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Looking for much-needed peace on your next trip? Hyderabad offers ample scope to visit some places off the beaten track, which promise ardent natural beauty, historical significance, and most importantly, the tranquility that you crave so badly. Several unexplored and hidden places in Hyderabad are within easy reach of the city or slightly farther. However, trips to all of these places will certainly be worth it! To make such trips smooth and easy, you can book a car rental in Hyderabad and explore the unexplored areas around the city.

Unexplored Places to Visit Near Hyderabad – Quick Look

Below are some hidden gems in and around Hyderabad that can be explored on a day or weekend trip from the city: 

Hidden Gems in and Around Hyderabad

Let’s explore the above hidden gems in Hyderabad in detail to know more about the fascinating things that each place offers, so that you can choose the best ones to fulfill your wanderlust around Hyderabad.

1. Ameenpur Lake
2. Saroornagar Lake
3. Paigah Tombs
4. Shilparamam
5. Koti-Abids Book Street
6. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
7. Srisailam
8. Bhongir Fort
9. Nelakondapalli
10. Mallela Theertham Waterfalls
11. Suryalanka Beach
12. Rachakonda Fort
13. Ananthagiri Hills
14. Warangal

1. Ameenpur Lake

An urban Biodiversity Heritage Site, Ameenpur Lake, is an offbeat place in Hyderabad and a boon for bird watchers. It supports over 170 species of birds, including flamingos and pelicans. Calm waters and beautiful sunsets make it a perfect place to spend some time in solitude or for photography.

Interesting Things to Do:

• Birdwatching at sunrise (flamingos, pelicans, kingfishers).
• Photography walks – stunning reflections at dawn/dusk.
• Quiet lakeside strolls or meditation spots away from city noise.

2. Saroornagar Lake

Covering 99 acres, Saroornagar Lake has been lovingly transformed into a calming hangout area. It will be an excellent place to go for a walk in the evening, especially if you want to be near the migratory birds that come during the winter. There are snack stalls in the area so that you can easily snack on some local specialties while enjoying the lakeside.

Interesting Things to Do:

• Enjoy an evening lakeside walk on the restored promenade.
• Spot migratory birds during the winter months.
• Try local street snacks from stalls nearby while relaxing by the water.

3. Paigah Tombs

These Indo-Islamic tombs from the 18th century are an architectural wonder for the city of Hyderabad. They have beautiful naveed latticework and serene Charbagh-style gardens; they are not busy places and are often overlooked. The tombs combine history, creativity, and beauty in one locale.

Interesting Things to Do:

• Explore intricate Indo-Islamic carvings and geometric latticework.
• Sketch or photograph the architecture in a peaceful setting.
• Walk through the quiet Charbagh-style gardens for reflection.

4. Shilparamam

Shilparamam is much more than a shopping venue. It is a lively cultural village that celebrates India’s arts, crafts, and traditions. Visitors are entertained with folk performances, replicas of rural life, and special handicrafts. It is an extraordinary, colorful excursion into India’s heritage right in the city.

Interesting Things to Do:

• Shop for handicrafts, handlooms, and tribal art directly from artisans
• Attend folk music/dance performances at the open-air theater.
• Visit the Rock Museum or the Rural Museum with life-sized huts.
• Participate in pottery or craft workshops (seasonal).

5. Koti-Abids Book Street

A bibliophile’s dream, Koti-Abids Book Street is full of second-hand stalls offering rare books and materials. From scholarly reads to antiquarian novels, it is an actual treasure hunt for book lovers. Grab an Irani chai and search to your heart’s content at the nearby cafes to complete the experience.

Interesting Things to Do:

• Hunt for rare and vintage books at bargain prices.
• Engage with local sellers for stories behind old editions.
• Sip Irani chai at nearby cafés while flipping through your favorite books.

6. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is one of the top places to visit in Hyderabad. It is approximately 164 kilometers away from Hyderabad and is surrounded by a lovely river and three hills. The dam was built between 1955 and 1967 over the River Krishna and has 12 gates. It is a fascinating experience, watching water pass through the gates of the dam on your trip. During monsoons, the entire place comes alive with breathtaking natural beauty. You can also go on a boat trip to an island situated in Nagarjunakonda Valley. There is also a Buddhist monastery and museum that you can check out here. The Ethipothala Falls are a must-see if you are visiting during the monsoons.

Interesting Things to Do:

• Take a boat ride to Nagarjunakonda Island (Buddhist relics museum).
• Visit Ethipothala Waterfalls nearby for a quiet picnic.
• Enjoy panoramic views of the massive dam at sunset.

7. Srisailam

Another top unexplored place around Hyderabad, Srisailam, is 212 kilometres away from the city and is a famous temple town in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Srisailam is known for its Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga at the main temple and also the Ista Kameshwari Temple. The road going to this temple passes through beautiful, dense forests, and the whole ambience is just surreal to say the least. The Akkamahadevi Caves go up to 80 feet deep and are another major attraction in this town, along with the Srisailam Tiger Reserve, where you can view the king of the jungle in all his splendor.

Interesting Things to Do:

• Visit Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple for a spiritual experience.
• Go on a jungle safari in the Srisailam Tiger Reserve.
• Take a ropeway ride across the Krishna River for breathtaking views.
• Try boating at Pathala Ganga near the temple.

