If you ever want to experience a city and not just do the routine thing of visiting a few tourist attractions, then the first city that comes to mind is Hyderabad. The city which is an amazing blend of regal past and refreshing modernity is a delightful place to visit. As the capital of Telengana, Hyderabad is always crowded with both tourists and locals. There are several exciting tourist attractions in Hyderabad that will whet your appetite for discovery. This brings to mind that the ‘City of Nizams’ is also well-known for its Hyderabadi Biryani, which is something not to be missed.
If you continue to explore this city, you will find a plethora of attractions in Hyderabad. The old quarters of Hyderabad represent the soul of this city, with the famed Charminar, monuments of Islamic and Persian architecture, and ever-evocative bazaar with spice shops, chai shops, and biryani restaurants.
The city’s new, cosmopolitan region is also filled with a myriad of attractions such as the Golconda Fort and Salarjung Museum for history enthusiasts, Ramoji Film City for movie buffs, and the glitzy stores and clubs dotted all around for people to have a good time. In this post, I intend to focus on the activities and not just visiting the tourist attractions in the city.
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Heritage walking tour of the old city
This is one of the best activities that you can indulge in, when in Hyderabad. Several travel agencies offer guided heritage walking tours of old Hyderabad including the iconic Chairminar. The 3 hours walking tour navigates you through Chairminar, the adjoining busy bazaars as you walk past the Mecca Masjid and Moti Mahal, the once home of Nizam, now a homeopathy hospital. You walk further through the busy markets as your tour culminates at the famous Chowmahalla Palace, once the seat of the Nizams of Hyderabad. The English speaking guide would come handy if you are not from the Southern state.
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The walk begins at Charminar, a monument that symbolises Hyderabad and was built in 1591 to commemorate the end of a deadly plague epidemic in the city. Your guide will enchant you with legends like the presence of a secret tunnel underground Charminar which connected to Golconda Fort and was built as a way of escape for the royal family in times of danger.
Then, you walk to Mecca Masjid, one of the oldest and largest mosques in India. The foundation stone was laid by Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutub Shahi dynasty, and the bricks used to build the mosque were made from soil sourced from Mecca. You just admire the majestic mosque that can accommodate more than 10,000 people.
Stroll through bazaars filled with bangles, perfumes, laces, and bridalwear on your way to a one-of-a-kind Clock Tower. This clock was presented to the people of this area during such a time when wristwatches and wall clocks were few. Walk past Moti Mahal, which used to be a Nizam’s Palace but is now a Homeopathic Hospital since 1969.
Admire the Corinthian pillars of the Asman Garh Palace and the Palace of Khurshid Jah Bahadur before continuing on to the Nizams’ Chowmahalla Palace. A water fountain, vintage cars, exquisite carvings, glass chandeliers, and the grand durbar hall are among the highlights of this palace. During the Nizams’ rule, this palace housed as many as 7000 attendants.
Your heritage walk comes to an end here. The tour might cost you around Rs 2500.
Related Article: A day at Golconda Fort in Hyderabad
Jungle Safari at Nehru Zoological Park
It is a good idea to take a break from visiting the amazing art and architectural wonders that exist in Hyderabad and turn towards the wilder side of this city! Established back in 1959, Nehru Zoological Park is a great way to spend time amidst 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 breathtaking safari and jungle tour, you may have a relaxing time while also seeing the wildlife. Exotic animal species are another attraction in this park, which is one of the major tourist attractions in Hyderabad.
Dive deep into the park’s wilderness, go on a jungle safari, and spot rare wildlife such as Indian Rhinos, Asiatic Lions, Bengal Tigers, Panthers, Indian Elephants, and more. Presently the park boasts of 1500 animals across 100 species.
Spend a quiet evening beside Hussain Sagar lake
If you want to spend a quiet and peaceful evening in Hyderabad, you should definitely go to Hussain Sagar Lake! It was built in 1562 by Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali and was previously the city’s primary water source. It now serves as a major tourist attraction as well as a major boating destination in the country.
This artificial lake, which is located within the limit of several major landmarks of the city is fed by the Musi River.
When in Hyderabad make sure you don’t miss the beauty of this lake and its breathtaking view. Within the lake, there stands a 32-feett-tall statue of Gautam Buddha adding to the lake’s allure and appeal.
Visit this lake in the evening and spend some pleasant moments while taking some of the most amazing photographs during your Hyderabad tour.
Do Read: Know all that make Salarjung Museum in Hyderabad a must visit attraction
Have a fun-filled visit to Ramoji Film City
Another great place you must visit is the Ramoji Film City. It is a great place to visit with family or friends, and it can keep you entertained for the entire day. Any type of activity, from taking in the breathtaking scenery at this wonderful film city to engaging in an adventure activity, is just a short walk away at Ramoji Film City.
The film city is not only known for its record-breaking film studio which is the largest in the world, but also for its natural and artificial attractions. A visit to this stunning destination, which includes a film studio, amusement park, and hotel, is one of the best things to do in Hyderabad.
