Once a flourishing centre for the trade of such precious gems as diamonds, emeralds and pearls, Hyderabad straddles the past and the present. It has marched ahead with the beat of time to become one of the world’s most reputed tech capitals, yet is firmly rooted in its regal past. From the city’s information technology hub (Hi-Tech City) and the historic Charminar (which are on opposite sides of the city) to magnificent forts, opulent palaces and mouthwatering culinary offerings - there is no dearth of experiences to be had in this charming city. 

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Day 1 Morning

Road trip map

The city boasts boarding and lodging options that suit every pocket. Check into any of the numerous hotels in the city. If you are looking for a taste of  Hyderabad’s erstwhile regal life, plan your stay at the Falaknuma Palace which was formerly owned by the city’s Nizam (emperor).

 

8 am: Beat the crowd and head to Charminar, the city’s iconic landmark. It was built in 1591 in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture using granite and lime mortar. Its four arched gateways and towering minarets are a sight to behold in the stillness of the morning before the surrounding area comes alive with tourists and shop vendors.

10 am: Next, visit the Salar Jung Museum, about 10-minutes away. The USP of this attraction lies in the fact that everything showcased in the museum - as many as 4,300 artifacts, 50,000 manuscripts and books, and Indian miniature paintings - were collected by one man in 35 years.

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Salar Jung Museum - Salar jung Museum - Vast Collection of Rare Artefacts

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Day 1 Noon

Road trip map

Take an hour’s journey to the famous Ramoji Film City, the largest of its kind in the world as certified by Guinness World Records. Take a guided tour through its 2,000-acre campus and visit some of the most popular cinematic locations. 

 

2 pm: Stop by some of the well-maintained gardens that are true to their names - Japanese garden with pagoda-like structures, Sun Fountain garden that boasts a chariot drawn by horses (representing the horse-drawn chariot of the sun god), Mughal garden with constructions resembling Mughal architecture, and sanctuary garden with perfectly-trimmed topiaries of elephants, deer, and peacocks.

4 pm: Continue to explore the film city as you engage in such activities as paintball, zorbing, mud rides, and archery. There are several certified restaurants within the film city where you can stop for a bite.

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Mecca Masjid

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Day 1 Evening

Road trip map

6 pm: Head back to the city and visit the Mecca Masjid. Hailed as one of the largest of its kind, this place of worship is one of the city’s oldest buildings. It is said that a few of the bricks forming the arch of the prayer hall are made from Mecca soil. 

 

8 pm: Visit the city’s popular Laad Bazaar (about 10-minutes away from the mosque). Known as one of the city’s most-visited spots for street shopping, Laad Bazaar offers a plethora of items, including colourful bangles, garments, jewellery, attar (perfume) and more. Pearls, however, are the biggest draw here. Make sure to buy this gem from government-certified shops in the market. Indulge in shopping to your heart's content. Catch a glimpse of the Charminar from here, illuminated in a warm glow.

10 pm: Biryani (rice and meat dish) is the most loved Hyderabadi dish. Let a plateful of steaming hot basmati rice biryani cooked with yoghurt and spice-marinated meat be your induction into the tantalising world of Hyderabadi cuisine. There are several sit-in restaurants and popular takeaways where you can taste authentic Hyderabadi biryani.

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Qutubshahi tomb

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Day 2 Morning

Road trip map

Start your day with a steaming cup of delicious Irani chai (tea) accompanied by Osmania biscuits. Before a busy day of adventure, spend some quiet time amidst nature at the KBR National Park. One of the few tourist sites to open around 5 am, it is located on the Banjara and Jubilee hills and is home to as many as 20 species of reptiles, 13 species of birds and 600 species of trees among other delights. The park compounds also house the Chittan Palace, which belonged to the former Nizam of Hyderabad. 

 

8 am: Savour some authentic South Indian flavours at one of the many eateries in the city. From crunchy dosas (crepes) and steaming idlis (rice cakes) to delicious uttapams (thick crepes) - you’ll be spoilt for choice. Do not forget to ask for a spoonful of mulgapodi (a kind of spice).

10 am: A six-minute walk from the park will take you to the Jagannath Temple. Do not miss its 70-ft-hight shikharam (central tower) and the intricate carvings that are said to be made by over 500 sculptors.

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Ramoji film city

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Day 2 Noon

Road trip map

Hail an auto, one of the best ways to travel around Hyderabad, to reach the Qutub Shahi Tombs (about 6.4 km away). Witness the seamless confluence of Indian and Persian styles of architecture and marvel at the stucco works. Do not miss the tomb of Mohammed Quli, the founder of the city.

 

2 pm: Next on the list is the Golconda Fort about six-minutes away. But before you head into this historic site, savour a delicious yet humble lunch spread at the state government-run Taramati Baradari resort near the fort. The menu offers the best of both North and South Indian dishes. 

4 pm: Pick up some local art and craft souvenirs on your way to the fort. This 16th-century structure, situated on top of a 120-m-high hill, was once the capital of the erstwhile Golconda kingdom. Explore the beautiful palaces, see the historic Fateh Rahben gun and learn about the astounding acoustic system of the fort complex.

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Golkonda fort - The Grand Heritage of Golconda Dynasty

Day 2 Evening

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To experience the grandeur of Golconda Fort and know more about its glorious history, stay for the Sound and Light show. The show is played in Hindi, Telugu and English on various days. 

Refer to the state government portal for more information.

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Falaknuma Palace - Nizam Palaces Tour