The good old city of Hyderabad that history has nicknamed ‘City of Pearls ‘ is so much more than just temples, masjids, and tombs. You can see young travelers hitting the streets of Hyderabad and exploring it in a new, passionate way. This is one of the few cities in India that appeals to everyone from historians, and thrill-seekers to photographers.
Oh, and how did we forget the food bloggers out to taste the plethora of drool-worthy dishes Hyderabad has to serve? We know you’re already picturing a steaming plate of Hyderabadi Dum Biryani, but let us tell you there’s much more to this city, like kebabs and keema samosas! From touring the monuments, and leisurely strolling around the bazaars to indulging in adventure sports, there’s no end to the things to do in Hyderabad! Here are the 9 best things to do in Hyderabad.
Go On A Photo Walk Around The Charminar
Charminar is of great historical and religious significance. You realize its importance in Hyderabad when you know that it was the first building to come up in Old Hyderabad. After its construction, the main roads of Hyderabad began from its four quadrants. Charminar’s beautiful Indo-Islamic architecture, the busy market around it, and its place in history make it one of the most visited places in Hyderabad.
The monument has a 400-year-old mosque on its top floor that can be reached after climbing 149 steps. Four minarets support the four grand arches of the structure which is built in marble, limestone, and granite. You’ll be amazed to know that the clocks perched on this Islamic monument were brought in from London.
As you explore the large monument, you can see the details and intricacy of the 1591 CE architecture. Want to see it closely? Climb through a narrow passage and you’ll come upon the structure’s first floor. From here you can see the carved ceiling and the fountain right below.
Peep out from the Charminar from any direction and you can see the expansive Hyderabad city, proving the fact that Charminar is right in the middle of it! We suggest you visit Charminar twice a day because the vibe of the place at night is altogether a different experience. Go photograph the bustling Laad Bazaar, walk in the market area, or participate in the food walks arranged on Sundays! If you’re in Hyderabad during Ramadan, Charminar is a must-visit place!
Spend A Filmy Day At The Ramoji Film City
Built-in 1996, Ramoji Film City is the largest studio complex in the world. It is also one of the most visited places in Hyderabad. The film city has an amusement park, a hotel, and of course an in-built film studio. Many filmmakers have shot Tollywood films in this film city, and you can recognize it from numerous Bollywood films too.There are several natural and artificial attractions in the park like a kids’ park, adventure land, and also a haunted house!
Many packages for the Ramoji Film City Tour include live shows and performances that are a big attraction for theatre buffs. You can enjoy adventure sports like bungee jumping, zorbing, shooting, and archery at the adventure park or you can visit the movie magic park for some crazy movie-watching experiences! You can also go shopping in the Meena Bazar for some souvenirs to take home or dine at the many restaurants inside the Film City.
Ramoji Film City is visited by many families and is a favorite place for school picnics. You can tour the place during the day and do exciting things at its various attractions. You can either visit the city in your car or hop on one of the tour buses inside the park. Just one tip, don’t go too near when shooting is in action because trespassing shooting locations in the park isn’t allowed!
Go Boating On The Hussain Sagar Lake
How about a romantic boat ride on a sweeping heart-shaped lake? This lake which was once built to meet the irrigation requirements of the city is now a major tourist attraction in Hyderabad. The beautiful man-made lake is fed by the River Musi and is beautiful throughout the year, especially after the monsoons!
The first thing that you notice upon visiting this lake is the giant 72-foot-tall Buddha statue standing right in the center of the lake. This statue was sculpted between the years 1986 and 1992 out of a single massive granite rock, now that’s a feat! The lake is frequented by couples, families, and fitness fanatics who go boating, sailing, or exercising in and around this lake.
If you want to celebrate any occasion on the lake, steamers are available for hire. Go ahead and throw a dinner party on Hussain Sagar Lake’s sparkly waters! One of the best things to do in Hyderabad will be to visit Hussain Sagar Lake on Sunday evenings to witness the cultural programs organized by the Department of Culture. Wondering what to do around the lake? Visit the Lumbini Park and Birla Mandir right next to the lake!
