Hyderabad is the city of the Nizam and well known for its rich heritage, monuments and modernity. You can enjoy the spectacular sights and delicious street food. This city located in the Southern part of the country is nicknamed ‘India’s New York’. It is also popular for Biryani a hot favourite among millions across the globe.
Places that you should visit in Hyderabad during the trip
- Charminar: It is among the major attractions here and has 4 towers, defining this city. It was constructed by Md. Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 and served as a mosque. The structure is about 56m high and has 4 minarets and 4 arches. Hence its name ‘Char Minar’. Presently, it is located within the heart of the city’s main bazaar witnessing busy crowds. When visiting this place, do make sure to have the different types of street food served on stalls located along the Charminar. Also check out the famous market ‘Lad Bazaar’. It is a wonderful place for shop for bangles of different colours, designs and styles.
- Golconda Fort: This fort survived three centuries ruled by several dynasties before the Qutb Shahis had occupied it during the 16th They made it their citadel atop the granite hill of 120m height enclosed by huge ramparts. Fortifications with a perimeter of 11km can be noticed. Later in 1687, This fort was occupied by Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor. You can get to see the dusty foothills from its summit. You can also hire a guide who can provide you with valuable information and stories about the fort and its surroundings. There is also held a light and sound show every day in English language throughout the year.
- Qutb Shahi Tombs: The tombs are considered to be a mixture of 40 mausoleums, 23 mosques, several pavilions and a hammam. They date from Qutb Shahi dynasty times and are being currently renovated by the government. The bodies of 7 out of 8 rulers of the Qutb Shahi dynasty are kept here under domed granite roofs. However, one such fine tomb is of Md. Qutb Quli Shah, considered to be Hyderabad city’s original founder. Other tombs are also located here belonging to nobility, physicians and courtesans. Close to the entrance is an exhibition, where you can gather valuable information about the place.
- Mecca Masjid: It is considered to be the largest mosques in the world and can hold about 10,000 people simultaneously. This masjid is also claimed to be Hyderabad’s oldest buildings and was constructed by Md. Quli Qutb Shah in 1617. Rocks were brought from Mecca, Saudi Arabia to construct this masjid, thus deriving its name. Close to its courtyard are tombs of several Nizams who once ruled the city.
- Ramoji Film City: It is considered to be the largest integrated film city in the world covering an area of about 2,000 acres. If you are a cine-freak, then you should visit this place and get to see the magic shown in Indian cinema. There are various types of entertainment activities for all ages. You can find here a bird park, multi-cuisine restaurants, Kids Park, etc. You should visit this place with your children and spend the whole day to get fully entertained. There are also conducted tours offered here like Ramoji Star Experience, Ramoji Day Tour, Winter fest premium experience, winter fest day tour, winter fest noon fiesta, etc.
- Hussain Sagar Lake: Secunderabad and Hyderabad are considered to be twin cities. The lake adorns this place like a necklace since 1562 and is the country’s largest man-made lakes. Families and couples can visit this lake at any time of the year to enjoy their picnic and relax or have a boat ride. There is constructed a Buddha statue at the lake’s middle part, which enhances charm of the place.
- Chowmahalla Palace: This palace served as the Nizam’s palace and is well defined by eye-catchy garden courtyards and stately buildings. However, a magnificent hall, named, the Khilwat Mubarak is the most interesting place here. The Nizam held ceremonies under the 19 huge Belgian crystal chandeliers. You can also come across inexpensive historical exhibits that ranges from personal possessions like old photographs, royal wedding outfits, handwritten Qurans and art & craft. Check out the interesting collection of vintage carriages and cars belonging to different Nizams. The rich collection also boasts of beauties like the 1911 Yellow coloured Rolls Royce as well as the 1937 Buick convertible. You are sure to fall in love with this once underrated tourist place. It is also stated to be the world’s only car museum, where you can find quirky looking handmade cars meant for presentation.
- Birla Mandir: This temple was constructed in 1976 with marble and located on Kalapahad (Black Mountain), overlooking Hussain Sagar Lake. This sacred place is frequented by Hindu devotees and is known for its calm atmosphere. There are engraved scenes taken from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata on the marble. You can find a replica statue of Lord Tirupati Venkateswara in the inner sanctum.
- Salar Jung Museum: It is one of the country’s three national museums having treasures of Salar Jung III (Mir Yusuf Ali Khan). This museum can be termed to be a treasure trove especially for art lovers. It contains artefacts, carvings, paintings and sculptures gathered from across the globe. The ‘Veiled Rebecca’ by Benzoni, the 19th century Italian sculptor is quite an interesting collection.
- Paingah Tombs: According to historians, the Paigahs were considered to be the direct descendants of the 2nd They were also the Nizam’s staunch loyalists and had served as nobles and generals during that period. The tombs lie 4 kilometres to the southeast of Charminar. Within a small compound is found twenty seven carved marble tombs constructed from lime stucco and marble.
- Birla Science Museum: It is considered to be among the country’s top scientific institutions and a wonderful place to explore modern science. There is a breath-taking natural art gallery, named Dinosarium containing traditional artefacts and murals collected from all over the country.
You can find some of the best villas in Hyderabad at affordable rates and book them to have a grand stay.
