadri is a well-known Hindu pilgrimage site around 62 km from Hyderabad. The majestic temple here is dedicated to Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy and is situated on a hillside.
Followers of the Hindu deity Vishnu hold tremendous regard for the temple, which is one of the most popular places to visit near Hyderabad because of its gorgeous architecture and tranquil environment. The golden Sudarshan Chakra of Vishnu that adorns the temple adds to its splendour.
Regular trains run between Hyderabad and Secunderabad to Yadadri, with a trip time of roughly an hour and thirty minutes. When you arrive at Yadadri, take a cab to the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, which is around eight km from the station.
The best time to visit Yadadri is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and mild.
Singur Dam is an irrigation and power generating project on the Manjeera River, about 93 km from Hyderabad. It is also a national wildlife reserve with a deep reservoir that provides a natural habitat for water birds and crocodiles.
The dam provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area and is a nature lover's heaven. From October to February, migratory birds converge on the reservoir, providing a great show for bird enthusiasts. It is also one of the most popular picnic areas around Hyderabad.
Take a train from Bharatnagar to Lingampalli, which is about 27 minutes, and then take a taxi from Lingampalli to Singur Dam, which is about an hour and thirty-six minutes. The total distance is about 94 km and the total travel time is about two hours.
The best time to visit Singur Dam is from October to March.
Rachakonda Fort is a Hindu architectural masterpiece from the 14th century that is just 60 km from the city of Hyderabad. It was built under the supervision of Recherla Singama Nayak of the Padma Nayaka dynasty, who was the ruler of Rachakonda Fort at the time. What makes this fort special is that the fortified bastion is made of huge stones that are not mortared together.
Trekking in the hills surrounding the fort provides wonderful panoramic views of the surroundings. The area has 2.5 million-year-old rocks as well as the remnants of a well-planned ancient Hindu town. It is an excellent picnic and exploring location, especially for history aficionados.
A road trip is generally considered the best way to reach Rachakonda Fort from Hyderabad. It can be reached in around one to one and a half hours, depending on traffic.
The best time to visit the fort is during the cooler months of October to March.
Narsapur Forest is one of the most intriguing wildlife destinations to visit outside of Hyderabad. It is only about 52 km from the city and is a popular tourist destination for wildlife and adventure aficionados.
This forest is situated in a rocky area that is dense with lush foliage. Hike in the forest with companions or join trekking groups organised by local clubs. Covering an area of 30 sq km, it is home to local fauna such as monkeys, butterflies and birds.
A charming lake in the middle of the woodland adds to the beauty of the forest. During the monsoon season, turtles may be seen swimming in the lake. Rock climbing, bird watching and walking through the forest are all enjoyable activities that provide a break from the routine of everyday life.
To reach Narsapur Forest, drive the 52 km from Hyderabad, taking the Medak Road.
The best time to visit is from October to March.
