We know Hyderabad is one of the best cosmopolitan cities in India. It always looks busy with people moving around the clock from morning to night. But to the surprise, many surrounding places near Hyderabad are well-known for many prominent religious attractions. To escape from the hustle and bustle lifestyle of the city and to relax in peace and spirituality, many places around Hyderabad are there for you. Do you feel like taking a break from this chaotic city lifestyle, then pack your bags for these wonderful and serene religious destinations with your family or friends? Let’s go deep what are the best-known religious places to visit around Hyderabad.
Exploring 10 Renowned Spiritual Sites Near Hyderabad:
1. Yadagirigutta (65 km)
Yadagirigutta is like a pinnacle of Telangana religious tourism. Very close to Hyderabad, Yadagiriguttaalso known as Yadadriis a well-known religious spot to explore. The newly constructed temple is like a masterpiece of architecture that reflects the olden day’s glory. The place is home to Lord Narasimha Swamy temple. Here Lord Narasimha Swamy appears in five forms known as Yogananda Narasimha, Jwala Narasimha, Ugra Narasimha, Lakshmi Narasimha, and Gandaberunda Narasimha. Due to this reason, this place is also called Pancha Narasimha Kshetram.
The important portions of the temple complex to explore are Prahlada Varadan Temple, Dasavatara Temples, and Nandi Shrine. During Vaikunta Ekadasi, the annual festival will be celebrated. At that time, the temple looks glorious and alluring.
2. Chilkur Balaji Temple (30 km)
Chilukur Balaji Temple is like the next Tirumala near Hyderabad. Many people who couldn’t visit Tirumala visit this temple. The temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara is one of the oldest temples. It has a history of nearly 500 years. A very interesting thing about this temple is it is also called Visa Temple. Those who face issues in getting a visa used to visit the temple and get their wish to happen.
Also, if any problems are not getting solved many people visit this temple. If their problems get solutions devotees will perform 108 Pradakshanas to the temple. Another interesting thing about the temple is it doesn’t hold a hundi for gift offerings. Like these, many things about Chilukuri Balaji Temple made it famous.
Read also: Unforgettable Road Trips from Hyderabad in September
3. Kolanupaka (80km)
Kolanupaka is a wonderful village known for its magnificent 2000-year-old Jain Temple. Among all Jain Temples, this temple is one of the important temples known for its exquisite architectural styles. The temple houses three main idols namely Lord Rishabha, Lord Mahavira, and Lord Neminath. These three are the important Tirthankarsof Jainism. Their idols are great examples of magnificent architectural styles. Apart from these three main idols, the other eight Tirthankara idols are other important attractions of the Temple.
The temple was built using red stone and white marble and its intricate architectural styles too made this one of the famous Jain Temples in India. Apart from this Temple, Someshwara Temple, which dates back 800 years is another important religious place to witness.
4. Edupayala Vana Durga Bhavani Temple (85 km)
Located near Nagasanpally, Edupayala Vana Durga Bhavani Temple is a peaceful religious place to visit near Hyderabad. This temple was built in the 12th century and it is also considered a powerful temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple was located at the confluence of the seven streams of the Majeera River.
During the rainy season, almost all of the temple gets submerged. To enjoy the beauty of nature and soak in spirituality, this temple is a desired place. At the time of Shivaratri, a three-day Jatara will be celebrated at this temple. It is a grand festival of the temple to witness. Most probably this Jatara takes place in February.
5. Vemulawada (150 km)
Once the capital of Chalukyas, Vemulawada is a favourite place of Lord Shiva. This place is quite famous for its Rajarajeshwara Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In this temple, Lord Shiva is called Rajarajeshwara, who is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple complex houses other important temples dedicated to Anantha Padmanabha Swamy, Kondanda Rama, Bhimeshwara Swamy, and Kasi Visweswara.
Apart from this temple, many other ruined temples showcase the brilliant architecture of Chalukyas and Satavahanas, who once ruled this place. During Shivaratri, Karthika Masam, and Sravana Masam, the temple receives a large number of devotees from all corners of Telangana.
6. Pangal (170 km)
Located in Nalgonda, Pangalis a beautiful village known for its famous Chaya Someswara Temple. The special attraction of the temple is on the main deity of Shivalingam, a pillar shadow will fall throughout the day until sunlight fails. Due to this reason, it is called Chaya Someswara Temple. Chaya means shadow. This temple was built in the 12th century by Cholas.
The architecture of the temple stands as the major attraction especially making shadow on the main deity with technically aligned pillars. Apart from the Lord Shiva temple, other temples dedicated to Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu are the other important attractions of the temple.
