Long Weekend getaway from Hyderabad - Madurai

Visit Madurai for the famous Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple. Can visit by flight, bus, train from Chennai or Hyderabad

Visit Madurai Meenakshi Amman and Sundareswarer Sannidhi. Abhishekam of Lord Shiva starts at 6:45 am itself and so does for Amman. It has a big temple pond, magnificent Gopurams.

Visit Koodal Alaghar Temple of Lord Vishnu where he will be in a sleeping position and Goddess Sridevi and Bhudevi are aside Lord

Visit Yoga Narasimharar temple of Lord Narasimha Swamy which is a bit far from the city, but close to the bus stand that took me to Rameshwaram. The vigraham is quite big and is built in a cave of a huge mountain.

Have Jigarthandi a famous drink of Madurai on the way after the temple visits

Long Weekend getaway from Hyderabad - Mangalore

Fly on Saturday to Mangalore and fly back on Sunday night back to Hyderabad

Visit Udupi Sri Krishna mutt,  Kukke Subramanyam Swamy and Sringeri Saradamba Devi temple

Next day visit Dharmstala Manjunath swami temple, Puttur Mahalingeshwara Temple and take a night flight back to Hyd on Sunday

Long Weekend getaway from Hyderabad - Kochi

Long Weekend getaway from Hyderabad - Kolkata

Long Weekend getaway from Hyderabad - Marmagao

Long Weekend getaway from Hyderabad - Pune

Long Weekend getaway from Hyderabad - Nashik

Getaway from Hyderabad - Port Blair

Long Weekend getaway from Hyderabad - Rajamundry

Long Weekend getaway from Hyderabad - Shirdi

Long Weekend getaway from Hyderabad - Udaipur

Long Weekend getaway from Hyderabad - Ranchi

Ranchi 2N/3D

Indigo flys' from Hyderabad to Ranchi non-stop at mornings 9:35 am (1.45 hrs) and return in the afternoon at 12:05 pm for Rs. 7248 round trip.

Day 1
On arrival, take a city tour of Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand, also known as City of Waterfall.
Patratu Valley and Dam, Kanke Dam, Rock Garden, Tagore Hill, Nakshatra Van.

Day 2
Rajrappa (Chinnamasta) Temple, Hundru falls, Rukku Dam etc...

Day 3
Dassam Falls, Sun Temple, Deori Mandir etc...
Fly back to Hyderabad

Best time to visit Ranchi is from November to February during the winter

You can also plan for Ranchi - Neturhut - Belta Forest trip if you have couple of days time

Long Weekend getaway from Hyderabad - Varanasi

Long Weekend getaway from Hyderabad - Thiruvananthapuram

Weekend getaway from Chennai - Kumbhakonam

Popular for the colorful and interesting fairs and festivals, Kumbakonam is amongst the popular tourist places near Chennai. 

Distance from Chennai: 305 km Best Time to Visit: October to June
How to visit from Chennai: There is a night train and buses from Chennai
Ideal Weekend Duration: 2-3 days trip
Places to Visit: Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Ramaswamy Temple, Patteeswaram Temple, Sarangapani Temple, Nageswara Swamy Temple, Chakrapani Temple, Navagraha Temples(entire day trip), Swami Malai temple (amongst the famous 6 temples of Lord Muruga), lot Divya Desam Temples near Sirkazhi

Ramaswamy Temple has Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Bharat, Hanuman. Ramayana in pictorial format is adorned on the walls of the temple is a must-see temple

Sarangapani Temple has Lord Vishnu in a sleeping pose and with Lakshmi Devi, Sridevi and Bhudevi is a must-see temple

Navagraha temples would need an entire day from morning 6:30 am till evening 8:45 pm if you want to cover all within a day. In Thirunallur Shaneeswara Temple, you might want to take a dip and remove the clothes there itself and wear a new one and enter the temple. Each Navagraha temples have prominence and advisable for the entire family to visit and get rid of the doshas

Pichavaram mangrove forest/lake will take 2-3 hrs off and visit early morning to beat the heat on a pleasure trip if you want.