Explore the adventurous facets of the city at Hyderabad club
So far, what has been listed here speaks about the ethnicity and charms of Nizams. However, assuming Hyderabad is only a place of culture, heritage, and splendors from a bygone era is completely wrong! The city, which is surrounded by hills, mountains, and fascinating hillocks, also offers a range of adventure activities.
If you are visiting Hyderabad and are looking for some of the most amazing or adventurous things to do in Hyderabad, you must visit the Hyderabad Adventure Club. This club, which caters to adrenaline junkies, offers a variety of exciting activities such as trekking, paragliding, white water rafting, bouldering, and others.
Join this club to indulge in all of these Hyderabad things to do and to explore the city’s adventurous facets.
Divine experience in rathyatra of jagannath temple
Jagannath Temple, an architectural marvel located in Hyderabad, is yet another major tourist attraction in this Nizam-ruled land! This modern temple, which caters to the many devotees of Lord Jagannath, is also a masterpiece in terms of architectural design.
The temple attracts a large number of tourists who come to see the splendour of Jagannath temple. The Odia community who form a sizable population of the city have contributed to construction of the temple.
Built on the same grounds as the Jagannath Temple in Puri, this temple in Hyderabad is best known for its architectural marvel, particularly the peak or shikhara of this temple. Along with admiring the temple’s beauty, tourists and devotees can pay a visit to the temple during its annual festival. And if you are lucky to be in Hyderabad during this time of the year, don’t miss witnessing the glorious Rathyatra, during which three deities of the temple are paraded in a grand procession.
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Blessings of Lord Vishnu at Birla temple
Birla Mandir, dedicated to the supreme incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was built by Swami Ranganathananda of Ramakrishna Mission. This temple, showcasing the brilliance of Utkala, Dravidian, and Rajasthani architecture, is a blissful sightseeing spot for both Vishnu devotees and lovers of ancient architecture.
Apart from Lord Vishnu, other deities such as Padmavati and Lord Venkateshwara have also shrines at Birla Mandir. The spellbinding architecture carved on the granite stones has become one of the main attractions of this location. The temple is located on a hilltop, providing a beautiful view of the surroundings that adds to the blissful experience at Birla Mandir.
Walk through the rocks
This could be a rare thing which you are unlikely to experience in any other city. Hyderabad, which sits graciously on the Deccan Plateau, is endowed with numerous natural wonders and sights to behold! This plateau, which dates back around 2,500 million years, is home to a variety of fascinating rock formations. These granite rocks and monoliths, with their captivating shapes and sizes, are a natural balance and one of the Deccan Plateau’s heavenly gifts.
Every third Sunday of the month, pay a visit to these rocky ridges, take a walk through the area and become acquainted with their breathtaking beauty! Treks are also usually offered for free by the ‘Save the Rocks Foundation’ here.
A walk through them is unquestionably one of the most unusual and enjoyable things to do in Hyderabad.
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Have some snowy fun at snow world
Snow World, a one-of-a-kind Hyderabad attraction, is a unique amusement park located in the heart of the city, right adjacent to Hussain Sagar Lake. Snow World, which spans over 2 acres of land, promises a fun-filled day in the snow for friends, families, and all visitors.
Snow World is popular among both locals and tourists as it is the only place in Hyderabad where it snows all year. It is the world’s third largest and India’s first snow-themed park. What distinguishes it is that the snow here is produced by mineral water and is free of toxic contaminants!
It cost INR 20 million to build and was designed by Nitish Roy, an Indian art director, production designer, and architect. There are slides, play areas, sculptures, and mountains made of artificial snow. Warm jackets, shoes, socks, and gloves will also be provided so that you may have fun without freezing out there. There is also a delightful Ice hotel where you may feast on delicious icy delicacies! The entry fee to Snow World starts from Rs 450.
Go shopping at the bazaars
Shopping in Hyderabad, which beautifully blends the old and the new, is an interestig way of discovering the city. With centuries-old bazaars sprawled in the shadows of glittery modern malls, and traditional handicrafts offered alongside international brands, the city does an excellent job of acquainting you with its heritage while flooding you with treasures from around the world. From bangles and handcrafted curios to traditional south Indian cloth and global labels, we tell you where to spend your money in Hyderabad.
Laad Bazaar: The Laad Bazar is one of Hyderabad’s most popular markets for street shopping. It is one of the oldest markets in Hyderabad, having been introduced at least 200 years ago. It is best renowned for its large assortment of bangles, earning it the nickname “Choori Bazaar.” This apart there are bangles, pearls, jewelry, semi-precious stones, silverware, Bidri ware, handicrafts, kalamkari, silk, perfumes, and much more! Since cars and rickshaws are not allowed in the area, you may walk through the busy lanes and admire the diverse range of products. Make sure you have good bargaining skills for a great shopping experience.
