The city of Hyderabad in south India has many tourist places to visit, such as palaces, forts and lakes. Hyderabad is also famous for its rich culture, buzzing markets and delicious cuisine. Here are the top 10 tourist places to visit in Hyderabad.
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Hyderabad – A tourist destination for all ages
Telangana’ capital city, Hyderabad, is a popular tourist destination that has an amalgamation of the old and the new. Hyderabad has always been the capital of art, literature and music. Hyderabad can be divided into the old city (the historic part of the city on the southern side of the Musi River that was established by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah) and the new city (encompassing the urbanised area on the northern bank). It is home to the hi-tech city of Cyberabad and ancient Islamic architecture. Hyderabad, also known as the Pearl City or the City of Nizams. It has historical monuments, lakes, entertainment parks, delectable cuisine and, of course, shopping places. There are numerous tourist places to visit in Hyderabad, suitable for couples, families, friends, children and senior citizens.
Top 10 places to visit in Hyderabad
Places to visit in Hyderabad #1: Charminar
Charminar is the most famous tourist attraction, and a significant landmark, in Hyderabad. The monument was built in 1591 by Quli Qutub Shah and was named Charminar, because of the four minarets. It is also referred to as the ‘Arc de Triomphe of the East’. Built in an Indo-Islamic architectural style, Charminar is made of limestone, granite, pulverised marble and mortar. Charminar has a small mosque on the top floor. The evening lighting makes it worth watching. Charminar stands in a crowded area where the bazaars are chaotic, with hawkers, bangle sellers and food stalls. Nevertheless, it remains a popular visiting place in Hyderabad.
Hyderabad tourist places #2: Ramoji Film City
Ramoji Film City is a must-visit tourist place in Hyderabad that requires a full-day trip. Besides families, it is a popular tourist place for friends. Designed on 2,500 acres, it has been certified by the Guinness World Records as the largest studio complex in the world. Ramoji City has restaurants and hotels within the complex. It can house almost 50 film units at any given point in time. Ramoji City is situated about 30 kms outside Hyderabad. Its architecture and sound facilities make it ideal for pre and post-production of films. Tourists can visit the bird park, adventure park, Japanese garden, Mughal garden, Sun Fountain garden and Angel’s Fountain garden. The grand sets of Baahubali, designed for Rs 60 crores (both films), have been retained by Ramoji Film City and are open for tourists. At Ramoji Film City’s Movie Magic Park, you can experience earthquake tremors, free-fall simulation, amazing acoustic effects, thrilling rides and Filmi Duniya and the action studio. Catch fascinating and thrilling live shows such as Wild West Stunt Shows, Ramoji’s Spirit and a variety of street events.
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Tourist places in Hyderabad #3: Hussain Sagar Lake
Hussain Sagar Lake or the Tank Bund is a popular tourist attraction in Hyderabad that connects Secunderabad to Hyderabad. Hussain Sagar Lake is Asia’s largest artificial lake. The main attraction is an 18-metre-high white granite statue of Lord Buddha, weighing 350 tonnes, in the middle of the lake. The lighting show is worth watching. Hussain Sagar Lake offers water sports activities, including boating and sailing.
Hyderabad tour places #4: Golconda Fort
Golconda Fort, the round-shaped fort, is a must-visit tourist place in Hyderabad. The Fort is located at the top of a 300-ft granite hill. Built by the Qutub Shahi Kings, this Fort presents an impressive structure with eight gates and 87 bastions. Golconda Fort consists of temples, mosques, palaces, halls, apartments and other structures. The Fort covers around 11 kms, with majestic walls that are 15 to 18 ft high. Along with the brilliant design, this Fort also enthrals tourists with its acoustics. The Fort was built to carry sound up to a kilometre of distance to alert the king during attacks. The water supply system of the Fort is also a technical and scientific marvel. The Golconda mines are also famous for their diamonds like the Kohinoor, the Nassak Diamond and the Hope Diamond. Golconda Fort is well-connected to the rest of the city. The sunset from the top of the Fort is a sight to behold.
