Top Things that you must do in Hyderabad

Things to do in Hyderabad, India

Top Things that you must do in HyderabadThings to do in Hyderabad, India

Things to do in Hyderabad, India

Things to do in Hyderabad, India

best places to visit in Hyderabad

Top Things to do in Hyderabad – Best places to visit in Hyderabad

The aircraft started taxiing. The crew hurriedly took their positions for take-off and the lights went off. In a short, while the Jet Airways flight that we were on was airborne. I looked out of the window as the city of Hyderabad slowly shrunk to the size of a Toyland as the plane quickly gained height. Soon we were flying high above the clouds.

I watched some huge fluffy clouds rushing towards some unknown rendezvous in haste as I reflected on the past few days.  My mind became occupied by the myriad thoughts of the city that I was leaving behind. Hyderabad is the capital of Telangana state which is in southern India.

Things to do in Hyderabad, India

Hyderabad was indeed an intricate mosaic of sights and experiences. If Charminar rose iconically from the midst of a busy area in the city, the Salar Jung Museum with its quiet elegance took you into another era of grandeur and style. If the famed Hyderabadi Biryani can excite your palate, the mysteries of the Golconda Fort will awe and intrigue you. I watched my own thoughts traipse around and slowly fall into place as I visualized my latest blog which would be, about the top experiences in Hyderabad – the best places to visit in Hyderabad. Though there are many popular places to visit in Hyderabad, we present to you here the most incredible places to visit in Hyderabad.

Top Things that you must do in Hyderabad – Best places to visit in Hyderabad

Be Charmed by the Iconic Charminar

best places to visit in Hyderabad

Cholera had assumed epidemic proportions. People were falling victim to the dreaded disease like ninepins. The king in his desperation to seek relief for his subjects and Kingdom prayed fervently to God and vowed that he would build a grand mosque in that very place as soon as Cholera was eradicated from his kingdom. Cholera did get eradicated and a beautiful structure came up in the very place that the King had prayed. The king was Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah and the structure that rose from the ground in majestic style was the Charminar. This is one of the widely accepted theories of the origin of the Charminar.

The walk towards the Charminar is through a street which is literally a riot of colors. Shops that line the street are choc a bloc with colorful bangles including Lacquer Bangles which Hyderabad is famous for.

best places to visit in Hyderabad

best places to visit in Hyderabad

Ethnic footwear in colorful shades reminds you of the grand past of the region. This street which is also known as the Charminar Bazaar is also the place where you will find the famed Hyderabad pearls including the popular Basra pearl. The pearls are usually embellished with gold and silver and are an epitome of beauty.

best places to visit in Hyderabad

Four ornate minarets rise to the sky supported by four magnificent arches in four directions. The Charminar which was constructed in 1591 has a mosque on its top floor. The Charminar is one of the iconic structures of India and has become synonymous with Hyderabad and it is definitely one of the best places to visit in Hyderabad.

Be Awed by the Mysteries of the Golconda Fort

best places to visit in Hyderabad

As I thought about the Golconda Fort, it mysteries seemed to haunt me. The fort which has stood the test of time and been a silent witness to the passage of history has buried deep in its womb many an untold story. Of course, the fort is one of the most important of the heritage forts in India, but what really fascinated me was its association with the famed Kohinoor diamond.

best places to visit in Hyderabad

Did you know that Golconda Fort in its heyday had a vault in which resided in sparkling splendor the most expensive diamond in the world, the Koh-I-Noor! Also giving the Koh-I-Noor company was another famous diamond known as the Hope Diamond. The Koh-I-Noor now is part of the crown jewels of the British Monarchy and is on display at the Tower of London while the Hope Diamond resides in the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., United States.

Apart from its association with diamonds, another facet of the Golconda Fort that appealed to me was the ingenuity of its architecture which incorporates amazing acoustic engineering. A clap sounded in the Fateh Darwaza which is so named as to commemorate the conquest of the fort by Aurangzeb, can be heard at a pavilion situated a mile away. This ingenious piece of engineering served as an early warning system to the inmates and soldiers of approaching invaders. The Golconda or Golkonda fort was a citadel of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and the name literally translates to ‘Shepherd Hill’, in the local language. The fort is built on top of a granite hill that stands about 480 feet high. The Golconda Fort is actually made up of four forts with an outer wall that runs for 10 kilometers. The fort originally consisted of drawbridges and gates and had within it the living quarters of the royal family, stables, temples, and other buildings. The fort sprawls over an area of 11 kilometers and as I thought about it I vowed to myself to return back to explore its secrets further as I consider Golconda Fort as one of the best places to visit in Hyderabad.

