Falaknuma Palace: This was built in 1872 by Nawab Viqar al-Umra. This is an architectural marvel and an opulent palace of the Nizam. The impressive interior has floral architecture. There is a dining table which can seat 100 people. Visitors are allowed to view this palace externally.
Golconda Fort: This is opened between 7 am and 8 pm. This was a major structure during the 16th century. Diamond was traded in the region. This is a gigantic structure. You will be enriched if you take help of a guide. You need to take tickets to enter. In the surrounding shops you will find glass bangles, and delicacies of the region. The main attraction of the Golconda fort is the light and sound shows held during the evening hours.
Charminar: This consists of four minarets which remain opened from 9 am till 5 pm from Monday till Saturday. However, on Fridays the visits to Charminar between 1 pm and 2 pm is prohibited due to the prayers. This minaret was built by Qutub Quli Shah to pray for the end of an epidemic (plague). The Charminar has been the icon of Hyderabad since long. The towers are 48.7 metres in height. There are 45 prayer spaces in the upper floors. This structure is located in the middle of a busy locale in the old city region of the city. A majestic view of the city of Hyderabad is available from the top of the minaret. This is one of the most famous attractions of the city.
Salar Jung Museum: The collections of the Salar Jungs or the prime ministers are exhibited here. The collections of the jewelry and garments of the Nizam are on display. Many article of the Islamic era are also in the display. Cameras, large bags, and liquids are not allowed. However, your mobile phones will not be checked if they have cameras in them.
Birla Mandir: The location of the Birla Mandir in Hyderabad is in Adarsh Nagar. You can reach the temple by climbing steps or take another route and go by car. The temple is opened between 10 am and 12 noon and again between 2 pm and 8 pm. The construction is of sparkling white marbles. The location is on Naubat Pahad. This temple of Venkateshwara temple provides a magnificent view of the city.
Shilparamam: This is near the Hi tech city at Madhapur. This is a crafts village at the entrance of the Hi tech city. It aims to preserve the culture and handloom heritage of the past. The sculptures sold here look realistic. Traditional goods are sold. You will find garments, drapes, artifacts, jewels and accessories. There is a rock museum in the village.
Hussain Sagar Lake (Tank Bund): The necklace road in the Hussain Sagar Lake area is illuminated at night. People visit this picturesque locate in the bustling city for merry-making, especially in the evenings. The lake is a landmark between the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. This was built in 1562 by Ibrahim Qutub Quli Shah on the Musi river. The parks and temples in the surrounding areas are worth visiting. There is a famous statue of Lord Buddha in the middle of the famous lake. This was einstalled in 1992. Boat rides are available. The Lumbini Park in the vicinity is another place to be visited.
POPULAR PARKS OF HYDERABAD:
- Chacha Nehru Park at Masab Tank is enjoyable for morning walks and visits with kids. Free yoga classes are held in the morning between 5 am and 6 am. There are clubs for exercising and tennis lawns in this park. There is a minimal entry fee to the park.
- Lumbini Park at Necklace road is famous for the laser shows (along-with music) in the evenings. There are stalls of mouthwatering snacks inside the park and gaming venue for kids. There are sufficient parking areas for vehicles inside the park though you need to take tickets. Boating facilities to enchant the visitors are presents.
- Public Gardens (Bagh-e-aam) or garden for the common folks near the State Legislative Assembly has the Jubille Hall, Jawahar Bhavan, Health Museum, as well as the Archeological Museum.
- The Indira Park in the Lower Tank Bund area near Kavadiguda is a sprawling park and has facilities of boating in its ponds. There are food stalls and skating (for kids only) arenas in the park where kids can practice in the evenings of the scheduled days of the week.
Majority of these parks hold educative programs and fairs at regular intervals. The other parks of the city which attracts people are the following:
- Sanjeevaiah Park
- Krishna Kanth Park
- Lotus Pond in the Jubilee Hills
- Botanical Garden at Madhapur
- Nehru Zoological Park
- KBR National Park at the Chiraan Palace
- The Chilkur Wildlife Park
- The Necklace Road is the Chaupati Chowk of Hyderabad.
- The Jalavihar Family Water Park at Necklace Road
- Mahaveer Vanasthali Wildlife Park
- Jalagam Vengal Rao Park at Banjara Hills
- NTR Gardens at Necklace Road (an elite park built in 2000.)
- The Necklace Road is the Chaupati Chowk of Hyderabad.
RELIGIOUS PLACES IN HYDERABAD (AND SECUNDERABAD):
- Sanghi Temple at Hayat Nagar
- ISKCON Temple at Abids
- Mahankali Temple at Laldarwaza (This is the site for the main Bonalu annual procession)
- Peddamma Gudi (Temple) at Jubilee Hills
- Ashtalaksmi temple at Dilsukhnagar
- Ujjaini Mahankali Temple at Secunderabad
- St Joseph’s Cathedral at the Gun Foundry area in Secunderabad
- Hussain Shah Wali Dargah
- Moula Ali Dargah
- Toli Masjid (Karwan)
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN HYDERABAD:
- Osman Sagar Dam at Gandipet
- Himayat Sagar
- Durgam Cheruvu of the Secret Lake close to the Hi-Tec City
- Saroornagar Lake (crowded during immersion of Lord Ganesha)
- Shamirpet (24 kilometres from Secunderabad) famous for lake and deer park
- Qutb Shahi Tombs (1 kilometre from the Golconda fort)
- The Nizam’s Museum (behind Princess Durru Shehvar Children’s Hospital)
- Osmania Arts College
- Paigah Tombs (Santoshnagar)
- Purani Haveli, Dewandevdi (Afzalganj)
- Raymond Tomb (Dilsukh Nagar)
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