Charminar
The capital city of Telangana, Hyderabad is a popular tourist destination and presents its visitors with a mesmerising contrast of age old traditions, culture at one end and modern facilities, amenities of a metropolitan city at the other end. Hyderabad is one city, which has no dearth of tourist attractions.
The very well known Charminar of Hyderabad is located at the Old City. This square shaped structure with a height of 56 m and breadth of 30 m was constructed in 1591. It was built by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah in the honor of his wife Bhagmati.
Also referred as the ‘Arc de Triomphe of the East’, Charminar is adorned with four towers in each corner. The minarets on each side, is of 48.7 m height, each with four storeys. Chaminar has a small mosque as well on the top floor. There are 45 prayer spaces which are still visited by people, particularly on Fridays. Lighting in the evening is quite glamorous and makes for a worth watching site.
Golconda Fort
Just 11 km away from the city, the architectural marvel Golconda Fort is well connected to the rest of the city. Built by Qutub Shahi Kings, this fort presents an impressive structure, with eight gates and 87 bastions.
Its impressive structure has majestic walls which are as high as 15 to 18 foot and a parameter of close to 11 km. Along with brilliant architecture, this fort also captivates its visitors with its system of acoustics, its water supply system, ‘Rahban’ cannon and Ramdas’ prison which has carved Hindu deity in it.
The light and the sound show in English, Hindi and Telugu language with the voice over by the Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan is something one must not miss when visiting the Fort. Please note that Camera Tripods are not allowed inside.
Ramoji Film City
Since 1991, Ramoji Film City has been alluring tourists from every corner of the country. One of the largest film studios in the world it has the capacity to house almost 50 film units within a given point of time.
It is also listed in Guinness Book of World Records as well. Spread over 2500 acres, it is situated about 30 km away from Hyderabad. Its brilliant architecture and sound technical facilities make it suitable for all the pre and post production of a film.
Its various sets like London Street, Hollywood sign, Japanese gardens, etc; landscapes; vintage buses; and many other features such as Filmi Duniya, Action, Interactive Entertainment, etc, makes a trip to Ramoji memorable.
Hussain Sagar Lake
Connecting the twin cities, Hussain Sagar Lake boasts of being the largest artificial lake in Asia. On the tributary of Musi River, it was excavated during Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah’s reign, in 1562 AD. It has got its name after Hussain Shah Wali.
The main attraction is 16 m high white granite statue of Lord Bhudda with a weight of 350 tonnes, situated at the middle of the lake. The lighting show here is worth watching.
One can take a ferry ride to the statue, which takes and brings back visitors at regular intervals. One can indulge in various recreational activities which are offered here such as boating with the choice of speed boats as well as motor boats, water-skiing, parasailing and cruising. The 48 seater launch offering dinner to its guests is a perfect place for private parties.
Birla Mandir
Located atop 280-foot-high hillock of Kalapahad, the beautiful Birla Mandir has derived its name from the industrialist Birlas who have constructed Birla temples in various parts of the country.
Constructed in 1976, it is said it took close to 2000 tonnes of white marbles to build this stunning temple which was brought from Rajasthan. It has drawn its architecture from the amalgamation of three known architectural designs – South Indian Architecture, Utkal temple Architecture and Rajasthani Architecture.
The temple has 11 ft. tall statue of Lord Lakshminarayana with a magnificent lotus carved around it. It also has separate shrines for deities such as Venkateswara, ‘Padmavati’ and ‘Andal’ as well. The complex also houses a separate temple of Lord Bhudda.
Jala Vihar
Located at the Necklace Road, Jalavihar, family entertainment park, enjoys a prime location. Suitable for both kids and adults, it offers an amazing range of water activities. Some of these are River ride, Tilt bucket, Mushroom Umbrella, Family slide, Mini aqua trailers, Float slide, Pendulum, etc.
Not just water rides, families can have fun filled moments at games like Mini train, Super-Jet, Battery bikes, Mini Coarsely, Battery cars, Mini rainbow wheel, Air hockey, Water shooter, Basketball, Bungy Trampoline, etc. The party zone here is perfect for all kinds of family functions. It also houses an amphitheatre and the Aesthetic Vedhika.
