Explore Hyderabad city and its best places to visit

A vibrant city with the imposing Charminar at its heart, Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, is a potpourri of history, cuisine and eclectic experiences. While its Old City area is an impressive heritage haven with iconic monuments dotting its narrow lanes, its contemporary counterpart matches pace with its cosmopolitan population. The four-sided archway of Charminar, overlooking a bustling bazaar, is the centrepiece of the city around which the township developed. Located on the banks of the Musi river on the Deccan Plateau, Hyderabad reels you in with its heritage charm, accentuated by a vibrant culinary culture, much of which owes its curation to the erstwhile Nizam rulers.

Home to the legendary and fragrant Hyderabadi biryani, the city has a bustling food scene that leaves one full but never satiated. From sampling the richly concocted Irani chai (tea) to digging into the spicy mirchi-ka-sallan, food in Hyderabad is not just an experience, but a long-lasting memory. Often called the Pearl City, a reference to the fine quality of pearls that have been traditionally traded here, Hyderabad is also the mining ground of the world-famous Kohinoor diamond. Along with the nearby city of Secunderabad, Hyderabad forms a twin city hub, which is separated by the expanse of the renowned Hussain Sagar Lake.

The city was founded by Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah in the 16th century. The Mughals invaded it in 1685 and this was followed by British interference. In 1724, the Mughal viceroy in the Deccan, Asaf Jah Nizam al-Mulk, declared independence. Thus, the Deccan kingdom, with Hyderabad as its capital, was called the princely state of Hyderabad. While Hyderabad continued to expand, its twin city, Secunderabad, grew as a British cantonment. The princely state of Hyderabad became a part of the Indian republic in 1950.

Today, Hyderabad is a thriving centre for trade, commerce and technology. Several major information technology companies have set up offices here, ensuring a steady influx of people from across India that has resulted in cosmopolitan culture. Glitzy new hotels, posh restaurants, and premium shopping complexes have come up. This, coupled with historical monuments, traditional royal cuisine, indigenous arts, and rich history, gives the metropolis a unique character.

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The best experiences from Hyderabad tailored for you

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Falaknuma palace

Falaknuma palace

Perched atop a 2,000-ft hillock, the spectacular Falaknuma (meaning a...

Mecca Masjid

Mecca Masjid

One of the largest mosques in the world, with a capacity to house up...

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam on River Krishna is considered to be the...

Paigah tombs

Paigah tombs

Located a short distance from the famous Charminar, the well-known...

Pochampally

Pochampally

Pochampalli is best known for its world-famous ikat designs and dress...

Golconda Fort

Golconda Fort

Around 11 km from Hyderabad, the impressive 16th century Golconda...

Hussain Sagar lake

Hussain Sagar lake

Hussain Sagar Lake is considered to be one of the largest man-made...

Sri Ujjaini Mahankali Temple

Sri Ujjaini Mahankali Temple

The 190-year-old Ujjaini Mahakali Temple is dedicated to Goddess...

Purani Haveli

Purani Haveli

An aristocratic palace, also called the Nizam Jubilee Pavilion,...

Secunderabad

Secunderabad

Secunderabad is often recognised as the twin city of Hyderabad. It...

Spanish Mosque

Spanish Mosque

The Jama Masjid Aiwan-E-Begumpet, also called the Spanish Mosque...

Rashtrapati Nilayam

Rashtrapati Nilayam

The President of India’s official residence during his southern...

Basar

Basar

Located on the banks of River Godavari, Basar lies at a distance of...

Chilkur Balaji temple

Chilkur Balaji temple

The Chilkur Balaji Temple, located on the outskirts of Hyderabad, on...

Ethipothala waterfall

Ethipothala waterfall

Located 18 km from Nagarjuna Sagar, the Ethipothala Waterfall is...

Birla Mandir

Birla Mandir

Constructed with white marble from Rajasthan, the spectacular Birla...

Sayedani Maa Tomb

Sayedani Maa Tomb

Also called the Maa Saheba Ke Dargah or Saidani Maa Ki Dargah, this...

KBR National Park

KBR National Park

The Kasu Bramhananda Reddy National Park or KBR Park is a wildlife...

Maula Ali Dargah

Maula Ali Dargah

It is one of the most famous pilgrimage spots in India and has been...

Ananthagiri

Ananthagiri

The verdant Ananthagiri Hills is located approximately 90 km away...

Chowmahalla palace

Chowmahalla palace

This luxurious palace was once the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty and...

Ananda Buddha Vihara

Ananda Buddha Vihara

It is a Buddhist complex with meditation halls and a temple site atop...

Qutub Shahi Tombs

Qutub Shahi Tombs

A complex of 21 domed granite structures, the Qutub Shahi tombs are...

Charminar

Charminar

Hyderabad's iconic landmark, the 56-m-high Charminar is an imposing...

Salar Jung Museum

Salar Jung Museum

The grand Salar Jung Museum is famous for housing one of the largest...

Island Museum, Nagarjunakonda

Island Museum, Nagarjunakonda

Head to the Nagarjunakonda Island Museum and delve deeper into the...

Warangal

Warangal

Dotted with grand forts, ancient and magnificent temples, serene...

Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam

Sprawling along the pristine waters of the Bay of Bengal,...

Amaravati

Amaravati

Poised along the banks of River Krishna, the quaint town of...

Tirupati

Tirupati

Among the most popular global pilgrimage places, Tirupati, in Andhra...