Get Carried away on the wings of time at the Salar Jung Museum

best places to visit in Hyderabad

Every time I am in Hyderabad, I make it a point to visit the amazing world that the Salar Jung Museum unveils. The Fascination of this museum goes back to my childhood when as a kid I listened to my father telling about a bearded man coming out of a clock and striking a gong every hour. Much later when I visited the museum for the first time, the first thing I wanted to see and saw was the musical clock which I came to know was manufactured in England and assembled in Calcutta (now known as Kolkata) in the late 19th century and consists of 350 parts. I waited with many others just before the hour struck, people were breathing heavily with excitement, when exactly 3 minutes before the hour a small door in the clock opened and a small toy figure, that of a bearded man appeared and at exactly at the 60th minute of the hour struck the gong three times. It was three times because it was 3’O’ clock. The number of times the gong is struck depends on the hour.

best places to visit in Hyderabad

This musical clock does hold a special place in my heart but by no means is the most important exhibit of the museum, though it definitely is a popular one.

best places to visit in Hyderabad

The Salar Jung Museum is home to the largest one-man collection of antiques in the world. The museum is a tribute to the passion of one man, Nawab Mir Yusuf Ali Khan Salar Jung III who lived from 1889 to 1949 and was a Prime Minister to the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad. The prized antiques in the museum are his personal collection acquired over a period of thirty-five years. The museum will enthral visitors with its mind-boggling collection that includes carvings, paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, clocks, textiles, furniture, and many other artefacts from all corners of the world. Some of the notable exhibits include the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, a sword that belonged to Aurangzeb, and one of my favorites, a sculpture of Veiled Rebecca by the Italian Sculptor G.B.Benzoni.

These were my top three experiences that gave a glimpse of the history and heritage of Hyderabad and for sure THE best places to visit in Hyderabad. Of course, Hyderabad offers many more experiences that are an indulgence for the senses. When in Hyderabad there is no option but to yield to the seduction of its famed Biryani. Though being a vegetarian, I could still experience the ecstasy of the Hyderabadi Biryani through its vegetarian variant.

best places to visit in Hyderabad

A walk on the promenade around the Hussain Sagar Lake and a visit to the make-believe world of Ramoji city are some other experiences that awaits one at Hyderabad.

The Cabin lights dimmed. The crew took their positions for landing. The Jet Airways flight circled above the city and slowly but surely swooped down on the airport like a giant eagle. Another flight, another voyage of discovery was coming to an end.

Having read this post, do you now know what to do in Hyderabad? Have you been to Hyderabad or done a day tour to Hyderabad? What according to you are the best places to visit in Hyderabad? Which is your favorite Hyderabadi experience? Do share your thoughts with us and as always they are bound to make our day.

Top Things that you must do in Hyderabad

Things to do in Hyderabad, India     Things to do in Hyderabad, India

Things to do in Hyderabad, India     Things to do in Hyderabad, India

Top Things that you must do in Hyderabad

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56 thoughts on “Top Things that you must do in Hyderabad”

  1. What an interesting read! I enjoyed learning how the Charminar came into being and would love to walk down the Charminar road and look at all the beautiful bracelets. Fascinating!

  2. You visit some of the most interesting places and places I haven’t even heard of before. Your photos bring everything to life which is great because I will never visit most of these places.

  3. Wow, the architecture look amazing! I loved hearing this adventure, it was a fun read! I love all of the vibrant colors in the pictures, it makes the place seem even more alive and bustling.

  4. Our Family World

    This would be like a bangle nirvana for me. I love bangles and bracelets! I have never seen such a beautiful diamond too. OMG. That must cost a fortune unimaginable!

  5. I have to admit I hadnt heard of Hyderabad so I found your post interesting. Plus the photos really make me want to visit.

  6. Lovely blog. I did the Government conducted heritage walk which begins at Char Minar. It took me through Laad Bazaar. You have evoked the true aura of Hyderabad though your pictures and blogs.

  7. Oh wow, I haven’t been to India yet, but after reading your article it seems this would be a great place to visit with some lovely jewellery and yummy good to try. The iconic Charminar looks wonderful, too! Southwest India, we might visit you soon!

  8. This is the first time we’ve heard of Hyderabad, but the architecture, food, and shopping are very enticing. How could you leave there without one of those bangles?! Thanks for sharing this unique destination!

  9. Wow! So scenic and so beautiful. Hyderabad looks like the place to be right now that I’m tired of winter weather. I’m most excited about walking my way around and eating my way through Hyderabad 🙂 #majorfoodie

  10. I never knew the Kohinoor Diamond and Hope Diamond came from the same mine. We were just in Washington DC about two months ago and Jenn saw the Hope Diamond for the first time. I saw the Crown Jewels several times, probably about ten years ago was the last time. They are both beautiful stones.

