Best Places to Visit near Hyderabad
Here is a round up of some of the best places to visit near Hyderabad. The city of Hyderabad offers tourists a mesmerising experience through its old- world charm and modern vibrancy. The city of pearls is the most sought-after tourist destination in South India. Hyderabad is known for its historic monuments, stunning gardens, lakes, royal cuisine and unique shopping areas. From the iconic Charminar to 400 years old historic Golconda fort, majestic museum, film buffs’ paradise Ramoji Film City, sprawling malls, parks, lakes, religious places, crafts village, zoo park and many more interesting places, Hyderabad is full of magnificent attractions. Every place offers an exciting and memorable experience to visitors. Hyderabad is also surrounded with many other interesting sight seeing places within a radius of 100 – 150 kms that are a must-visit while you holiday in the city. Let’s take a quick look at some of the best places to visit near Hyderabad.
Carry Treasurable Experiences from the Best Places to Visit near Hyderabad
1. Surendrapuri Kunda Satyanarayana Kaladhamam
India’s first ever mythological museum, Surendrapuri is doted with stunning replicas of India’s famous temples from Vaishnodevi to Somnath to Kashi and Rameshwaram. One of the best places to visit near Hyderabad, this mythological wonderland showcases over 3000 beautiful sculptures and statues depicting India’s rich cultural past. One gets to see significant aspects from mythology from the churning of the oceans to obtain the nectar (Ksheera sagara mathanam), Char Dham pilgrimage, larger than life statues of deities, resplendent sculptures, Navagraha temples and celestial world. An audio guide further makes it more engaging and informative as one takes a glimpse of the architectural marvels here. Located in Yadadri, Surendrapuri is a 2-hour drive from Hyderabad. The place is open from 9am to 7pm.
2. Yadagirigutta Temple, Yadadri
Also known as Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple, it is located on a hill in the town of Yadagirigutta, 65 kms from Hyderabad. One can see the deity’s different forms embedded in stone in the main cave that is 12 feet high and 30 feet long. This cave is located at an altitude of 300 feet. The inner most part of the sanctum sanctorum has golden Sudarshana Chakra of Lord Vishnu. It is said that several years ago, this chakra moved like a compass, guiding pilgrims towards the temple. It is said to possess mystic powers. Popular as one of the best places to visit near Hyderabad, the temple has been recently renovated and offers many facilities to devotees. The temple is open for darshan from 4 am to 9.30 pm. The nearest railway station is Raigir, which is about 5 kms from the temple. There are also plenty of TSRTC buses and Volvo A/C buses plying from Hyderabad.
3. Bhongir Fort
Bhongir fort also known as Bhuvanagiri fort is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. This fort was built on a massive monolithic rock near Nalgonda. It is a 30-minute drive from Surendrapuri and a 20-minute walk from Bhongir Railway station. This is the best place for those interested in History and adventure. The rock climbing offers a thrilling experience. Sprawled over 40 acres of land, this fort was built in the 10th century by the Western Chalukya ruler Tribhuvanamalla Vikramaditya IV. The inner courtyard includes granaries and military houses. This ancient monument’s secret passageways, stone sculptors and a temple make it one of the best places to visit near Hyderabad. Bhuvanagiri is well accessible by train and road from Hyderabad.
4. Rachakonda Fort
This fort is located in Bhongir district and 60 kms away from Hyderabad. It is known for its unique construction. It was built in the 14th century, without using any mortar. It is layered between two hills and the rocks are considered one of the oldest rocks to have existed on the Earth. It is an interesting trek offering great insights on gateways, inscriptions, town planning and architecture. The top most part of the fort gives a beautiful view of Rachakonda reserve forest. The journey enroute Rachankonda will give you a glimpse of temples and tribal hamlets. Winter is the best time to trek this region. Rachakonda fort is one and half hour drive from Hyderabad via Outer Ring Road. There is no public transport that directly connects to the place.
5. Ananthagiri Hills
A two-hour drive from Hyderabad, Ananthagiri Hills tops among the best places to visit near Hyderabad. A popular destination for adventure enthusiasts, Ananthagiri Hills is located in one of the dense forests of Telangana. This place is covered by thick greenery, rivulets and streams with fresh water. Some of the best attractions here include Ananthagiri temple and Bhavanasi lake that originates from Nallamalla hills. Ananthagiri Hills is the main water source for Osman Sagar. The place has accommodation facilities from resorts to budget hotels. Ananthagiri is well connected to Hyderabad through private transport and state-owned bus service.
6. Chilkur Balaji Temple
Located in the outskirts of Hyderabad, this famous temple is known to fulfil devotees’ wishes. The belief here is that wishes comes true after taking 11 pradakshinams (circumambulations), making a wish. Once the wish turns true, the devotees return and complete 108 circumambulations around the temple. It is said that the idol of Lord Venkateshwara is self-manifested here. Considered one of the most famous and best places to visit near Hyderabad, Chilkur is easily accessible by road.
7. Ramoji Film City
Certified as the world’s largest integrated film studio complex by the Guinness Book of World Records, Ramoji Film City is doted with majestic gardens, scenic replicas, stunning parks, open-air film sets and a lot more attractions that offer visitors an amazing experience. One can see the sets of iconic movies like Bahubali and eco zone featuring different species of birds. The thrilling rides and adventure zones offer endless fun. Spread over 2000 acres, this cine magic land is one of the best places to visit near Hyderabad. There are various private vehicles available with different pick-up points in the city. One can also take a taxi. The nearest Metro station is LB Nagar Metro station.
8. warangal Fort
Located 2 kms from Warangal railway station, this fort has a stunning architecture of the medieval period. It gives the visitor a glimpse of marvellous craftsmanship of the Kakatiyas. The four gates of the fort, a classic arch was carved out of a single stone. The central part of the fort has many ruins and is dedicated as an archaeological zone. This beautiful fort provides insights on the grandeur and power of the Kakatiya dynasty. Warangal is well connected by road and rail from the city of Hyderabad.
9. Pocharam Wild LIfe Sanctuary
Three hours away from Surendrapuri lies the beautiful Pocharam wildlife sanctuary spread across 130 sq kms. This place is known for its rich flora, fauna and amazing wild animals like leopard, jackal, forest cat, sloth bear and jackal. It was set up in 1952 as the hunting ground for the then Nizam. Apart from wildlife, there is lot of greenery here. The place surrounded by lake, hills and a dam offer scenic beauty. Different species of fish, birds, crocodile, turtles are also found in this sanctuary. The watchtower in the middle of the forest provides an incredible view.
10. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
A visit to Hyderabad is incomplete without visiting Nagarjuna Sagar dam. The 1 km long dam has majestic height of 124 metres and has 26 crest gates. The dam derives its name from a nearby hill called Nagarjunakonda. The iconic Nagarjuna Sagar is famous for being the world’s largest masonry dam. It is also a significant Buddhist site where relics have been preserved in the island museum. The museum features a wonderful collection that reflects Buddhist art and culture. Other nearby attractions include Ethipothala waterfalls and Srisailam wildlife reserve. Touted as one of the best places to visit near Hyderabad, this popular tourist destination is 150 kms away from Hyderabad.