World Tourism Day: Top 5 places to visit near Hyderabad this weekend

Warangal

The second largest city of Telangana is situated 143 kms away from Hyderabad. Warangal has an old world charm and was dubbed a World Heritage city by UNESCO. Historically abundant, it was the capital of the Kakatiya dynasty from the 12th to 14th centuries.

The main places of interest are Warangal Fort, Bhadrakali Temple, Thousand Pillar Temple and Ramappa Temple.

The drive to Warangal from Hyderabad will be a scenic one, with sights Bhongir Fort, Pembarti, Kolanupaka and Jangaon easily found on the way.

A wide variety of affordable accommodation will also be found in the city and would be a refreshing change to your weekend.

Mahabubnagar

Once known as Palamoor and even Rukmammapet, Mahabubnagar is 134 kms away from Hyderabad. This city is most famous for being the source of the Golkonda diamonds which includes the Koh-i-noor, the Hope Diamond, Nassak Diamond and the Noor-ul-Ain.

Mahbubnagar has a number of historic and religious sites that one can see, the main places of interest are Umamaheshwaram, Alampur, Jetaprolu, Srirangapur, Jama Masjid, Medina Masjid, Mecca Masjid, Koilsagar reservoir and Mallelatheertham, a waterfall located in the heart of the Nallamala forest area.

There is also a 800-year-old banyan tree, Pillalamari, whose extensive branches cover nearly 3 acres.

Vishakhapatnam

Also known as Vizag or Goa of the east cost, this port city is located 588kms away from Hyderabad. If one is feeling quite adventurous then the only natural harbour in India and home of the oldest shipyard is a must-visit.

The third cleanest city in India is famed for its spotless beaches, hill ranges, luxuriant greenery and Buddhist sites all around.

Visakhapatnam was under Kalinga rule (5 century B.C.), but the territory was lost to King Ashoka in the bloodiest battle of its time, which prompted Ashoka to embrace Buddhism.

The main places of interest would be Ramakrishna Beach, Rishikonda Beach, Borra Caves, Lawson’s Bay Beach, the temple atop Kailasagiri Hill, Araku Valley.

Horsley Hills

Horsley Hills is a series of hills in Andhra Pradesha situated 4,312 feet above sea-level and 528km from Hyderabad. The climate is nice and cool at 25 degree Celsius, compared to the general heat that one faces. If you wish to get away from the traffic and city life, Horsley Hills is just the doze of fresh air, greenery and stunning views that you need.

The flora and fauna is very unique with Eucalyptus trees, among other exotic plantations, the Sambar deer and the black eagle are also some rare species found here.

The main places of interest are the Gangotri and Mansarovar Lakes, Highview Point, Gaalibanda, Environmental Park, the Horsley Hills Museum, the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary and elephant reserve where wildlife lovers will surely have a good time. If you are an adventurous soul this is the place to be with activities like zorbing (globe- riding), rappelling and trekking are conducted here which can be tried on your trip to this quiet retreat.

Badami

Badami, formerly known as Vatapi, is located in Karnataka, 418 km away from Hyderabad. It is most well-known for its rock cut structural temples and the city was selected as one of the heritage cities for HRIDAY - Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana scheme of Government of India.

Badami is located in a ravine at the bottom of a red sandstone protrusion that surrounds Agastya lake and is well-known for its 4 sandstone cave temples.

The main sights of interest are the stone carved temples including the Dattatreya temple, Mallikarjuna temple, Banashankari temple, Agasthya Tirtha, temples of Goddess Yellamma, Mallikarjuna, Virupaksha and Bhootnath temple.

There are several Shivalayas, a dargah, a Buddhist cave that can be only entered by crawling on ones knees, among other sights.

The Badami fort situated on top of a hill gives a scenic view of the town.
There is also rock climbing for adventure lovers.