Trace History At The Salarjung Museum
The Salarjung Museum is one of the largest museums in India and has a great collection of art, metallic artefacts, and furniture from Europe, North America, and Asia. The museum was the private art collection of the noble Salar Jung Family which was later endowed to the nation in 1951. What you see inside the museum is a wealth collection of artefacts collected from around the world by Salar Jung III.
The museum is spread across 2 floors and houses collections of paintings, sculptures, clocks, and weapons. Among the star attractions inside the museum are the works of Raja Ravi Varma, a famous sculpture called ‘Veiled Rebecca’, and Japanese artworks. You also get a brush with Indian history as you see weapons belonging to Aurangzeb, idols of gods from the Vijayanagara period, and paintings belonging to the Rajasthani and Thanjavur schools.
Keep aside a minimum of 3 hours to tour this museum thoroughly. And then you can devour some South Indian snacks in its food court. Oh and don’t miss the Musical Clock which is a major tourist attraction here!
Attend The Sound & Light Show At The Golconda Fort
Amongst the best things to do in Hyderabad is visiting the Golconda Fort. A shepherd boy once found an idol atop a hill after which the ruling Kakatiya king constructed a mud fort here. In the following centuries, many dynasties ruled over the region and reconstructed the Golconda Fort into what it is today. Many history buffs, photographers, and tourists visit the 400 ft fort, an architectural marvel.
The Golconda Fort boasts four drawbridges, eight gateways, and expansive halls. The builders intelligently constructed the fort, and if you want to see its genius in action, head to the Fateh Darwaza. The large dome is shaped so that clapping your hands under it can be heard 1 kilometer inside the fort, a useful feature when the place served as a defense fortress. Fateh Darwaza or ‘Victory Gate’ also has another significance; it was named so after Aurangzeb’s army marched in after defeating the Qutb Shahi.
Today tourists cannot help but awe at the engineering of the fort, its vast lawns, and the views from its topmost part. The major highlight of the Golconda Fort is the sound and light show on its grounds which is an interesting way to learn the history of this place. The show’s narration is in the voice of Amitabh Bachchan and has many songs making it a hit with the masses.
Boost Your Adrenaline At The Great Hyderabad Adventure Club
If you’re a trekker or a thrill-seeker visiting Hyderabad, we’ve got something for you, the Great Hyderabad Adventure Club! The hills in Hyderabad offer some interesting activities for you. You can register with this not-for-profit club and go trekking, paragliding, water rafting, or bouldering!
Many youngsters explore this new side of Hyderabad, apart from its culture, heritage, and food. Activities that local adventure junkies often frequented are now gaining popularity among tourists from nearby places. You can trek to the Bhongir Fort, explore Kondamadugu, or hike in the dense Narsapur Forest on your trip to Hyderabad.
If you liked the adrenaline rush after doing all these activities, you’re sure to love the things you can do at Runway 9. It’s a 5-acre park where you can try your hand at go-karting, bungee trampoline, laser combat, and FoosBall. The place is bustling during the weekends and it is one of the few off-beat places in Hyderabad that you shouldn’t miss!
Marvel At The Architecture Of Jagannath Temple
The Jagannath Temple is a Hindu Temple in Hyderabad and is a popular pilgrimage site in India. The Odia community constructed the temple in 2009 as a replica of the Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. The temple, though constructed in the modern age, is a popular landmark in Hyderabad and is visited by devotees, art lovers, and architecture enthusiasts from all over India.
Do you know what gives this temple its red color? It’s the sandstone brought in from Odisha which was then worked upon by 60 stone carvers to build this magnificent temple. Thousands of devotees pour into Hyderabad to attend the annual Rath Yatra festival.
The festival is important because it’s the only time Lord Jagannath, the manifestation of Lord Krishna, comes out of his inner sanctum in a chariot. You can see devotees longing for one glimpse of the idol and to touch the ropes of the chariot. The atmosphere during this Jagannath Rath Yatra itself is enough to give you goosebumps!