Hyderabad places to visit #5: Chowmahalla Palace
The grand Chowmahalla Palace, one of the top historical tourist places in Hyderabad, reveals spectacular architecture. Chowmahalla Palace was the seat of the Nizam rule. The four palaces in the compound give it its name – Chow means four and mahal means palace. The architecture of the Chowmahalla Palace was inspired by the palace of the Shah of Iran. Due to its long period of construction, the palace reflects the influences of many architectural styles, including Persian, European and Rajasthani. It comprises two courtyards, lush gardens and splendid fountains. The four palaces are known as Afzal Mahal, Aftab Mahal, Mahtab Mahal and Tahniyat Mahal. Each palace features a neo-classical architectural style. The Northern Courtyard of the palace has the Bara Imam, a long passage with a series of rooms that were once used as the administrative wing of the palace complex. Shish-e-Alat, the mirror image, is another exquisite construction opposite the Bara Imam. It is decorated with ornate arches, Mughal-style domes and ornate stucco work. The imposing Khilwat or Durbar Hall is one of the main structures of the Chowmahalla Palace, which has an intricately designed pillared hall where the Nizams held their royal court. The regal seat or the Takht-e-Nishan is present in this hall even today. Vintage cars and buggee displays are another attraction of Chowmahalla Palace.
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Hyderabad famous places #6: Salar Jung Museum
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When in Hyderabad, every tourist must visit the spectacular Salar Jung Museum, which has the largest collection of antiques and art in the world by a single family. It has 40 galleries and the collections give a glimpse of the bygone era, rich aristocratic history and culture. The artefacts on display at India’s third-largest museum are unique and belong to varied periods and places in the world. Spread over 10 acres, the Salar Jung Museum has 9,000 manuscripts, 43,000 objects of art and 47,000 printed books. The collection was made by three generations of the family of nobles – the Salar Jung family – who served as the Nizam’s prime ministers. The collection of the museum includes paintings, sculptures, carvings and manuscripts. It also has a famous Quran collection called the Quran Written with Gold and Silver. One of the popular attractions at the museum is the 19th-century British Bracket Clock, which has tiny mechanised figures that emerge through a door to strike the gong at every hour. The other prized possession is the veiled marble statue of Rebecca created by the Italian sculptor Giovanni Maria Benzoni. The museum also has a set of ivory chairs presented by Louis XVI of France to Tipu Sultan of Mysore. The lavish collection of over a million artefacts, manuscripts, carvings, sculptures and paintings, some dating back to the fourth century, are credited to the efforts of Nawab Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, famously known as Salar Jung III. Other collections on display include, arms and armour, Indian textiles, Indian miniature paintings, Bidri art, Persian and Arabic manuscripts, Chinese collections, European clocks and furniture, marble statues, as well as Egyptian and Syrian art.
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Places to visit in Hyderabad #7: Birla Science Museum
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Hyderabad is a popular tourist destination for school trips from across India. The Birla Science Museum has a planetarium, a science centre, a museum, an art gallery and a Dinosaurium, besides an archaeology and doll museum with displays dating back to the second century AD. The Birla Science Museum hosts learning activities and exhibitions for all age groups. The Cosmic Presentation at the planetarium has been rated better than any presentation around the world. The observatory is the best place to stargaze through a hi-tech telescope. Developed with technical help from Japan, the planetarium offers four sections – Window on Science, Archaeology Centre, the Nirmala Birla Art Gallery and Dinosauria – each offering a unique opportunity to explore the unknown.
Places to visit in Hyderabad #8: Qutub Shahi Tombs
Qutub Shahi tombs are another attraction in the City of Pearls. One of the oldest heritage sites of Hyderabad, it is the royal cemetery of the seven Qutub Shahi kings who ruled Golconda for nearly 170 years. Representing a combination of Persian and Indian architecture, these tombs were built by the Qutub Shahis. The tombs are built on a raised platform and have a dome-shaped structure. Constructed with grey granite, this quadrangular structure, with dome-shaped roofs, is ornamented with beautiful designs. Ibrahim Bagh, a garden which surrounds the tombs, is a popular picnic spot. These tombs are the venue for the Deccan festival organised by the state government.
