#Hyderabad, the pearl city of #India, represents the blissful combination of rich heritage and modernization. Located on the banks of the Musi River, the city has carved out a place for itself as the cultural capital of South India. It was once the home of some of the greatest patrons of art and literature. This rich historical background dating back to 400 years ago is well preserved till date.
The confluence of unique culture, delicious traditional food and thrilling adventure parks makes it a must visit holiday destination in India. This place is known for the swanky Charminar, IT hub, and Snow World to beat the scorching heat. Hyderabad has awesome tourist attractions like Golconda fort, Birla Mandir, Lumbini Park, Falaknuma Palace, Salar Jung Museum, Moazzam Jahi Market, KBR Park, Shilparamam etc.
Do not miss the Thousand Pillar Temple, the Warangal Fort, the temple and the Ramappa lake, Kush Mahal, Pakhal Lake as well as wildlife reserve, Tadwai, Bhadrakali Temple, Khazipet Dargha, Fatima Churches, Kolanupaka, Pembarti, Eturungaram, Cheriyal. A few others at Hyderabad would include the public gardens, Nehru Zoo, Sudha Cars museum, chowmahalla palace, king koti palace, Ramoji Film City, paigah tombs etc.
Fantastic shopping places like Koti, Abids, Laad bazaar, Begum bazaar, Book bazaar and numerous shopping centers are together an icing on the cake for your already overwhelming list of things city has to offer. Have you ever wondered how south Indian delicacies like idli be made interesting with a little of masala touch?
Well, visit these places and you would not end with just one visit. Also, you would be surprised to know that Ram ki bandi opens at 3 in the morning and closes at around 6.
The iconic Charminar monument and ancient mosques like Mecca Masjid loom over the otherwise insignificant streets, as silent witnesses to the city's rich past. This is also a city of extremes: head west to Cyberabad and you'll wonder if you've suddenly ended up in high-tech Japan. However, if you don't have too much time, focus on the historic heart of the city and its magnificent architecture.
These tourist places in Hyderabad will not fail to amaze you:
1. Charminar
The main attraction of Hyderabad is Charminar, built in 1591 in the center of the old perimeter of the city. Charminar is the landmark face of Hyderabad. Located in the old city, this 4 towered structure was constructed in 1591 and continues to mesmerize travellers from all over the world. Charminar is also referred to as the Arc De Triomphe of the east; the structure is adorned by 4 towers that rise up to a height of 48.7 meters.
Built in the traditional indo-Islamic style of architecture, the night light show is a mesmerizing sight to behold. This is one of the biggest mosques in India. The architectural style is Indo-Islamic, characterized by Persian and Turkish influences. It has four huge gateways known as Tappa leading into the mosque, which is surrounded by a walled compound with single-storey shops on its perimeter.
Laad Bazar is situated next to the Charminar. Here, you will find shops that sell excellent perfumes, jewellery and garments. Not too far from the Charminar, situated between Laad Bazaar and Moti Chowk is the Perfume Market. As the name suggest, it's perfumes and more perfumes that you find here-ittar, or regionally produced perfumes that come in beautiful glass vials.
If you are looking for antique items, this is the place to go. From quaint chandeliers to unique crockery, from wooden chests to replicas of monuments, you’d find all the unique and antique items in Antique Market. You can find these shops near Murgi Chowk, close to the Charminar.
2. Golconda Fort
From Hyderabad, you can visit Fort Golconda. Located about 11 kms away from the main city of Hyderabad, Golconda fort is a fascinating historical piece of art. The fort has many palaces, mosques, tombs and gardens. There are a lot many attractions for tourists to enjoy here. It is situated at an elevation of about 708 m. Built by the Qutub Shahi kings, and consists of 8 massive gates and 87 bastions. The majestic walls of the fort rise up to a height of 18 feet. The fort is also known for being built ahead of its time.
This is clear through its construction of impressive water supply systems, surrounding acoustics and the presence of canons. A sound and light show also takes place at night which is narrated by Amitabh Bachchan and should not be missed. Choose a day when the sun's not too bright. Be prepared for the climb but once you reach the top of Golconda fort, the view is worth all the huffing and puffing.
One of the most popular tourist spots in Hyderabad, this fort is often called Hyderabad's Crown Jewel. The stone fort was built by the Qutb Shahi dynasty in 1687 and was ruled till 1754 when it was captured and annexed by the Mughal Empire. If antique coins and locks interest you, do stop by a person who sells ancient coins right outside the gates of the fort.
3. Ramoji Film City
You can also visit Ramoji Film City and spend an entire day in colorful world. It is one of the popular filming locations with numerous movies having been shot here in recent times. Made in 1991, Ramoji is one of the largest film cities in India. It has the capacity to hold over 50 different filming units at once.
Spread out over an area of 2,500 acres and located 30 kms away from Hyderabad, it also holds a position in the Guiness book of world records. The varieties of architectural styles and sound facilities makes it the perfect place for pre and post production of any film. The sets here range from the Hollywood sign and landscapes to action and interactive entertainment.
One day must be completely devoted to RFC. Don't plan any other place on this since you will be severely tired. Once you reach the base of the road leading to RFC, switch off your GPS and follow the path that the security guard tells you to reach the ticket counter. Just like Bangalore and Bangalore airport, the ticker counter and the main park are situated in different places.