Swami Malai is another beautiful and important temples of Lord Muruga

Weekend getway from Chennai - Chettinad

Chettinad is an interesting place to travel to whether you are an antiquarian or a tourist. Chettinad is famous as the land of Chettiars, the wealthiest merchant families in Tamil Nadu.

Distance from Chennai: 363 kms
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Ideal Weekend Duration: 2-3 days trip

Places to Visit: museums-the Kamban Mani Mandapam and the Kaviarsar Kannadhasan Mani Mandapam, Athmanathaswamy Temple, Chettiar Clan Temple, Karpagavinayagar Temple, the Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Devakottai is famous for the 108 statues of Vinayak.
Things to do: shopping in Chettinad you will be overwhelmed by the large number of antique shops and the range of antiques-from mugs and bowls from Czechoslovakia to bamboo boxes from Burma.Chettinad is the place where you can buy exquisite antique furniture as home décor.

Weekend getaway from Chennai - Rameshwaram

The city is a pilgrimage center being home to some of the most spectacular places of worship in the country and is amongst the best places to visit around Chennai. Apart from these pilgrims, Rameswaram is a small fishing town on an island by the name.

Distance from Chennai: 553 kms
Best Time to Visit: October- April
Ideal Weekend Duration: 2-3 days trip

Things to do: Due to the rich cultural heritage of the place, you’d be intrigued by the sightseeing options in Rameshwaram.

Take an overnight train to Rameshwaram or travel to Madurai and take a train/bus from there to Rameshwaram. Visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple in the morning. This is one of the Pancha bhoota lingams of Lord Shiva

Visit the Spatika linga darshan early morning, have the abhishekam prasad from Spatika Lingam. You can buy a special darshan ticket or through people who stand there, or through your hotel. I went at 4:30 am in the morning and the line was already big.

Later went to the line near where I can have 22 Theertha wells. Each well water had a different taste. Completed the bathing ritual

I took a ticket for Rudrabhishekam and had a wonderful and closeby darshan of Ramalingaswamy and went back to Chennai in the morning train itself.

You can stay entire day visit nearby temples, Dhanuskodi beach and then take a night train back to Chennai

Weekend getaway from Chennai - Chandragiri

Less than a four-hour drive from Chennai, Chandragiri is often overlooked as a weekend destination due to its proximity to Tirupati. However, if you happen to be in the Tamil Nadu capital, then be sure to spend a weekend here as Chandragiri too has a lot to offer; forts, palaces, lakes, waterfalls, museums and good food all make this as exciting and interesting a place as any down south.

• Distance from Chennai: 145 kilometres via the NH716
• Places to visit in Chandragiri: Chandragiri Fort, Chandragiri Lake, Raja Mahal Palace and Museum, Rani Mahal

Day getaway from Chennai - Thiruthani

A city of great religious significance, Thiruthani is approximately 80 kilometres from Chennai. Abundant in ancient religious sites to visit like the 2000-year-old Thiruthani Murugan Temple, as well as natural beauty all around.

The area is a well known and visited destination for devotees of Murugan as well as tourists from neighbouring states looking to spend a couple of days away from the city madness.

• Distance from Chennai: 90 kilometres via the NH716 and Salai Street
• Places to visit in Thiruthani: Thiruthani Murugan Temple, Thiruthani Hill, Shantipuri Shrine

Weekend getaway from Chennai - Pulikat

Less than two hours north of Chennai by road will lead you to Pulicat, a sleepy little seaside town in the Thiruvallur district. Best known for its saltwater lagoon, the second largest in the country, the place is also a haven for weekenders looking for some adventure in the local wildlife sanctuary or even those out for a romantic weekend or day trip with family and friends.

