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Things to Do in Hyderabad

The 'Shepherd's Hill' or the Golconda Fort is one of the must-visit landmarks of the city. Situated in the western part of the city, this glorious fortress is not just an important tourist spot, but also an architectural marvel of the past!

Built on a granite hill during the reign of the mighty Kaktiya dynasty, it has witnessed the rise and fall of several other dynasties that ruled over the region at different points of history. Measuring around 400ft, it now attracts a large number of travellers, history buffs, archaeological enthusiasts and others alike. A visit to this historic monument will surely take you back to the era when it served as a strong line of defence for the kings and emperors.

Along with these, its detailed and exuberant architecture that showcases the brilliance of the past is truly a sight to behold! A visit to Golconda Fort will surely serve your purpose of getting acquainted with Hyderabad’s glorious past!

Must Read: Places to visit in Hyderabad.

On your next Hyderabad tour, do not forget to visit the stunning Qutb Shahi Toms in the Ibrahim Bagh! Located within a close proximity to the Golconda Fort, these are the tombs to commemorate the seven Qutub Shahi rulers who ruled over this region.

Standing on a square platform, all the cenotaphs were built according to Persian, Pasthun and Hindu architecture and were intricately decorated with stunning chandeliers, covered with smooth velvets with silver poles as the support. Some of these tombs had golden spires that made them distinguishable among the others; tombs with such spires marked the burial ground of the Sultans.

Though after the end of the Qutub dynasty, these cenotaphs were ignored, their beauty and elegance were once again restored during the reign of Sir Salar Jung III. Since then, these historical sites has been grabbing the eyeballs of the tourists and a visit to them is considered as one of the must Hyderabad things to do.

Also checkout: Weekend gateways from Hyderabad for an awesome weekend.

Forts and palaces have always been a mark of the reputation and fame of the kings and emperors! The Chowmahalla Palace that was once the official residence of the Nizams is once such palace that explains the influence and architectural taste of the Hyderabadi rulers.

For several decades, this meticulously designed palace hosted grand celebrations, witnessed several historic occurring and made a prominent mark of the royalty of the Nizams. Built over more than 40 acres, the detailed architecture, elegantly crafted interiors and the layout of Chowmahalla Palace is believed to be inspired from Tehran's Shah Iran Palace. 

Divided into northern and southern courtyards, it also has several gardens and intricately designed fountains that defines the opulence and royalty of the then rulers.

Two things, without which Hyderabad won’t be Hyderabad: dum biryani and the Charminar! Known globally as the most important landmark of the city, a visit to this historical monument is indeed among the must to have experiences in Hyderabad!

Built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shai in the year 1591AD, this stunning minaret stand on the banks of the Musi River and once marked the centre of the city. Surrounded by the Laad Bazaar and the Makkah Masjid, this architectural marvel is built in Indo-Islamic style and has four different gateways. 

All the four minarets of the structure has domes that are decorated with several intriguing designs and artefacts.

During your Hyderabad tour, take a stroll around this stunning structure, witness how life thrives around it. Go shopping, sample some of the delicious Hyderabadi dishes and add an extra flavour to your trip!

Call this mansion as the Koti or British Hyderabad Residency; you will always find the charms of a bygone era around this opulent mansion. Built during 1798-1805 by James Kirkpatrick, one of the British residents in Hyderabad, it served as his private mansion back then.

Standing as testimony to the golden era of the city of Nizams, the architecture of the British Residency is believed to be inspired from the White House, U.S. In the past, it served as the embassy of the East India Company and was later converted as Osmania University College for Women.

High and elegant, British Residency now stands as one of the protected monument in Hyderabad, and a visit to this opulent mansion is a must!

Located on a hilltop, Moula Ali Dargah in the Moula Ali suburb of Hyderabad was originally built in the memory of Ali, the son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. A place of high religious importance, it was originally built as a masjid and said to have the handprints of Ali. 

The sanctity that exists here and its healing properties has made it an important pilgrimage among the devotees.

This pious site can be reached by traversing an array of steps that lead to the main campus. In addition, the rugged and undulated terrains to the hilltop makes it for an amazing experience! Though visitors are allowed inside only during the three days of 'Urs' festival during the holy month of 'Muharram', you can still climb to the dargah and witness its grandeurs. 

On your Hyderabad tour, make it to this astounding hilltop, and enjoy the panoramic views from the hilltop; it is also one of the ideal spot that offers amazing views of almost the entire city.

The royal city of Hyderabad is jotted with several historical monuments and marvellous architectures. The Paigah Tombs; also konwn as the 'Maqbara Shams al-Umara', is among the must visit masterpiece of the past! Located in the vicinity of Pisal Banda, it is a testimony of the brilliant craftsmanship of the bygone era and is intricately adorned with mosaic works and marble stones.

