As the capital of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Hyderabad boasts some of the most picturesque landscapes and ancient buildings and monuments that remind us of the bygone times in the past.
So, if visiting Hyderabad is what you are up to, then consider visiting these 15 places for sure or else your itinerary to this metropolis would totally remain incomplete. Let’s dive in!
Here are the best places that are a must-visit during the Hyderbsd tour
If you are tired of the mundane life that you are living of being tied up with so much work and all the other activities you have to do every single day, then planning an impromptu Hyderabad Tour can be that gust of fresh oxygen, enough to de-stress your mind, body and soul.
Shamirpet
A calm and quiet tourist attraction, Shamirpet will definitely steal your heart with the stunning man-made lake that it has and the awe-inspiring deer park, where you will see loads of deer as well as birds roaming and flying about.
Aside, you will get spacious accommodations over there to spend some great time with your friends or family members. In a word, this place makes an amazing picnic spot, hence, coming to Shamirpet is a must when you are in Hyderabad.
Visiting Time: 9 am to 5 pm every day
Entry Fee: NIL
Known For: Birds, Deer and Artificial Lake
Nehru Zoological Park
Scattered over a massive area of 300 acres and homing more than 1500 species of wildlife, the Nehru Zoological Park was founded in 1959. Subsequently, it was inaugurated in 1963. Once you come here, you will see creatures like Royal Bengal Tiger, Orangutan, Rhinoceros, White Tiger and so on.
To enjoy the abundant greenery over here, you can always go for an elephant ride whenever you want. Aside from that, this park is also the living space for various kinds of reptiles such as giant tortoises, star tortoises, King Cobra and many more.
A few of the other points of attraction that make this park a worthwhile zone to visit include Natural History Museum, Children’s Train and Lion Safari Park etc.
Visiting Time: Opens every day from 8 am to 5.30 pm except for Monday
Entry Fee: Rs.30 for adults and Rs.15 for children. An additional charge of Rs.20 is required for still photography.
Things to Do
- Safari Ride
- Rides on Battery Operated Vehicles
- Train Rides
- Enjoying Picnics and
- Visiting Nocturnal Animal House etc.
Chilkoor Balaji Temple
Alternatively known as Visa Balaji, every day tens and thousands of US aspirants come to the Chilkoot Balaji and that’s no surprise. In fact, it is believed that the deity over here can resolve all kinds of visa-related problems.
Aside, this is one such holy shrine in India where no entry fee is charged from the devotees nor there is any VIP treatment that is entertained. All this and many more have made the Chilkoor Balaji Temple one of the finest spots to visit to satiate your Hyderabad Tour and that’s for sure.
Interestingly, many TV shows and documentaries have already featured this temple by now. So, if you still haven’t visited the Chilkoor Balaji Temple yet while you are on your Hyderabad itinerary, then do it right away.
Visiting Time: Opens every day from 8 am to 8 pm. Remains exceptionally crowded on weekends and Tuesdays.
Entry Fee: NIL
Known For: Hinduism and Visa
Paigah Tombs
Paigah Tombs are considered the ultimate resting spot of the Paigah Nawabs who reigned the entire city remarkably, especially during the Nizami era. In fact, the monuments and historical buildings that they have built-in Hyderabad are considered in no way less glorious than the heritage sites of the Nizams.
Take a look at these Paigah Tombs and you will find that they are a perfect combination of Deccan, Persian, Mughal and Rajputana architecture.
Whether it’s the meticulously carved marble, works of mosaic tiling, floral designs or stonework, you can’t stop gazing at every facet of these buildings for hours to come.
So, take a leisurely walk through this tomb and be left at loss for words.
Spanish Mosque
Located inside the Paigah Palace itself, the Spanish Mosque is one of the most spectacular constructions built by the Paigah Nawabs themselves. So, your Hyderabad Tour is incomplete if you haven’t this tourist spot yet.
It is believed that Iqbal Ud Daulah, the then Paigah Nawab of Hyderabad went for a Europe tour and the architecture over there inspired him greatly.
As a result, he wanted to build something similar in the city as well. Consequently, he built both the Spanish Mosque and Falaknuma Palace back to back and needless to say, they are a mind-boggling epitome of European architecture.
In fact, it is considered one of the most unique structures all over India that is less inspired by traditional Islamic architecture and more by the Spanish-Moorish style.
Visiting Time: Opens every day from 9 am to 5 pm
Entry Fee: NIL
Known For: Paigah Nawabs, Islamic Creed and Spanish-Moorish Architecture
Ramoji Film City
As the world’s largest film studio, Ramoji Film City has already enlisted its name in the Guinness Book of Records. Take a look at the lush green gardens and open areas everywhere and you will surely remember them being featured in many of the Indian films so far.
