5 must visit places in Hyderabad - City of Pearls!

Hyderabad is a beautiful city in South India with the blend of the Nizam history and the modern culture. At present it is the capital city of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The first thing that usually comes to our mind when we hear about Hyderabad is the yummy Hyderabadi Biryani or the Hyderabad Pearls. You wouldn't disagree with me on this one :)

There are many places of interest in and around Hyderabad. If you are interested in history, you have fort, minars, tombs, palaces, museum which tells you the story of the city. If you are interested in shopping you have famous markets here which will make you go gaga. Evenings can be well spent with the charming view of Buddha in the beautiful lake.

#1. CHAR MINAR

One of the main attractions in Hyderabad is said to be built during the reign of the king Quli Qutub Shah. Char Minar means "Four Towers" is one of the very busy places in Old Hyderabad. The architecture is nice and well preserved. One can climb the stairs inside the monument and reach the 1st floor from where you get a nice view of the Makkah Masjid and the Laad Bazar. Entry to the top floor would be closed by 6pm in the evening.

Time Required: 1-2 hrs

Rating: 3.5/5

Best time of the day to visit: Any time of the day before 6.00PM

#2. MAKKAH MASJID AND LAAD BAZAAR

One of the largest mosque in India is the Makkah Masjid which is at a walking distance from the Char Minar. One of the important thing to keep in mind while going to this place is about your clothing. I was made to buy a shawl which i did not have with me at that point of time and wear it over the head in order to enter the mosque. It is a huge place of worship where around 10,000 people at a time can gather to pray. There are lot of pigeons around the mosque. They say if you go to this mosque, you would end up going again to visit. Along side of the mosque are the tombs of the Nizam rulers.

There are lot of large chandeliers hanging in the prayer hall which would be lit during the Islam festivities. Good place to visit.

The reason i mentioned Laad Bazaar along with Makkah Masjid is why because both the places are next to each other. I strongly recommend visiting Laad Bazaar for Bangles shopping. Vast variety of bangles with different colour choices are available here. I hardly wear bangles but after visiting this place i did buy few dozens home.

A view of Makkah Masjid from top of Char Minar

Time Required: 1-2 hrs

Rating: 3.5/5

Best time of the day to visit: Any time of the day

#3. BIRLA TEMPLE AND PLANATORIUM

One of the main tourist spots of the city is Birla Mandir. Temple was constructed by Birla Foundation and it is made up of marble. Lord Venkateshwara is worshipped here along with Ganapathi and Sai Baba. Photography is strictly prohibited in the temple premises. Near to the Birla Mandir is Birla Planetarium and Science museum, worth watching for kids.

View of Birla Temple from Birla Planetorium

Time Required: 2-3 hrs

Rating: 4/5

Best time of the day to visit: Any time of the day

#4. GOLKONDA FORT

It is the glory of the past, well maintained by Tourism Dept. It was the capital of Qutb Shahi dynasty. While you climb the fort you get a nice view of the Hyderabad city.

The world famous Kohinoor diamond was mined here which is now the crown jewel of the British queen. Kohinoor is the largest diamond in the world. This fort has seen rise and fall of many kings in the past. There is also a small temple inside this fort. When i see the old forts, i feel that the pride and glory it had once upon a time would have been so wonderful.

View from the top of the Golkonda fort

Inside the Golkonda Fort

Time Required: 3-4 hrs

Rating: 4/5

Best time of the day to visit: Evening

#5. SALAR JUNG MUSEUM

Cuckoo clock is the major attraction here. Museum houses age old artifacts, clothes that belonged to the kings, inscriptions, currencies, idols and many more items. All of this collected by a single person Nawab Mir Yusuf Ali Khan Salar Jung. It is a very big museum and if you are a person who is interested in history then half a day can be easily spent here.

Time Required: 3-4 hrs

Rating: 4.5/5

Best time of the day to visit: Anytime. Preferably afternoon.

Other than the above mentioned there are many more attractions like Ramoji Film City, Hussain Sagar lake, Chowmahalla palace.

#Forts #Museums #TemplesofIndia