Hyderabad is famous for a lot of things including its heritage, architecture, food, and culture. Renowned for its premium quality pearls, the city is known as the ‘Pearl City of India’. Besides being the capital of Telangana, it is also a prominent tourist destination in South India. The city has retained its rich heritage while it is rapidly becoming an IT hub.
The city has a fine blend of the laid-back Nawabi culture and a fast-paced cosmopolitan lifestyle, offering visitors and residents the best of both worlds. The city has much to explore, but for an experience away from the bustle of the city, you can explore the nearby hill stations.
Serene and charming, the verdant scenery and fresh air of the hills rejuvenates you from within. Here is a list of the popular hill stations near Hyderabad for a quick road trip over a long weekend.
Ananthagiri Hills, Vikarabad
(courtesy: vikas_minz)
Within 100 km from Hyderabad, the Ananthagiri Hills is the perfect weekend destination near Hyderabad. It can be reached in around 2.5 hours from Hyderabad. The hill station is covered with dense jungles, streams, lakes, and waterfalls ideal for a refreshing trip in the lap of nature.
It offers travelers a host of activities like trekking along the numerous trails, camping by the lakeside near Kotipally Reservoir, and kayaking in the Nagasamudram Lake. You can also enjoy nature walks along the jungle, and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city from Godamguda Viewpoint. You can seek blessings at the 400-year-old Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swami Mandir, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Horsley Hills
(courtesy: subashbgk)
Popularly known as the ‘Ooty of Andhra’, Horsley Hills is a beautiful hill station near Hyderabad. Covered with thick forests, the area is locally referred to as Yenugulla Mallamma Konda. Horsley Hills is around 550 kilometers from Hyderabad. The region is home to the largest Banyan tree and the oldest Eucalyptus tree. The awe-inspiring landscape can be viewed from the Whisper Wind View Point.
The region also offers adventure sports. You can enjoy fun activities such as wall climbing, water walking, rappelling, swimming, a fish spa, and a visit to the mini zoo at Horsley Hills. Kaigal Falls is a great spot to enjoy a picnic with family and friends. Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is ideal for nature lovers and photographers. Gali Bandalu, also known as the Windy Rocks, is another spot to capture the picturesque sunrise and sunset over the city.
Araku Valley
(courtesy: suryakiran)
Popular for its pristine landscape, Araku Valley is one of the most vibrant regions of the Eastern Ghats. It is located around 710 kilometers from Hyderabad. Araku Valley boasts of natural biodiversity and rich tribal culture. The naturally occurring Borra Caves are the longest and deepest network of caves occurring in the Indian subcontinent.
Nestled amidst the dense forests are the gushing waterfalls which attract tourists from the nearby states. You can enjoy adventurous activities such as trekking, rock climbing, and camping at Katiki Waterfalls, Chaparai Waterfalls, and Tadimada Waterfalls.
Adrenaline-pumping water sports can be enjoyed at Bheemili Beach. This beautiful golden sand beach has a colonial vibe and offers a relaxed atmosphere to the visitors. The mystic coffee plantations along the slopes of the hills add to the beauty of the hill station. You can book a tour to watch the process up close. Another important tourist attraction in Araku Valley is the Tribal Museum. Exhibits and artwork created by the local tribal communities are put on display at the museum.
Lambasingi
(courtesy: paisadheeraj)
Renowned as the ‘Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh’, Lambasingi is a richly forested area in Araku Valley. Lambasingi is situated in Chintapalli Mandal and lies within 600 kilometers of Hyderabad. This quaint hamlet is secretly tucked away in the majestic hills of Andhra Pradesh. Also known as Korra Bayalu, the village has pretty apple orchards.
The Kothapalli Waterfalls are a must visit in this region, where you can enjoy the natural grandeur of the region. Camping and trekking are prominent adventure activities in Lambasingi. It is the only place in South India that experiences snowfall. The chilling temperature and misty hills attract tourists who are looking for a getaway for relief from the scorching summers.
Covered with Amber-colored Sunflowers, the Susan Garden is a must-visit place for nature photographers. Thajangi Reservoir is a peaceful spot for spending a relaxing day with family and friends. Bird watching is a popular activity at the Kondakarla Bird Sanctuary. Bojjannakonda is another famous tourist spot with six rock-cut caves maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The archeological constructions date back to the 4th century and are located amidst lively paddy fields.
Lonavala
(courtesy: ajitsandhu)
Lonavala situated in Maharashtra is among India’s most popular hill stations. It is nestled in the Sahyadri Ranges on the Western Ghats. Located around 630 kilometers from Hyderabad, Lonavala is the perfect destination for a trip with family and kids. The rolling hills of Lonavala are surrounded by dense forests, waterfalls, lakes, caves, dams, and numerous sightseeing spots.
Bhaja caves, Karla caves, Lohagad Fort, Rajmachi Fort, Ryewood Lake, Bhushi Dam, and Valvan Dam are prominent tourist spots of Lonavala. You can enjoy adventure sports and fun activities such as trekking, hiking, camping, bungee jumping, paragliding, rappelling, and mountain biking. Popular trekking trails are the Andharban trek and Bhimashankar trek.
