Wide-ranging cultures, religions and architectural styles converge in one of the largest cities in India. Dating back to the 1500s, Hyderabad originated as a diamond-mining city. Its ruling dynasties, the Asaf Jahi and the Qutub Shahis, built lavish palaces across the city. Travel the sprawling city’s busy streets to see grand mosques, a ruined medieval settlement and an extensive manmade lake.
Start out at Golconda Fort, a medieval diamond-mining settlement to the west of Hyderabad. The nearby Persian-style pavilion, Taramati Baradari, is part of a legend involving a love-struck prince who wanted to hear his lover’s voice from his station at the fort. Tour the old building and then enjoy the restaurants, shops and gym in the modern complex surrounding it.
Head further west to see another of Hyderabad’s oldest sites, the Chilkur Balaji Temple and its brightly coloured exterior. Spend a few hours enjoying the nearby shores of Osman Sagar lake.
Visit the Charminar, Hyderabad’s major landmark in the centre of the city. This monumental mosque stands over a central roundabout just south of the Musi River, which cuts through the city. The lavish Chowmahalla Palace is in the same area. Browse antiques and treasures gathered by the Nizam dynasty, including vintage automobiles.
Spend time in some of the city’s many parks. Photograph lions and tigers in their natural habitat on a safari at the Nehru Zoological Park. Go to Lumbini Park in the evening to enjoy the sunset over Osman Sagar. Hire a speedboat to take out on the lake or ride a ferry out to the statue of Buddha at its centre. Next door, tour the hilltop Birla Mandir Temple.
Fly into Hyderabad’s international airport, 22 kilometres (14 miles) south of the city. You can reach the city by train from other centres in India. Hyderabad is 700 kilometres (400 miles) east of Mumbai. Once here, get around by bus, auto rickshaw and taxi. The dense central area around Charminar is best navigated on foot. Expect hot, humid weather throughout the year.
