Places To Visit

31 Incredible Tourist Places to Visit in Hyderabad

This splendid city of history and heritage, Hyderabad never fails to enthral all its visitors who move in. With a status over 400 years old, this metropolitan city of the nizams is found rich in culture and tradition.

From historical monuments to natural escapes to mouth-watering world famous cuisine, this city offers all the pleasures that any tourist can ever ask for.

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1.Charminar

  • Recommended Duration: 45 Minutes
  • Entry fee and Timings

The Charminar is one of the most iconic and recognizable monuments in Hyderabad.

The Charminar was built in 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah to commemorate the founding of Hyderabad.

The Charminar is a mosque and has four minarets that are each nearly 500 feet tall.

The Charminar is located in the heart of old Hyderabad and is a popular tourist destination.

The Charminar is surrounded by marketplaces and is a great place to shop for souvenirs.

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2.Golconda Fort

  • Recommended Duration: 2 Hours
  • Entry fee and Timings

The Golconda Fort is an impressive structure that is well connected to the rest of the city.

The fort was built by the Qutub Shahi Kings and has eight gates and 87 bastions.

The fort is just 11 km away from the city and is a great place to visit.

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3.Ramoji Film City

  • Recommended Duration: 4 Hours
  • Entry fee and Timings

The film city is spread over a land area of 161.5 acres and is considered to be the largest integrated film-making city in the world, with a film city and an adjoining township. Spread over an area of 6.2 Square Kilometers, the Ramoji Film City is a one of its kind film city in India.

The fascinating thing about this film city is that it is also home to a mini township located on Golconda hills. As you enter the film city, you are greeted by the bustling township with all its colors, sounds and allure. The township is a huge attraction within the city itself and has been given a special mention by none other than Time magazine.

The township at Ramoji Film City includes everything that you need like schools, restaurants, multiplexes, hospitals, shopping malls and more! This mini township contains all that you need to make your stay comfortable without spending much time on traveling.

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4.Hussain Sagar Lake

  • Recommended Duration: 45 Minutes
  • Entry fee and Timings

Situated at the center of Hyderabad in Telangana, one will surely fall in love with Hussain Sagar Lake. Also known as Tank Bund, the lake is a popular destination in the city packed with visitors every day.

The lake is surrounded by a green oasis, dotted with several famous institutions like the Hyderabad Public School, Madina and Jamia Osmania.

At the center of this beautiful lake stands a 16-m (52 feet) high white granite statue of Lord Buddha with a weight of 350 tonnes. The lighting show here is worth watching.

The Hussain Sagar Lake was built during the reign of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty for the king to enjoy boating rides in the evenings. It was also built because of a famine that affected the region and to provide water to the surrounding areas.

The Hussain Sagar Lake is home to a number of migratory birds including flamingos and pelicans. There are also floating gardens on the lake where visitors can enjoy boating rides as well as try their hands at fishing. The best time to visit this place is during sunset, when one can enjoy a dazzling view of the skyscrapers and twinkling stars above.

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5. Birla Mandir

  • Recommended Duration: 45 Minutes
  • Entry fee and Timings

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.

Built From Red Sandstone And Marble, This Temple Adds A Tinge Of Color To The City.

This Temple Specially Has A Solar System Which Can Guide You To Find The Direction.

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6. Jala Vihar

  • Recommended Duration: 2 Hours
  • Entry fee and Timings

The city of Hyderabad is host to several amusement parks, where one can take a break from the hustle bustle of the city and spend some quality time with family. One such type of park is Jalavihar, located on the Necklace Road in Hyderabad.

Jala Vihar is an ideal destination for families or friends as it boasts of a diverse range of entertainment options for all age groups. The park has a mini train ride, Tilt bucket, Mushroom Umbrella, Family Slide, Mini Aqua Trailers and Float Slide among other things. These rides are ideal for children and adults can join in on a few fun filled rides as well. Families can find respite from the scorching sun under the shade of a tree or on the cool ground while they enjoy several entertaining activities. For an added treat, one can also enjoy some scrumptious food on the banks of lake inside park premises.

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7.Chowmahalla Palace

  • Recommended Duration: 2 Hours
  • Entry fee and Timings

The Chowmahalla Palace is one of the biggest palaces in Hyderabad. The palace was the residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad. Chowmahalla Palace is located in the old city area.

This palace was built by the fifth Nizam of Hyderabad. The construction started in 1853 and completed in 1869. The top floor of the palace is known as Asman Garh or the Palace of Clouds.

This palace is an architectural wonder. The palace is a blend of Indian and European architecture, especially English Gothic architecture. The Palace is surrounded by a garden, which was the first example of a Mughal Garden in India. It is a five-acre garden with fountains, canals and fish ponds.

