Discover Historical Hyderabad – Forts, Palaces & Heritage Walks

The capital of Telangana and the De Jure capital of the south Indian state Andhra Pradesh is Hyderabad renowned for Biryani, Charminar and Laad Bazaar. Relics of the Mughal Dynasty and the Nizams are found everywhere in the city in the form of tombs and palace, Forts and Temples. The city is also known by the name Cyberabad owing to its rapid development as an IT hub.

Hyderabad encompasses modern residential communities and technology hubs alongside ancient mosques, minarets and tombs, creating a real melting pot of cultures and eras. The world renowned Laad bazaar is over a kilometre in length, with shops selling bangles, sarees and accessories among the specialities. Hyderabad boasts of being the birthplace of Mughal Biryani and whether this is true or not, it’s hard to find this wondrous and fragrant rice staple presented better or more authentically than here. Among the essential places to visit in Hyderabad are the Charminar, Golconda Fort, as well as countless tombs and the temples from history dating back over 4 centuries.

Things To Do

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Tremendous Tombs Of - Qutub Shahi — The tomb complex adjoining the fort complex of Golconda, first and only one of its kind in the world.

A huge complex comprising of 23 mosques, 6 baolis or the step wells, 40 mausoleums, and a place for mortuary bath called Hammam, the Qutub Shahi Tombs has the accolade of being the only one tomb complex in the world. Tombs of identical shapes have been constructed for kings, queens and other members of the Royal Family over a period of Seven Generations. The tomb complex has survived over many centuries and still attracts visitors for its wonderfully designed structures and the gardens maintained around every tomb. The entire complex is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India following on from the renovations done at a massive scale by the King Salar Jung III.

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Charismatic - Charminar — Hyderabad’s global icon and one of the most recognized structures of India is the Charminar.

he four exquisitely designed four huge minarets, the magnificent mosque in the first floor with the unmatched interiors is make Charminar a world-renowned monument and is also referred to as le triomphe de l'Est, the Triumph of the East. The panoramic view of the Hyderabad city from the top of the Charminar is not to be missed. Closed Fridays between midday and 3pm for prayers. The four exquisitely designed four huge minarets, the magnificent mosque in the first floor with the unmatched interiors is what make Charminar a world renowned monument and is famously known as the De Triomphe of East. Except on Fridays between 12noon and 3pm for the prayers, the Charminar entertains its visitors round the year with its beauty and elegance. The panoramic view of the Hyderabad city from the top of the Charminar is not to be missed out for the world!

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Majestic - Mecca Masjid — The splendid pagoda, grandest and second largest of all the mosques in India is the Mecca Masjid. A must - see monument for its grandeur and grace.

Built during the 16th century, the Mecca Masjid is the geographical centre of the city Hyderabad and a crowning glory of Islamic Architecture. The prayer hall is so huge that it can accommodate 10,000 people at a time. The three wonderfully designed facades of the masjid are each made of a single piece of granite, and quite spellbinding in their intricate designs and overall grandeur. The huge halls, magnificent minarets, the graves of the Royal family and the wonderful facades will make your visit to Mecca Masjid a very memorable one. The mosque is open to visitors from 8am to 5.30 pm daily.

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Seamless - Salar Jung Museum — A vast museum with most of the artifacts collected by one ruler, Salar Jung III

One of the three National Museums in India, Salar Jung museum is situated in the southern bank of the Musi River. The 38 galleries over two floors of this massive building have many historic artefacts on display, mostly collected by Salar Jung III. The daggers of the Aurangzeb, Jahangir and Shajahan, Jaded Jewelleries, the world-renowned veiled Rebecca statue, furniture from Egypt and the musical clock are just some of the highlights. Besides the wonderful artefacts, the museum houses a publication and education section, reference library, cafeteria and sales counter. A well-presented and impressive museum and sure to be of interest to anyone with even a passing interest in non-western history. Closed on Fridays for maintenance purposes.

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Chaumahalla Palace - A Cynosure — The palace complex depicting the neo - classical style of architecture stands out with an accolade of UNESCO Asia Pacific Merit Award for heritage conservation.

Built in the 18th century, the Chaumahalla Palace complex consists of 4 smaller palaces which were once the residences of the Royal Nizams, rulers of ‘old Hyderabad’. Also within the complex are beautiful and serene gardens. The intricate stucco works in the facades of the Darbar Hall and the chandeliers made of Belgian crystals area particularly impressive. The fabulous paintings, well-maintained gardens and the tower clock which has been running continuously for the past 250 years are some of the major attractions of this palace. The palace also houses a vast collection of vintage cars like Rolls Royce used by the pre-independence Nizams.

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State Archeology Museum - India — The palace converted into museum housing the artifacts ranging from the Egyptian mummies to Ajanta Paintings.

Functioning since 1937, the State Archaeological Museum is another famous spot in Hyderabad. The heritage of Andhra Pradesh is well displayed in this museum. The artefacts used during the Kakatiya Dynasty are the major attraction of this museum. Besides the South Indian Heritage, the museum houses one Egyptian mummy and copies of Ajanta Paintings. The galleries include items related to the Buddha and Buddhism . The Bronze collections occupy a significant area of the museum. The excavations have revealed the antiquity and tradition of Hyderabadi Nizams and Kakatiya Dynasty.

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Birla Temple - India — The Hindu Temple gives a warm welcome to people from all religions.

Built atop a 280 feet hillock, the Birla Mandir is possessed grandeur, charm and tranquillity. Blending elements of Rajasthani, Dravidian and Utkala architectures, the temple has been built using pure white marble. The 3.5 metre granite idol of the presiding deity, Lord Venkateshwara, blesses all his devotees in a serene atmosphere most suitable for meditation. Besides the presiding deity, the premises have other smaller shrines for Goddess Parvati and the other conventional Hindu Gods. The temple walls are engraved with the teachings of holy men and the verses of Gurbani.

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Laudable Laad Bazaar - India — An ancient market, flourishing since the time of Qutub Shahis and Nizams

The kilometre-long shopping strip offers a huge variety of goods. Situated very close to other popular spots like the Charminar, Chaumallaha Palace and Mecca Masjid, the Laad Bazaar teems with people year-round. Within you’ll find a series of shops selling bangles, sarees, jade and precious stones, accessories, homewares and a lot more. The Market attracts huge numbers of locals and visitors alike.

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Legendary Lumbini Park - India — Portraying the culture of Buddhism

Covering an area of five acres near Hussain Sagar Lake, a highlight of the is its huge Buddha statue. With water sports and boating, the park is a popular place with locals. A multimedia show on a ‘water screen’ and laser show in the auditorium are the main attractions of Lumbini Park . Projected onto a large water screen, the multimedia water show portrays the past, present and future of Hyderabad with an audio and laser show to match. The laser auditorium is the first of its kind in India, can accommodate 2000 people at a time and hosts nightly laser shows. The water multimedia show and the laser auditorium are the centre of attractions of Lumbini Park . One of the largest water screens in India, the multimedia water show portrays the past, present and future of Hyderabad with the best rhythmic quality of audio, attractive effects of laser beams. The laser auditorium is the first of its kind in India which can accommodate 2000 people at a time, hosts laser shows every night which makes your visit to the park awesome.