7. Kondagattu (175 km)
Kondagattuis quite familiar with its popular Anjaneya Swamy Temple. It is located on a hillock surrounded by lush greenery. The temple on the hillock looks great and majestic like Hanuman. The main deity of the temple is Lord Hanuman and other small shrines are dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, Goddess Sri Laxmi, and Alwar.
During Hanuman Jayanti, this temple receives a huge number of devotees from all corners of Telangana. A great belief about the temple is people who do have not babies will be blessed if they perform 40 days of Deeksha to Lord Hanuman. Apart from this temple, Bojjapotana Caves and Kondalaraya Fort are the wonderful tourist attractions of the place.
8. Somasila (190 km)
Somasila is a small village known for its massive Sri Lalitha Someswara Swamy Temple. It is one of the famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in Telangana. The temple complex comprises a total of 15 temples, each temple dedicated to different Shivalingas.
It is also one of the oldest temples of Telangana, which dates back to the 7th century. During Mahashivaratri and Karthika Pournami, the temple is crowded with thousands of devotees. Besides, the picturesque beauty around the temple will also make you enjoy the serene surroundings.
9. Jatprole (195 km)
Located on the banks of the river Krishna, Jatprole is a famous and historical attraction near Hyderabad. As per the mythological stories, this is the place where Jatayuvu fought with Ravana to save Sita from him. Due to this reason, this place is called Jatproleor Jetaprolu.
When it comes to religious attractions, Madana Gopala Swamy Temple and Shiva Temples are stands are major religious places in the village. Madana Gopala Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is the major attraction of the place with its stunning architectural styles. Beside the Madana Gopal Swamy Temple, a group of Shivalayasare the other important religious places.
10. Basara (210 km)
Nestled on the banks of river Godavari, Basara is a well-known religious place near Hyderabad for its Saraswati Temple. In entire India, Basara’s Saraswati Temple is one of the oldest temples dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi. People visit the temple to perform Askhara Abyasam to their children at this temple.
It means a learning ceremony. Apart from this temple, Sri Dattatreya Temple, Sri Mahankali Temple, Sri Vyasa Maharshi Guha, and Sri Vedavathi Shila are other important religious attractions of the place. Basara is a wonderful destination to seek the blessings of the Goddess of Wisdom and the beautiful nature surrounding us.
11. Kotilingala (216 km)
Located at the confluence of the rivers Godavari and Peddavagu, Kotilingala is an amazing religious place. This place is quite famous for Sri Koteswara Siddeshwara Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple was built during the 2nd and 3rd centuries by the rulers of Satavahanas.
In Telangana, this is one of the must-visit oldest temples. This temple was located in Kotilingala Fort, which was built with mud. It will be interesting to experience this type of mud fort. During Shivaratri, the temple receives great footfall from all parts of Telangana.
12. Alampur (220 km)
Alampuris a must-visit religious and historical site near Hyderabad. The place is a great place to witness the rich culture and heritage. The major attractions of the place are Jogulamba Temple, Navabrahma Temples, and Sangameswara Temple. Each temple has its history and legacy to recall. Apart from all, Jogulamba Temple is the must-visit place of the location, which is one of the Shakti Peeta. But the original temple was destroyed in invasions, new one was constructed in 2005.
Besides, the Navabrahma temples are also iconic attractions of the place. But due to invasions, many were destroyed only remnants left. Among all the nine temples, Bala Brahma Temple is the major and active temple to visit. All three important religious attractions of the place are situated nearby.
13. Srisailam (230 km)
Srisailam is a famous religious spot for Lord Shiva devotees. This place is home to the famous Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple, which is one of the Jyothirlingamsof Lord Shiva. The temple was built during the 2nd century and under different kingdoms it was elaborated. The Dravidian style of architecture is a special attraction to witness here. A special attraction of the temple is its other shrine dedicated to Bhramarambika and it is a rare kind of Lord Shiva presence. During Shivaratri, the temple receives a great number of devotees from the two Telugu states.
Akka Mahadevi Caves, Shikaresvara Temple, Mallela Theertham, Sakshi Ganapathi Temple, and Pathala Ganga are other important religious places. Apart from religious attractions, Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Sanctuary, Srisailam Dam, and Nallamala forest range for adventurous activities are the best tourist attractions.
14. Mantralayam (255 km)
Nestled on the banks of river Tungabhadra, Mantralayam is a peaceful and serene place. It is a popular religious attraction in both Telugu states. Sri Guru Raghavendra performed Jeeva Samadhi in this place. Due to this reason, the place is quite famous for the Mantralaya Mutt complex.
