Planning a road trip from Hyderabad is unique and fun, as this city offers you every type of travel experience. Whether you want a short day trip where you can relax amidst nature, a weekend getaway where you want to explore heritage sites, or a long scenic drive where the journey itself becomes an adventure, the options from Hyderabad are limitless. From here, you can easily plan short drives of 40 km to long journeys of up to 550 km that are perfect for every travel mood. The biggest plus point of road trips is the flexibility. It lets you decide your route, stopovers and speed. Plus, the experience of driving through changing landscapes, local food stalls and small cultural vibes is what makes the trip memorable. In this blog, we will tell you about the best road trips from Hyderabad that bring the perfect combo of scenic beauty, spiritual vibes and rich heritage. Pack your bags, get the car ready and choose your perfect road trip from Hyderabad today itself!
Quick One-Day Road Trips
Hyderabad is one of the most popular travel destinations in South India. There is so much to explore in this city. It is home to historical forts, spiritual attractions, and several wildlife species and natural sites that are nestled around the city. You can easily explore them by planning a one-day road trip by just taking a cab service in Hyderabad. To make it easy for you, we have curated some of the best places perfect for short drives from Hyderabad.
Ramoji Film City: If you need a cinematic escape, then Ramoji Film City is the perfect option. This is the world's largest integrated film city, located approximately 30 km from Hyderabad. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes, and the roads are mostly wide and smooth, so the journey is quite comfortable. Here you get film sets, theme parks and adventure zones which are best for family and friends.
Yadagirigutta (Yadadri Temple): Yadagirigutta is a peaceful destination for those looking to take a spiritual break. This sacred temple town is approximately 60 km from Hyderabad, and the drive takes around 1.5 hours via NH163. The road conditions are quite good, and the route offers scenic views of the green countryside.
Ananthagiri Hills: Ananthagiri Hills is a dream destination for nature lovers, located around 80 km from Hyderabad. The drive takes roughly 2 hours, during which the winding roads and lush greenery feel quite soothing. Here one can experience trekking trails, Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple and fresh hill breezes. This short drive from Hyderabad is most enjoyed during the monsoon and winter seasons.
Medak Church & Fort: Medak is a treasure for history and architecture lovers. 100 km away from Hyderabad, this drive takes around 2.5 hours, which offers a combination of wide highways and rural landscapes. Medak Cathedral is Asia's largest church, and the panoramic view of the nearby Medak Fort makes the trip memorable.
Pocharam Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary: For wildlife and nature photography lovers, Pocharam Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden gem, which is approximately 120 km from Hyderabad. The drive takes 3 hours, and the route goes through scenic countryside and small towns. Here you get to see migratory birds, serene water views and a peaceful environment. This trip is most enjoyable during the winter season.
Weekend Escape Road Trips
For those who are actively looking for the best Hyderabad weekend drive. These are the perfect locations for weekend road trips from Hyderabad. Exploring them offers an incredible experience that will become more memorable if you book a cab from Hyderabad to explore them. There are ample well-connected public transport options in the region, but they might be crowded during holidays and weekends. So booking a cab is the best time-saving option for you.
Nagarjuna Sagar: If you are planning weekend road trips from Hyderabad, then Nagarjuna Sagar is a perfect 1-2 night getaway. It is approximately 165 km away from Hyderabad, and you can reach there in 3-4 hours by driving on NH65. The road is smooth, and one gets scenic views of green fields in between. The main attractions here are Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and Ethipothala Waterfalls, which look most beautiful during the monsoon and winter seasons.
Srisailam: Hyderabad to Haridwar road trip may be a long journey, but Srisailam is the perfect destination for a short spiritual road trip. The 215 km journey of approximately 5 hours is full of forested valleys and stunning views of the Krishna River. It is a must to see Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Srisailam Dam and Ropeway to Patalganga here.
Mallela Theertham Waterfalls: 185 km away from Hyderabad and roughly a 4-4.5-hour drive away, you will find this hidden gem in the middle of Nallamala forest. The jungle road here is a little narrow, but the scenic appeal is amazing. The waterfall is at its peak of beauty during monsoons, but it is a great place to have a picnic even in winter.