History lovers can explore the numerous historical sites and caves in the area. Visapur Fort, Tikona Fort, Bhaja Caves, and Rajmachi Fort are great archaeological wonders you can trek up to. Aundholi, Shirota Lake, and Pawna Lake are perfect spots for an exquisite camping experience in the lap of nature. Wet N Joy Water Park and Imagicaa are entertainment parks to spend a fun-filled day with family and kids.
Yelagiri Hills
(courtesy: thyaagoo)
Yelagiri Hills is a breathtakingly beautiful hill station near Hyderabad. It is located around 730 kilometers from Hyderabad, near Krishnagiri in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. The hill station has been able to preserve its pristine environment and rich tribal culture. Velavan Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan is a major tourist attraction in the area. It is flocked by devotees during the Karthigai Thirunal festival. Jalagamparai Waterfalls, Nilavoor Lake, and Punganur Lake are spots where you can connect with nature in its raw form.
Trekking, nature walks, boating, rock climbing, zorbing, ziplining, and paragliding are popular activities to enjoy in the region. A trek up the Swamimalai Hills offers rewarding views of the entire hill station, as it is the highest point of the region.
The Vainu Bappu Observatory, renowned as the Telescope Observatory, is a great place to visit with kids. They can observe the movement of celestial bodies through the Visitor Telescope installed in its premises. A tour of the Mulberry plantations and Sericulture farms gives visitors insight into the production process of silk.
Dandeli
(courtesy: naren)
Situated on the banks of the River Kali, Dandeli is an adventure sports hub in Karnataka. The region offers exciting options like mountain biking, trekking, cycling, camping, kayaking, canoeing, and rafting. Dandeli is located within 600 kilometers of Hyderabad. It is one of the most happening hill stations near Hyderabad as River Kali offers the best rafting spots in Karnataka.
Nature lovers can enjoy the scenic beauty of the region from Sykes Point and Shiroli Peak. You can trek along the several trails to reach these vantage points for a rewarding view of the region.
Wildlife enthusiasts can visit the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and Anshi National Park for an enthralling experience. The distinctive flora and fauna of the region are worth exploring. Book a Jungle Safari to witness rare animals like Bisons and Black Panthers at these sanctuaries. Kavala Caves, Ulavi Temple, Sri Mallikarjuna Temple, Syntheri Rocks, Supa Dam, and Satholi Falls are some of the other prominent tourist attractions in and around Dandeli.
Ananthagiri Hills, Vizag
(courtesy: drashokkolluru)
Tucked away in the Eastern Ghats, Ananthagiri Hills is a popular hill station near Vizag. Surrounded by coffee plantations and a number of peaks and valleys, Ananthagiri hills is home to many attractions like waterfalls and beautiful valleys. There is a sacred lake called Bhavanasi in this region and the hills of Ananthagiri are called the Badrinath of the South because of this lake.
The Borra Caves is another hidden gem you must explore in Ananthagiri. These million-year-old caves are naturally occurring deposits of calcium carbonate washed by water to form beautiful patterns. With numerous places to explore around the hill station, you can spend a relaxing time with family and kids.
Ooty
(courtesy: flyingdutchmen)
Renowned as the “Queen of Hill Stations”, Ooty is South India’s most popular tourist destination. Ooty is among the best hill stations near Hyderabad. Dotted with sightseeing places, the hill station attracts tourists from across the globe. A toy train ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is the most cherished memory of visiting Ooty.
Emerald Lake and Ooty Lake are great spots offering water sports such as paddle boarding, canoeing, speed boating. You can enjoy panoramic views of Ooty from the Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint, which is 1500 meters above sea level. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as trekking, hiking, and camping at the Doddabetta Peak, Parsons Dam, and Kotagiri-Elk Falls along the Glenmorgan Trek.
Night camping, fishing, and rafting are activities available at Avalanche Lake in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Nature lovers can visit the Ooty Rose Garden to enjoy a stroll amidst beds of a wide variety of roses. Tea lovers can visit the tea plantations and learn the history of it at the tea museum.
Kodaikanal
(courtesy: arunraj)
Kodaikanal is a popular honeymoon destination and famous hill station of South India. Fondly referred to as the ‘Princess of Hill Stations’, Kodaikanal is blessed with undulating hills and immaculate valleys. Owing to its natural grandeur, it is also known as the ‘Switzerland of the East’. Situated amidst the Palani Hills it is around 1035 kilometers from Hyderabad. It is among the most beautiful hill stations near Hyderabad. You can enjoy trekking, biking, and hiking through the misty woodlands.
Kodai Lake, Bear Shola Falls, Thalaiyar Falls, Devil's Kitchen, and Mannavanur are serene spots to soak in the natural beauty of Kodaikanal. Kurinji Temple, Subramanya Temple, Lutheran Church, The Mother Salette Church, and Christ the King Church are ancient places where you can seek blessings of the almighty.
