The very well-known Charminar of Hyderabad is located at the Old City. This square shaped structure with a height of 56 m and breadth of 30 m was constructed in 1591. It was built by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah in the honor of his wife Bhagmati. Also referred as the ‘Arc de Triomphe of the East’, Charminar is adorned with four towers in each corner. The minarets on each side, is of 48.7 m height, each with four storeys. Chaminar has a small mosque as well on the top floor. There are 45 prayer spaces which are still visited by people, particularly on Fridays. Lighting in the evening is quite glamorous and makes for a worth watching site.
Just11 km away from the city, the architectural marvel Golconda Fort is well connected to the rest of the city. Built by Qutub Shahi Kings, this fort presents an impressive structure, with eight gates and 87 bastions. Its impressive structure has majestic walls which are as high as 15 to 18 foot and a parameter of close to 11 km. Along with brilliant architecture, this fort also captivates its visitors with its system of acoustics, its water supply system, "Rahban" cannon and Ramdas’ prison which has carved Hindu deity in it.
Since 1991, Ramoji Film City has been alluring tourists from every corner of the country. One of the largest film studios in the world, it has the capacity to house almost 50 film units within a given point of time. It is also listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. Spread over 2500 acres, it is situated about 30 km away from Hyderabad. Its brilliant architecture and sound technical facilities make it suitable for all the pre and post-production of a film.
Connecting the twin cities, Hussain Sagar Lake boasts of being the largest artificial lake in Asia. On the tributary of Musi River, it was excavated during Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah’s reign, in 1562 AD. It has got its name after Hussain Shah Wali. The main attraction is 16 m high white granite statue of Lord Bhudda with a weight of 350 tonnes, situated at the middle of the lake. The lighting show here is worth watching. One can take a ferry ride to the statue, which takes and brings back visitors at regular intervals. One can indulge in various recreational activities which are offered here such as boating with the choice of speed boats as well as motor boats, water-skiing, parasailing, and cruising. The 48 seater launch offering dinner to its guests is a perfect place for private parties.
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. Constructed in 1976, it is said it took close to 2000 tonnes of white marbles to build this stunning temple which was brought from Rajasthan. It has drawn its architecture from the amalgamation of three known architectural designs - South Indian Architecture, Utkal temple Architecture, and Rajasthani Architecture.
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. Constructed in 1976, it is said it took close to 2000 tonnes of white marbles to build this stunning temple which was brought from Rajasthan. It has drawn its architecture from the amalgamation of three known architectural designs - South Indian Architecture, Utkal temple Architecture, and Rajasthani Architecture.
Chowmahalla Palace, with the literal meaning of ‘four palaces’ in Urdu language, was built in the 18th century. It was during the reign of the fifth Nizam, Afzar-ud-Daulah, Asaf Jav V, from 1857 to 1869, that the palace was completed. Initially spread across an area of 45 acres, the palace now covers 12 acres of land. The palace has two courtyards – the northern courtyard and the southern courtyard.
Developed in 1994 by the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority, Lumbini Park has been named after the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Located quite close to the Hussain Sagar Lake, it is one of the popular tourist spots of Hyderabad. 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.
Consisted of the tombs of 7 Qutub Shahi rulers, these are known to be one of the oldest heritage sites of Hyderabad. Qutub Shahi Tombs are located only at a distance of 850 m from the Banjara Darwaza of Golconda Fort. Presenting a combination of Persian and Indian architecture, these tombs were built by the Qutub Shahis. Later in the 19th century, these were renovated by Salar Jung III, Mir Yousuf Ali Khan. Constructed with grey granite, these quadrangular structures with dome-shaped roofs are ornamented with beautiful designs. The garden ‘Ibrahim Bagh’ which surrounds the tombs is popular as picnic spots. These tombs are now also used as a venue for Deccan festival by the state Government.
Developed in 1994 by the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority, Lumbini Park has been named after the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Located quite close to the Hussain Sagar Lake, it is one of the popular tourist spots of Hyderabad. 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.
Opened to the public in 1963, Nehru Zoological Park is also located near Mir Alam Tank of Hyderabad. Boasting 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 to a few adventurous moments. Bear Safari, Tiger Safari, Lion Safari, and Butterfly Safari are available here for the visitors.
Opened to the public in 1963, Nehru Zoological Park is also located near Mir Alam Tank of Hyderabad. Boasting 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 to a few adventurous moments. Bear Safari, Tiger Safari, Lion Safari, and Butterfly Safari are available here for the visitors.
Opened to the public in 1963, Nehru Zoological Park is also located near Mir Alam Tank of Hyderabad. Boasting 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 to a few adventurous moments. Bear Safari, Tiger Safari, Lion Safari, and Butterfly Safari are available here for the visitors.
Built in the European style, Purani Haveli is situated at the southeast of Afzal Gunj Bridge near Dewandevdi. In the 16th century, it was used as the residential quarter of Mir Momen, the Peshwa of Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah. However, later in the 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. The 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 colorful tiled walls and mosaic floors. There is also a Nizam’s museum with an extensive collection, a library, and Mukarram Jah Technical Institute inside the U-shaped complex where the haveli is located.
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 a royal guest house. Spread across an area of 32 acres, the palace has been constructed with marble and is often referred to 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 the Taj Group and converted into a 5-star luxury hotel, although the essence has still been preserved with much caution.