It is better to have breakfast before reaching the ticket counter. Buy the normal ticket instead of the star experience. From the ticket counter, you will be taken to the park on a bus. Well the park is fantastic. No two words about it. The Ramayana Mahabharata set, Baahubali set, the guided film tour, the eco zones are all wonderful. It is a must visit experience.
However, you can't cover everything in one day. Also, your entire stay there will be sort of pre determined. Alight at the park and climb a bus for the guided film tour. They will end it at the Mahabharata set. From there get on the next bus to a fake railway station. From there get on a bus to a fake airport and from there get on a bus to Japanese Garden, Hawa Mahal etc.
From there get on a bus to the Bahubali set and finally back to the park for the carnival. So if you want to suddenly go to the Alampana theater or the Wild west shows, it wont be possible unless you are willing to walk to the opposite end of the park. If you are exiting the park at around 5 pm, you can visit the Sanghi temple as well.
4. Lumbini Park
Named after the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini Park was established by the Hyderabad Urban development in 1994. It is the perfect place to spend a day out with the family. The park is decorated with flowering plants, a giant clock, musical fountain and laser shows. Spread out over an area of 7.5 acres, this park is placed in the centre of the city and very close to other tourist attractions of Hyderabad.
This makes Lumbini park easy to incorporate during your Hyderabad tour.
5. Salar Jung Museum
A place worth visiting is the Salar Jung Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of antiquities in the world. If you are a curious soul and are wondering about the history of Hyderabad, then a visit to Salar Jung museum is just the place. Salar Jung is one of the 3 national museums of India.
Initially it was a private collective belonging to the royal Salar Jung family of Hyderabad. After the death of Salarjung the 3rd, this private art collection was endowed to the nation. The museum holds various collections of sculptures, ceramics, and furniture from Egypt, Nepal, Europe, China, Japan and a range of textiles among other interesting stuff.
The museum has a collection of sculptures and antique idols from the Chalukyan, Hoysala, Kakatiya and Vijayanagar period. The most precious idol here is that of Venkateswara. Tourists can also see historical stories in this museum.
6. Tank Bund
Tank bund is a scenic and historical sightseeing location in Hyderabad. The lake holds immense historical significance because the treaty between the Mughals and Golconda was settled on its banks. The term bund means a dam in local language which is constructed to control the water flow. The tank bund road is known for connecting Hyderabad and Secunderabad and walking or driving alongside it is a refreshing experience.
7. Chilkur Balaji Temple
Chilkur Balaji is a temple known for a very unique reason. Also referred to as Visa Balaji, with the presiding deity being Lord Venkateswara, the temple is known for blessing the devotees with Visas if they need it. Devotees looking to get their visa approved have to perform 11 Parikramas around the temple in order to get their wish granted.
Known for its incredible architecture the temple is also famous for being one of the oldest temples in Hyderabad.
8. Purani Haveli
The majestic Purani Haveli, the palace acquired by the second Nizam, has now become a museum with a fascinating collection. The museum exhibits gifts and souvenirs presented to the past Nizam. A 1930 Rolls Royce, Packard and a Jaguar Mark V are some of the antique cars shown here.
9. Hussain Sagar
Hussain Sagar is a manmade lake that was built in 1562 by Hussain Quli Qutb Shah, the second ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. The lake was created to protect the city from floods. It has an average depth of 4 m and its width varies from 400 to 800 meters. The fort was built in 1610 and it houses several tombs which are very popular among tourists. The place offers a lovely view of sunset and sunrise.
In the middle of Hussain Sagar, located in the center of the city, stands a gigantic Buddha statue.
10. Taramati Baradari
A little beyond the fort, is Taramati Baradari, a baradari constructed by Qutb Shah for his favourite courtesan Taramati, hence the name.
11. Qutub Shahi Tombs
In the vicinity, one kilometer from the Banjara Darwaza of Golconda Fort, are the tombs of the legendary Qutb Shah. Before entering the fort area, there lie the tombs of the qutb shah rulers. The Qutub Shah tombs are a set of around 44 tombs, 7 of which belong to the 7 rulers.
12. Birla Mandir
Choose to visit Birla temple either early mornings or early evening. The view of the sun rising or setting is breath taking. This is one of the best and the most serene places to visit in Hyderabad.
Little do the people of Hyderabad know about the Ananda Buddha Vihara. Situated at the highest point of the Mahendra Hills, this temple is known for two things - serenity and beauty.
13. Shamirpet Lake
Although the Shamirpet lake isn't its original size at present, these two lakes are the perfect picnic spots. They form a good place for a family outing.
14. Osman Sagar
If you are a bike enthusiast, you would find several Royal Enfield or Harley bikers making their weekends a bike filled one, their destination being the Osman Sagar lake. True beauties!
15. Kasu Brahmanandha Reddy National Park
Located in Jubilee hills and Banjara Hills of Hyderabad, KBR National Park is the perfect place for a family day out. Spread out over an area of 400 acres, the national park is home to a variety of flora and fauna species. You can check out animals and birds like small Indian civets, jungle cats, peacocks, a variety of reptiles and more.
Due to its royal past, the national park also contains an impressive palace inside which is a must visit. The park is the perfect adventurous and nature getaway within the city, which is rare in India.
From adventure to history and from serenity to spirituality, Hyderabad is every traveller’s dream destination.