Warangal: Warangal offers a cultural and historical blend for a Hyderabad weekend drive. The 150 km drive is on NH163, which is smooth and fast, taking approximately 3 hours. Do explore the Thousand Pillar Temple, Warangal Fort, and Pakhal Lake here. The winter season is best for sightseeing here.
Basara: The 180 km drive from Hyderabad to Basara takes approximately 4 hours. This town is famous for its Gnana Saraswati Temple, where people make their children do Aksharabhayasam. The road is mostly smooth, and the view around the Godavari River is quite peaceful.
Kondagattu & Vemulawada: Both destinations can be covered together in the range of 190-200 km from Hyderabad. The drive takes 4-5 hours on smooth highways. Both Kondagattu Hanuman Temple and Vemulawada Temple in Rajanna Sircilla have spiritual charm. The environment here is most comfortable during the winter season.
Koilkonda Fort: It is a short drive of 130 km from Hyderabad, which takes approximately 3 hours to cover. The road passes through rural stretches, which are great for photography lovers. The fort is on a hilltop from where the view of the surrounding valleys is amazing.
Kurnool: The 215 km drive from Hyderabad to Kurnool is via NH44, which is very smooth and fast, taking roughly 4–4.5 hours. Here, Konda Reddy Fort, Oravakallu Rock Garden, and the nearby Belum Caves are a must-see.
Getaway to Hill Stations
Hyderabad has several serene hill stations nearby that offer tourists an incredible experience, from the Western Ghats hills to lush green landscapes. People often plan a trip to these hill stations from Hyderabad during their weekends and vacations. Among the popular hill stations, we took some of the best for you. They are as follows:
Araku Valley: Araku Valley, about 650 km away from Hyderabad, is a perfect long-drive destination located between the Eastern Ghats. It takes around 12-13 hours to drive here and mostly travels on NH65 and NH16, which are smooth and scenic. Along the way, there are lush green forests, coffee plantations and winding paths which make the entire journey memorable. Winter and early summer are the best seasons to visit here, as the weather is pleasant and the beauty of the valley is at its peak.
Lambasingi ("Andhra Kashmir"): Lambasingi, about 320 km away from Visakhapatnam, is known as "Andhra Kashmir" as the temperature here drops quite low in winters. The drive around takes about 7-8 hours via NH16 and state highways. The road conditions are quite smooth, and there are rolling hills and misty landscapes in between. The weather here is magical from November to February, when you can enjoy the morning mist and cold breeze.
Horsley Hills: Horsley Hills is a small yet peaceful hill getaway located about 150 km away from Bengaluru and about 520 km from Hyderabad. The drive from Hyderabad is around 9-10 hours via NH44, which is a very smooth and wide road. There are rural landscapes and forest patches along the way, which make the journey calm. The best time to visit is from October to March, when the temperature is cool and the viewpoints are even more beautiful with clear skies.
Nallamala Hills: Nallamala Hills, about 340 km from Hyderabad, is a hidden natural escape that is easily accessible via NH44. The drive takes about 6-7 hours, and the road is mostly smooth, but there are some winding stretches in the forest valleys that driving lovers enjoy. Along the way, one gets a combo of lush forest views, occasional wildlife sightings and fresh air. Both the monsoon and winter seasons are best here, as both the greenery and pleasant weather are at their peak.
Bonus Longer Road Trip Options
For those who are always looking for something new, this bonus point that covers other tourists' options for you is great. In this, you will get a wide range of options for a hill station road trip from Hyderabad. They are perfect for long weekend escapes, family vacations and friends' trips.
Ooty: The Hyderabad to Ooty drive is a perfect hill station road trip from Hyderabad that will make you feel fresh. The route goes through NH44 and NH544, which are mostly smooth four-lane highways, and winding hill roads start in the last few hours. The scenic appeal level is high as you get panoramic views of coffee plantations, lush green forests and the Nilgiri Hills. The weather in Ooty is pleasant throughout the year, but October to June is considered the best season.