Chowmahalla Palace
Chowmahalla Palace, with literal meaning of ‘four palaces’ in Urdu language was built in the 18th century. It was during the reign of fifth Nizam, Afzar-ud-Daulah, Asaf Jav V, from 1857 to 1869, that the palace was completed.
Initially spread across an area of 45 acres, the palace now covers 12 acres of land. The palace has two courtyards – the northern courtyard and the southern courtyard.
The southern courtyard has four palaces which are Afzal Mahal, Tahniyat Mahal, Mahtab Mahal, and Aftab Mahal. Out of these, Aftab Mahal is the biggest of all, with two storeys.
Khilwat Mubarak, the heart of the palace, Clock Tower, Council Hall and Roshan Bungalow are other worth visiting sections of it.It has been opened for public viewing since 2005.
Lumbini Park
Developed in 1994 by the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority, Lumbini Park has been named after birthplace of Lord Buddha. Located quite close to the Hussain Sagar Lake, it is one of the popular tourist spots of Hyderabad.
The giant clock designed with varied kinds of captivating flowering plants, which you see at the entrance is one of the prime attractions of the park. The musical fountain and the laser show here mustn’t be missed. Another key feature of Lumbini Park is its rich flora. It is open from 9 am to 9 pm on every day of the week, except on Mondays.
Salar Jung Museum
At the banks of Musi River, Salar Jung Museum is located. With an impressive collection of 43000 art objects, 9000 manuscripts and 47000 printed books, it is considered to be one of the biggest one-man collections of the world.
This museum has 38 galleries with 20 galleries in 1st floor while the rest 18 galleries on the 2nd floor. In 1951, it was opened to public while in 1968 it was shifted to its current building.
The artifacts of the museums are primarily collected by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan (Salar Jung III) and Nawab Turab Ali Khan (Salar Jung I) along with a few of his descendants.
Tank Bund
Connecting Hyderabad and Secunderabad, Tank Bund is a popular hangout of the city. Promising its visitors with a breath taking view of the lake and its monolith of Bhudda in the center, it dams the Hussain Sagar Lake.
This area showcases not just one or two but 33 bronze statues of various popular figures of the state such as of Sri Krishna Devaraya, Nannaya, Tikkana, Erra Pragada and many more.
To its south it has Secretariat buildings, the NTR memorial, the Lumbini Park, and the Hyderabad boat club while to its north it has the Sanjeeviah Park, Hazrat Saidani Ma Saheba tomb, and the Secunderabad Sailing Club. Its prime location makes it even more attractive.
Snow World
With the fame of being the first ever snow themed park in India, Snow World is a place which you must visit when in Hyderabad. Developed by the Ocean Park Multi Tech Limited (OPML), it is spread over an impressive area of 17,000 square feet.
Located at the Lower Tank Bund Road, this theme-park is easily accessible. Apart from playing with the snow, which is made up of mineral water, you can also try sports such as ice skating, ice boarding, snow slides with bumping-car and toboggan rides.
The Cryo Zone is one of the most popular sections. It presents a natural landscape with igloos, simulated polar bears and penguins and alpine trees.
Laad Bazaar
One of the oldest and most popular shopping areas of Hyderabad, Laad Bazaar is located adjacent to Charminar.
It is said that this market was equally lively even during the times of the Qutub Shahis and the Nizams. Presenting an ages old heritage, the “Laad Bazaar” has got its name from the word “Laad” meaning Lacquer. This market boasts of an incomparable varieties of bangles, which have Lacquer has one of its key material.
From traditional wares to clothes to zarri and embroidery works to pearls and semi precious jewelry, you get everything here.
NTR Gardens
Spread over an area of 36 acres, the captivating NTR Gardens was developed in the memory of late Shri N T Rama Rao. Not just lush green landscape, this park also has a wide range of recreational choices for visitors such as boating, machan tree, etc.
There is ample of place especially for children. You will have ample of eating options as well, including cafes, restaurant and eat out joints. The mini train offering a short ride through the park is major attractions.
Taj Falaknuma Palace
On a 2000-foot high hill, Falaknuma Palace is located just at a distance of 5 km from the historic monument Charminar. Built by the Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra, it took close to 9 long years for its completion. However, later in 1897, it was purchased by Nizam VI to serve the purpose of royal guest house.
Spread across an area of 32 acres, the palace has been constructed with marble and is often referred as the ‘mirror of the sky’. There are almost 22 halls and 220 rooms in the palace along with an impressive library, captivating chandeliers, marble staircase and many attractive features which make it an architectural marvel.
It boasts of a rich collection which ranges from Jade collection to rare paintings, manuscripts, books and furniture to statues. In 2000, it was taken over by Taj Group and converted into a 5 star luxury hotel, although the essence has still been preserved with much caution.
Necklace Road
Resembling a necklace, the Necklace Road of Hyderabad is stretched over 3 km length. Said to be inspired by the Queen’s Necklace of Mumbai, it acts as a connecting point to the three major parts.
This road connects NTR Gardens, Lumbini Park and Sanjeevaiah Park, running from NTR Gardens and Lumbini Parks to Sanjeevaiah Park, in turn forming a shape of necklace. It is adjacent to the Hussain Sagar Lake where you can find a variety of entertaining choices.
Boating is one of the most activities along with lighting show at the Buddha statue. The eat street here serves as a popular hangout place with an extensive range of food stalls.
Sanghi Temple
About 25 km away from Hyderabad, Sanghi Temple is located on the hillock Paramanand Giri. Dedicated to the Lord Venkateshwara, the architecture of this temple is based on the Chola-Chalukya architectural style.
It is said that the idol of Lord Venkateshwara is a replica of the statue in Tirumala. The temple complex also has temples of other Hindu deities, such as Parvathy Temple, temples of Lord Ganesha, Lord Rama, Lord Karthikeya, Lord Shiva, Goddess Kamalambika and Goddess Durga. There is also a garden named Pavitra Vanam which offers flowers for the worship.
KBR National Park
KBR National Park is one of the most popular and one of the largest parks of Hyderabad. With a rich flora and fauna, it offers lush green setting and a refreshing environment for the visitors to spend some relaxing moments.
This national park boasts of having more than 100 species of birds, 20 species of reptiles and 15 species of butterflies. You can experience its natural beauty by having a walk in the park. People also visit it to sit amidst its rich flora.
Botanical Gardens
Located in Madhapur, near the Hi-tech City, Botanical Gardens have been developed by Forest Department. It is spread over an area of 120 acres.
Opened with just 5 sectors, it has now 19 Vanams or sectors. Botanical Garden has a rich collection of flora with a range that includes ornamental plants, bamboos, palm trees, fruit and timber trees, medicinal plants and aquatic plants.
Bamboo Sector and the Palm sector are two of the most attractive sections of the garden. The presence of breath taking flowers and rare plants makes this place quite attractive.
Mecca Masjid
Located just 100 m away from the historic Charminar, Mecca Masjid is one of the largest Mosques in the world. With almost 8000 mason involved, it took close to 80 years for its construction to be completed.
In 1617 it was built by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, although the construction was completed in 1694 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. With a height of almost 75 feet and dimensions of 220 feet by 180 feet, it can easily accommodate about 10,000 devotees.
Mosque has stunning interiors as well with Belgian crystal chandeliers, beautifully designed five arches on each side, verse from Quran on arches and the doors.
Maula Ali Dargah
Just 10 km away from Secunderabad, the top of hillock, Maula Ali Dargah is one of the 11 heritage sites which have been identified by HUDA (Heritage Conservation Committee).
Constructed in the memory of Hazrat Ali, son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, by Asif Jahis, it attracts pilgrims from, everywhere. Although one has to climb almost 400 stairs to reach here, it is worth all the efforts. Apart from religious association, the view of the city from here is mesmerizing.
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