Recently, the shoot of ”Bahubali” has also been done in this film studio. To say the least, a quick walkthrough in this film city will definitely make your day.
Visiting Time: Opens every day from 9 am to 6 pm except for Sundays
Entry Fee: Rs.1100 for adults and 1,000 for kids, aged between 3-12 years.
Known For: Tourism, Lavish Lawns, Film Industry
Things to Do
- A relaxing tour through Film City
- Dining out at restaurants
- A quick Eco Tour
Chowmahalla Palace
Chowmahalla Palace is considered one of the oldest palaces in Hyderabad and is located in a prime area of the city for the last 200 years. In addition, the palace is divided into three individual parts that include the Khilwat Mubarak, Southern Courtyard and Northern Courtyard.
Not only this but it is also believed that this building was once the official seat of the Nizams when the emperors were reining the city. That’s why; they would conduct all the ceremonial events over here.
In fact, the three separate units that comprise the Chowmahalla Palace will totally leave you speechless due to the mind-blowing features that they boast. So, when you visit this historical heritage, its magnificent interiors and meticulous exteriors are some of the things worth beholding.
Interestingly, it also won the prestigious honour of the UNESCO Asia Pacific Merit Award for the sake of cultural heritage preservation. So, to get the essence of history and art on one plate, make sure that you pay a visit to the Chowmahalla Palace at least once.
Visiting Time: Opens every day from 10 am to 5 pm except for Fridays
Entry Fee: Rs.200 for foreigners and Rs.1,00 for Indians. An additional charge of Rs.50 applies for still photography.
Known For: Nizami History, Intricate Architecture and Magnificence
Birla Mandir
Birla nestles atop the hill, particularly at the Southern end of the Hussain Sagar. The entire shrine has been built with garish white marble and gives you a stunning panoramic view of both the city and the Lake.
As soon as you turn up here, you will realize that this temple is a perfect combination of Oriya as well as South Indian architecture. Take a walk through the entire Mandir and you will fall for the beauty and elegance of this shrine times and again.
So, if you are planning a Hyderabad Tour this time, do come to the Birla Temple for sure.
Visiting Time: Opens every day from 7 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 9 pm
Entry Fee: NIL
Known For: Ravishing White Marble, Architecture and Spacious Temple Area
Hussain Sagar Lake
Considered the largest artificial lake in the entire Asian Subcontinent, Hussain Sagar Lake must definitely be on your wish list when visiting Hyderabad.
In fact, this water body connects the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad so seamlessly that they seem to merge with each other.
It was in 1562, when the actual excavation of this lake started, particularly in the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah. Boating rides are available here and you can surely indulge in one.
Plus, the 16 meters mammoth statue of Buddha is an amazement in itself that stands proudly in the middle of the Hussain Sagar Lake.
Other water sports such as parasailing, cruising and skiing are also rendered over here and partaking in any of them means getting a super-exhilarating experience for sure.
Apart from all this, there are also many other captivating tourist spots that are located close to Hussain Sagar Lake. Lumbini Park, Sanjeevaiah Park and NTR Gardens are the most notable of them.
Visiting Time: Opens every from 9 am to 9.30 pm
Entry Fee: NIL. Pay only for boating
Known For: Parks, Boating Rides, Sports Activities, Heart Shape, Buddha Statue and Artificial Lake
Qutub Shahi Tombs
Qutub Shahi Tombs makes a prominent heritage site to visit in Hyderabad. It’s basically a sequence of seven individual tombs pertaining to the Qutubuddin Dynasty that was built in the early 1500s.
In fact, the architecture of these tombs is a perfect amalgamation of Persian and Hindu styles and rest assured that you can’t stop gazing at them for hours to come.
Besides, you will fall for the meticulously carved stone on the arches of these tombs as the entire structure seems to rest on an elevated platform.
To one’s utter amazement, these tombs are the ultimate burial grounds of the whole of the Qutubuddin Clan. Sounds interesting, right?
Visiting Time: Opens every day from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm except for Fridays
Entry Fee: Rs.100 for foreigners and Rs.5 for Indians
Known For: Qutubuddin History, Tombs, Enthralling Anecdotes and Intricate Architecture
Things to do
- Exploring all the seven Tombs
- Buy eye-catchy handicrafts
- Visit the Golconda Fort, situ
Salarjung Museum
Home to some of the finest collections, the Salarjung Museum in Hyderabad was established in 1951. It is believed that most of the things that you will see in the Museum are from Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, also known as Salar Jung III.
Take a look at their dossier and you will find that the antics and handicrafts that the Salarjung Museum boasts represent European Art, Middle East Art and Far Eastern Art perfectly.
