3 Scenic Road Trips From Hyderabad To Goa

Goa, a hot spot all year round for tourists, is India’s party hub. Visited by domestic and international tourists equally, it is known for its golden beaches, shacks, affordable alcohol and vibrant festivals. Not just parties, Goa is known for its traditional Portuguese culture and architecture, its delicious seafood, flea markets, churches and statues.

A road trip from Hyderabad to Goa is a long one, taking around 13 to 14 hours, but it is also one of the top road trips in India that you will thoroughly enjoy! The route is marked with excellent sights and experiences. Driving through the Western Ghats will be one of the highlights of your trip.

Best Time To Visit

Between November to February is the best time to visit Goa. The weather is mellow. Temperature is low and the humidity is next to nothing. This weather makes it a great time to relax on the beaches. Monsoons are also a good time for a road trip with the roads and streets donning a fresh charm. Summers can get hot and humid but can still be enjoyable.

How To Get There

You can fly or take the train. Buses also operate frequently between Hyderabad and Goa with bus ticket price starting from Rs. 800. But, given that the distance from Hyderabad to Goa is just around 700 kilometres, you could take your car or bike, too!

Route Options

Pick from the following three itineraries for your Hyderabad to Goa road trip.

Route 1: The Raichur Route

Route Map

Hyderabad → Mahabubnagar → Raichur → Sindhanur → Dharwad → Anmod → Goa

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This route will take around 14 hours across NH 44 and 167, spanning 652 kilometres. It is the most preferred route when making the trip from Hyderabad to Goa by road. On your way, here are some stops to explore that will make the journey even more fun and worthwhile.

Popular Stopovers on Raichur Route

• Pilla Marri Giant Banyan Tree: Before you reach Mahabubnagar, visit this gigantic banyan tree that is believed to be over 500 years old.
• Gadwal Fort: Once you leave Mahabubnagar, enroute Raichur, you will be on Gadwal Road. Here you can visit this old fort which is now converted into a college.
• Raichur Fort: This is a historical fort with great views and photo opportunities.
• Anjaneya Temple: Visit this ancient temple in Raichur where a saint meditated for 12 years. A peaceful spot.
• Unkal Lake: On Dharwad-Hubli Road, visit this lush lake, take a stroll or go boating.
• Nrupatunga Betta: Visit this hilltop in Unkal to be refreshed by its calm atmosphere and greenery.
• Syntheri Rock: Syntheri Rock is a gorgeous rock surrounded by water in the middle of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Dudhsagar Falls: Do visit this four-tiered waterfall, a special attraction of the region and enjoy various adventure activities here.

Route 2: The Belgaum Route

Route Map

Hyderabad → Zaheerabad → Kalaburagi(Gulbarga) → Bagalkot → Belgaum → Mollem → Goa

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This route is a scenic one, passing through Zaheerabad and Belgaum across NH 65 and NH 50. It will take you around 14 hours across 680 kilometres. You can stay overnight in Gulbarga if you wish to visit all the amazing ancient ruins in Bagalkot.

Places to stay : Hotels in Belgaum

Popular Stopovers on Belgaum Route

• Gulbarga Fort: Home to world’s longest cannon, visit this fort for its quiet ambience.
• Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah: A historic Sufi monument known for its soulful atmospherics.
• Buddha Vihar: Inside these sprawling premises, find peace and meditative vibes. Check out the Buddha statue and a well-manicured garden.
• Badami Caves: Well-preserved Chalukyan-era rock-cut caves will transport you to a mystical space.
• Malegitti Shivalaya Fort and Temples: Located on a hilltop opposite Badami caves, the temple is majestic but requires a little trek.
• Bhutnath Temple: Located near Agastya Lake, this peaceful temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Lad Khan Temple: This is actually a Shiva temple, named after a Muslim commander who supposedly lived inside the temple.
• Banashankari Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Shakambari, this is a finely carved temple, serene and exquisite.
• Pattadakal Monuments: A detour from Bagalkot will land you in Pattadakal among these exquisite Chalukya monuments.
• Belagavi Fort: Head to Belgaum and check out this old, well-maintained fort with temple and ashram built inside.
• Gokak Falls: Best to visit during the monsoons, these falls are located near Belgaum. Enjoy water sports here.

Route 3: The Kurnool Route

Route Map

Hyderabad → Mahabubnagar → Kurnool → Ballari → Hospet → Hubli → Dharwad → Goa

View Map

This is a great route, albeit slightly longer. It will take around 15 hours across via NH 44 and 67 across 730 kilometers.

Stay overnight in Hampi if the journey gets too tiring, especially if you wish to explore every stop on the itinerary we have planned below.

Popular Stopovers on Kurnool Route

• Konda Reddy Fort: Make a quick stop at Kurnool city’s landmark fort. It offers great views of the city.
• Bellum Caves: A few kilometres after crossing Kurnool, you will come across these naturally-formed caves with curious rock formations of different shapes and textures.
• Yaganti Temples: a Beautifully created temple in Kurnool, with caves and a famous Nandi statue.
• Bellary Fort: A unique fort in Bellary built by Tipu Sultan has some distinct water and rock formations.
• Daroji Bear Sanctuary: Located in Bellary, this sanctuary is the only place to find sloth bears in India. An essential stop for wildlife enthusiasts.
• Hampi Ruins: Head over to Hampi and enjoy its UNESCO heritage ruins. This may turn into a longer visit since there is a lot to see at Hampi.

Safety Measures And Tips

• The road to Kurnool is in excellent conditions. So no hassles there.
• Post Hampi enroute Goa, you may face a bad stretch and some zigzagging too.
• Once you enter the ghats on any route, you may have to navigate carefully. There will be locals and animals that you will have to watch out for when you drive.
• Consult Google Maps at times of bypasses and diversions. But also check with the locals to be doubly sure.
• As all routes pass through major towns, eateries will be plenty. But you may hit some stretches where restroom or restaurant qualities may not be up to the mark. Keep snacks and water in your car.
• Beware of monkeys at tourist pit stops. They will snatch things off of you.
• The drive is long on all routes, plan your overnight stays in advance. Even if you don’t plan to stop anywhere, it is advisable to leave early in the morning.

All in all, all three itineraries mentioned above will make your road trip as exciting as it gets. Figure out which route suits you the most, get packing and get going. Leave information, questions and comments in the comment box below.

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