Hyderabad, the metropolitan city, which is the capital of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, is better known as one of the prominent IT hubs of the country. Although history sheds enough light on the capital’s past, yet the glitzy malls, cafes and IT centres have somehow overshadowed the cultural history of the destination. The best things to do in Hyderabad include those associated with the nightlife and shopping experiences, yet one could even delve into the details of Hyderabad’s pre-colonial era to know more.
While the Mughals have given this city the infamous Hyderabadi Biryani, colonialism’s modernisation boosted the city’s IT wave. Hyderabad has many places such as the Ramoji Film City, attracting a horde of tourists throughout the year even if it means touring the staggeringly big compound in the Hyderabadi heat. Falaknuma Palace, the Charminar and the Golconda fort are the breathtaking monumental creations, which are sure to produce some ridiculously good Facebook cover photos. Heritage in the city of Hyderabad is hard to fault, but it is the electric energy diffused from this destination that people are head-over-heels for and have many weekend gateways near by Hyderabad.
The people of Hyderabad exhibit a unique cultural blend of the Muslim and the South Indian people. This combination has germinated some of the most exquisite dishes of the country, with Hyderabadi Biryani being a classic example. You could find the richness and grandeur of the Nawabi cuisine as well as the light refreshing meals of South Indian cooking. Hyderabad’s culture is not a bore to the eyes, as this place has effortlessly blended different identities to produce a fabulous crowd that is easy to get along with.
Being a metropolitan city, Hyderabad is well connected with the major cities of the country through the flight. Even the railway junction brings different destinations spread across India to Hyderabadi rail tracks. One of the best things to do in Hyderabad would be to take nearby road trips, as the city serves some excellent road infrastructures.
Places to Visit and Things to Do in Hyderabad
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Hyderabad Top Attractions
Places To Visit In Hyderabad
Located in the Santosh Nagar locality of Hyderabad, Paigah Tombs are the resting place of the various high ranking nobles who served to the Nizams. The tombs are an architectural marvel among the various other historic places in Hyderabad. Spanning across an area of around 40 acres, Paigah Tombs have been decorated with the tales of the brave Paigah. These tales are engraved on various palettes and epitaphs across the place and describe the story of the Nizam and Paigah. The structure of the tombs is known for its Indo-Saracenic style, which is a rare piece of architecture. Located near the popular Charminar, Paigah Tombs is one of the most popular historic sites of Hyderabad. The tombs are the piece of craftsmanship lost in time with beautiful white-marble tombs and unparallel floral designs. Once you see the tombs and the other structures in the area, you would not believe that these are around 250+ years old. The excellent artistry work in the tombs is nothing but a masterpiece. The tombs are placed adjacent to each other in a line with names of the Paigah written on top of it. Other than that, several boards highlight some important members of the Paigah’s and the Nizam’s they served for. On several walls of the Paigah Tombs, you will notice some Geometrical patterns and some marvelous work blending the Mughal, Deccan and Persian style of architecture which are one of a kind.
Beating in the heart of the city, Charminar is a precious gem of Hyderabad city, and pride of the country India. It is a heritage left by the Qutb Shahi Dynasty to mark the brilliance of its sultanate. The oldest mosque constructed in the ‘City of Nizams’ is also established in this massive example of Indo Islamic architecture Charminar, which itself means four minarets and justifies the construction of the monument.Nestled near the bank of the river Musi, this ultimate monument was the idea of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shahi which became tangible in the year 1591 AD. It was constructed when the Sultan changed the former city to the present Hyderabad due to an extreme shortage of water. However, there are more stories related to it but marking the beginning of a new era sounds the most realistic.Also considered as the ‘Arc de Triomphe of the East’, Charminar is the heartbeat of the old city of Hyderabad. The monument is taken into consideration to further expand the city so you will be able to notice the development around it. One of the examples is the expansive Laad Bazaar, which is surrounding the elegant masterpiece and brimming with mouth-watering delicacies, authentic street food, colorful lacquer bangles, shining pearls, excellent jewelry and many more things to take home.
