Moving on from the weekend getaways from Mumbai, let’s take a look at one of the most vibrant cities in India – Hyderabad.
Hyderabad is a perfect blend of old-world charm and new architecture. If you have been to the north and western part of India, it’s time to discover the southern-eastern part Hyderabad. Hyderabad is home to splendid bazaars and beautiful mosques. It draws a parallel to commercial IT hubs and newly constructed malls that attract so many tourists to the place.
Hyderabad is also synonymous with pearls and biryani. It’s also home to the most iconic landmark Charminar. It is known as the hi-tech city because of the IT boom. Hyderabad rightly pulsates with a mix of old and new. You could just visit a swanky restaurant or eat from local streets in Hyderabad. The bakers in Hyderabad offer a distinct flavour as well.
The city pulsates with a spectacular mix of different traditions and people. It will be a refreshing change to visit the wonderful city that offers you different flavours of life.
A tour to Hyderabad will offer you a different insight into life. The culture of the place is unlike any other city in the south. From forts to film city and from lakes to temples, Hyderabad offers a complete holiday experience.
If you are planning to visit Hyderabad in 2021, then here are the top 11 best places you can visit, read on.
Best Places to Visit in Hyderabad
- #1: Golconda Fort
- #2: Charminar
- #3: Salar Jung Museum
- #4: Hussain Sagar Lake
- #5: Makkah Masjid
- #6: Ramoji Film City
- #7: Birla Mandir
- #8: Spanish Mosque
- #9: Qutb Shahi Tombs
- #10: Nehru Zoological Park
- #11: Shamirpet
#1. Golconda Fort:
Golconda Fort has derived its name from ‘Golla Konda’, which means Shepherd’s Hill in Telugu. The Fort was originally constructed during the Yadava dynasty rule. Later on, it was controlled by different other dynasties like the Mughal dynasty and the Brahmani dynasty.
It dates back to the 13th century hence it’s the best historical place to visit in Hyderabad. The Fort is known for its acoustics effects. If you clap your hands in the Fateh Darwaza of the Fort, them the sound can be heard at Bala Hissar, which is located about 1 km away from the Fort.
The natural rhythm and sound effect is also one reason why most tourists visit this historical site. Also, if your partner/spouse is a history buff, then this can be the next romantic getaway that you can take them to. From whispering walls to royal look of the palace, the Fort offers you an immersive tour experience and takes you back to the history.
You’ll be able to witness the light and sound show in the evening. Shop for handicrafts near the Fort and pick some souvenirs as well. The Fort is famous for its heritage, art, and history. The entry fee is ₹5 for Indians and ₹100 for foreign tourists.
#2. Charminar :
Just like the Qutub Minar, which is one of the iconic places to visit in Delhi, Charminar is the most famous tourist place in Hyderabad. Charminar is the most famous tourist place in Hyderabad. This wonderful tourist attraction is located in the heart of the city. Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah constructed Charminar in the year 1591.
The architecture of Charminar reflects the Cazia style. The word Charminar is derived from the four different Minars. The four Minars of the Charminar are 48.7 meters tall. There is a mosque on the first floor and 45 different prayer spaces. The place is constantly abuzz with activities and crowds.
Therefore, if you want to explore the place in its full vivacity, you can visit the place early in the morning. There is a shopping area near the place that you can explore as well.
Don’t forget to taste the authentic Hyderabadi cuisine at local restaurants near the Charminar. It’s a heritage site that is truly preserved well. The entry fee for Indian tourists is ₹5 and the foreign tourists is ₹100.
#3. Salar Jung Museum :
The museum was built in the year 1951 and is the most famous tourist place in Hyderabad. The museum is home to a stunning collection of artwork from Mir Yusuf Ali Khan. The display of collections in the museum is classified as; European art, Middle Eastern art, and Indian art.
There is a separate section in the museum that you can visit with your children as well. The museum is also home to bronze statues, Persian carpets, Indian sculptures, jade carvings, and woodcarvings.
Salar Jung Museum is known to have the largest personal collection in the world. You can visit the nearby Badshahi Ashurkhana and the Nizam Museum. A visit to the museum will give you a complete insight into the history of ancient Hyderabad. The entry fee for Indians is ₹20 and for foreigners is ₹500.
#4. Hussain Sagar Lake :
It’s one of the top places to see in Hyderabad. The lake is the biggest artificial lake in Asia. The place connects Secunderabad and Hyderabad, also known as the twin cities.
The place was created during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah in the year 1562 AD. There is a statue of Buddha in the middle of the Lake that is 16 meters tall. You can enjoy many activities near the lake.
The lake is also famous for its water sports activities like cruising, parasailing, and boating. A boating session with your loved ones will give you a memory to cherish. There are two Parks near the lake, so you can have a picnic with your family or friends. Lumbini Park and NTR Park are known for recreation, so do visit both the parks.
