There are so many amazing things to do in Hyderabad. You can explore Hyderabad in many ways, have a look at this article.
The beautiful city of Nizams has a lot to offer. From brilliant architecture to mouth-watering food. From historical sites to colossal shopping malls, Hyderabad has it all. And of course, how can we not mention the biryani?
Hyderabad is a great city to visit, here’s a list of things to do in Hyderabad-
1. Visit the Charminar
The Charminar is a very famous monument, mosque and architectural marvel. It was built in 1591 by Quli Qutub Shah, at the centre of old Hyderabad. As the name suggests, the Charminar is a square-shaped structure with four pillars. It’s carved beautifully, sparing no detail.
At night, when it’s lit up, the monument looks even more beautiful. It captures the true essence of old Hyderabad. The street surrounding the Charminar is full of the hustle and bustle. It is fun to explore these streets.
2. Shop at the Laad bazaar
Near the Charminar is this beautiful street market. Here, you can buy bangles, imitation jewellery and handicrafts. Lead means Lac which is used to make hoodies. That’s how the street gets its name.
Vehicles cannot enter the market, so you have to walk around the road to explore the bazaar. If you love jewellery and crafts, seeing the lead bazaar is a must.
3. Buy pearls
Hyderabad is historically famous for its pearls, since the time of the Nizams. The area of Pathargatti in the old city has a good market for real as well as faux pearls. Other places where one can buy beads are Laad Bazaar, Sultan Bazaar, and Begum Bazaar.
4. Taste India’s most expensive ice cream
Tired of eating plain old ice cream? Head to Huber and Holly at Banjara Hills. The Mighty Midas ice cream is the most expensive ice cream dessert in the country. But why does one scoop of ice cream cost Rs. 1000?
This delicious ice cream has a topping of 24 Karat gold flakes. Worth a try, isn’t it? They serve other amazing flavours as well. If you have a sweet tooth, check this place out!
5. See the most giant monolithic statue of Lord Buddha
In the middle of the Hussain Sagar Lake stands the most giant monolithic statue of Lord Buddha. That means this statue is carved out of a single stone. It is 58 feet tall and weighs 350 tonnes.
You can take a ferry boat from the lake to Lumbini Park, where the statue stands. It is quite fun to see the icon and the lake with its beautiful lights at night.
6. Feast on Biryani
Earlier this year, a picture went viral on the internet. It was a very long queue of zomato delivery partners, waiting to collect their orders. They were all in line to receive biryani from Bawarchi, the iconic food joint.
Since centuries, people agree that Hyderabadi biryani is one of the best ones around. Everyone who visits Hyderabad tries the lip-smacking biryani at least once.
7. Visit the Salar Jung museum
If museums and history interest you, Salar Jung museum is a great place to see. Many rare art objects are originating from India and abroad. There also is a library with unique and exciting books.
The main attraction of the museum is the ‘Veiled Rebecca’. It is a beautiful statue which is carved. It is so well made that it becomes hard to believe that it is a statue.
8. Light show at Golconda fort
This one is on the outskirts of Hyderabad but is sure worth seeing. Golconda fort is one of the grandest forts in the country. It is an architectural marvel. The light show at the fort gives visitors a taste of history. The show is almost an hour long and is presented in English, Hindi and Telugu.
9. Get filmy at Ramoji film city
Ramoji film city is the largest film studio in the world. This place offers a once in a lifetime experience to its visitors. You’ll get to see how films are made, how sets work, and how the shooting of scenes is done.
Also, you can experience the action and thrill, first hand. You cannot pass up on the opportunity to see the sets where your favourite movies were made, can you?
10. Live like royalty at Falaknuma Palace
With its extravagant chandeliers and surprising details, the Falaknuma Palace is really grand. It is a glorious blend of Indian and English architectural styles.
In 2010, the Taj group of hotels took over the palace and renovated it. The castle has now been transformed into a luxury hotel, where a lot of famous people are regulars.
11. Play at snow world
Would you believe it if I were to say that it snows at Hyderabad? And that too, all year long? Snow world is where you can experience snow and snow sports in a large theme park.
There’s a huge slide, sledging, and loads of snow. At the end of the hour-long session, you will even get to enjoy snowfall. Protective clothing and show boots available at the park itself.
12. Feast on baked goodies at Karachi Bakery
Hyderabad really is heaven on earth for foodies. Karachi bakery was founded in 1953 by a Sindhi who migrated to Hyderabad from Pakistan during the partition. Since then, it has been one of the best bakeries in Hyderabad and the country. The fruit biscuits are quite famous, but their other baked goodies are delicious as well.
13. Visit the Chowmahalla Palace
This palace was built by Nizam Salabat Jung. All the essential ceremonies of the Nizams took place here. The Khilawat Mubarak is probably the most beautiful part of the palace. There is a clock tower, where the clock has been ticking since two and a half centuries.
14. Go on a wildlife safari
Spending time in the lap of Mother Nature is always a good idea. The Kasu Bramhanda Reddy National Park is home to several rare species of animals. If you love wildlife sightseeing and photography, KBR Park is the place to go!
You can also visit the Nehru zoological park and see exotic animals like Panthers and Lions.
15. Seek blessings at temples
No matter where you are in India, you are never more than 7Km away from a temple. Here are the most noteworthy temples of Hyderabad.
BIRLA TEMPLE
It is a huge white marble temple of Lord Venkateshwara. It was built by Swami Ranganathananda of the Ramkrishna mission. The temple stands tall on the Naubat pahad, overlooking the city. The view of Hyderabad, Secundrabad and the Hussain Sagar Lake from the temple is stunning. There are places like a planetarium, a museum and a library at the Birla temple as well.
JAGANNATH TEMPLE
A replica of the Jagannath Puri temple, this one is an architectural marvel too. The temple is famous for its tall and extravagant shikhara and the rath yatra.
CHILKOOR BALAJI
This temple is also called the passport Balaji or visa Balaji temple. There is a widespread belief that you will get a visa clearance if you go to this temple for darshan.
PEDAMMA TEMPLE
This temple of goddess Laxmi is truly South Indian. It’s colourful, and the shikhara is delicately carved with figurines. Pedamma temple is very popular among the locals of the area.
16. Hit the mall!
Hyderabad has some really great malls with local, national and international brands. It is also home to the first Ikea store in the country. Some of the best malls in Hyderabad are
– Forum Sujana Mall
– Inorbit mall
– Hyderabad Central mall
– GVK one mall
– Next Galleria mall
17. Go Karting
If you have an interest in cars and love Go-karting, you must visit India’s first and largest circuit for the same. There are other fun activities like laser tag, foosball, skating, trampolines, etc.
You have to pay separately for each game you play, so you have the choice. The entry fee is quite nominal. Runway 9 is a fun place for kids and youngsters.
18. Visit the Mecca Masjid
People from all religions go to see the grand Mecca Masjid because it is so splendid. Yet another architectural masterpiece, this Mosque is magnificent. It is vast and can accommodate thousands of devotees at a time.
19. Seek thrill playing adventure sports
The Grand Hyderabad adventure club is great for thrill-seekers. It is free for anyone above 18 years of age to join (If you’re younger, you will need parental consent). With skilled companions, you will be very safe while playing sports. Activities you can take up include mountain climbing, hiking, trekking, bungee jumping, rafting etc.
20. Witness the majestic Tombs
The tombs of the rulers of the Qutub Shahi dynasty are situated in Hyderabad, near the Golconda fort. This is yet another treat for architecture and history buffs.
What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and keep this list in mind when making your itinerary!
Explore: Hyderabad Tourism Guide
– Written by Bhavika (Intern at BoldBlush)
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