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The City of Pearls, Hyderabad

The picturesque city of Hyderabad stands on the banks of River Musi and emotes till date the grandeur of the Nizam's who once ruled over this region. It is believed that the city was born in the year 1591 when Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah of the famous Qutb Shahi dynasty made this place his capital. It was previously known as Bhaganagar but later on got the name Hyderabad.

The city has to its credit many monuments and structures of the bygone era that still stand here and provides grandeur to the place. Thus, it came to be known as the 'City Of Pearls'. Even today you will be left dazed by the beauty and grandeur of the monuments present here.

Take a look at the many tourist places of attraction to visit in Hydereabad including; the Birla Mandir, Charminar, Golconda Fort, Ramoji Film City, Sliparamam, Chowmohalla Palace, Hayath Bakshi Mosque and many more.

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Birla Mandir

Birla Mandir

One of the places to visit in Hyderabad is the Birla Mandir, and is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara. There are other deities within this temple like Shiva, Ganesh, Hanuman, Brahma, Saibaba, Shakti, Lakshmi and Saraswati. The unique feature about this temple is that it has been completely constructed with white marble, that were flown in from Rajasthan. Another unique feature is that this temple has no bells, so the devotees can meditate in peace. Tourists come here to capture the beauty of this structure and also to get in touch with their spiritual self.

Photo Courtesy: ambrett

Charminar

Charminar

A major tourist attraction in Hyderabad is the Charminar which was built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shahi in 1591. This monument was built to thank the Lord for having eradicated a plague which had spread across the city. This magnificient structure radiates the architectural grandeur of the ancient times. Tourists come from far and wide to marvel at it and also to get themselves clicked against the beautiful monument.

Photo Courtesy: Yashwanthreddy.g

Falaknuma Palace

Falaknuma Palace

The Falaknuma Palace in Urdu translates to 'the mirror of the sky' and was constructed under the reign of Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra. The structure of the palace resembles that of a scorpion. Tourists come to the palace to explore the beauty of its architecture and also to take a step back in time and relive the era of the Nawabs.

Photo Courtesy :Joe Lachoff

Golconda Fort

Golconda Fort

Another tourist attraction in Hyderabad is the Golconda Fort, which was once a flourishing city but is now mostly in ruins. The fort was constructed under the supervision of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah Wali in the 15th century with the purpose of defending the city from the Mughal invaders. The unique feature about this fort is that should you make some noise standing in the Patio, you would be able to hear that voice from the highest point of the fort. Tourists come here to explore the mega fort and also to enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding areas.

Photo Courtesy:Karthik Uppaladhadiam

Hussain sagar Lake

Hussain sagar Lake

A must-visit place in Hyderabad is the Hussain Sagar Lake, a man-made lake built by Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali in the year 1562. The lake was built with the purpose of providing water to the nearby villages. Tourists come here to see this lake and to enjoy the well-lit fountains with their friends and family.

Photo Courtesy: Cephas 405

Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden in Hyderabad is a major tourist attraction that also goes by the name Kotla Vijayabhaskara Reddy Botanical Garden. The main purpose of this garden is to protect and develop germ plasm. The garden was built with the purpose of educating visitors on the importance of nature in our daily lives. Tourists can treat their eyes to the beautiful meadows, waterbodies and rolling hills.

Photo Courtesy: Abhinaba Basu

Lumbini Park

Lumbini Park

Another place to visit in Hyderabad is the Lumbini Park that lies near by the Hussain Sagar Lake. The major activities you can enjoy here includes the laser auditorium, boating, beautiful garden and musical fountains. Tourists come here from far and wide to enjoy at the park as it is an ideal place for a picnic.

Photo Courtesy: Neeresh.kr

Mrugavani National Park

Mrugavani National Park

A major tourist attraction in Hyderabad is the Mrugavani National Park, which is known to house over 600 varieties of plants and animals. Some of the commonly found animals here are Indian hare, Cheetal, Civet, forest cat, wild boar, Sambar, Rat Snake, Russell Viper, Cobra and Python. It is a hub for wildlife enthusiasts who come here to capture a glimpse of these animals.

Photo Courtesy: J.M.Garg

Nehru Zoological Park

Nehru Zoological Park

The Nehru Zoological Park is a must-visit place in Hyderabad. It is teeming with wildife like tiger, panther, Asiatic Lion, Python, orangutan, crocodile, Gaur, antelopes, deer and the Indian Rhino. The zoo organises safaris, and you can also go on elephant rides here. There is a museum at the zoo that carries the information about all the animals here. A trip to this zoo is not only refreshing but also educative, as you will learn more about the animals.

