What to do in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri District

Charminar is an iconic monument that towers above Hyderabad’s central intersection. It was built to commemorate the end of the plague in the city four centuries ago. The monument is one of Hyderabad’s best-known and most-visited attractions.

Bring the kids to one of India’s largest animal parks. Half-zoo and half-museum, the Nehru Zoological Park is spread across 104 hectares (380 acres) of land. More than 160 species of animals live throughout the grounds. Go on a lion safari, enjoy an elephant ride or simply take a break from the bustle of Hyderabad’s busy streets at this open nature park on the shore of a peaceful lake.

This huge marble temple on a hill above the city is one of Hyderabad’s most eye-catching spiritual centres. Birla Mandir Temple is known for its impressive red towers. It contains both Hindu and Buddhist shrines. Once you’ve toured the temple, take the kids to the Birla Science Museum and Birla Planetarium next door. Come back at night for a special light show projected on to the temple’s towers.

This grand mosque in the centre of Hyderabad is one of the oldest and biggest in India. The Mecca Masjid mosque is a significant hub of Islam in the city and attracts huge crowds of Muslims and visitors daily. There is room for 10,000 followers during prayer. Although non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque, you can still tour the grounds of the site to see cavernous arches, marble tombs and a water fountain.

The Salar Jung Museum is one of India's most prized historic institutions, preserving a huge range of ancient academic journals, rustic weaponry and precious royal items from throughout the ages. Examine the intriguing collection of objects amassed by one globetrotting explorer.