Coonoor: The Hyderabad to Coonoor road trip is slightly longer, but a worthwhile journey. Road condition is similar to the Ooty route, as it is near Ooty. The scenic beauty of tea gardens, mist-covered valleys and heritage toy train stations sets your mood. It feels a bit cold in winter, and the charm of greenery is different in the monsoon.
Yercaud: Yercaud is an underrated gem for a hill station road trip from Hyderabad. While travelling on NH44, you enjoy smooth highway driving, and the hairpin bends of the ghat section in the end add thrill. Dense forests and peaceful lake views are the top highlights in scenic appeal. The best season is from October to May, when the weather remains pleasant.
Chikmagalur: The Hyderabad to Chikmagalur road trip is a dream drive for coffee lovers. The smooth stretches of NH44 and NH73 give you a hassle-free journey, and you get postcard views of hills and coffee estates along the route. The level of scenic appeal is high, especially in the early mornings with mist cover. The best time to visit is from September to March.
Bangalore: You can also plan a Hyderabad to Bangalore road trip for your long weekend and vacations. Bangalore is famous as the ‘Silicon City of India’, ‘Pub City’, ‘Shopper’s Paradise’,’ Gourmet’s Delight’, which makes it renowned for both its tourist and business activities. There are lots of cultural, historical and modern tourist sites that offer an incredible experience to the travellers. Whether you want a holiday trip or a business one, booking a Bangalore cab is one of the best and easiest options. Also, the Hyderabad to Bangalore taxi fare is very economical on sites like CabBazar, making it an affordable option.
Offbeat & Heritage Road Trips
There are also several sites from Hyderabad that might not excite you with adrenaline, but they are also very well-known for their historical and architectural significance. They offer you a sight of hidden India. Planning an offbeat road trip from Hyderabad to these destinations is perfect to gain a new experience.
Bidar: If you want to enjoy a heritage road trip from Hyderabad, then Bidar is one of the perfect choices. This city is located around 145 km from Hyderabad, is famous for its Qutub Shahi and Bahmani architecture. The drive till here is via NH65 and NH44, where you get a mix of smooth highways and some rural roads. The scenic appeal is quite good, as there are fields and small villages in between. Total travel time is approximately 3.5 hours. The best season is from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and the fun of sightseeing gets doubled.
Alampur: Situated at a distance of 215 km from Hyderabad, Alampur is an offbeat road trip and a hidden gem for Hyderabad lovers. This place is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River and is famous for its ancient Navabrahma temples. The drive is mostly on NH44, where you will find smooth tar roads and occasional patchy stretches. Scenic views give a combination of historical vibes with dry landscapes.
Gooty Fort: For history lovers, Gooty Fort is an amazing heritage spot. About 300 km away from Hyderabad, a drive on NH44 will give you the pleasure of wide highways and hill views. The fort here is on a hilltop from where one gets panoramic views. Travel time takes approximately 5 hours, and the scenic appeal is a mix of lush patches with rocky terrain. Winter months or early monsoon are the best times to visit here.
Vijayawada: The Hyderabad to Vijayawada drive is a cultural and scenic blend that covers a distance of almost 275 km. While driving on NH65, you will get butter-smooth highways and enjoy the lush green views of the Krishna River in between. Approximate travel time is 5 hours, and the Kanaka Durga Temple and Prakasam Barrage are must-visit spots. The best season for road trips is from October to March, when the weather is ideal.
Vizag(Visakhapatnam): It is one of the coastal paradises for the people of Hyderabad and the people who come to explore South India. However, the distance between the cities might be long, but Visakhapatnam is one of the beautiful coastal cities where the waves sing, skies drizzle, and every street offers something amazing. From Hyderabad, you can easily visit this bustling shore of the eastern coast by booking a cab. Also, the best part is that your Hyderabad to Vizag taxi fare is not so high, making comfortable travelling budget-friendly.
