Tourism - Let's visit the heart of Hindustan, Hyderabad

Tourism - Let's visit the heart of Hindustan, Hyderabad

The land of Nizams and Hyderabadi Biryanis, Hyderabad the newly reinstated capital of two states stands to charm with its treasure trove of gorgeous historic structures. Apart from these historical places, there are several newer places to visit in Hyderabad. The Charminar’s astonishing architecture enhances the beauty of the grand Mecca Masjid from afar while the Qutub Shahi Tombs overlook the marvellous Golconda Fort. When history becomes a tad too much to take in, go sailing at the vast Hussain Sagar Lake or relive your best film moments at the Ramoji Film City. But if food is on your mind then don’t miss out on the Necklace Road for some scrumptious Hyderabadi dishes.

Hyderabad, one of the busiest and most important city of India is also a tourist delight with a plethora of places to visit in Hyderabad. Attracting lacs of visitors throughout the year for its unique heritage, monuments, food and amazing culture, Hyderabad is definitely a must-visit place in India.  Here is a list of 10 places to visit in Hyderabad.

1. Golconda Fort: One of the places to visit in Hyderabad

Golconda Fort (Source)

One of the oldest and most famous forts in India, Golconda was first founded around 1143 AD in the Kakatiya Dynasty; originally a mud fort was later built by theQutub Shahi kings to the present structure. It served as a popular seat of power for the rulers for a long time until Aurangzeb declared siege and eventually took over the Fort. One of the marvels of Hyderabad’s history, this fort is still well known for its incredible acoustic effects which are considered to be an architectural marvel way ahead of its time. Located close to Hyderabad, this is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting the city.

2. Qutub Shahi Tombs

Qutub Shahi Tombs (Source)

A testament to the architectural brilliance of the Qutub Shahi artists, displaying the styles of Hindu, Persian and Pathan forms of architecture marked by the distinct use of minarets, domes and arches. The tombs are dedicated to the seven Qutub Shahi Kings who ruled Golconda for more than 150 years. Adding more beauty to this picturesque monument is its placement right in the middle of the sprawling gardens of Ibrahim Bagh.

3. Mecca Masjid

Mecca Masjid (Source)

The largest mosque of India and theoldest in Hyderabad, Mecca Masjid is also considered one of the holiest sites of the Islamic faith. Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah specially bought the sand from Mecca – the holiest pilgrim of Islam, to make bricks that were used to build this mosque. It was this structure that formed the centre around which Hyderabad was planned under his reign. The Minarets on all four sides holding distinctive large domes with arched viewing gallery shows a panoramic view of the city. Tombs of the Nizam and his family are placed in canopied houses in the courtyard. Add this beautiful, holy place to your list of places to visit in Hyderabad.

4. Salar Jung Museum

Salar Jung Museum (Source)

The third largest National museum in India, it houses the biggest one man’s collection of antiques in the world. Former Prime Minister of the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, Nawab Mir Yusuf Ali Khan Salar Jung III, for over thirty-five years spent a large amount of his income to acquire this envious collection of priceless antiques. Some of its displays include, Aurangzeb’s sword, Tipu Sultan’s wardrobe, numerous different handwritten copies of the Quran, furniture from Egypt, paintings, sculptures, etc form a large part of the collection. Definitely the most important monument in Hyderabad for museum lovers.

5. Charminar: Hyderabad’s identity

Charminar (Source)

Easily one of the most recognised structures in India, Charminar is for Hyderabad what Taj Mahal is for Agra. A visit to Hyderabad is incomplete if you don’t see Charminar. It is a monument and a mosque, built by the Qutub Shah in 1591 CE to mark the eradication of plague, for which he prayed at the same spot and vowed to build a mosque there. This structure overlooks the Mecca Masjid and the famous Laad Bazaar is situated around it. Char Minar has been the face of Hyderabad since a long time and if you are planning a trip to Hyderabad, make sure that this is on top on your itinerary.

6. Birla Temple

Birla Temple (Source)

Built with pure white marble, Birla Templeis a hindu temple depicting Dravidian, Rajasthani and Utkala architecture, on a 280 feet high hillock. The construction initiated by the Birla foundation in 1966 and took almost 10 years to complete has now formed part of the latest addition to Hyderabad’s cultural structures. Birla Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in Hyderabad and is frequented by pilgrims throughout the year. One of the auspicious places to visit in Hyderabad for the Hindus, this grand temple houses the shrines of Lord Venkateswara accompanied by Shiva, Shakti, Ganesh, Hanuman and Brahma among others.

7. Chowmahalla Palace

Chowmahalla (Source)

Located near Charminar, this palace was the residence of the Nizams of Hyderabadwhich had a huge council hall, clock tower, a large drawing room, complete with exquisite chandeliers and intricately designed interiors. One of the finest architectural monument in Hyderabad, Chowmahalla wasn’t opened to public  for a long time.The present Nizam decided to restore the palace which itself took five years and has been opened to the public since 2005.

8. Ramoji Film City

Ramoji Film City (Source)

Undoubtedly termed the best film city in India, built by the Ramoji Group has served as a set for a majority of films made over the years. From sets of airports, hospitals, lavish bungalows, streets, temples, jails and all the generic scenes you find in films, TV serials and commercials are propped here for use. Apart from exploring these, you can also enjoy the Ramoji film city amusement park with some Cinema inspired rides and games.

9. Hussain Sagar Lake: One of the must visit places in Hyderabad

Buddha statue at Hussain Sagar (Source)

A large deep lake spreading across almost 6kms was built on the tributary of the Musi River in 1562. In 1992, an 18 metre high monolithic structure ofGautama Buddha was erected in the middle of the lake. Since then, this place has become a popular local hangout place in Hyderabad. With sailing facilities, gardens and parks surrounding it along with some popular food streets, Hussain Sagar Lake makes for a fitting end to a day in Hyderabad, strolling along the lake while digging into some delicious food.

10. Necklace Road

Necklace Road near the lake (Source)

If all you want to do is indulge in someauthentic Hyderabadi cuisine, and then hop on to the Necklace road which takes its name from the famous Necklace road in Mumbai’s Marine Drive, starting along the Hussain Sagar Lake connecting NTR Gardens and Sanjeevaiah Park with Tankbund road forms a necklace like structure. It houses some of the best food stalls and restaurants in Hyderabad. A local restaurant called Eat Street has single–handedly transformed this place to a foodie’s hub.