Another popular man-made lake is Lake Pichola. It was constructed in the year 1362 AD and is a great sightseeing option in Udaipur.
#5. Makkah Masjid:
Makkah Masjid is the most ancient mosque, almost 400 years old. It was built by the founder of Hyderabad Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah.The foundation stone was laid by him as he did plan the whole city around the mosque.
The central portion of the arch of the Masjid was built using the soil that was specially bought from Mecca. It is also believed that one of the rooms in the mosque has a hair of Prophet Muhammad.
If you visit the old city, then do visit this place in Hyderabad. Tourists from all the faiths visit this famous Masjid to seek divine intervention and take a look at its architectural importance. There is no entry fee for visiting this religious place.
#6. Ramoji Film City :
Visiting Hyderabad is incomplete without visiting the famous Ramoji film city. The place is the most popular one in Hyderabad’s points of interest. It has already been entered in the Guinness Book of World Record as the World’s Largest Film Studio.
Many Bollywood and South Indian movies have been shot here. Its also known for its lavish gardens that attract many foreign tourists. Bahubali, which received a lot of accolades globally, was shot exclusively at this place. A visit to this wonderful marvel is an experience in itself. You will be awestruck with the beauty of Ramoji film city.
A complete film city tour will give you an insight into the film world. You can also take an eco-tour or visit the famous restaurants to relish Hyderabadi dishes. The entry fee is ₹1100 for adults and ₹1000 for children.
#7. Birla Mandir:
It’s a popular Mandir that is located near the Hussain Sagar Lake. As it is situated at the top of the hill, the view from the place is spectacular. The temple is built using white marble; the place also offers a stunning view of the lake. The temple has a similar design as Oriya and South Indian Temples in India. Due to its design, it attracts many foreign tourists.
The construction of the Temple is so stunning that it makes you revisit the place. To seek divine intervention, you can attend the first morning Aarti. If you visit in the evening, you can also attend the evening Aarti at the temple. The temple is famous for its architecture and marble carvings. There is a market near the temple, so you can take time off and shop for souvenirs.
#8. Spanish Mosque:
Hyderabad is synonymous with historical places and famous mosques. Spanish mosque is one such place that lists in popular places to visit in Hyderabad. It is situated in the complex of Paigah Palace. The architecture is inspired by European culture. You will find many similarities in the form of different carvings in the mosque.
Most of the mosques in India are built in traditional Indian style. But, this mosque is built by Spanish Moorish architecture. You won’t find the traditional Islamic style structure, and that makes this place different from other mosques in the city. You can also visit the nearby Paigah Palace near the mosque.
#9. Qutb Shahi Tombs :
The historical significance of a place like Hyderabad can be seen in Qutb Shahi Tombs. The place has a series of seven different tombs that are a part of a major heritage site in Hyderabad. The tombs were built in the 1500s draws many foreign tourists for its unique architecture. A blend of Hindu and Persian style architecture gives this place a distinct identity.
The whole structure rests on the raised platform and also has intricate stonework at the arches. The Tombs are also known to be the burial ground of the dynasty. Visit the place for its heritage and architecture. You can also shop for handicrafts near the place after exploring all the seven Tombs. There is an entry fee of ₹5 for Indians and ₹100 for foreign tourists.
#10. Nehru Zoological Park :
Nehru Zoological Park is another top tourist place to visit in Hyderabad. This 300 acres park is home to more than 1500 animals and birds. The Park was established in the year 1959. When you visit the park, you will be able to catch a glimpse of a white tiger, royal Bengal tiger, lion, and orangutan.
You will also spot various reptiles like crocodiles and tortoise at the park. The park offers elephant rides amidst the charming beauty of nature. Lion safari in the park will give you an adrenaline rush.
The children’s train is another useful attraction at the park. You can also visit the Natural History Museum in the Park to know more about the history of the place. Nehru Zoological Park is a great place for a picnic. The entry fee is ₹300 for adults and ₹15 for children.
#11. Shamirpet :
Similar to Chamera lake, one of the popular tourist places in Dalhousie, Shamirpet is a wonderful and peaceful man-made lake. Its also a famous picnic place in Hyderabad and most tourist visit the place to enjoy its alluring beauty.
You will find many deer’s at the lake along with rare breeds of birds. For avid bird watchers, this place in heaven. You can visit the nearby Rantalayam Temple to seek blessings. Jawahar Deer Park near the place attracts a lot of foreign tourists as well. If you want to spend some quiet time in the city of Hyderabad, then head to this place.
#Conclusion
Hyderabad is one of the best places to visit in India. Hyderabad will keep you engaged throughout the city tour, so do visit all the glorious places in the city. From magical landscapes to serene mosques, you will surely fall in love with the place.
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