Photo Courtesy: Bruce McAdam

Osman Sagar Lake

Osman Sagar Lake

Another man-made lake in Hyderabad is the Osman Sagar Lake, which is often referred to as Gandipet by the locals here. The lake was built in 1920 and was the only source of drinking water in Hyderabad and the villages nearby. It was built by Osman Ali Khan who was the last Nizam of Hyderabad. Tourists can take a stroll along the banks of the lake and enjoy the cool breeze here. It is an ideal picnic spot as well.

Photo Courtesy: Sankarshansen

Ramoji Film City

Ramoji Film City

A major tourist attraction in Hyderabad is the Ramoji Film City, where many movies are shot. Tourists coming here can have a sneak peek into how the sets of movies look like, along with other attraction the place offers. It is an ideal destination for picnics, parties, events, weddings, adventure camps and confrences. The place is mentioned in the Guiness Book of World Record as the largest studio centre for shooting movies! If you visit Ramoji City, be sure to look out for movies that are being shot, and you just might get the chance to pose with your favourite stars!

Photo Courtesy: Shillika

Salar Jung Museum

Salar Jung Museum

Another place to visit in Hyderabad is the Salar Jung Museum which showcases the history of the city. It houses a wide range of collectables from countries like Persia, Japan, Europe, North America, China, Nepal, Burma, Egypt and different parts of India. Some of the items on display here include carpets, furniture, sculptures, paintings, manuscripts, ceramics, textiles, clocks and metallic objects. Most of these items belonged to the Salar Jung family and have been handed down from one generation to another. Tourists coming here will get a glimpse of the richness of the Nawabs and also be left dazed by the beauty of these antique items.

Photo Courtesy: Neeresh.kr

Shilparamam

Shilparamam

A tourist attraction in Hyderabad is the small village of Sliparamam which is dedicated to save the various arts and crafts of the country. This village which came into being in the year 1992 has almost all the traditional handicrafts that you can find within the country. Festivals held here educate tourists about the local handicrafts. You can also do some shopping while you are here and take home traditional jewellery, embroidered clothes, hand-carved furniture and much more. The basic initaitive of theis village is to save these arts from becoming extinct, as they represent the essence of our culture and heritage.

Photo Courtesy: Sankarshansen

The Nizam’s Museum

The Nizam’s Museum

Another place to visit in Hyderabad is the Nizam's Museum, which has on display many paintings, jewellery, weapons, ornaments and other items belonging to the Royal Family. Most of the items here were mainly gifted or are souveniers received by the Nizams. Some of the items on display include; a throne made of wood and gold, exquisitely carved silver bottles for perfumes, coffee cups made of silver with diamond studs on them, a wooden writing box that has mother-of-pearl diamond to name a few. This is a place that should be on the itinerary of every tourist visiting Hyderabad.

Photo Courtesy: Randhirreddy

Chowmohalla Palace

Chowmohalla Palace

The Chowmohalla Palace in Hyderabad belonged to Nizam Asaf Jahis, and is similar to the palace of the Shah of Iran. It was used by the Nizam for conducting various functions and parties. Today, this architectural beauty stands in memory of the skill of the artisans of yesteryear. Tourists coming here can explore this palace and will be dazed by the grandeur of this palace.

Photo Courtesy: Smshussaini

Durgam Cheruvu

Durgam Cheruvu

Durgam Cheruvu is a fresh water lake that is also known as the Secret Lake, as it lays hidden between the Jubilee Hills. During the reign of Qutb Shahi, this lake provided drinking water for the kingdom. Today, this lake is a hub of activities thanks to the state government who developed it into a tourist spot. You can go fishing in the lake, or trek through the region, try your hand at rock climbing, or go rappelling. If none of these activities attract you, then you can head over here with your family for a picnic against the backdrop of the lake.

Photo Courtesy: Nishantshah

Hayath Bakshi Mosque

Hayath Bakshi Mosque

The Hayath Bakshi Mosque is a major tourist attraction in Hyderabad, and also a holds religious significance for the Muslims living here. It was constructed by Abdullah Qutb Shahi who built it not only for offering prayers but also for travellers to take rest. The mosque has five arches, a frieze, a parapet, two minarets and a prayer hall. Today, this mosque is visited by Muslims during their festivals. Tourist coming here can explore the mosque, although you should bear in mind that the prayer hall is only allowed for Muslims.