  11. I so loved this blog! I am placed in Hyderabad since last 4 years and I am in love with this place. Having visited Charminar so many times, I never knew it was built as a structure when Cholera was eradicated. I can relate to all of the places mentioned in your post – especially the Salar Jung museum. Thanks for writing a wonderful post on a city I consider mine.

  12. Oh, I love that you shared so much history in your story. You’ve definitely my roused my curiousity and I can now see myself adding Hyderabad to my India itinerary, when we visit at the end of the year.

  13. Awesome pictures! I’ve never made it to India, but maybe I should move it up on my list. Had no idea about the association with the Hope Diamond. Did the curse carry to the Fort?

  14. The Charminar is charming and the city is nice with such a beautiful landmark, glad to know about the food and the variety of bangles could be found in the city, too! I will take note if I am going to visit Hyderabad one day! @ knycx.journeying

  15. This is like from an exotic fairy tale! I love the chased facade of the Charminar! The bangles are super fun – thank god there are so many of them, I probably couldn’t decide on less than ten 😉

  16. You really summed it up when you said “intricate mosaic of sights and experiences.” I really love that you shared the history along with the sites. Often people overlook that in travel blogs. You really painted a beautiful picture of the city.

    You made us wait until the end to see it, but that Biryani looked well worth the wait.

    The Four Friends have never experienced India, but we are starting to think it needs to move up our list. You certainly have encouraged our curiosity.

    Thanks for sharing. Keep travel blogging. Adventure is better shared with friends!.

  17. I love biryani so I feel like Hyderabad and I would get along really well. Those colourful bangles look so awesome. I can only imagine what the whole street with look like with all the shops.

  18. There’s so much to do in and around Hyderabad. And your post has come just on time. Since, we are planning to visit here this year. 🙂 I have heard a lot about the Bangles in particular from friends and relatives, and once again from this post of yours. Will surely check them out when I head here.

  19. It’s lovely to know that the Golconda Fort stood the test of time and was well preserved so that the future generations are able to witness this historical relic. Hyderabad seems to be a jolly good place to visit – time to plan a trip to India real soon 🙂

  20. I think Hyderabad is one of those under rated places where life is simple and there is a lot of culture to explore. I’ve enjoyed the charminar walk, since it would be abuzz and alive even at 3 am, and right after one should go to ‘Ram Ki Bandi’ to get the best cheese dosas being served from 4 am. Maybe you can cover that place next time! I have not made it to the salar jung musuem, but have been to Golconda. One another place I would reccomend is the walk around the hussain sagar lake. Simple pleasures of life!

  21. Hyperbad looks very, very dreamy! I love all the bangles and other jewelry that you can purchase near the Charminar. The fort looks like a really interesting place to visit as well. India is just so full of amazing destinations!

  22. I, embarrassingly enough, had never heard of Hyderabad, but you make it seem so interesting. I always wanted to go to India (mostly for the food 😉 ) but now Hyderabad is definitely on my radar. Thanks for sharing.

  23. Hyderabad looks so beautiful! I particularly like the architecture of the Charminar and your descriptions of the sensory experiences of the city. It looks like a city with a good variety of experiences and I would love to visit it one day when I make it to India.

  24. Oh my gosh how colourful are those bangles! They’re exquisite. A feast for the eyes. The Salar Jung Museum seems unique and interesting. What a lovely memory you have of the musical clock with the bearded man coming out of the door every hour 🙂

  25. Such an interesting read as I’ve never heard of Hyderabad. I couldn’t believe the site of all those bracelets! And so interesting that the largest diamond used to be at the fort. That rice dish looks delicious!!!

  26. I need to go! The bazaar looks beautiful and some great opportunities for retail therapy. And I love how vegetarian friendly it is. I travel as a vegan, do you think I’d be able to easily find vegan meals? The rice looks super yummy. Thank you for sharing 🙂

  27. I have been to Hyderabad only once, but on a spontaneous road trip where we zoomed past Hussain Sagar, had Paradise Biryani, bought some Pootharekulu and drove back home. Was planning a leisure trip to Hyderabad and your post is just a perfect recipe for what to do and see. Thanks!

  28. I could jewelry shop here for days. I am impressed that a diamond of that size was kept here (although I did know it was mined in India).

    I love the Indian architecture. There is such a subtle grace in it.

  29. Your photos and experience in Hydrabad looks amazing! I’m from India but have never had the chance to explore Hydrabad so I’ll definitely have to put it on my list for the next time I visit. If for nothing else, then to try the Hydrabadi Biryani! 🙂

  30. We haven’t made it to Hyderabad during our trips to India, but the biriyani alone is a pretty significant draw in my book, but also the Golconda Fort. It is truly an exquisite area.

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