When it comes to mouthwatering biryanis, Hyderabad is the first and only city that comes to mind. If you are considering a journey to South India, Hyderabad is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations to visit. The Nizams’ kingdom is famous for its palaces, historical sites, and shopping malls, as well as its gastronomy! There are numerous sites to visit in Hyderabad. The Charminar, a monument that attracts visitors from all over the country, is one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Hyderabad. You can arrange a trip with your family or friends, or you can go solo. The city has something to offer all types of visitors.
1. The Charminar
The Char Minar is a renowned tourist attraction in Hyderabad that was built to honor Sultan Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah’s wife, Bhagmati. It stands 56 meters tall and 30 meters wide and was built in 1591. A journey to Hyderabad would be incomplete without a stop at Char Minar.
2. Hussain Sagar Lake
Hussain Sagar Lake, which connects the two cities, is Asia’s largest artificial lake. It was excavated around 1562 AD on a tributary of the Musi River under the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah. It was named after Hussain Shah Wali.
The major attraction is a 350-tonne white granite statue of Lord Buddha that stands 16 meters tall in the middle of the lake. The lighting show here is spectacular.
Visitors can take a ferry ride to the statue, which departs and returns at regular intervals. Boating with the option of speed boats or motor boats, water-skiing, parasailing, and cruising are among the leisure activities available here. The 48-seater launch, which serves meals to its guests, is ideal for private events.
3. Ramoji Film City:
Ramoji Film City is home to numerous film sets and celebrities who film here on occasion. It is one of the world’s largest film studios and has even made it into the Guinness Book of World Records. Sign up for a guided tour of the studio, and if you’re lucky, you might even get a photo with your favorite celebrity.
4. The Golconda Fort
The Golconda Fort, another popular attraction in Hyderabad, is about 11 kilometers away. You can take a guided tour of the fort or simply walk around and explore this historical masterpiece on your own. When visiting the fort, don’t miss the sound and light spectacular that Amitabh Bachchan voiced.
5. Chowmahalla Palace:
Chowmahalla Palace, which literally means “four palaces” in Urdu, was constructed in the 18th century.
The palace was completed during the time of the fifth Nizam, Afzar-ud-Daulah, Asaf Jav V, who reigned from 1857 to 1869. The palace used to be 45 acres in size, but it has been shrunk to 12 acres. There are two courtyards in the palace: one in the north and one in the south. Afzal Mahal, Tahniyat Mahal, Mahtab Mahal, and Aftab Mahal are the four palaces in the southern courtyard. Aftab Mahal is the largest of them all, having two floors. The palace’s heart, Khilwat Mubarak, as well as the Clock Tower, Council Hall, and Roshan Bungalow, are all worth seeing.
6. Qutub Shahi Tomb
These tombs, which contain the tombs of seven Qutub Shahi emperors, are one of Hyderabad’s oldest cultural monuments. The Qutub Shahi Tombs are only 850 meters away from the Golconda Fort’s Banjara Darwaza. The Qutub Shahis erected these tombs, which feature a mix of Persian and Indian architecture. Salar Jung III, Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, repaired them later in the nineteenth century. These quadrangular structures with dome-shaped roofs are made of grey granite and are covered with lovely decorations. Picnic spaces abound in the ‘Ibrahim Bagh’ garden that surrounds the tombs. The state government currently uses these graves as a venue for the Deccan Festival.
7. Nehru Zoo Park
The Nehru Zoo Park, which first opened to the public in 1963, is one of the top locations to visit in Hyderabad for animal and nature lovers. It is home to around 1500 different bird, reptile, and mammal species. You can choose from a number of safari packages and spend the day learning about wildlife.
8. Laad Bazaar
Laad Bazaar, one of Hyderabad’s oldest and most prominent shopping districts, is located next to Charminar. This market is claimed to have been just as active throughout the Qutub Shahis and Nizams’ reigns. The “Laad Bazaar” derives its name from the term “Laad,” which means lacquer, and represents a centuries-old tradition. This market boasts an incredible variety of bangles, with Lacquer as a primary material. Everything is available here, from traditional products to garments to zari and embroidery works to pearls and semi-precious jewelry.
9. Purani Haveli
Mir Momen, the Peshwa of Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah, lived at the Purani Haveli in Hyderabad, which was eventually taken up by Nizam III. Years later, it was given the name Purani Haveli. The haveli’s European architecture, magnificent courtyards, and library are just a few of the many attractions.
10. NTR Gardens
The fascinating NTR Gardens, which spans 36 acres, was created in remembrance of the late Shri N T Rama Rao. This park offers tourists a variety of recreational opportunities, including boats, machan trees, and so on. There is plenty of room, especially for children. You’ll also have plenty of dining alternatives, including cafes, restaurants, and take-out shops. A prominent feature is the mini-train, which provides a short journey through the park.