Nehru Zoological Park is one of the most iconic tourist places to visit in Hyderabad. It is also one of the largest zoos in India. The forest department of Government of Telangana runs the park. The marvellous place is sprawling over an area 380 acres and inhibits over 140 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. A one-off feature of the park is that all the species here have been kept in their zoological order. The park is one of its kind where the animals enjoy open enclosures which are similar to the natural spaces in which they tend to live. It adds a tinge of humanity to the park administration and also appeals to the animal-lovers. Wildlife is not the only attraction of the place. There are a plethora of activities for visitors to undertake. You can have a wild adventure at the park on various Safaris viz. Lion Safari, Bison Safari, and Bear Safari. You can also go on a boating trip in the Mir Alam lake. The toy train ride around the park is also a favourite activity amongst tourists. The park not only provides a fun experience but also imparts education and awareness about wildlife through a range of exciting activities. Some of them include a visit to Jurassic Park, exploring the butterfly park, and touring the aquarium. The park also features a museum where artefacts and evidence of ancient life are put on exhibition.
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People Also Ask About Hyderabad Things To Do
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What are the best things to do in Hyderabad?
The city of forts and rich heritage bustling with the electric energy of the modern crowd could hardly rule out any fun things to do. The Nizams have had the greatest influence on this city making it one of the grand centres in India back in its heyday. Not just with the cultural heritage, but Hyderabad is sure to woo with its artistic and scholarly mecca. With more and more people congesting in this city, the modern livelihood of people has received a boost instigating numerous fun things to engage in:
- Climb to the top of the Golconda Fort
- Buy bidriware by Charminar in Hyderabad
- Visit Makkah Masjid
- Take a 30-minute boat journey to the statue of Hussain Sagar
- Tour the Salar Jung Museum
- Picnic at Himayat Sagar
- Appreciate the artisanship of the objects in the Chowmahalla Palace
- Play laser tag at LaserMaxx
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What are the best adventure activities to do in Hyderabad?
Although Hyderabad does not come with the classic mountain or water sports, yet the amusement parks here take care of the adventure activities. It is hard to get bored around this city, as you are always met with something fun at every corner. Check out the adventure activities Hyderabad is famous for:
Snow basketball and snow volleyball
Water zorbing
Bungee jumping (Water Park)
Vertical fall
Camping
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Where can I do rappelling in Hyderabad? Is it safe to do?
Rappelling is the quickest and the easiest method to have an experience similar to mountaineering. You are harnessed carefully to allow you to make a descent from a vertical face that could either be a natural or artificial rock formation. Khajaguda in Hyderabad has a camp that specialises in this activity, which has professional instructors to guide you all the way through.
Rappelling is safe enough to do only when an instructor at the scene is supporting you. It is an extremely dangerous activity that requires another person to ensure your harnesses are intact. -
Which are the best places to visit for some spiritual experience in Hyderabad?
The zesty city life of Hyderabad is skilfully converted to a wholesome spiritual experience at several destinations in the city. It might not be the generic chant of a religion uttered in unison at most of the places that bring the spirituality here, but it is the ethereal construction of some of the buildings, forts and mosques. Book a day solely with a holistic experience, as the city might surprise you in ways you thought was not possible.
Ayyappa Swamy Devasthanam, Uppal
The Church of South India, Hyderabad
Sri Ramakrishna Math, Himayat Nagar
Birla Mandir near Hussain Sagar Lake
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What are the things to do at Ramoji film city? What is its timing?
Ramoji Film City is the major attraction of Hyderabad, which is located almost 28 kilometres away from the city. The tour here would consume your entire day since the area engulfs a staggering 2,000 acres and it is a real challenge to view all of it in a day. Groups of family and friends alike come here all year round as the destination proposes lucrative packages for the visitors. The entry time is from 9 am to 2 pm and it closes at sharp 5:30 pm. These are the most fun things people engage in:
Studio tour
Enjoy the Kids’ Park
Watch live shows
Try the adventure sports
Browse and try the amazing food options
Shop at Meena Bazaar, Movie Magic Memorabilia, and Wild West Souvenirs
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Which are the best destinations for wildlife safari in Hyderabad?