Similarly, there is also a section for kids that are surely a treat to the eyes. Apart from that, there are also bronze statues, jade carvings, bone China, wooden carvings, Indian sculptures, Persian carpets and so on.
Needless to say, the diverse collection of this Museum has what got it the tag of a distinct Museum all over the world.
Visiting Time: Opens every day from 10 am to 5 pm except for Fridays
Entry Fee: Rs.500 for foreigners and Rs.20 for Indians. However, the visit is totally free for children and students.
Known For: Unique Collection, Historical Prominence and Global Recognition
Old City
The old city is considered a prominent part of Hyderabad ever since the city came into being. With time, it has become a major tourist attraction in Hyderabad and not visiting this region means, your Hyderabad Tour will remain incomplete.
In fact, prominent historical buildings such as the Makkah Masjid, Taramati Baradari and Charminar are all located within the territory of the old city.
Furthermore, it is also the home to the Madina Market as well as the Laad Bazaar which is known for selling traditional jewellery and pearls of premium quality.
So, if you want you can also indulge in a shopping spree over here and shop for the items that entice you the most. And you know what?
This is one such place where the Hyderabadi Biryani got introduced first. So, if you are really fond of Hyderabadi cuisine, then you can surely satisfy your appetite here.
Visiting Time: Any time
Entry Fee: NIL
Known For: Hyderabadi Dishes, Jewelries and Pearls and Monuments
Things to do
- Visit the historically remarkable monuments
- Indulge in a Shopping Spree
- Eat delectable Hyderabadi dishes
Makkah Masjid
Over 400 years old, the Makkah Masjid was built by Muhammad Ali Qutub Shah, the founder of the city of Hyderabad. In fact, he himself laid the foundation stone of this mosque and subsequently planned the entire metropolis around it.
This has made it the central point of attraction in the whole of Hyderabad. Interestingly, one of the rooms inside the Masjid is believed to have the hair of the eminent prophet, Muhammad.
Besides, the primary arch of this shrine has been made of special soil, brought all the way from Mecca. So, if you are someone who believes in religious uniformity and wants to behold architectural, historic and spiritual amalgamation in their truest form, then this is a must-visit for you.
Visiting Time: Opens every day from 4 am to 9.30 pm. However, entry of tourists is strictly prohibited during the prayers.
Entry Fee: NIL
Things to do
- Visit many other monuments nearby
- Tour through the entire Old City
Golconda Fort
Golconda derived from the term ”Golla Kanda” which means the Shepherd’s Hill. As a matter of fact, this fort was founded during the reign of the Yadava Dynasty. Subsequently, it was conquered by many other famous clans such as the Kakatiya Dynasty, Bahmani Dynasty and later by Qutub Shahis and the Mughal Dynasty.
In fact, the acoustic effects that are created within the fort will certainly give you goosebumps. Suppose you clap your hands before the Fateh Darwaza, the sound of it can be clearly heard at the Bala Hissar. That’s pretty thrilling, isn’t it?
Moreover, it is also believed that the Golconda Fort dates back all the way to the 13th Century. In a word, the serenity all around and the regal palace surrounding the Fort everywhere are enough to compel you to come to this tourist attraction over and over again.
Opening Time: Opens every day from 9 am to 5.30 pm
Entry Fee: Rs.100 for foreigners and Rs.5 for Indians
Known For: Historical Prominence, Acoustic Effects and Architecture
Things to do
- Visit the Toli Hasid
- Explore the entire Golconda Fort from start to finish
- Buy eye-catchy handicrafts
- Watch the Light and Sound Show
Charminar
If there is one place that comes to everyone’s mind when they hear about Hyderabad, it would undoubtedly be Charminar. Chiefly built by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah in 1591, this monument is located in the heart of the city.
In fact, the primary motive behind constructing this building was to curb the spread of a life-threatening epidemic that led to many deaths at that time. Take a close look at the architecture of the heritage and you will find that it resembles the Cazia style quite a bit.
Inside, there are 45 prayer areas along with a mosque that is so full of calmness and serenity. Besides, each of the Minarets comprising Charminar is as tall as 48.7 meters. Once your visit is over, you can certainly shop around from the various stalls out here, selling amazing kinds of stuff at affordable prices.
On top of everything, the throngs out on the streets of the city will definitely remind you of the then Hyderabad and the tangible and intangible heritage assets encompassing it.
Opening Time: Opens every day from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
Entry Fee: Rs.100 for foreigners and Rs.5 for Indians.
Known For: Historical Prominence, Architecture, Ravishing Interior and Exterior Design
Prep and head to Hyderabad!
So, are you all set and ready to indulge in a satiating Hyderabad Tour this time? Well, if you may say so, you got to visit each of the stunning tourist spots mentioned above, so that you can enjoy your trip every step of the way.
Have a safe and happy journey!