• Distance from Chennai: 54 kilometres by road
• Best Time to Visit: October to march. Between December and January, the Tourism Board organizes the Flamingo festival when thousands of the bird species align on the swampy regions of the Pulicat Lake.
• Places to visit in Pulicat: Pulicat Lake, Pulicat Sanctuary, Dutch Fort, Dutch Cemetery, two neighbouring villages of Vedurupattu and Nelapattu 

Short Trips from Chennai - blogs

https://www.treebo.com/blog/short-trips-from-chennai/

https://www.holidify.com/collections/road-trips-from-chennai

https://www.treebo.com/blog/weekend-getaways-from-chennai/

https://traveltriangle.com/blog/tourist-places-near-chennai/#/sticky-sidebar

Weekend getaway from Chennai - Vellore / Yelagiri

https://www.nativeplanet.com/travel-guide/chennai-to-vellore-an-exceptional-journey-with-unforgettable-spots/articlecontent-pf22235-004429.html

Situated at an approximate distance of 140 km from Chennai, Vellore is easily accessible by road. You can either take a bus from Chennai to Vellore or hire a cab.

One of the most cultural and historic cities in the South of India, Vellore is an amalgamation of the numerous dynasties that have ruled it over the centuries. Influences from these erstwhile rulers such as the Pandyas, Cholas, Vijayanagara kings, Carnatic Nawabs and British Raj can be seen all over the city in its rich architecture, culture and cuisine. About 3 hours west of Chennai, Vellore is a must visit weekend destination for anyone nearby.

• Distance from Chennai: 139 kilometres via the NH48
• Best Time to Visit: October- March
• Places to visit in Vellore: Palar River, Vellore Fort, Jalakanteshwara Temple, St. John’s Church, Srilakshmi Gold Temple, Sri varahaswami temple, sri venkateswara museum, wind energy harnessing

Weekend getaway from Chennai - Thanjavur

Formerly known as Tanjore, this place is an epitome of art, architecture, religion and most importantly, its paintings. In Thanjavur, you must visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites especially the Grand Temples built by Chola Dynasty. There is a temple with stories of mythology and history at every corner here. Just roam around at your pace and explore. You must buy a Tanjore painting as a souvenir from Thanjavur.

Where To Stay  -Hotel Yagappa (Rs 4000/night), Hotel Raks (Rs 1733/night)

Distance from Chennai: 383 Kilometres and you can take a train, bus or cab. Alternatively can club this along with Chidambaram, Kumbakonam &Thanjavur all together. Can reach by bus from Kumbakonam which is known as a temple town

Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur is a must-see temple. Across the circumference, there are a painting depicting different stories. The site has a temple for Lord Shiva and Nandi, Ganesha, Mahalakshmi, Subramanyeswara Swamy, Chandikeshwar and Nataraja Mandapam. Similar miniature version of this temple is the Gangakoinda Cholapuram temple and is beautiful for its carvings. This is on the way between Kumbakonam and Thanjavur

Weekend getaway from Chennai - Auroville/ Pondicherry

Free and international community living is the basic concept on which Auroville, a small township was built under the guidance of Shri Aurobindo and Mother to showcase how an ideal society should live. When you stay in Auroville you experience an alternate world where organic, sustainable and conscious living is a day-to-day reality. Solar kitchen, organic cafe, open shops and numerous NGO’s working on organic products and other concepts to facilitate better and empowered living is an unprecedented and inspiring. Stay here and spend a few conscious days of living. Do sit inside Matrimandir, the golden globe for some reflective moments. Food here is experimental with international flavour. My favourite is the wheat based thin crust pizza baked in wood fire J

Where To Stay - Grand Serenaa (Rs 2503/night), Auro Mandir (Rs 1599/night)

Distance from Chennai: 164.5 Kilometres

The uniqueness of Pondicherry from a traveller’s perspective lies in its French colonial flavours. The architecture of old houses some of which have been converted into restaurants and home stays, the soft brick roads, the cafe’s serving French inspired cuisine and residing French population are symbolic to the spirit of Pondicherry. Walk on the seaside promenade, watch the sunset at Serenity Beach, shop for trinkets in the main market and then end your day with wine and French dinner at one of the many authentic French restaurants. Villa Shanti, all done up in pristine white and a laid-back seating arrangement with hand-picked menu is my personal favourite. I can sit here for hours appreciating life, just like that.