The panoramic view of the hill station can be enjoyed from the viewpoints at Moir Point, Green Valley View Point, Dolphin’s Nose, and Silent Valley View Point. Trekking is the most popular activity in Kodaikanal. Kukkal caves are a prominent hilltop camping site for trekkers. Details about the Anthropology, geology, flora, and fauna of the Palani region can be explored at the Shembaganur Museum of Natural History.
Chikmagalur
(courtesy: saigen)
Chikmagalur has the best coffee plantations in India and is popular as the ‘Coffee Land of Karnataka’. This pristine hill station near Hyderabad is filled with the refreshing smell of coffee. Mullayanagiri is the highest peak of the state from where you can enjoy the beauty of Chikmagalur.
The verdant grassland and vibrant wildlife of the region can be witnessed at the Kudremukh National Park, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Coffee lovers can enjoy a tour of the coffee plantations and even book a stay amidst the greenery of the estate. You can taste the best brew of the city and learn about the process of coffee preparation at the Coffee Yatra Museum managed by the Coffee Board of India.
River rafting at the Bhadra River and trekking at Baba Budangiri Hills are popular activities in the area. Jhari Waterfalls, Manikyadhara Falls, Hirekolale Lake, and Kemmanagundi are the best spots to enjoy the picturesque beauty of Chikmagalur.
Coorg
(courtesy: colourbinge)
Popular for its scenic beauty, Coorg is home to the misty mountains of Western Ghats. The magnificence of Coorg is described by honoring it as the ‘Scotland of India’. Whiff of coffee adds to the surreal experience visitors enjoy at the hill station. Located in Karnataka, Coorg is around 800 kilometers from Hyderabad. Trekking, river rafting, hiking, fishing, bird watching, and wildlife spotting on a Jungle Safari are popular activities in Coorg.
The main attractions of this hill town are Raja’s Seat, Madikeri Fort, and Omkareshwara Temple. Nature lovers can explore the flora and fauna of the region at Kopatty Hills, Brahmagiri Peak, Mallalli Falls, Tadiandamol Peak, and Nagarhole National Park. Adventure seekers can indulge in white water rafting in the Barapole river and fishing in the River Cauvery at Valnur.
You can also shop for authentic spices and premium quality coffee at Coorg. Kodavas are the native residents of the region known for their impeccable skills in Martial Arts. Besides the beauty of the hill station, the hospitality of the locals makes your trip to Coorg memorable.
Panchgani
(courtesy: rahulmallah)
Surrounded by five hills of the Sahyadri mountain ranges, Panchgani is an ethereal hill station in Maharashtra. Located around 600 kilometers away, it is a great hill station near Hyderabad to visit over a weekend. The hill station boasts of being a summer resort since the British era. Its colonial vibe and pristine environment make it the perfect spot to relax with family and kids. The luscious strawberry gardens across the hill station add to its beauty.
Kaas Plateau, Mapro Garden, Rajpuri Caves, and Bhilar Waterfalls are major tourist attractions of Panchgani. The mesmerizing views of undulating hills and deep valleys cloaked in greenery can be enjoyed from the vantage points at Table Land, Kate’s Point, Sydney Point, and Parsi Point. Paragliding, rock climbing, trekking, camping, speed boating, and horse riding are must-try activities at Panchgani.
Srisailam
(courtesy: bumminagesh)
Dotted with temples and caves, Srisailam is one of the best tourist places near Hyderabad. It is home to the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, a prominent Hindu pilgrimage. The temple is among the eighteen Shakti Peethas of Goddess Parvati. Ista Kameshwari Temple, Uma Maheshwaram Temple, and Shikaresvara Temple are some other temples of Srisailam.
Most temples are situated on hilltops and amidst forests of the Eastern Ghats. Tourists enjoy the scenic beauty of these temples in addition to their magnificent architecture. Akkamahadevi caves are located across the mighty River Krishna. These naturally formed caves are millions of years old and house a Shivalinga which can be reached through a maze of dark pathways.
Nallamala Hills
(courtesy: tejj)
Located in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, Nallamala Hills allow you to experience the wild. Nallamala hill station is within 250 kilometers of Hyderabad. The hills are formed of volcanic rocks and are covered with dense forests. You can explore the diverse wildlife of the region at the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve. Book a safari to enjoy spotting wild animals such as Antelopes, Nilgai, Chinkaras, Tigers, and Leopards.
Other prominent tourist attractions of the area are Cumbum Lake which is Asia’s oldest manmade lake, Belum caves which are the longest caves of India, and Oravakallu Rock Garden which is a one-of-its-kind park comprising ingenious rock formations. There are numerous places of worship in the area. Sri Yagantiswamy Temple, Venugopalaswamy Temple, Nagareshwara Swamy Temple, and Ahobilam Temple are some popular pilgrimage sites in the Nallamala region. Trekking, camping, and nature photography are the most popular activities in this region.
We have created this list of charming hills and resplendent valleys of South India to help you plan a refreshing vacation. Next time you plan to take a break from your monotonous daily routine, you can explore these hill stations near Hyderabad with your family and friends. Create unforgettable memories while relaxing in the lap of mother nature and indulging in fun activities. The splendor of these hill stations will refresh your mind. Exploring the unique tourist attractions around these places will be an experience of a lifetime.
