Top 10 Tourist places in Hyderabad is also referred to as The City of Pearls and was the Nizams’ formal capital. The capital city of Hyderabad was named the first best city in India to live and work and also the top domestic tourist destination in India. Historical sites such as Charminar, Golconda Fort, Salar Jung Museum and Chowmahalla Palace are popular in Hyderabad. This city is the perfect example of how modern living and culture go hand in hand with lifestyle and age-old practises. It has more to give you than just The Charminar or Hyderabadi Biriyani, if you are curious about the places to visit in Hyderabad. In one hand, it boasts the Hi-tech city and Cyberabad, testimony to India’s IT revolution and all new, while on the other end, you have centuries-old Islamic architecture watching over the city (some of the most impressive that India showcases). This makes for a curious fusion in your Hyderabad sightseeing that should not be missed.
The top historical places in Hyderabad, like the Golconda Fort, Ramoji Film City or The Charminar, are familiar to all and the list goes on with places that are bustling with visitors all year round. This post, however, shares an overview of the lesser-known and offbeat places to explore in Hyderabad that can give you a sense of peace and satisfaction. The following is a list of Hyderabad’s top 10 must-see tourist attractions.
Charminar, Hyderabad
Undoubtedly, Charminar is Hyderabad’s most prominent landmark. Established over 400 years ago, this landmark four-storey building houses a mosque on the top level, built in the traditional Islamic style. While there are a variety of storeys related to this monument’s construction, the most frequently believed one is that Charminar was constructed to commemorate the cholera eradication. Another curious legend about this historic building is that while the location of the tunnel remains elusive, it has an underground tunnel that links it to Golconda Fort.
Do not forget to treat yourself to a glass of Irani Chai and some Osmania biscuits from the nearby Nimrah Café and Bakery while you are in the Charminar district. For more info, here’s our blog on street food in Hyderabad.
Hussain Sagar Lake
Since 1562, the twin towns of Hyderabad and Secunderabad have had this necklace adorning them. The Hussain Sagar Lake necklace, one of the largest manmade lakes in India, is one of the best places for couples and even with family to visit places to visit in Hyderabad. Sit on the lake’s shoreline, sample delicacies from the food court on its perimeter, or take a lake boat ride. The beauty of the lake is emphasised by the statue of Buddha that sits in the centre of the lake. This is one of Hyderabad‘s most open and relaxing places to explore.
Golconda Fort
An excellent example of brilliant engineering and magical architecture is Golconda Fort Hyderabad. Located 11km from the district, it is the most popular tourist spot in Hyderabad. “The name of the fort was derived from the words “Golla” and “Konda” in Telugu, meaning “Shepherd’s Hill.’
Before planning a visit to this regal emblem of history, bear in mind the Golconda Fort timings and entry fee, though. Golconda Fort timings, for example, range from 9 am to 5.30 pm. Visitors are not permitted to reach the fort after that, unless they go for the light and display in the evening. Therefore to enjoy at leisure the beauty of this town, intend to visit you early in the day.
Even today, an incredible structure that would once have bewitched any spectator stands majestically. Golconda Fort is sure to impress you with not only the highly advanced techniques and durable structure that were used back then, but also with an excellent view of the surrounding area.
Chowmahalla Palace
The magnificent Chowmahalla Palace was the seat of the rulers of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, the former centre of the ‘City of Nizams’, Hyderabad. This palace became the location where the Nizams used to entertain and plan ceremonial ceremonies for their important guests and special visitors. Chowmahalla Palace, built about 200 years ago, boasts exquisite architecture and splendour. The palace complex is a synthesis of a variety of types of architecture.
Today, Chowmahalla Palace is a Hyderabad heritage property that is renowned for both its unmatchable interiors and exteriors. This palace is believed to be a carbon copy of the palace that belonged to the Shah of Iran in Tehran. In 2010, this architectural masterpiece won an award for Asia Pacific Merit for a site that preserves the region’s cultural heritage. In current times, the palace is open to a few corporate individuals and individuals to host important functions, musical evenings and special dinners.
Ramoji Film City
Ramoji Film City-A visit to Hollywood might be on your cards, but you can visit the largest integrated film city in the world spread over 2000 acres before that moment. Indians love their cinema, and anybody who loves cinema will surely come here to see the beauty of the cinema. There are entertainment categories specified for different ages, Kids Park, multi-cuisine restaurants and even a bird park, apart from having a film studio tour. You can schedule a full day trip here with your family or even hang back at this magical place for a few days. This is definitely one of the best places in Hyderabad to visit for sightseeing.