The palace houses some of the finest pieces of art and furniture.There are various paintings, carpets, and statues that are hundreds of years old. Nowadays, the palace houses a museum, where visitors can see the artifacts from the past.

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8.Lumbini Park

  • Recommended Duration: 1 Hour
  • Entry fee and Timings

The Lumbini Park is located on the bank of Hussain Sagar Lake and has been named after the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The Lumbini Park is one of the most visited tourist spots in Hyderabad. The Lumbini Park is a sitting place, which is a perfect place to relax after a long day. The Lumbini Park has got a unique design and beautiful garden, which makes it one of the most visited places in Hyderabad.

Lumbini Park gives you an excellent view of the Hussain Sagar Lake and the roads that are around it. There is an entry fee for the Lumbini Park. The Lumbini Park has got a very good security system. There are different kinds of flowers, trees and other plants in the Lumbini Park. There are different kinds of birds at the Lumbini Park. The Lumbini Park has got a very good parking system.

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.

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9.Qutub Shahi Tombs

  • Recommended Duration: 1 Hour
  • Entry fee and Timings

The Qutub Shahi Tombs are located in the southern part of Hyderabad. It is the burial place of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, who ruled the city between 1518 and 1687. The tombs are also known by the name Golconda.

It was named so by Aurangzeb. The tombs are made of lime and mortar, and are built in an Indo-Islamic style. The tombs are of 3 types – the domed tomb, the cenotaph, and the pavilion tomb.

Most of the tombs have rectangular plans, but there are some exceptions as well.

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10.Birla Planetarium

  • Recommended Duration: 2 Hours
  • Entry fee and Timings

The Birla Planetarium was inaugurated by the late Sri N.T. Rama Rao in 198. Situated in the heart of the city, at Naubat Pahad, the Planetarium has a telescope with a diameter of 1.5 m and a mirror of 81 cm diameter. The Planetarium presents an excellent view of stars and planets through the telescope and helps viewers understand cosmic phenomena.

The planetarium organises regular shows on the sky, solar system, stars and other astronomical subjects which are enjoyable for children as well as adults. The shows are held every day at 4 pm and 8 pm. The Planetarium also houses an exhibition on astronomy and its related subjects.

The exhibitions are open to the public on all working days from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm. The Planetarium also houses a museum which has been set up to depict the ancient Indian ideas of the sun, the moon and the planets. The Birla Planetarium is open to visitors on all days of the week, except Mondays, from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm.

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11.Nehru Zoo Park

  • Recommended Duration: 3 Hours
  • Entry fee and Timings

Opened to public in 1963, Nehru Zoological Park is also located near the near Mir Alam Tank of Hyderabad. Boasting of about 1,500 species of birds, animals and reptiles this largest zoo in India is run by the Forest department, Government of Andhra Pradesh.

With a vast area of about 380 acres, it is quite popular as a picnic spot. The history museum here also attracts many visitors.

When here, you can choose from a variety of safaris and treat yourself with a few adventurous moments. Bear Safari, Tiger Safari, Lion Safari, and Butterfly Safari are available here for the visitors.

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12.Salar Jung Museum

  • Recommended Duration: 2 Hours
  • Entry fee and Timings

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.

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13.Purani Haveli

  • Recommended Duration: 1 Hour
  • Entry fee and Timings

Built in the European style, Purani Haveli is situated at the South east of Afzal Gunj Bridge near Dewandevdi.

In 16th century, it was used as the residential quarter of Mir Momen, the Peshwa of Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah. However, later in 18th century, it was acquired and then renovated by Nizam III. It was then passed on to his son Sikandar Jah, who, although moved to the Khilaurat complex, which gave it the name of Purani Haveli.

Haveli presents a beautiful amalgamation of traditional Indian courtyards and 18th century European facades. It has beautifully designed interiors, antique furniture, vast courtyards and rooms with colourful tiled walls and mosaic floors. There is also a Nizam’s museum with extensive collection, a library and Mukarram Jah Technical Institute inside the U shaped complex where the haveli is located.

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14.Tank Bund

  • Recommended Duration: 45 Minutes
  • Entry fee and Timings

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.

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15.Snow World

  • Recommended Duration: 2 Hours
  • Entry fee and Timings

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.

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.

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16.Laad Bazaar

  • Recommended Duration:1 Hour
  • Entry fee and Timings

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.

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17. NTR Gardens

  • Recommended Duration: 1 Hour
  • Entry fee and Timings

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.

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18.Durgam Cheruvu

  • Recommended Duration: 45 Minutes
  • Entry fee and Timings

Durgam Cheruvu is located quite close to the Hi Tech city. It lies hidden between various granite rocks and hence is referred as Secret Lake too. It is also called with the names of Madhapur Lake.

