Places to Visit in Hyderabad
The city of smiles, the city of lights and above all the city of pearls - Hyderabad has in store for you some of the best places in India which you should visit when touring the city. Historical monuments, lakes, parks, gardens, museums, the list is endless in this city. Hyderabad is always ready to enthrall its tourists with its traditional culture and flavours and history of about 400 years. Some of the places that one must visit in Hyderabad have been listed below:Charminar
The soul of Hyderabad is Charminar. Charminar was built in 1591 by Quli Qutb Shah. The name Charminar means four minarets that rise to a height of about 48.7m from the ground level. It is a place where Muslims perform their daily prayers. In all there are 45 prayer spaces and a mosque in Chrminar. The light in the evening enhance the beauty of the monument.
Mecca Masjid
The Masjid or Mosque built using the bricks brought from Mecca lies towards the south-west of Chrminar. The history of building the mosque starts long back from the time of Qutb Shah which was later completed by Aurangzeb in 1694.
Visiting Time: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Ph: 23522990
Golconda Fort
Amongst the famous forts of India Golconda Fort is one of them. The history of the Fort will take you to the ruling era of Yadava dynasty of Deogiri and Kakatiyas of Warangal. The Fort was at first built using mud which got renovated later by the three generations of Qutb Shah. It took 62 years to build a fort with beautiful architecture and best water supply system. Later, Aurangzeb defeated Qutb Shah and took over the Golconda Fort. He used cannon named Fateh Rahben gun which is still preserved in this Fort. The name of the Fort was derived from Telgu word “Golla Konda” which means “Shepherds Hill”. Do not miss the Sound and Light show which narrates the story of Golconda Fort.
Qutb Shahi Tombs
The tombs were planned and built by Qutb Shahis in the Golconda Fort lies near Banjara Darwaza of the Fort. Qutb Shahi is the only family in the world which are together even after the death, as they have been buried at the same place. The Qutb Shahi Tombs are the oldest monuments of the glorious city of Hyderabad. The Persian, Pathan and Hindu architectural styled Qutb Shahis tombs were built using grey granite with some added stucco designs.
Taramati Baradari
Taramati Baradari was built by the seventh ruler of Golconda Fort. The historical monument lies near the Golconda Fort at Ibrahimbagh on the Osman-Sagar-Gandipet Road. There are two theatres in the premises and a village named as Taramati Baradari. The place witnesses many musical shows, theatre, etc organised by Baradari.Visiting Time: 8:00AM to 9:30PM
Ph: 23520172
Birla Mandir (Shri Venkateshawara Temple)
The temple dedicated to lord Venkateshwara lies on Kala Pahad area. The marbleized temple with beautiful architecture has idol which is a replica of Tirumala Tirupati.
Birla Planetarium
Birla Planetarium lies on Naubat Pahad (Hill) area near to Birla Mandir area. Modest and famous planetarium of India is highly equipped with the latest technology from Japan. The Science Museum along with it represents the growth in the field of Science and Technology.
Salar Jung Museum
The museum displays the royal collection of Salar Jung III. The objects displayed include Moghal miniatures, Persian carpets, Jade daggers of Queen Noor Jahan, Chinese Porcelain, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb sword, etc.
AP State Archaeological Museum
The museum located in the picturesque Public Garden houses antiques and art objects. It is one of the richest museums of India. The museum was built in 1920 by Nizam VII. The beautiful Indo-Saracenic architecture of the museum has a Buddhist gallery, Brahmanical and Jain gallery, Ajanta gallery, etc. Next to the state museum lies Contemporary Art Museum.Public Garden
One of the most famous and beautiful gardens of Hyderabad is Public Garden. The Public Garden is surrounded by State Legislature, State Archaeological Museum, Jubilee Hall, Jawahar Bal Bhavan and Telgu Lalita Kala Thoranam – an open theatre. Visiting Time: 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Ph: 23234942
Closed On: Friday
Nehru Zoological Park
The first zoo of India that created matted enclosures for animals. The zoo houses 250 species of birds and animals in the vast area of 300acres. The Lion Safari Park, Natural History Museum and Children’s train are the main attractions.Mir Alam Tank
A lake named Mir Alam Tank lies in the premises of Nehru Zoological Park. The government has provided the facility of boating in this lake.Closed On: Monday
Ph: 24477355
Shilparamam (The Arts and Crafts Village)
A village spread in the area of 30 acres lies in Madhapur. It displays the hidden and unrecognised talent of artists. The place also hold annual exhibition of art and craft work at National Level.Ph: 23100455
Hussainsagar Lake
Hussainsagar Lake is a man-made lake built in 1562 A.D. The Lake was built by Hussain Shah at the ruling time of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah. Today, it hosts various water sports and boating. The world’s tallest Buddha statue lies in the center of the Lake on the ‘Rock of Gibraltar’. AP Tourism provides various tourist facilities in this area like speed boats, motor boats, etc. The facility of starlit dinner on board and private parties can also be availed.The Nizam’s Silver Jubilee Museum
This is an old palace which belongs to the second Nizam conquered in 1750. It has been converted into a museum. The museum displays the collection of the gifts received by the last Nizam on the occasion of Silver Jubilee Celebration in 1937. The gifts displayed here are antique collection of few vintage cars like 1930 Rolls Royce, Packard and a Mark V Jaguar, models of all buildings of the city in silver, citation in Urdu about HEH Mir Osman Ali Khan, gold plated wooden throne, etc.Ph: 23555072
Durgam Cheruvu
The ‘secret lake’ has a bar famous as ‘Durgam Chruvu’. It is situated near Shilparamam Craft Village, Hitec City and behind Jubilee Hills. The boating facility is organised by AP Tourism in the lake.Visiting Time: 9:00 AM to 8:30PM
Ph: 23110523
KBR National Park
The national park lies in the southern tropical deciduous forest. The national park has rich flora and has 100 species of birds, 20 species of reptiles, and 15 species of butterflies. It is one of the largest parks in the city.Osman-Sagar Lake
Osmansagar Lake is the best place of picnic on the outskirts of Hyderabad city. The place is well known as Gandipet is amongst the two lakes that supplies water to the metropolis. It lies near the Dam Isa which is a tributary of River Musi. It is a reservoir created by the Isa Dam. The lake and the beautiful garden makes the place prefect for hanging out with friends or family.Shamirpet
The beautiful lake and the deer park are located towards the north of Secunderabad at a distance of 24kms. A perfect tourist place has all facilities provided by the AP tourism. To stay back at this place AP Tourism provides the cottage accommodation facility. One can book forest lodges at the AP forest department, Saifabad.Other tourist places in Hyderabad which you will not miss include Chowmahalla Palace, Mrugavani National Park, Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park, and Hyderabad Botanical Garden.