Unwind yourself at these getaways near Hyderabad this long weekend

HYDERABAD: It's time for a long weekend. Most of them have booked vacations to various beautiful destinations, and the majority of them have made their way to exotic locations to enjoy their long weekend with friends and family members.

But what about those who were unable to get additional leave for the long weekend or who were unable to plan their monsoon outstation holiday for whatever reason?

I know it's hard to digest the fact that you couldn't go for a holiday when all your friends and colleagues are posting dreamy vacation pictures on their Instagram, making you envious.

But, since you can't change anything, it's best to accept what has happened and go on, planning some weekend getaways and local sightseeing with your friends and family to make the most of the long weekend.

Apart from the fact that you're missing out on a memorable vacation, the best part of the long weekend is that you won't be stuck in traffic because half of the city's residents are away on holiday.

So, if you miss driving around the city without worrying about traffic, then take your vehicle and drive around the city happily without bothering about traffic.

Travel to nearby weekend getaways

What if you are unable to take a long vacation this weekend? You can still plan a trip to next-door weekend destinations in and around Hyderabad to escape a boring weekend.

Weekend excursions from Hyderabad provide travellers with a wide range of choices, including hill stations, coastal tourist attractions, heritage sites, and religious places.

 Tribal Museum in Araku Valley

From Araku Valley to Lonavala, Maredumilli to Adilabad, there are numerous weekend getaways that you can explore in just two days and return to work the following working day.

Ananthagiri Hills

Ananthagiri Hills, located 81 kilometres from Hyderabad, is a popular weekend destination for adventurous Hyderabadis. Ananthagiri is the ideal weekend getaway destination for nature enthusiasts, boasting a wonderful array of natural treasures such as lush woods, adventurous trekking trails and breathtaking waterfalls. You can also go camping, trekking, rock climbing, balance boards, Spider web Tarzan swing, and kayaking.

Adilabad

Adilabad is a small town in Telangana noted for its beautiful Kuntala waterfalls situated among thick trees. Adilabad district is a great weekend retreat from Hyderabad for environment lovers and history buffs. It is ideal for nature lovers due to its dense forests, gushing waterfalls and diverse wildlife. Animal enthusiasts often encounter Nilgai, Barking deer, Sambar, Sloth bear, Cheetal, Indian Bison, Tiger, and Panther in Adilabad Wildlife Sanctuary.

Srisailam

Srisailam is a go-to for every traveller, especially during monsoon season, and a lovely weekend getaway from Hyderabad. Srisailam is well-known for the Srisailam Dam and the Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple, both of which are devoted to Lord Shiva. The Nagarjuna Sagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve is a must-visit place when visiting Srisailam, mainly because the bumpy jeep ride into the jungle in pursuit of ferocious tigers is a must-do adventure.

Srisailam dam 

Maredumilli

Maredumilli, a remote village 425.9 km from Hyderabad, is located on the Bhadrachalam-Rajahmundry highway in the East Godavari region of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the beautiful tourist spots to visit near Rajahmundry and among the best places to visit in Andhra Pradesh, especially during the monsoon season. You can also enjoy the breathtaking views, hike to the gorgeous waterfalls, and taste some Bamboo chicken and Bamboo Biryani, which are local specialties in Maredumilli.

Visakhapatnam

If you haven't been to this coastal city before, now is the time to plan a weekend trip to Visakhapatnam, the city of destiny. The city, commonly referred to as Vizag, is one of the oldest port establishments in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Vizag is well-known for its stunning beaches and breathtaking mountain views, as well as its well-known tourist attractions.

Vizag beach 

Araku Valley

You may drive to Araku Valley, which is around 128 kilometres from Vizag. Araku Valley is a hill station and valley in Andhra Pradesh, India's southern state.The picturesque valley is surrounded by the thick forests of the Eastern Ghats mountain range. You can visit the Tribal Museum, the Coffee Museum, the Burra Caves, and many more tourist attractions in Araku Valley.

 Burra Caves in Araku Valley

Visit local tourist spots in Hyderabad

In our quest to visit exotic locations, we frequently overlook popular local attractions in our own city. Hyderabad, a well-known city with a rich history, is home to numerous historical landmarks, palaces, tourist attractions, and recreation parks.

Chowmahalla Palace

This weekend, you can visit Falaknuma Palace, Chowmahalla Palace, Golconda Fort, Charminar, Birla Planetarium, Qutub Shahi Tombs, Ramoji Film City, Hussain Sagar, Wondrela, Paigah Tombs, Telangana State Archaeology Museum, and other prominent destinations in Hyderabad.

Why not try a range of Hyderabad's new restaurants?

One of the most prominent things about Hyderabad is its rich cuisine, culture, and cuisines. Biryani, Haleem, native culinary delicacies, fusion food, and street food all of them are accessible throughout the city.

 PS Cheese Cafe in Kavuri Hills

There have been numerous new restaurant openings and interesting cafés in Hyderabad in recent years, offering a wide range of culinary delights as well as a breathtaking ambience. So, go exploring with your friends and family this weekend.

Ever tried boating in Durgam Cheruvu?

The Durgam Cheruvu Hanging Bridge, which is one of the most happening spots in Hyderabad, has grown in popularity in a short period of time. Apart from driving on the gorgeous Durgam Cheruvu Hanging Bridge, you should surely attempt a boat ride on the tranquil lake this time. During the boating, you can self-peddle the boats or hire faster jets for a spectacular view of both the city's skyscrapers and the lake.

Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge

Hire a caravan

Do you know that you may now rent a caravan from Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC) to visit the city and nearby sites within the State for a couple of days?

TSTDC AC caravans include a modern toilet, a shower, two LED screens, and a kitchenette with a refrigerator. Furthermore, you can change your seats into sofas or beds, making it the most comfortable way to travel around the city or on a road trip outside of Hyderabad.

Show Bansilalpet to your family members

The 18th century historic Stepwell in Bansilalpet has been renovated, and its spectacular makeover and lighting will undoubtedly captivate you. Locals flock to this newly restored tourist site in Hyderabad, and photos of the site are widely shared on Instagram and Twitter.

Enjoy Nizami delicacies with a view at Jewel of Nizam-The Minar

The Jewel of Nizam, situated on a 100-foot-high tower, sounds and looks like something out of a dream and is housed in a towering white edifice overlooking verdant gardens. The Minar, the Jewel of Nizam, is a fine-dining restaurant located in Gandipet's Golkonda Resort.

Jewel of Nizam-The Minar/ Golconda Resorts

Authentic Nizami cuisines such as Anokhi Kheer, Barkas Patthar Gosht, Haleem, and Kacchi Dum Biryani are served in this 100-foot restaurant. Perfect place for dinner date with your partner!

Have you ever seen a movie at Hyderabad's cosiest movie theatre?

Do you want to ditch going to a routine movie theatre and instead enjoy a home theatre experience in Hyderabad with your friends and family? You can book tickets for the latest movie or watch an OTT film at the Platinum Cinemas by Movie Time at SLN Terminus. This cosy theatre features recliners, personal blankets, and tiny pillows.