About Hyderabad
Hyderabad is a city full of rich history, tantalising cuisine, and vibrant bazaars. The Nizams of Hyderabad, renowned for their lavish lifestyles and love for art, have left an enduring mark. The city has a rich historical legacy of exquisite pearls and diamond trading, earning it the moniker of 'City of Pearls.' Hyderabad's attractions are as diverse as its culture. The grand Mecca Masjid and the architectural wonder of Falaknuma Palace are just a couple of many attractions the city offers. The Salar Jung Museum, located here, houses one of the world's most significant one-man collections. It is a must-visit for art aficionados.
Hyderabad's culinary prowess is legendary, a delectable fusion of Nizam, Mughal, and Telugu influences. When you're not satisfying your palate, explore the city's historic bazaars. Laad Bazaar, Begum Bazaar, and Sultan Bazaar are the places to be. Here, you'll discover a treasure trove of silk sarees, sherwanis, aromatic spices, exquisite jewellery, famous lac bangles in every colour, antiques, and mouth-watering street food. Come and immerse yourself in the timeless charm and flavours of this extraordinary city.
Places to visit
- Golconda Fort : This iconic fort is not just an architectural marvel, but it's a masterpiece with intriguing acoustics too. This 13th-century wonder spans a massive 11 km and showcases the architectural genius of its era. What's fascinating is that clapping your hands at the entrance produces echoes that can be heard at the highest point! Don't miss the dazzling sound and light show, which provides a fun and enchanting history lesson. Did you know that the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond, one of the largest cut diamonds in the world, was once kept here?
- Hussain Sagar Lake : Created in 1562, this is not just any man-made lake – it's Asia's largest artificial lake. The towering Buddha statue in the middle is the world's largest monolithic statue of Gautama Buddha. It stands at 16 m and weighs about 350 tonnes. You can take a break from all the walking and enjoy a peaceful boat ride here. For a thrilling experience, try parasailing or jet skiing. If you visit at night, then you'll be treated to a spectacular light show with India's largest floating musical fountain. You simply cannot miss this one!
- Charminar : The iconic Charminar is one of the defining attractions of Hyderabad. The name "Charminar" means "Four Towers" in Urdu. These towering minarets, built in 1591 by the Qutb Shahi King, stand tall at 29 m. Climb up 149 winding steps for a jaw-dropping view of the vibrant streets below. And the adventure doesn't stop there – explore the bustling nearby bazaars, where you'll discover silks, those famous lac bangles, perfumes, spices, and souvenirs galore.
- Chowmahalla Palace : After admiring the four minarets of Charminar, step into the enchanting world of Chowmahalla Palace, which can be translated to mean 'Four Palaces.' This architectural jewel magnificently showcases the grandeur of the Nizams. You'll find yourself wandering through a labyrinth of luxurious rooms. From the Durbar Hall's grandeur to the ornate Khilwat Mubarak, the palace's architecture and interiors are simply breathtaking. Vintage cars, lavish architecture, and well-preserved artefacts take you on a journey back to a regal time.
- Ramoji Film City : This cinematic wonderland is one of the most famous attractions in Hyderabad. And why not? The film city earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest film studio complex, spread over 2,500 acres. There are old-world streets, palatial structures, beautiful gardens, and even a replica of the Taj Mahal! You can take a guided tour and witness how movie magic is made. Ramoji Film City even has adventure zones and amusement parks to keep the whole family entertained.
Hyderabad Airport
Hyderabad Airport (HYD) is located in Shamshabad, 30 km from the city centre. The official name of the airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. It features a single-passenger terminal equipped with various facilities for travellers. These amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, baby care rooms, a wide selection of shops and restaurants, ATMs, and medical services. When it comes to transportation, you can choose from taxis, buses, rickshaws, and car rentals. For transportation, passengers can opt for taxis, buses, rickshaws, and car rentals. Taxis provide a quick 20-minute ride to the city centre, while buses are a cost-effective option, taking about 48 minutes for the journey.