Built by the Paigah Family, its architecture and layout is a combination of Mughal and Moorish style. Adorned in stucco style, its shape and pattern are yet another remarkable aspects; the geometrical pattern used in its construction is unique and cannot be commonly found anywhere in the world!

The final abode of several Paigah members, these remarkable tombs depict some of the glorious tales of the past. Their structure and architecture is truly an inspiration for the present day world; a visit to these tombs is indeed one of the most delightful things to do in Hyderabad.

A perfect destination to visit; may it be with family or friends, Ramoji Film City is an entire day entertainment for the tourists to Hyderabad. Any kind of activity from enjoying the spellbinding view at this wonderful film city to engaging yourself in an adventure activity, it is all just a step away at Ramoji Film City.

The film city not just has a record-setting film studio but also is famous for both natural and artificial attractions. With an inbuilt film studio, amusement park and hotel, a visit to this stunning destination is one of the best things to do in Hyderabad.

Also Checkout: Best Resorts in Hyderabad, for a perfect stay.

To fulfil your shopping spree, Hyderabad has number of places in store for you! The most popular among them is the Laad bazaar which is best known for bangles. Close to the Charminar and Chowmahalla Palace, this place is also called the ‘Choodi Bazaar’ as the entire market place is known for selling bangles.

Operating since the times of Nizams and Qtub Shahi’s, this bustling market is known for the authentic bangles and other traditional jewellery. A hub for wedding shopping,  silver, precious stones and pearls, are sold in this market along with the many other items and jewels. 

Laad Bazaar is of huge attraction to people who love shopping and is one of the major looks outs among the other shopping outlets in Hyderabad.

If you are looking for a quiet and calm evening in Hyderabad, you must visit the Hussain Sagar Lake! Built by Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali in the year 1562, it was once the primary water source to the city and now serves as an important tourist destination as well as a major sailing destination in the country. 

Located within the diameter of several other landmarks of the city, this artificial lake receives its supply from the Musa River.

Enjoying the beauty of this lake and its magnificent view is something that should not be missed by any tourist of Hyderabad. Within the lake, there stands a 32ft high state of Gautam Buddha that enhances the charm and appeal of the lake. 

Visit this lake in the evening, spend some of the pleasant moments along with clicking some of the most amazing pictures during your Hyderabad tour.

You don’t have to look out a lot to have fun in Hyderabad; adding another exciting activity to the list of things to do in Hyderabad is the go karting experience! Spread over five acres, Runway 9 is another exotic experience that will keep you soaked with unlimited fun and excitement throughout the day.

With a number of activities like Go Karting, Rock Climbing, Foos Ball, Bungy Trampoline, Laser Combat, Roller Skating and many others, Runway 9 has a lot more in store for your entertainment and excitement. 

This place also offers different packages for games and food, some of them include party; this also make it an ideal destination for an outing or other such events. 

Built in 1994, Kasu Bramhanda Reddy National Park is a major tourist attraction in the city of Nizams. Besides having the picturesque view of the wonderful flora and fauna like any other national park, KBR National Park is famous for the Chitan Palace and the other historic structures within its perimeter.

Home to several rare and endangered species, this park seats atop the Jubilee Hills and attracts a large number wildlife lovers. If you happen to visit this pictorial park in the morning, you can catch the glimpses of how the stunning sunrays fills in the ambience with its golden rays and creates a magical spell on everyone! 

And in case you are an evening lover, you will find utmost peace and serenity within this gorgeous park. Among the array of things to do in Hyderabad, a visit to this KBR National Park is a must!

Must Read: Amazing hill stations near Hyderabad, which will take you a step closer to nature.

Take a break from visiting the amazing art and architectural masterpieces that exist in Hyderabad and turn toward the wilder side of this city! Established back in 1959, Nehru Zoological Park is a great way to spend time amidst the nature and its wonderful creations. 

Experiencing the essence of nature and sightseeing in this zoological park; it should definitely make it to your list of offbeat experiences in Hyderabad.

With the breath-taking safari and jungle visit, one can have a relaxed experience and also enjoy the wildlife around. The exotic species of animals are yet another attraction that exist in this park and are the major tourist attractions in Hyderabad. 

Delve deep into the wilderness of the park, indulge in a jungle safari and spot some of the exotic wildlife species like Indian Rhino, Asiatic Lion, Bengal Tiger, Panther, Indian Elephant and several others.