8. Bhongir Fort

The Bhongir Fort is approximately 50 kilometers away from Hyderabad and is another unexplored place that is worth visiting. The Fort was constructed by Tribhuvanamalla Vikramaditya VI, the Chalukya ruler, back in the 10th century and is crafted upon a monolithic rock with a structure shaped like an egg. There are several underground chambers to visit here, along with the trap doors, armory, and horse stables. The Fort is a trekking hotspot for adventurous tourists. Climb up to the ramparts for magnificent views of the surrounding area.

Interesting Things to Do:

• Trek up the massive monolithic hill to the fort (great sunrise spot).
• Explore ancient defensive structures, secret passages, and canons.
• Paragliding/rock climbing activities are occasionally organized here.

9. Nelakondapalli

This town is a famous Buddhist site, making it one of the top hidden places to visit near Hyderabad. There is a bronze idol of Lord Buddha along with several Maha Stupas, wells, cisterns, and Buddhist Viharas. The town is also believed to have found a mention in the Mahabharata and is the birthplace of Bhakta Ramdas, the worshipper. Perantalapalli and the Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Temple are must-visit here.

Interesting Things to Do:

• Visit the Buddhist Maha Stupa and explore excavated relics.
• Explore ancient ruins linked to Mahabharata-era legends.
• Photography of serene rural landscapes around the site.

10. Mallela Theertham Waterfalls

The waterfall can be accessed at a distance of 185 kilometres from Hyderabad city and is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Telangana. The Nallamala forest range surrounds the waterfall, creating a spectacular sight when the water gushes down in full force to the cliffs at a depth of close to 150 feet. The water also crashes on the majestic rock shaped like a Shiva Lingam. This is a hotspot during the monsoons, and swimming in the plunge pools near the waterfall is a fun activity for travelers.

Interesting Things to Do:

• A short trek through the Nallamala forest to reach the falls.
• Dip your feet or meditate by the gushing waters for peace.
• Spot wildlife and birds along the trail in monsoon/winter.

11. Suryalanka Beach

If you live in Hyderabad and want to head out to a beach destination for a short trip, Suryalanka, the nearest beach to the city, is one of the top unexplored places to visit in Hyderabad.  The beach has green fields and coconut trees surrounding it, and swimming in the clear waters will give you a thrill like no other! There is ample scope for sunbathing and simply relaxing at the numerous huts along the coastline, while the sunset and sunrise are gorgeous sights to say the least!

Interesting Things to Do:

• Relax with a beach picnic (less commercialized than other beaches).
• Try water activities like jet skiing and speed boating (seasonal).
• Walk barefoot on the sand during sunrise/sunset for solitude.
• Spotting dolphins (occasionally in winter).

12. Rachakonda Fort

This fort was constructed back in the 14th century and is a two-storied edifice with imposing stone pillars and surrounded by lush green valleys. The interiors demonstrate Hindu architectural motifs galore, along with several carvings. The fort became even more famous a few years back when there was an excavation of a Shiva Lingam up to 8 feet high here. The temples of Manimandapam, Lord Hanuman, and Lord Shiva are immensely popular here.

Interesting Things to Do:

• Trek through rugged trails leading to fort ruins.
• Discover rustic stone archways & panoramic hilltop views.
• Photography of boulder formations and old fort architecture.

13. Ananthagiri Hills

Ananthagiri Hills are a major hotspot for trekkers looking for solitude away from the hustle and bustle of Hyderabad city. The picturesque hills will delight you, along with their intricate trekking trails and natural beauty. There are several waterfalls along the way. Also, you can explore the Nagasamudram Lake and Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple. There is ample scope for trying your hand at adventure activities like rock climbing, balancing boards, Spider web, and Tarzan swing, among others.

Interesting Things to Do:

• Forest treks with scenic viewpoints and coffee plantations
• Camp overnight under starry skies (local campsites available)
• Visit Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple
• Try waterfall treks during the monsoon season

14. Warangal

Warangal is one city that will take you back in time through the annals of history. The beautifully built Warangal Fort is a key draw here, along with the famous Bhadrakali Temple and huge Ramappa Lake. The distance of the city from Hyderabad is only 145 kilometres, and you will require approximately 3 hours to reach here. This charming destination is one of the best unexplored places to visit in Hyderabad.

Interesting Things to Do:

• Explore Warangal Fort and its grand stone gateways (Kakatiya Kala Thoranam).
• Visit the Thousand Pillar Temple, which features detailed carvings.
• Experience Ramappa Temple – a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Boating at Laknavaram Lake, surrounded by forested hills.

To Conclude

All the above and many other hidden places in Hyderabad serve as the best hotspots to visit for secluded and relaxing vacations amidst the peace that you ardently desire. These places offer a glimpse of history, culture, and, of course, natural beauty that is hard to find elsewhere.

If you are planning to visit any of these secluded and naturally beautiful places in and around Hyderabad, you can book a car rental service to make your trip easy. Revv’s car rental in Hyderabad is one of the best service providers in the city and across India. Revv has a vast fleet of cars to choose from and offers various lucrative deals and discounts. Check the official portal for more information.