Photo Courtesy: Nagarjun Kandukuru

KBR National Park

KBR National Park

A major tourist attraction in Hyderabad is the KBR National Park that is also known as Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park. Lying within this park is the palace of Prince Mukarram Jah, called the Chiran Palace. The park is home to a variety of birds and animals like peacocks, jungle cats, pangolins and the Indian civet to name a few. You should keep in mind that feeding the birds or animals in this park is strictly prohibhited.

Photo Courtesy: Madison Berndt

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park

Another place to visit in Hyderabad is the Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park, which is a deer park where you can spot many varieties of deer. It was previously a hunting ground for the Nizam but later on got turned into a National Park in order to conserve these animals. Other animals that you can spot here include porcupines, Egrets, Kingfishers, Cormorants, Indian Pond Herons and Short-Toed Eagles. It is a haven for bird watchers who come here to see these birds in their natural habitat.

Photo Courtesy: J.M.Garg

Mecca Masjid

Mecca Masjid

A major tourist attraction in Hyderabad is the Mecca Masjid, which is also the oldest mosque in the city and the largest one in the country. The mosque is a heritage building that is well-protected by the state government. It is the hub for the Muslim community in Hyderabad. You would find the streets here blocked during the afternoon prayeres on every Friday and on festival days.

Photo Courtesy: { pranav }

Paigah Tombs

Paigah Tombs

The Paigah Tombs is the resting place of the royal Family of Paigah that is also known by the name Shums Ul Umrahi. These tombs are famous for their unique style of architectue that is believed to be unmatched in the world. Its architecture is an amalgamation of Greek, Persian, Mughal, Rajasthani, and Deccani style. Tourists coming here will be left dazed by the beauty of the structure and also the skills of the craftsmen who built it.

Photo Courtesy: shash17

Raymond's Tomb

Raymond's Tomb

A tourist attraction in Hyderabad is the Raymond's Tomb where the famous French General of the Nizam's army Michel Joachim Marie Raymond is buried. This tomb is said to be over 200 years old, and used to hold a shrine-like importance to the locals here. In the year 2001 however due to lack of caring the tomb collapsed. It was then the government took the initiative to repair and renovate this tomb and restore it to former glory. Today, it is visited by many tourists who lay flowers here and pay their respect to the brave gentleman.

Photo Courtesy: abhiomkar

Shamirpet Lake

Shamirpet Lake

Another place to visit in Hyderabad is the Shamirpet Lake, which is a man-made lake built by the Nizams. It is a perfect place to go for a picnic with your family and enjoy the cool breeze and the beautiful scenic view. Many Telegu movies have been shot in and around this lake as well.

Photo Courtesy: Bhaskaranaidu

Spanish Mosque

Spanish Mosque

The Spanish Mosque is a tourist attraction in Hyderabad and is the only one of its kind in the whole of India. Also called Aiwan-E-Begumpet or Masjid Iqbal Ud Daula, this mosque was built by Nawab Sir iqbal Ud Daula, who during his visit to Spain was impressed by the architecture there. This mosque is famous all over the world because it resembles a church from the outside. Tourist come from far and wide to marvel at this astonishing architectural building.

Photo Courtesy: Nikkul

Taramati Baradari

Taramati Baradari

Another tourist attraction in Hyderabad is the Taramati Baradari, which is a rest house built by Abdullah Qutub Shah. The structure was built on the banks of River Musi and was a resting place for weary travellers. Today tourists came here to explore this structure and also to enjoy the sceneic view of the place from atop this building.

Photo Courtesy: Chiranjeevi Ranga

How to Reach Hyderabad

How to Reach Hyderabad

By Air: The Hyderabad airport sees both national as well as international flights at regular intervals. There are two airports in Hyderabad; The Rajiv Gandhi Terminal from where the international flights operate and the N.T. Rama Rao terminal that receives domestic flights.

By Train: The Southern Railways connects Hyderabad to different parts of the country via a string network of trains. In fact, the headquarters of the Southern Railways is located in Secunderabad. A number of trains arrive to and depart from the Secunderabad Railway Station that is the main railway station in the city.

By Road: The Government State Road Transport Corporation connects Hyderabad really well with the different parts of the state as well as with the neighboring states. The buses are comfortable and charge very nominal rates. Private tours and travels companies also operate taxis to and fro from the city.

Photo Courtesy: { pranav }

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