Hyderabad Tourism | Places to Visit | Things To Do

There is really no end to what Hyderabad has to offer. The capital of Andhra Pradesh State in southern India is the center for art, literature, architecture and cuisine. One of the main centres of the Indian Silicon valley trinity, Hyederabad is shangrila for travelers with a heart to explore. Lying on the banks of Musi River, Hyderabad is a city buzzing with activities. This place has history, it has culture and it has style....it has charm..it has a beating heart.

The city possesses a lot of monuments, bazaars, libraries, sports, etc. In ancient times, Hyderabad was the center for diamond and pearl trading. Around 15th century, the city was established under the dynasty of Muhammed Quil Qutb Shahi who was a sultan of Shahi dynasty of Golconda. After 17th century, Hyderabad City was controlled by the Nizam dynasty, popularly known as “Nizam of Hyderabad”. Nizam of Hyderabad ruled the city, signing a treaty with British Empire for almost two centuries.
It had been a battleground for dominance for very long and today, it has a story to tell. Starting with the places that stand as relics to history, there is the Mecca Masjid built out of single granite during Muhammad Qutub Shah's reign, the Charminar in the midst of Charkaman built in memorium of plague victims and the magnificent scientifically built Golconda Fort that is the most unique and deftly built fortress complex you'd ever see. It really takes you back in time. There are the Qutb Shahi and Paigah Tombs. The former boasts of a typical Deccan architecture of a long bygone era and the latter has a most distinct and unparalleled set of geometric sculptures.

The devotional souls shall have a grand time because this city affords ample opportunities to indulge your spiritual selves. Among the mosques, other than the Mecca Masjid, there is the Paigah Masjid with its amazing Spanish architecture. By way of temples too, this city has much to offer. It has the Birla, Sanghi, Chilkur Balaji, Jagannath Wargal Saraswati and Sri Lakshminarasimha Swami temple. These are lovely places that will put a troubled soul to rest. There's also the fascinating Ratnalayam temple with its exquisite replica of Lord Venkateshwara. For those knowledge-hungry souls, this city has the Salar Jung Museum, AP State archaeological, museum, Surendrapuri and the City Museum. These offer you the past; these offer you a parallel universe of facts. If you have a heart to time travel, you are in for treat travellers because by way of palaces, there are the Fahaknuma Palace of the Paigah dynasty, the Chowmahalla Palace of Nizam Salabat Jung and the Asman Garth Palace that looks a lot like one of those castles in the Gothic romances. The Taramati Bhandari near Gandipet bears witness to Abdullah Qutb Shah's feelings for his concubine.

There's the Purani Haveli, the King Kothi Palace and european styled Bella Vista. For travellers with in the mood for a bit of waterside quiet, there are the Hussain Sagar, Osman Sagar, Durgam Cheruvu, Himayat Sagar, Shamirpet Lake, Rukn Ud Daula Lake and the Saroonagar Lake. For the garden walkers and flower lovers, there's also a lot in here. Hyderabad has the NTR Gardens, the Indira Park, the Kotla Vijayabhaskara Reddy Botanical Gardens, the Lumbini Park, the Lotus Pond and the Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park. The animal lovers need not feel left behind. You have the Mrugavani and KBR National Parks besides the Nehru Zoological Park with its natural habitat. For those out with friends with nothing but an agenda a pure fun in mind, there's the fantabulous Ramoji Film City, the Ravindra Bharati and the Shilparam arts and crafts village besides Keesara and Rachakonda that were capital cities of the Vishnukudin and Velama kings respectively.

Lastly, the shopahiloics have much to do at the Pearl City, Hyederabad. They need to go visit the Laad Bazaar to totally lose control. You can experience the overwhelming shopping spree in Hyderabad. Check out some of the precious pearls and antique jewelries in the shops near Charminar. Basheerbagh, Abids and Nampilly are some of the major shopping centers one should never forget to explore. Intricately designed artifacts and silver pieces are available in many shopping stalls in Hyderabad. Enjoy the splendid luxury Hyderabad can offer you.

When we speak about Hyderabad, it is all about the mouthwatering cuisines of royal Nizam dynasty. Hyderabad biryani is one of the most famous dishes of the region. One should not miss to taste the iconic dishes like Hyderabadi Briyani and Hyderabadi Haleem. The cuisine of Hyderabad is the perfect blend of Mughal and Arab culinary arts. Finish off your royal meal with tasteful native desserts like Qubani Ka meetha, Double Ka Meetha and Kaddu Ki Kheer.

After all, they say, 'once a lover of Hyderabadi Biriyani, always one'. Come to Hyderabad. You'll get hooked on to this city.
Hyderabad and Secundrabad are known as the “Twin Cities” which are separated by Hussain Sagar.