Well, so far what has been listed here, talks about the ethnicity and charms of the city of Nizams. However, it will be utterly wrong if you assume Hyderabad to be only a place of culture, heritage and splendours of the bygone era! Fringed with several hills, mountains and fascinating hillocks, the city also offers a range of adventure activities as well.

While in this city, if you happen to yearn for some of the most amazing or adventurous things to do in Hyderabad, you must make it to the Hyderabad Adventure Club. A hub of the adrenaline junkies, this club conducts several enthralling activities like trekking, paragliding, white water rafting, bouldering and several others. 

Register with this club and get indulge in all these Hyderabad things to do and to explore the adventurous facets of the city.

Hyderabad has a numerous things to be visited and discovered; meanwhile, it also brings an experience to its tourist which is much more than just the destinations! From holding the best of monuments in the country which are also known worldwide to having the best in store for the adrenaline junkies, the city has everything that can enthral a traveller! 

A perfect example of the balance between modernisation and cultural heritage, this city surely needs a visit.

A city, where almost every corner has a delicious food joint or the display of an architecture brilliance of the old world, Hyderabad takes the pride of being the meeting point of several religions! To witness this, you must visit the grand Makkah Masjjid within the old city limits.

With the foundation laid by Muhannad Quli Qutb Shah, who brought soil from Mecca (or Makkah), the holiest place for the Muslims; this sacred masjid in Hyderabad is located within the close proximity of the Chowmahalla Palace and Charminar. Bricks used in the construction were made from the Mecca and thus it got its name.

Arched facades of granite, arches supporting the roof, intricately crafted minarets and the detailed carvings on the doors and windows add to the opulent appeal of Makkah Masjid. Furthermore, measuring around 75x220x180ft, it can accommodate around 10,000 devotees at the same time. 

Irrespective of the religious background, people from all over the country throngs this grand monument and have a glimpse of it.

Located on the banks of River Musi in Hyderabad, Salar Jung Museum is a place that is meant for every history lover that visits this city of Nizams. It is one of those things to do in Hyderabad that no tourist can miss out on. This museum accommodates the biggest one-man antique collection from the world and is also the third largest museum in India.

Tracing the history back till the first century with its collection, this museum is an absolute treat to all the antique and history lovers. Following the legacy of collecting wonderful art works from the distant European, Asian and other countries; the museum still keeps up the tradition of collection and is a major attraction for the tourist that arrive to this city.

Dedicated to the supreme incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Birla Mandir was built by Swami Ranganathananda of Ramakrishna Mission. Showcasing the brilliance of Utkala, Dravidian and Rajasthani architecture, this temple is a blissful sightseeing spot for both the believers of Vishnu and lovers of ancient architecture.

Apart for just Lord Vishnu, other deity’s like Padmavati and Lord Venkateshwara are also established in different shrines at Birla Mandir. The spell binding architecture carved on the granite stones become the major attractions of this place. The mandir is located on a hill top giving beautiful view of the surroundings that add to the blissful experience at Birla Mandir.

An absolute architectural marvel located in Hyderabad, Jagannath Temple is yet another major spot for tourist attraction in this land of Nizams! Catering to the numerous devotees of Lord Jagannath, this modern temple is also a masterpiece in terms of its architectural designs. 

The temple attracts maximum number of tourists to visit and witness the splendour of Jagannath temple.

Built on similar grounds of Jagannath Temple in Puri, this temple in Hyderabad is best known for its architectural wonder; especially the peak of this temple. Along with enjoying the beauty of this temple, tourists and devotees can also pay a visit to the temple during its annual festival and witness the glorious Rathyatra, during which three deities of the temple are taken out on a grand procession.

Out of the numerous religious places that exist in Hyderabad, Chilkur Balaji Temple is something you should not miss out during your Hyderabad tour! Also known as the ‘Visa Balaji Temple’, it is located next to Osman Sagar Lake in Hyderabad.

Well, what makes this pious temple a tourist attraction is the fact that it is believed that a visit to this temple gets you visa clearance! Visited by thousands of visa applicants, it is nestled amidst lush greeneries and its brilliant architecture proves to be a treat for the history and architecture enthusiasts.

Seating graciously on the Deccan Plateau, Hyderabad is blessed with numerous natural marvels and sights to behold! Ageing around 2,500 million years, this plateau is the abode of a range of fascinating rock formations. Naturally balanced, these granite rocks and monolith, with their captivating shapes and sizes, proves to be one of the heavenly gift of the Deccan Plateau.

Visit these rocky ridges on every third Sunday of the month; take a walk through the vicinity and get acquainted with their astounding beauty! Treks are also usually conducted here by the ‘Save the Rocks Foundation’ for free of cost. 

A walk through them is undoubtedly one of the offbeat and best things to do in Hyderabad.