Wonderla, Hyderabad
Wonderla Amusement Park is the most thrilling one with its noisy and cheerful atmosphere and mind-boggling opportunities to spend an entire day with your family and friends, among all the lovely attractions in and around the city of Hyderabad.
At Wonderla, there is something for everyone – there are water pools for those wanting some relaxation under the sun, For those looking for adventure, there are exhilarating and adrenaline-pumping rides and there are rides for casual fun and even frolic.
Wonderla also provides several public conveniences so that visitors, whether monetary, health or data-wise, do not face any trouble. There are ample food stalls to enjoy a proper meal and souvenir shops to recall the day with anything to take home.
Wonderla is such a place where, regardless of your company, you can enjoy it equally. The atmosphere remains the same whether you come with your friends or relatives. For the elderly and small children, it is also very healthy. People from all over the city visit the park as well as those in Hyderabad for a trip to enjoy Wonderla Amusement Park.
Hatiyan Jhad Baobab Tree
In your youth, you must have read storeys about Ali Baba and his 40 thieves. Wouldn’t it be fascinating to visit one such gang’s hideout? The awesome part is that inside a forest, this hideout is situated. Yeah, you read that correctly! Hatiyan Jhad is a big tree situated about 1 km from the Golkonda Fort within the Naya Qila premises. Its trunk measures a diameter of about 25 metres and has a wide hollow cavity that is large enough to accommodate 40 individuals. Legend has it that during the reign of the Qutub Shahi rulers, a band of 40 thieves used to hide within this tree. They used to come out to carry out their dishonest activities at night, before they got caught one day. You can slide down the tree even today and discover the hollow cavity inside. Sounds like something fun to do with your little ones, doesn’t it?
Nehru Zoological Park
The Zoological Park of Nehru has a few firsts in its name. It’s the first butterfly park in India, and this is also the first park where jungle safari began. The 50-year-old park has over 380 acres of land, a mixture of animal and bird homes, research facilities and environmental programmes.
For tourists to amuse themselves for a day there is a lot here. Facilities such as toy cars, bicycles for hire and boating are available so that a full family outing can be enjoyed.
A park with live dinosaur models is a major attraction for kids and makes it one of the best spots to see in Hyderabad.
Salar Jung Museum
The Salar Jung Museum, a remnant of history on the banks of the Musi River, is situated in Darushifa and is one of the crowning jewels of Hyderabad. It is one of the country’s three national museums and also one of the largest, with 10 acres and 2 floors. The most incredible part of walking through the Salar Jung Museum and its collection is the knowledge that one man alone owned and gathered all of the objects inside! The collection within the museum is owned by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, also known as Salar Jung III. The museum is a repository of art collections, some of which date back as far as the first century, with over one million paintings, sculptures, carvings, manuscripts and artefacts. The artist’s painting of Raja Ram Mohan Roy, the sword of Aurangzeb, the daggers that belonged to Shah Jahan, Jehangir and the full wardrobe of Tipu Sultan are some of the precious and rare items in the museum. There are also a number of priceless sculptures in the museum, including Veiled Rebecca, Mephistopheles & Margaretta’s Double Statue and many more. The musical clock, dating back to the 19th century and consisting of more than 350 pieces, is the biggest attraction at the museum.
The Salar Jung Museum is India’s third largest museum and the world’s largest single-man collection of antiques. The Salar Jung Family was the origins of the collection within the museum. The museum is a testament to Nawab Mir Yusuf Khan’s love for the arts and antiques. With more than sixty thousand books and almost eight thousand rare manuscripts, it also houses an outstanding library.
Birla Science Museum
A major landmark in the city of Hyderabad is the B. M. Birla Science Museum. It is the perfect location for your family and friends to spend time. Consisting of a planetarium, a science centre, a museum, a gallery of art and a dinosaur, this location has something for everyone. It also has an archaeological and doll museum dating back to the 2nd century A.D. with exhibits.
For all age groups, the Birla Science Museum often hosts different learning experiences and exhibits. Their one-day Astronomy Camp with kids and adults is a big success. At the planetarium, the Celestial Display has been scored higher than any presentation around the world. Even with a hi-tech telescope, the observatory here is the perfect spot to stargaze.
The museum also organises free film exhibits, telescopic screening sessions and workshops & seminars at the forefront of raising awareness about science. You can also witness one of their unique science exhibits, if you are fortunate, held in partnership with numerous global government organisations.
Delve through the depths of the ocean in their 3D universe when you have had enough of the stars, the atmosphere and the planets. See the many wonders of the underwater world, marvel at the sight of the coral reef, and reveal the many mysteries that are concealed, even if you can’t swim.