Hyderabad, the City of Pearls, has been a favorite destination for a lot of tourists who love the Hyderabadi biryani and the jewelry, of course. More often than not this results in a lot of the top tourist destinations getting overcrowded. If that’s something you want to avoid on your trip, we’ve found some amazing offbeat destinations near Hyderabad that you can check out.
6 Offbeat Destinations Near Hyderabad
- Medak
- Nalgonda
- Vikarabad
- Gulbarga
- Gandikota
- Mulugu
1. Medak
Drive right into greenery and away from the tall buildings when you visit Medak. This destination might be offbeat, but it has a lot to offer for the tourists. We’re talking about an 800-year-old Medak Fort that occupies 100 acres of land. It has three main entrances adorned with sculptures. After visiting the fort, you can explore the Medak Church. This Gothic structure is the biggest cathedral in Telangana!
There’s also a dam that’s a sight to see during the monsoon. If you’re a nature lover, you can visit the Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary, named after Pocharam Lake. From bears to leopards to birds like the Bar-Headed Goose, be prepared to encounter anything. Visiting Medak will give you a good time away from the fast-paced life of Hyderabad.
Distance From Hyderabad: 92 km
2. Nalgonda
In Telugu, Nalgona comes from two words ‘Nalla’ and ‘Konda’ meaning ‘Black Hills’. So, a place with a rich history rarely disappoints.
To get a hint of the history teeming in every corner, visit one of the many forts like the Devarakonda Fort or the Bhongir Fort. For a spiritual getaway, there’s the Chaya Someshwara Temple. You can even unwind by the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam with a beer!
Distance From Hyderabad: 103 km
3. Vikarabad
Choose Vikarabad, a lesser-known corner of Telangana, to be the next offbeat destination near Hyderabad. You must if you’re an adrenaline junkie because you can go kayaking in Kotapalli Reservoir and then trek through the Ananthagiri Hills which are only 5 km away.
You can also add Bhuvanagiri Fort where Pratapa Rudra, a legendary warrior, is said to have been born. There’s also a 1500-year-old Kulpakji Jain Temple, that’s dedicated to the 24th Tirthankar, Lord Mahavira. To add more serenity to your trip, you can relax by Pakhal Lake – a great place for those fond of animals and birds.
Distance From Hyderabad: 73 km
4. Gulbarga
The city is dotted with stories worth knowing. Previously known as Kalaburagi, this place is home to a lot of Hindu-Muslim-influenced architecture. Gulbarga is also a hit amongst those in search of a Sufi spiritual solace.
Built-in the 12th century by King Gulchand, the Gulbarga Fort is a destination you can’t skip. Another place to add to the list is the Sharana Basaveshwara Temple where the pillars and walls have intricate carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses. There’s also the Jama Masjid which dates back to the 14th century. It’s inside the Gulbarga Fort’s complex and reflects Persian architecture. The masjid can accommodate a crowd of 5000 people at once! Another destination is the Koranti Hanuman Temple which has a humongous statue of Lord Hanuman. During Ram Navami, people gather and celebrate it with great joy.
Distance from Hyderabad: 228 km
5. Gandikota
Did you know that India has its own Grand Canyon? In Gandikota, when you visit the Pennar River, you’ll know what we’re talking about. This river cuts through Erramala Hills – you’ll see its magnificent reflection in the water. Quite the unbeatable and mesmerizing view.
Explore the underground Belum Caves that only get mysterious as you go deeper. Its walls have a bizarre texture and the routes feel no less than a labyrinth. This offbeat destination has its fort that you must visit. Inside the complex, you’ll find Jama Masjid and Madhavaraya Temple. You can make the trip more interesting and camp near Gandikota Fort!
Distance from Hyderabad: 350 km
6. Mulugu
The very last offbeat destination is none other than Mulugu! It’s a small town, making it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
Visit the 160-meter-long Laknavaram Bridge that’s right on top of Laknavaram Lake. It gives you a magnificent view of the lake and the views all around, making it the perfect spot for photography. There’s also the Ramappa Temple which was constructed in the 13th century and has intriguing architecture. Also known as Rudreshwara, this temple is marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can even enjoy the Bogatha Waterfall – the second-biggest waterfall in the state! To witness the waterfall in its full glory, monsoon is the best season.
Distance from Hyderabad: 195 km
Summing Up
All of these offbeat destinations from Hyderabad have something interesting to offer you. These places are decked with nature and will give you the much-needed vacation that you’re in search of, away from the concrete jungle.
FAQs
Which Place Is Best For A Long Drive In Hyderabad?
To spend some time amongst nature, you can drive to Ananthagiri Hills or if you’re in search of historical knowledge, you can visit Medak. Both of them are long drives from Hyderabad.
What Are The Two Famous Tourist Places In Telangana?
Among the most famous tourist places in Telangana, Ramoji Film City and the Charminar are always included! But for something more offbeat, you can visit Nalgonda or Gandikota.