The important places to visit in the complex are Manchalamma Temple and Guru Raghavendra Samadhi. Also, a very important instruction of the mutt is whoever wants to visit the place must come in traditional dresses only. To just soak in spirituality in a calm and serene place, Mantralayam is the best choice.
15. Kaleshwaram (260 km)
Kaleshwaram is a popular religious place for its famous Sri Kaleshwara Muktheshwara Swamy Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva but the specialty is it houses two Shivalingason on a single pedestal. As per the mythological stories, one Shivalinga was established by Yama, and in the same place, Lord Shiva also appeared.
Due to this reason, here you witness two Shivalingas. The place is also famous for the confluence of rivers Godavari, Pranahita, and Saraswathi. Because of the confluence, the place is also known as Dakshina Triveni Sangamam. During Shivaratri and Karthika masam, the place receives a large number of devotees from all the neighbouring states of Telangana.
16. Vijayawada (280 km)
Located on the banks of the river Krishna, Vijayawada is a famous religious place for Goddess Durga devotees. The place is quite famous for Kanaka Durga Temple, which is one of the important temples in Andhra Pradesh. As per the mythological stories, Goddess Durga rested in this place after killing a rakshasa. That is why it is called the “Land of Vicory” which means Vijayawada in Telugu. Apart from this temple, Mangalagiritemple is also another important religious attraction.
For tourist attractions also Vijayawada is a well-known place. Here you can visit Gandhi Hill, Praksham Barrage, Magalarajapuram Caves, Rajiv Gandhi Park, Victoria Museum, and Bhavani Island.
17. Yaganti (305 km)
Yaganti is a familiar religious place in Andhra Pradesh known for Uma Maheshwara Temple. This temple located in the Yerramal Hills with surrounding picturesque natural attractions looks beautiful and serene. The special attraction of the temple is the idol of Lord Shiva in the form of Ardhanareeswara, which means half Goddess Parvathi and other Lord Shiva.
Also, it is one of the few temples that houses Lord Shiva not in the form of Lingam. Another important attraction of the temple is its undisturbed Pushkarini without any water resources nearby. Besides the temple, the nature around the temple mesmerizes the people. A religious trip to this place is a perfect choice for people who love nature.
18. Bhadrachalam (315 km)
Bhadrachalamis a sacred religious destination for the devotees of Lord Rama. The Badrachalam temple dedicated to Lord Rama is the major attraction of the place. Located on the banks of river Godavari, this sacred religious destination is a wonderful choice to visit the temple. Other important places to visit near the place are Ushnagundam and Parnasala.
Each place has a connection to Lord Rama’s stories during exile. During Sri Rama Navami and Karthika Pournami, the temple receives great footfall from the two Telugu states. Just to soak in spirituality and serenity, Badrachalam is a wonderful place to visit near Hyderabad.
19. Mahanandi (315 km)
In Andhra Pradesh, Mahanandi is a prominent religious site belonging to Lord Shiva. The place is known for Mahanandiswara Temple built between the 7th and 15th centuries. Among Lord Shiva Temple, this temple is one of the best-known places. The architectural works of Vijayanagarastyles stand as major attractions in the temple.
Another important attraction of the temple is its crystal clear Pushakarini, even a small object dropped appears at any depth. Miraculously, it flows throughout the year without a stop. During Mahashivaratri, the temple receives a huge number of devotees. Apart from this temple, Kodanda Ramalayam, Kameswari Devi Temple, and the nine Nandi Temples are other important religious places.
20. Ahobilam (355 km)
Ahobilam is a famous religious site for the devotees of Lord Narasimha, who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The place is famous for the Nava Narasimha Kshetra means the 9 prominent temples of Lord Narasimha in different forms. Namely, they areAhobila Narasimha, Jwala Narasimha, Malola Narasimha, Kaaranja Narasimha, Kroda Narasimha, Yogananda Narasimha, Bhargava Narasimha, Paavana Narasimha, and Chathravata Narasimha. Among all, Ahobila Narasimha is the prominent one and a must-visit temple. Some temples are not so easy to reach that people have to trek. The temples located in Nallamala Hills give a wonderful experience of enjoying nature besides spirituality.
All these are some of the best religious destinations near Hyderabad to escape from the chaotic city for a while. Just plan a weekend and set a route map to one of these places and enjoy a memorable religious trip near Hyderabad. Hope you can find some of the best religious sites near Hyderabad with this write-up.
Recommended Reads:
