Tourist Attractions
Here’s a look at the many exciting options that characterize Hyderabad tourist attractions.
Charminar
A landmark 1591 monument popular world over as the face of Hyderabad, Charminar (meaning four minarets) also called ‘Arc de Triomphe of the East’ is an architectural treasure of India. A blend of Indo-Islamic and Persian architecture, the Charminar, was built by the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah to commemorate the eradication of the cholera epidemic. No trip to Hyderabad is complete without visiting Charminar – the city’s centre of attraction.
Golconda Fort
A towering 11th-century citadel with a turbulent past, Golconda (meaning ‘round hill’) is admired for its unique architecture, gardens, palaces, military fortifications, magical acoustic system, ingenious water supply system, the famous “Rahban” cannon and an array of other attractions. Originally built by Kakatiyas in 1100 and later fortified by other invaders, Golconda Fort, now in ruins, represents a high point in Hyderabad’s history and is a must-visit archaeological treasure of India. Certainly one of the best tourist attractions in Hyderabad.
Chowmahalla Palace
An architectural masterpiece featuring eclectic design, this sprawling 18th-century palace once served as the official residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad. The monument with its expansive courtyards, palaces, darbar hall, fountains, gardens, clock tower, artefacts-packed galleries, and other attractions mirrors the luxurious lifestyle of the Nizams. Chowmahalla Palace (meaning ‘four palaces’) remains property of the heir of the Nizams and is a major tourist attraction in Hyderabad.
Salar Jung Museum
The Salar Jung Museum is home to the world’s largest one-man collection of antiques and manuscripts. Salarjung-III, the prime minister of the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad invested a lifetime in putting together this staggering collection of over 43,000 priceless artefacts from all parts of the world. Declared an institution of national importance by the Indian government, Salarjung Museum is a classic attraction in Hyderabad that lures millions of visitors every year.
Hussain Sagar Lake
A breathtaking, man-made water body in the heart of Hyderabad, Hussain Sagar, built in 1563 is a heritage site of India declared as the ‘Heart of the World’ by UNWTO for being the world’s largest heart-shaped mark. Presenting a stunning visual, the world’s largest monolithic Buddha statue rises 18 metres high from a red lotus pedestal on the rock of Gibraltar in the centre of the lake. You can go boating or visit popular attractions such as Lumbini Park on Necklace Road encircling the lake.
Ramoji Film City
Recognized as the World’s Largest Film Studio complex by Guinness World Records, Ramoji Film City sprawls over a 2000 acre landscape dotted with a raft of leisure, entertainment, hospitality, and full-spectrum film production facilities. Located about 40 kilometres from Hyderabad, Ramoji Film City is a magical getaway that attracts millions of visitors every year.
Qutb Shahi Tombs
Located close to the famous Golconda Fort, the Qutb Shahi Tombs present a place of serene beauty. Built by the Qutb Shahi dynasty, all except the last of the Qutb Shahi sultans lie buried here. The cluster of tombs with intricately carved stonework blends Persian and Indian architecture and is surrounded by landscaped gardens. The beauty of these tombs attracts scores of visitors every year.
Birla Mandir
A beautiful temple atop a hillock called Naubath Pahad in the heart of Hyderabad, Birla Mandir offers a panoramic view of the city. The temple presents a blend of Indian architectures and was constructed by the Birla Foundation with a staggering 2000 tons of pure white marble. Home to its presiding deity Lord Venkateswara, a serene atmosphere engulfs the temple.
Taramati Baradari
A historical, Persian-style garden built on the banks of the Musi River and named after Taramati, the favourite courtesan of the Seventh Sultan of Golconda.
Photo Courtesy: telanganatourism.gov.in
Birla Planetarium
Sitting pretty atop Naubath Pahad in the heart of Hyderabad city, Birla Planetarium is one of the most modern planetariums in India with its major attraction being the scintillating sky show.
Photo Courtesy: birlasciencecentre.org
Nehru Zoological Park
Located 15 kms from Hyderabad near the 200-year-old Mir Alam Tank – the world’s first multi-arch masonry dam, Nehru Zoological Park is one of India’s largest zoos and top attractions for visitors.
Photo Courtesy: telanganatourism.gov.in
Purani Haveli
With its 18th-century European architecture, Purani Haveli, constructed in the early 1800s was once the official residence of the Nizam. It houses the Nizam’s museum and the world’s longest wardrobe built in two levels with a hand-cranked wooden lift in place.
Paigah Tombs
Historic monuments of exquisite beauty, these 200-year-old lime and mortar tombs with beautiful inlaid marble carvings and stucco work retain an old-world charm and are the final resting place of the Paigahs, the most powerful noble families of Hyderabad, next only to the Nizams.
Mecca Masjid
Mecca Masjid was commissioned by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and built between the 16th & 17th centuries. One of the largest mosques in India, it is a state-protected monument located close to Charminar in the heart of the old city of Hyderabad. And there are many other equally historic tourists attractions near exhibition grounds in Nampally and surrounding areas.