Hyderabad has two major wildlife sanctuaries that offer stunning safari rides. These safaris stand in a stark contrast with the hustle and bustle of the city, exploring the forests and witnessing the animals in the wild, which is nothing like man made wonders. Being in the very lap of nature, you are bound to drift off to a haze while the greenish lush engulfs you fully.
- Nehru Zoological Park, Kishan Bagh
- Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park, Vanasthalipuram
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Which are some famous markets to shop in Hyderabad?
Hyderabad is one of those places that highlight the essence of street shopping. If you are eager to look for the local and indigenous stuff, then the older part of the city might intrigue you more. With all the sophistication and modernity Hyderabad’s metropolitan city brings the markets located here balance the modernity with the authenticity of Indian goods. Also, these markets are excellent places to test your bargaining skills and what is cheap could be bought at a cheaper price.
Mozzamjahi Market
Secunderabad General Bazaar
Sunday Book Bazaar
Churi Bazaar
Jummerat Bazaar
Antique Market
Pot Market
Gudimalkapur Flower Market
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Where can I enjoy go karting in Hyderabad? What are its charges?
Hyderabad’s Go-karting tracks are sure to give an entire family or friends’ group the experience of a lifetime as the centres not only come with the karting tracks but also are equipped with food and drink stalls. Being the only place in India offering the Go-karting experience, the centres ensure to give you plenty of other fun things to do as well. The prices depend on the cart or the package you choose. While the baby cart comes at INR 335, the full day packages might range up to INR 1,00,000. The following places come with Go-Karting tracks:
- Shamshabad Go Kart Track
- Runway 9, Kompally
- Hasten Go Karting, Gurram Guda
- Chicane Circuit, Ranga Reddy District
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What are the things to do at the Hyderabad Adventure Club? What are its charges?
The Great Hyderabad Adventure Club is the most prominent adventure club in the city that caters to loads of outdoor adventures people normally engage with while travelling. The staffs here are well trained to educate you on the basics of the adventure activities so that you could have a safe yet fun experience. While there is no entry fee, yet the prices would range between INR 1000 and 4000 per person. These are the things to do at this adventure club:
- Trekking
- Rock climbing
- Bouldering
- Mountaineering
- Hiking
- Camping
- Bird watching
- Archery
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Which are the best heritage sites to visit in Hyderabad?
Hyderabad has a rich heritage that makes up most of the tourist attractions in this city. While the monumental figurines are responsible for adding the historical charm to the Pearl City, the museums bring you the very objects associated with the rich history of the city. Being the nest of the Nizams, you could make an idea what great treasures this city holds for you to explore and learn. If you are a history buff, then Hyderabad is your go-to city, as it is difficult to exhaust the traces of the past here.
- Mecca Masjid
- Qutb Shahi Tombs
- Golconda Fort
- Taramati Baradari
- Chow Mohalla Palace
- Charminar
- Paigah Tombs
- Falaknuma Palace
- Asman Garh Palace
- Purani Haveli
- Bella Vista
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What are the things to do at themes parks in Hyderabad? What are its charges and timings?
Hyderabad’s theme park collection is the best in the country that comes with numerous activities to engage with, making these destinations extremely family-friendly. You could laze around the water parks or the amusement parks for an entire day in exchange for a fair amount of price. Mostly the charges are all within INR 1,000 and depend on what theme park you choose to visit. Mostly the parks open at 9 in the morning to provide services till 9 at night.
- Enjoy thrilling rides
- Have a mouth-watering lunch at the parks’ restaurants
- Buy cool merchandise
- Disco dance at the water parks
- Take a tour of the Ramoji Film City
- Engage in adventure sports
- Camel and horse riding
- Enjoy Jacuzzi
- Go-kart cruising
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Which are some amazing camping sites near Hyderabad? What is the perfect time for camping?