Where To Stay –Ginger Hotel (Rs 1656/night), Le Chateau (Rs 2787/night)

Distance from Chennai: 171 Kilometres

Places to visit: Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Notre Dame des Anges, Auroville, Paradise beach, Gingee Fort, Viilianur temple, Jawahar Toy Museum, Le Club, Promenade Beach, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Sacred Heart Basilica and Sri ManakulaVinayagar temple

Day getaway from Chennai - Kanchipuram

You must be familiar with Kanjeevaram sarees but what you might not know is that there is a small town in Tamil Nadu, Kanchipuram where lies the origin of this world-famous fabric. Kanjeevaram sarees are not just sarees, they are stories of rich historical-socio-economic-cultural lives of people of this region woven together in six yards. Here, you can see artisans at work, some of them highly felicitated and even Padma Bhushan awardees. Get a sneak-peek into their lifestyle which is simple and heart-warming. There are a few ancient temples to see around. However, the highlight of Kanchipuram trip is Kanjeevaram saree shopping. We ended up buying sarees worth 50k in one visit. Trust me, it is addictive. Take your call before picking this destination. Maybe, the first weekend after the salary is credited is the best time to go to Kanchipuram

Other Places to visit in Kanchipuram: Kamakshi Amman, Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambareshwar Temple (one of Pancha Bhoota Lingams), Vaikuntha Perumal Temple (one of important 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu), Kanchi Kudil Museum, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Ulagananda Perumal Temple, Kuchabeswarar Temple, Pandava Dhoota Perumal Temple(Huge Lord Krishna vigraham), Chitragupta Swamy Temple

Also, visit  Kamakshi Amman Temple, Mangadu within Chennai from where goddess has worshipped for Lord Shiva and Adi Sankaracharya has installed a large Sri Chakram

Abhishekam for Kamakshi Amman gives a chance to be inside the Gayatri Mandapam and see Ammavaru and soak in her grace for some time. People often give sarees to Amman and often after their desires have been fulfilled.

Ekambareswarer Temple complex is magnificent and a must-see temple. It has a big temple pond within, a 3000-year-old mango tree amongst other idols and lingams within

Where To Stay: Regency Kanchipuram by GRT (Rs.3250/night), MMT Hotels next to Saravana Bhavan (Rs. 2300/night)

Distance from Chennai: 72 Kilometres

Can take a bus for Rs. 50/- or cab ~Rs. 1100 one way or can drive for 1 hr in your own car

Day getaway from Chennai - Mahabalipuram

A beautiful beach town with historical precedents which dates back to the 1st Century, Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Shore Temple built in the 8th Century is the main tourist attraction in Mahabalipuram. The setting sun, the roguish sea, and intrinsically carved ancient temple in the background are the ideal frame for a photography enthusiast. Pancha Rathas, Descent of Ganges, Tiger Cave and a few others are worth visiting for their historical and mythological relevance, while you appreciate awe-inspiring carving of those days. Wrap up your day with a bottle of chilled beer and fresh seafood at any of the sea-facing shacks after getting a relaxing Ayurvedic massage. The under two-hour drive along the East Coast Road is a great route too with much to see along the way

Where To Stay: Radisson Resort Temple Bay (Rs 7200/night), Indeco Mahabalipuram Hotel (Rs 4500/night)

Distance from Chennai: 56 Kilometres
Best Time to Visit: December to March

Best places to visit in Mahabalipuram: Shore Temple, Pancha Ratha, Varaha, Mahishasurmardini and Krishna Cave Temples, Sculpture museum famous for sculptures and paintings in the city

Long weekend getaway from Chennai - Cochin

• MAA
  Chennai
    
  COK
  Cochin
• Indigo
  6E-314
• 18:10
• 19:25
• Rs.2,283

Long weekend getaway from Chennai - Port Blair

• MAA
  Chennai
    
  IXZ
  Port Blair
• Air India
  AI-549
• 05:05
• 07:20
• Rs.5,486

Long weekend getaway to Gwalior

Gwalior - Shivpuri - Orchha - Khajuraho is another famous tourist circuit of Madhya Pradesh



Hyderabad has direct flight connectivity to Gwalior with Spicejet non-stop. Morning 5:50 am flight (2.35 hrs) and return journey to Hyderabad with Spicejet non-stop at afternoon 13:25 pm. Roundtrip costs around Rs. 7400 both ways




Major attractions


Gwalior: Gwalior Fort, Mansingh Palace, Tansen Tomb, Tiger Dam, Gopachal Parvat, Sun Temple, Sas Bahu Temples, Jai Vilas Palace, Scindia Museum, and Madhav National Park.