Perfume Market: Perfume Market, located between Moti Chawk and Lal Bazar, is a pleasant place to explore and engage in the intense scents. The market is a delight to visit, with a diverse row of stores selling attar as well as locally manufactured perfumes. Perfumes wrapped in little glass vials are available to tourists. The best thing about these perfumes is that they are all made with a base of fragrances such as musk, rose, jasmine, and sandalwood oil. There are family-run stores of Hyderabad perfumers in Pathergatti near Charminar for tourists to indulge in the best of the natural perfume collection. Perfumes are one of the most exciting things to shop in Hyderabad.
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Charminar Bazaar: Despite the intrusion of modernism, the beauty of Char Minar Bazaar remains unaffected. Charminar Bazaar, which stands tall and boasts a high price in the country’s southern city, is one of the city’s most popular shopping places. The market, which offers street shopping, is popular across the globe for its pearls, particularly the Basra Pearl, which is recognised for its adornment with silver and gold. The market, which stands out for its rustic appeal, sells a wide range of clothes, including sherwanis, saris, and Hyderabad Khada dupattas, among other things. One of the nicest items to buy in Hyderabad is the Pearl.
Shilparamam: This is the place to go for a more traditional shopping experience in Hyderabad. A stunning environment of 15 rural huts that are styled according to the things they sell. Shilparamam, which serves as an exhibition space, is well-known for its collection of natural fabrics, handicrafts, and everyday items. There is also a night bazaar at Shilparamam which remains open from 3 PM in the afternoon to 3 AM in the late night. A great place for a mid-night shopping experience.
Inorbit Mall: If you’ve been looking forward to spending the weekend relaxing and shopping, Inorbit Mall is the place to go. The mall, which offers some of the top retail brands in the country, is the ideal blend of luxury and trendy style. Tourists will undoubtedly be entertained in this place, which includes a cinema hall, gaming zone, and artificial football turf. If you want to chill and indulge in some guilt-free shopping, Inorbit Mall is a must-visit
Savour the Paradise Biryani and Irani Chai
Your Hyderabad tour is incomplete without experiencing the taste of the impeccable, infused with flavours Hyderabadi biryani. So, it is a must when you are in Hydearabad.
The one name that is synonymous with Hyderabadi biryani is Paradise restaurant,with multiple outlets in the Hyderabad city now.I have been to a couple of them and the one at the high-tech city served awesome chicken biryani. Paradise began as a small café in 1953.
It charms you with its rich flavours and is known for its Mirchi Salan, Mutton Biryani, Chicken Dum Biryani, and Chicken Hara Bhara Kebab, among other things. Paradise caters to both local and tourists, serving both traditional Hyderabadi and other cuisines. If you are in the city, it is a must for you to visit this place.
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Irani Chai: You are in Hyderabad and have not yet sipped the Irani Chai! That is a bit injustice to the city that is known to retain its Persian influences till today. Irani tea once defined Hyderabad’s café culture, particularly in the old city. Introduced by Persia settlers, the beverage and the places that served it evolved into an institution over time.
Irani Chai’s area has shrunk in recent years due to the invasion of Baristas and Cafe Coffee Days. However, this teahouse culture has strongholds – especially in the old city.
The difference between Irani chai and the rest of the tea styles made in India is in the preparation method. The tea leaves are boiled in a separate container with water, and the milk is boiled in a separate container as well. Then, while serving the customers, they pour in the milk first, followed by the liquid solution prepared from tea leaves. This process may be noticed in many places that still have an Iranian tinge.
Frequently asked questions on Hyderabad
What is famous in Hyderabad for shopping?
Hyderabad is known as the city of pearls and colourful lac bangles which are available at the Laad Bazaar. Apart from that, the Ikat pattern cloth is also available for shopping. You can also check out sarees and local fabrics while exploring the markets.
What should I not miss in Hyderabad?
If you are visiting Hyderabad then don’t forget to visit the following most popular attractions in Hyderabad, namely, Moazzam Jahi Market, Tank Bund, Moula Ali Dargah, Char Minar, and a lot more! Don’t forget to enjoy local food while being in Hyderabad as the city is known for its exquisite flavours.
What is the famous food of Hyderabad?
Hyderabadi Biryani is the most popular dish here in Hyderabad. There are numerous restaurants and stores offering one of the best-tasting biryani in the town. Hyderabadi Haleem, Hyderabadi Marag, Mutton Samosas, Mutton Dalcha, Dum Pukht, etc. are the popular food items of Hyderabad.
Is Hyderabad safe for tourists?
Yes, it is one of the safest cities to live in India. The city is known for its lively vibe, iconic attractions, delicious food, and lot. However, it is advisable to avoid late hour hangouts if you are alone in the city.
What is the best time to visit Hyderabad?
October to February is the best time to visit Hyderabad. The temperature remains pleasant during this time making it suitable for sightseeing and other activities.However, the city offers unique colours in all seasons and can be explored throughout the year.