There are rocks which have surrounded the lake, spread over an area of 63 acres which are approximately 2500 million years old. It is also said that the water of lake was used as drinking water in Golconda Fort.

There are facilities for a range of activities here at the lake such as pedal boating, camping as well as trekking. You will also find cafeteria by the lake side.

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19.Shilparamam

  • Recommended Duration: 2 Hours
  • Entry fee and Timings

A craft village, Shilparamam is one of the popular tourist spots of Hyderabad. Spread over 50 acres, is a popular shopping destination with artisans from all over India showcasing their best products.

Handmade artifacts, hand woven, traditional clothes and traditional jewelry often lure visitors. It has many captivating sections such as Crafts Museum, Cultural Museum, Art Gallery & Library, Multi-purpose Auditorium, as well as Workshops and Research & Design Centers.

And the best part if you won’t have to explore all this empty stomach. They are many food stalls offering mouth-watering snacks as well.

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20. Necklace Road

  • Recommended Duration: 1 Hour
  • Entry fee and Timings

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.

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21. Chilkur Balaji Temple

  • Recommended Duration: 1 Hour
  • Entry fee and Timings

Located in a small village named Chilkur, this temple is about 30 km away from Hyderabad. On the banks of mesmerizing Osman Sagar Lake, Chilkur Balaji Temple is popularly called as the Visa Balaji temple.

Dedicated to the Lord Balaji Venkateswara with Sridevi and Bhoodevi accompanying him, this temple is almost 500 years old. There are many legends associated with this temple. It is visited by hundred of devotees every day as it is believed that prayers of devotees are often answered here. Devotees in turn come and thank God by offering 108 pradakshinas of the temple.

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22.Taj Falaknuma Palace

  • Recommended Duration: 1 Hour
  • Entry fee and Timings

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.

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23.Gandipet Lake

  • Recommended Duration: 30 Minutes
  • Entry fee and Timings

Spread across a vast expanse of 46 km, Gandipet Lake is the main reservoir of the twin cities. It was built by Hyderabad Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, as a protection against flooding of the cities.

It was constructed in 1920 and still stands strong. One of the most captivating features is the mesmerizing view which it offers. People often visit here to bask in its natural beauty. Watching sunsets and sunrises from here makes for a memorable experience.

There is also a guest house by Andhra Pradesh Tourism, Sagar Mahal, located nearby.

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24.Mount Opera

  • Recommended Duration: 2 Hours
  • Entry fee and Timings

Mount Opera Theme Park, one of the popular entertainment parks in Hyderabad is situated on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada National Highway, at a distance of 4 km from the Ramoji Film City.

Located at the hilltop, this park has been chosen as a special tourism unit by the State Govt. Tourism Department. It offers exciting choices for both kids and adults; both water rides and dry rides.

Apart from recreational choices such as boating, Rain dance, boating, family pools, you also have a discotheque here which makes even your nights lively.

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25.Paigah Tombs

  • Recommended Duration: 1 Hour
  • Entry fee and Timings

A compelling blend of Asaf jah and Rajputani style of architecture, Paigah Tombs are situated just 10 km away from Charminar in the Old city. They present a perfect example of Indo Saracenic architecture.

Made up of marble it has captivating interiors and an impressive jaali work. These attention-grabbing tombs are the graves of prominent members of the Paigah family such as of Shams-ul-Umra, Viqar-ul-Umara, Asman Jah and many others.

Paigahs were the only noble family who were permitted to have their own set of army, apart from the Nizams. They had married the daughters of Nizams.

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26. Sanghi Temple

  • Recommended Duration: 1 Hour
  • Entry fee and Timings

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.

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27.KBR National Park

  • Recommended Duration: 1 Hour
  • Entry fee and Timings

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.

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28. Mecca Masjid

  • Recommended Duration: 1 Hour
  • Entry fee and Timings

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.

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29.Taramati Baradari

  • Recommended Duration: 1 Hour
  • Entry fee and Timings

Outside the Golconda Fort on the Gandipet Road lies Taramati Baradari, another popular historic building of Hyderabad.

Consisting of a music hall with 12 entrances which served as an auditorium, it used be the place where the legendary artist Taramathi used to perform. Taramati along with Premamati were said to be most popular dancers and courtesans of the Abdullah Qutub Shah, 7th Sultan of Golconda.

Located at the top of a hill, it boasts of amazing acoustics and is now a cultural complex which hosts various cultural programs such as classical dance and singing performances. It is now run by Telanga Tourism Corporation.

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30.Maula Ali Dargah

  • Recommended Duration: 1 Hour
  • Entry fee and Timings

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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31.Botanical Gardens

  • Recommended Duration: 1 Hour
  • Entry fee and Timings

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.