Road Trip Planning Tips
If you are planning a Hyderabad road trip, then it is important to do a little preparation beforehand, starting your journey, so that the journey goes smoothly. You can visit Hyderabad at any time of the year, but the best time to visit is the winter season, when the weather is pleasant and the heat is less. Also, when travelling by road, it is important to prepare yourself for your Hyderabad road trip. Here are some of the top Hyderabad road trip tips for you:
- Get your vehicle servicing done a week before the trip, which includes brake check, tyre pressure, coolant and engine oil inspection.
- For safety, avoid night driving, always wear a seatbelt and follow speed limits.
- For snacks, you will find Paradise Biryani outlets, Café Coffee Day and local dhabas on the highway, which provide authentic taste.
- Fuel stations are easily available every 40-50 km, but get the tank filled beforehand at the remote stretches. Use Fastag at toll plazas to save time.
- Mobile coverage is mostly strong, but the network can be a little weak in some interior stretches, so it is best to download offline maps.
- Make sure to include lightweight clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottles and a basic first-aid box in your packing.
In the scenic appeal, you will like the lush green fields, rock formations and sunset points which make the trip memorable.
Hyderabad Road Trip Itineraries
To make your planning a bit easier, we have planned two different itineraries. These Hyderabad itineraries for a road trip are perfect for you. Simple, sorted and easy to follow, these plans will make your travel smooth and memorable. Whether it is a short one-day break or you are in the mood to escape for a weekend, just pack your bags and get going.
One-day Trip: Hyderabad → Kurnool → Dinner at Highway Dhaba → Return
If you need a short and quick break, a one-day trip from Hyderabad to Kurnool is the perfect option. The distance is approximately 210 km, which can be covered in 4-5 hours one way on the smooth tarmac of the NH44 highway. En route, you get to see clean highways along with open fields and a little rural Andhra Pradesh. The route is mostly straight, so driving is quite comfortable. The best time is from November to February when the weather is cool and pleasant. Don't miss having dinner at a local highway dhaba on your way back - the trip has a perfect ending with authentic taste and rustic vibes.
Weekend Hill Trip: Hyderabad → Srisailam (Stay) → Local Sight Early → Return
If you want the thrill of a hill trip at the weekend, the route from Hyderabad to Srisailam is ideal for you. This is an approximately 215 km journey by NH765, which passes through scenic ghat sections, dense green views of Nallamala forest and breathtaking points of the Krishna river. Your travel time would be around 5-6 hours, depending on the breaks and stops you prefer. For a memorable trip, the best season is monsoon (July to September) and winter (November to February), as that is when the weather and views of the hill station are at their peak. After staying overnight in Srisailam, do early local sightseeing in the morning, like Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple and Srisailam Dam viewpoint, then take a relaxed drive back to Hyderabad.
FAQs
Q1: When is the best time to take a road trip from Hyderabad?
The best time for a Hyderabad road trip is from October to February, as the weather is a bit cool and the driving experience is comfortable.
Q2: Are these routes suitable for self-driving?
Of course, many routes leaving Hyderabad are on smooth highways, which are perfect for self-driving lovers. Just ensure that your vehicle is serviced and the maps are updated.
Q3: How safe are these routes at night?
Daytime travel is safer, but if you have to drive at night, then it is better to stop near highway petrol pumps, bus stands and populated areas.
Q4: Accommodation options?
Hotels, resorts and budget accommodations are easily available near major road trip destinations. You can enjoy a hassle-free stay by booking online.
Q5: What about fuel and toll costs?
Fuel cost will depend on your route and car mileage. Toll charges are reasonable on major highways in Hyderabad, and card or UPI payment options are available at every toll plaza.
The fun of a road trip around Hyderabad is different. You get all kinds of options here—green hills for nature lovers, historic forts for heritage lovers and mouth-watering cuisines for foodies. Planning the best road trip from Hyderabad is easy—just get your car ready and choose a perfect route. We have shared the best suggestions here for road trip ideas in Hyderabad so that your travel experience is even more enjoyable. Now what's the delay? Plan a road trip from Hyderabad today, and don't forget to share your moments. Start your next Hyderabad road trip—bookmark this guide!