Places to visit in Hyderabad #9: NTR Gardens
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NTR Gardens, built in the memory of late NT Rama Rao, former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh and a popular film actor, is a well-known sightseeing place in Hyderabad. Spread across 36 acres, NTR Gardens was built at an approximate cost of Rs 40 crores. The Lake (formerly known as Lumbini Park) provides recreational facilities such as a machan tree, Japanese Garden, car café, souvenir shops, Fruit Restaurant and children’s playing area. The massive entrance plaza with Nandi Bulls is a sight to behold. A monorail takes the visitors around the garden that has a vast collection of flora, a fountain and various recreational options like boat rides.
Places to visit in Hyderabad #10: Wonderla Amusement Park
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The Wonderla Amusement Park is a popular tourist place for families with kids and groups of friends. The amusement park offers exciting options for people of all ages, including land and water rides, kids’ rides and high-adrenaline rides. Wonderla Hyderabad has all the important facilities such as restaurants, an ATM and a cloakroom. One of the biggest water parks in Hyderabad, this is an awesome place for people who love water rides and dry rides. The park has more than 40 thrilling rides for those who seek an adrenaline rush. The Sky Wheel is the second-highest Ferris wheel in the country. It will take you to the top of a tower where you can enjoy an attractive view of the entire city.
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Best places to shop in Hyderabad
Shopping in Hyderabad is a novel experience that every tourist will cherish, with centuries-old bazaars and huge malls with international brands in the city. Some of the top shopping areas of the city include Abid’s Street, Nampally Market, Begum Bazaar, Laad Bazaar and MG Road. Each bazaar has its unique character and speciality. Visit Moazzam Jahi Market for food products, Laad Bazaar for bangles, the perfume market in the Old City for traditional ittar and Sultan Bazaar for clothes and accessories. The Charminar Bazaar is famous for pearls, especially the Basra pearls. Patther Gatti Street has shops exclusively for pearls. Hailed by the tourists as the bangle paradise, and known locally as Choodi Bazar, Laad Bazaar stretches for about a kilometre and is packed with bangles and other accessories. The use of cars and rickshaws has been stopped here due to the crowd. Laad Bazar has been in business for nearly 200 years, right from the time of the Nizams. The place also displays semi-precious stones, pearls, jewellery, nirmal, Kalamkari paintings, silverware, Bidriware, hand-woven materials of silk and cotton and velvet-, brocade- and gold-embroidered fabrics. The art and craft village, Shilparamam, offers a wide variety of handicrafts from all over the country. One can purchase handlooms, textiles, carpets and traditional decorative items for the home.
In Hyderabad, tourists can also visit the GVK One Mall, In Orbit, Central Mall, Forum and Sujana Mall for branded clothes and shoes. The furniture giant, Ikea opened its first store in India in Hitech City. The four-lakh-sq ft showroom is a day trip in itself.
Must-have food in Hyderabad
A trip to Hyderabad cannot be complete without its famous biryani. Try dum biryani that is cooked slowly for hours in ghee and infused with flavourful, local herbs. Accompany it with mirchi ka salan, made entirely with chillies and pungent flavours. Mutton haleem with ghee and keema samosa are also popular items. Do not miss the Irani tea accompanied by Osmania biscuits and a sweet cookie. To indulge the sweet tooth, try double ka meetha, a bread pudding made of fried bread slices soaked in milk and spices including saffron and cardamom. Firni is another must-try sweet in the city.
FAQs
Which are the places one can visit near Hyderabad?
Ananthagiri Hill is a picturesque tourist spot and a popular destination for a day trip. You can also visit Sri Rama Chandra Temple in Ammapalli, which is often used for film shootings. The major attraction here is the sleeping Lord Vishnu at the gateway of the seven-story tower. If looking for a thrilling tourist place, visit Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary.
How many days are enough to visit the well-known tourist places in Hyderabad?
Four days are enough to see all the major tourist places in Hyderabad, shop and enjoy the local cuisine.
Which is the best time to visit Hyderabad?
Hyderabad has a warm climate, hence, cooler months, i.e., October to March are considered ideal to visit the city.
Purnima Goswami Sharma is a freelance writer based in Mumbai, who has been contributing to various newspapers, magazines and portals for the last two decades. Besides being a research writer for various TV shows, she has been a visiting faculty at SNDT for Communication Skills. She hold a master’s degree in English Literature from Mumbai University and a diploma in Communications and Journalism. She writes on diverse subjects like real estate, interiors, education, lifestyle, health, entertainment and environment.
Email: [email protected]
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