Around Hyderabad, several campsites have sprouted up looking after the needs of the adventure lovers as Hyderabad itself does not entertain any. These adventure sites mimic the real camping destinations. Although there are several natural destinations perched on top of the hills near Hyderabad, the camping sites do not fall short to impress you. Check out the most amazing camping destinations around Hyderabad that would perfectly suit a weekend getaway:
- Palavelli Adventures Campsite
- Dindi Adventures Campsite
- Srisailam
- Orvakal
- Bhavani islands Adventures Campsite
- Horsley Hills Adventure Campsite
- Laknavaram Lake adventure Campsite
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Where can I do kayaking in Hyderabad? How much will it cost?
One of the most intriguing water sports that gives you a feeling of white water rafting is kayaking. Nowadays, the activities mimicking those associated with the real adventures have interested several tourists, compelling the popular tourist destinations to come with these ideas. Kayaking is a fun way to explore the surrounding scenic spots if walking or hiking is not your thing. The cost is generally under INR 500, yet depends on the spot you pick.
- Hussain Sagar
- The Yacht Club of Hyderabad
- Kotapally Reservoir, Vikarabad
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What is the best time to visit snow world in Hyderabad? What are its charges?
Snow World is not affected by the outside climate as the park generates a staggeringly low temperature of its own (0 to 5 degree Celsius). Therefore, the possible best time to visit it would be in the summer as it offers a nice little escape from the cruel heat of April and May. Snow volleyball, snow basketball, ice skating and boarding are some of the many fun activities enjoyed here.
While the entry fee is INR 500, there are packages you can buy which shall cost you INR 600 but lesser for school students.
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How is the nightlife in Hyderabad? What are the things to do at night in Hyderabad?
Hyderabad is one of the prominent sites in India entertaining a ravishing nightlife looked upon as a blessing by the residents here. The names of the bars, lounges and pubs might be too corny for you, yet the experience they are willing to offer should top any other nightlife activities other cities present. For women, Wednesdays and Thursdays are apt, as they are known as the Ladies’ Night here giving them the chance of entering the clubs without fees. Check out the stuff you could enjoy on a Hyderabadi night:
- Enjoy the nightly live performances at decent bars
- Taste the seafood grill platter
- Strike up a conversation with strangers over glasses of beers at Escape- The Fun Place
- Try Karaoke
- Visit the Hard Rock Café
- Visit 10 Downing Street
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What are the charges for a helicopter joyride in Hyderabad? Where can I find it in Hyderabad?
The helicopter joyride of Hyderabad is yet another escape from the daily mundanity that this city is guilty of. You get to have a bird’s eye view of this rich heritage of Nizam at a price of INR 15,000 per couple.
The historical and industrial landmarks of the city are quite excellently showcased by the joyride, as you and your partner try to overcome the fear of heights. There is nothing to worry about the safety, as trained professionals back the entire experience. Begumpet is the starting point, which then proceeds to cover the major landmarks of the city.
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Which are the best places for shopping in Hyderabad? What are the must buy things from here?
Hyderabad’s shopping experience is sure to hit you hard, as it is nothing like you have ever done before. From the amazing textile shopping centres to the perfume-shopping arena, Hyderabad cleverly brings you a blend of shopping options, so that you could not refute its versatility. Among the most eminent shopping places in Hyderabad, these are the ones:
- Laad Bazaar
- Elahe
- Mangatrai Jewellery
- Perfume Market
- Singhania’s
- Abids
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Which are the best places to taste Hyderabadi cuisine? Which are the famous foods to try?
Hyderabadi or the Deccani cuisine is revered for its authenticity and preservation of the ancient food choices. Also, their authentic foods have undergone a blend with the classic South Indian dishes to give the world the infamous Deccani cuisine.
From kebabs to Biryani, the Nawabs have done a wonderful job in maintaining their deftness at handling cooking, whereas the fiery gravies are more inclined towards their South Indian origin.
- Maghaz Masala
- Boti Kebab
- Khatti Dal
- Hyderabadi Biryani
- Gosht Pasinde
- Murgh do Pyaza
- Burani Raita
- Lukhmi
- Hyderabadi Khichdi
- Tunday Kebabi