Bangalore to Hyderabad Road Trip

Hey planning on driving down to Hyderabad from Bangalore this week, short trip to meet some friends. Wanted to see if anyone has made the trip recently and how the roads/driving experience is? I've never done a long road trip before and want to know if night driving is recommended or should i stick to early morning only? Any other tips around safety, food and vehicle would be greatly appreciated! Also, its only me for now so if anyone is interested you're more than welcome to join! I have a hatchback and don't mind having company for the journey :)