Known for its unique Chanderi sarees, can purchase Chanderi and Maheshwari Sarees


Khajuraho: Ajaigarh Fort, Panna National Park, Beni Sagar Dam, Archeological Museum, and temples of Kandariya Mahadev, Parsvanath, Visvanath, Devi Jagadamba, Vamana, Duladeo, Chitragupta, and Bijamandala



Shivpuri: Chhatri, Madhav National Park, Madhav Vilas Palace, Panihar, and Bhadaiya Kund



Orchha: Orchha Fort, Raja Ram Temple, Raja Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary, Palki Mahal, and Dinman Hardaul’s Palace



Ideal tour duration: 3 nights 4 days




Average package cost: INR 10,000 per person (with stay in 3-star properties on twin-sharing basis)

Madhya Pradesh - things to see

Madhya Pradesh needs some time to look at all the tourist places. You can divide this into 4 tourist circuits or drive through the entire state watching temples, historic sites, national parks, forts and waterfalls.

Indore - Ujjain - Maheshawar - Omkareshwar - Mandu
12,000 per person for 4N/3D
Fly into Indore.

Gwalior - Shivpuri - Orchha - Kahjuraho
10,000 per person for 3N/4D
Fly into Gwalior.

Sanchi - Bhopal - Bhojpur - Bhimbetka - Pachmarhi     
23,000 per person for 5N/6D.
Fly into Bhopal.

Jabalpur 0 Bhedaghat - Madla - Kanha - Bandhavgarh
33,000 per person for 6N/7D
Fly into Jabalpur

October to March is the best time to visit Madhya Pradesh as average temp. is between 5 C to 27 C.

Long Weekend getaway from Hyderabad - Indore

2N/3D Jyotirlinga Darshan

Indore - Ujjain - Indore - Omkareshwar -Maheswar - Indore (350 kms and 8.5 hrs travel time in 3 days)

Air flights are ~1732 to ~2300 one way from Hyderabad if booked in advance.

You have early flights like 4:40am/7:25am or in the evening like 3:15pm/6:05pm non-stop to Indore (Air Asia and Indigo). On the return you can leave at 9:30pm/5:15pm/12:35pm/9:25am


Day 1:
On Arrival to Indore, leave to Ujjain (55kms - 1:15 mins)
Sightseeing & Darshan of Ujjain Mahankaleshwar Temple
Back to Indore (1.15 mins)
Indore city tour and food tour (Poha with Chai and much more of street food)

Day 2
Departure to Omkareshwar Temple. Enroute visit Omkar Mandhata temple and Siddhanath Temple in Omkareshwar (77 km - 2.30 hrs).
Departure to Maheshwar (65 km - 1.31 km). Do some shopping of Maheswar Sarees/Dupatta/Dress Material.
Stay overnight in Maheshwar

Day 3
Visit Rajarajeshwara Temple and Maheshwar Fort in the morning and depart to Indore  (95 kms - 2.30 hrs)
Fly back to Hyderabad

Ujjain -
Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple [Shayan Aarti (10.30 pm - 11pm) and Bhasm Aarti in the morning (4-6 am) are worth booking online]. Otherwise 1 hrs.
Harsiddhi Temple of goddess Annapurna, 30 minutes
Kal Bhairav Temple, 30 mins.
Sri Saneeshwara Navagraha Temple near Triveni Ghat, 30 mins.

Indore - Street Food

Omkarehwar - Shri Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga & Temple, Mamleshwar Temple, Siddhant Temple, idols of 24 avatars. 

Maheshwar - Holkar Fort, Rajwada, Jaleshwar temple, Narmada Ghat, Ahilyeshwar Temple

Average package tour 12,500 per person with 3-star properties and twin sharing basis