Srisailam
A pilgrimage site thanks to the shrine of Lord Mallikarjuna, one of the oldest such shrines in south India, and a tiger sanctuary that is the largest tiger reserve in India, Srisailam has something for everyone. It is also the site of India’s second-largest hydroelectric dam, in terms of capacity. The Srisailam shrine sits atop the Nallamala hills; these flat-top hills are a unique geological formation and a tourist attraction in themselves.
Distance from Hyderabad: 213km
Climate: Pleasant year-round, except summer
Best time to visit: Oct-Feb; June-Sept (short trips)
Warangal
Best known for its awe-inspiring temple architecture, Warangal has some amazing places of interest like the Warangal Fort, Bhadrakali Temple, Thousand Pillar Temple, and Ramappa Temple. If you are planning a road trip, this is the ideal spot as it has many must-see spots, like Bhongir Fort, Pembarti and Jangaon, en route.
Distance from Hyderabad: 143km
Climate: Hot and dry
Best time to visit: Oct-March.
Bidar
Situated in next door Karnataka, Bidar is a must-visit for all your history fiends. One of the wealthiest cities in south India between the 11th and 16th centuries, Bidar houses monuments built by rulers as varied as the Chalukyas, Alauddin Khalji, the Sevuna Yadavas of Devagiri and Muhammad Bin Tughlaq. Check out the Bidar Fort, the Bahamani tombs, the Khwaja Mahmud Gawan Madrassa and Choukhandi.
Distance from Hyderabad: 147km
Climate: Semi-arid, with extreme summer
Best time to visit: June-Sept, Dec-mid Feb
Mahbubnagar
A city with many varied attractions, Mahbubnagar is a great weekend getaway location. Want to see a 700-year-old banyan tree? It is situated right in Pillalamarri Park, which also has a deer park, an archaeological museum and a mini zoo nearby. If you would like to explore nature, do head to the Mallela Theertham waterfalls, situated in the Nallamala forest.
Distance from Hyderabad: 100km
Climate: Tropical
Best time to visit: Dec & Feb