The Lord Jagannath Temple in Hyderabad is located in Banjara Hills and there’s much to do around. You should visit the Hare Krishna Golden Temple just 10 minutes away. This is the first golden temple in Telangana and tourists always make it a point to visit it after the Jagannath Temple.
Shop At General Bazaar And Laad Bazaar
Did you know that Hyderabad and the region around Golconda were the first places in the world to mine diamonds and were famous for the trade of precious stones? Centuries passed, trades changed, and today, Hyderabad has a growing IT sector. Do you know what didn’t change? The bazaars of Hyderabad! Yes, you can find silver jewelry, precious stones, and pearls in the General Bazaar in Hyderabad. Many shoppers visit to shop for jewelry and other precious items for gifting and collecting.
The General Bazaar is also popular with youngsters who come to buy ethnic jackets, dress materials, printed sarees, and beautiful lotus earrings. You can shop for small gifts for your friends and gift them in Hyderabadi potlis!
We should also tell you about the Laad Bazaar which is located near the Charminar. Women shoppers frequent this bazaar looking for the right pair of bangles. The variety of bangles found here gives the bazaar its local name ‘Choodi Bazaar’. Go and buy yourself some pretty bangles (or carry them back home for a special someone!)
Go On A Food Tour In The City Of Nizams
Everything begins and ends at food, doesn’t it? A food tour in Hyderabad isn’t just about its lavish restaurants, Mughal hotels, and dhabas; it’s about exploring the street food stalls!
Try the Boti Kebab, which features marinated lamb meat roasted on a stick, the Andhra Dosas served with masala, paneer, cheese, etc., and the savory Mirchi ka Salan made with long hot chilies. If you visit during Eid, taste the Hyderabadi Haleem, served by very few restaurants. There are desserts like Phirni, Qubani ka Meetha, and Double Ka Meetha for people with a sweet tooth.
Hardcore street foodies out there shouldn’t miss out on the lukhmi, chats, and chicken shawarma. Wash all that down with a hot cup of Irani chai, you can also find varieties like Burkhe wali chai and Kashmiri Chai! Stroll around the Charminar and you’re sure to find the majority of the foods we mentioned. You can also head to the Sindhi Colony and see how foodies take over the streets as evening approaches!
Even a week falls short for a trip to Hyderabad because there’s so much to do. You can visit Hitech City, Birla Planetarium, and Science Museum, and the nightlife on Jubilee Hills. In the end, you’ll return from Hyderabad with your gallery full of beautiful photos. And your tummy will be full of delicious food!
FAQs
What To See In Hyderabad?
Golconda Fort, Ramoji Film City, Char Minar, Hussain Sagar Fort, Jagannath Temple, Qutb Shahi Tombs, Salarjung Museum, and Chowmahalla Palace are some of the best places to visit in Hyderabad.
Are There Adventure Sports In Hyderabad?
Yes! You can go trekking, paragliding, water rafting, and bouldering in Hyderabad. You can also try go-karting, archery, bungee jumping, and Foosball if you’re looking for thrilling things to do in Hyderabad.
What’s The Best Time To Visit Hyderabad?
It’s ideal to visit Hyderabad between October to March because the cooler temperatures are perfect for sightseeing and shopping. The summer months in Hyderabad are hot and dry, making it best to avoid traveling to Hyderabad then.
Which places to see in South India?
Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu, Hampi in Karnataka, Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, Alleppey in Kerala, Hyderabad in Telangana, and Pondicherry are some of the best places to visit in South India.
Which are the best pilgrimage sites in India?
Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir, and Shirdi in Maharashtra hold religious importance in India. These sites are famous for their temples, shrines, and religious festivals and many people visit them every year.
What Is The Famous Food Of Hyderabad?
The famous dish and love of every tourist is the Hyderabadi Biryani.
Which Sweet Is Famous In Hyderabad?
Khubani ka Meetha, Shahi Tukda, Jauzi Halwa, and Firni are a few famous foods to try when in Hyderabad.
Which Language Do People Use In Hyderabad?
The main languages used by the people of Hyderabad are Urdu and Telugu. Many people in Hyderabad also speak English.
