In the City of Pearls for Just Four Days? Here's What You Can Do and All the Best Places to Visit in Hyderabad in 4 days (2020)

The city offers tourists a list of reasons to visit the city. Here are some of the reasons why you should give Hyderabad a visit:

Charminar is a historical monument located in the heart of the old city of Hyderabad. The word Charminar means the following, ‘Char’ means four, and ‘Minar’ means pillars. The monument is over 400 years old and was built by Sultan Muhammed Quli Qutb Shah during 1591 AD. It is believed that the monument was constructed after he changed his capital from Golconda to Hyderabad. He built it as a sign of offering to thank god for the end of drought and plague that had hit the city.

The old city of Hyderabad is centered on this Charminar by spreading along with four quadrants in the cardinal directions. It has four arches that open towards each street surrounded by four minarets measuring 56 meters high. It is an Indo-Islamic architecture with Persian influence since Persian architects built it. It is constructed from granite and lime mortar fondly called “Arc de Triomphe of the East”. It also houses a mosque on the second floor for prayers. You can easily reach there via local buses and trains.

Golconda Fort is a historic fortress, situated west of Hyderabad. The fort was the capital city of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and was built during the Kakatiyas dynasty. The city, along with the fortress, was built on a granite hill that is located with massive fortification. It is an architectural marvel, comprising of 87 semi-circular bastions with cannons, draw bridges and iron gates.

The fort’s Fateh Darwaza is embedded with iron spikes that were meant to provide protection against elephant attacks. Also, the marvelous aspect of this fort is its acoustic sound effects; if you clap your hands at the entrance of the fort, the sound reverberates and can be heard nearly a kilometer away. The main entrance of the fort is called ‘Bala Hissar Gate’ that is elaborately decorated with spandrels and roundels with ornate peacocks, arched gates, etc. The fort is a trendy tourist spot in Hyderabad and also conducts sound and light show every evening. The best time to visit the fort is from September to March, and it can be easily reached private and public transportation.

This palace, with its exquisite architecture, was erected around 200 years ago and was the seat of Asaf Jahi rulers. The majestic palace was used to entertain guests and important dignitaries visiting the kingdom. The palace was constructed on the behest of Nizam Salabat Jung in the year 1790 and is a replica of the Shah of Iran’s castle located in Tehran. The architecture is an amalgamation of the following styles - European, Persian, and Indo-Saracenic. The courtyard is divided into courtyards filled with fountains and elegant gardens.

The northern courtyard houses the Bara Imam, Khilwat Mubarak, Clock Tower, Council Hall, and Roshan Bangla. The north side is filled with rooms, a central fountain, and beautiful ornamental stucco work. It also houses 19 stunning chandeliers made of Belgian crystal, and the council hall comprises of rare collections of historical manuscripts and books. The clock tower consists of a mechanical clock and a Bangla named after the Nizam’s mother. The southern courtyard is the oldest and boasts of a collection of four palaces - Aftab Mahal, Afzal Mahal, Tahniyat, and Mahtab Mahal. Last but not least, it comprises of a heritage library with a whopping 1000 books with elegant vintage decor.

The Makka Masjid is a congregational mosque and is one of the largest in India. It was built during the 16th century and was created by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah. The most astonishing fact of the mosque is that it was carved out from a single piece of granite and was under construction for 77 years. The facade comprises five arches, which include a Mihrab as well. The Quran verses are carved on the domes of the mosque and believed to house some sacred relics. Moreover, it is believed that soil was brought from the holy city of Mecca was used to lay the foundation. The masjid also houses the tomb of the ruler flanked by four minarets with circular balconies and soar until they encounter a spire and the dome.

The complex comprises old tombs and mosques built by kings of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. Every tomb consists of a sarcophagus with a burial vault and crypt. The tombs collectively form a cluster on a raised platform with distinct Persian and Indo-Saracenic style and also contain intricately carved stonework flanked by elegant gardens. Although the tombs were not maintained and lost their former glory but were later renovated by the Indian government.

There is a total of seven tombs that are of varying sizes - the smaller tombs comprise of a single storey. While the more prominent tombs are built over two storeys. The Qutb Shahi tombs are an example of Paigah Tombs, exclusively dedicated to royals. Currently, the Hyderabad government conducts the prestigious Deccan Festival at the premises of Qutb Shahi and is also a famous picnic spot among locals.

The film city is Guinness Book certified for housing the largest studio complex in the world and hosts a staggering 1.5 million tourists each year. It was built by film producer Ramoji Rao and was made similar to Hollywood Studios. The integrated city comprises of numerous film sets that include London Street, Japan’s Gardens, Airport, Railway Station and much more. Visitors can stay at multiple accommodations, such as luxury hotels or budget hotels, catering to one’s needs.

One can also opt for a guided film city tour and also visit Asia’s largest adventure land. In the adventure land, one can indulge in zorbing, bungee ejection, mountain biking, paintball, obstacle course, and many other adventurous activities. The city hosts winter carnival and new year celebrations every year that attracts numerous visitors. Experience grandeur and adventure amidst the sprawling city!

Shilparaman is an art village located at the heart of the city and comprises of arts and artisans from all parts of India. The complex includes a crafts museum, art gallery, a library, auditorium, workshops along with a research and design center. One can tour the entire complex with the help of a battery-operated car. Visitors coming to the center can shop for traditional sarees, shawls, dresses, bedsheets, handcrafted wood and metal items. It also offers refreshment stalls with spicy chaats and tasty snacks.

Moreover, guests can also witness dance performances and activities performed in an amphitheater. The complex also holds a kite festival during Sankranti and organises fun events for all. Experience serenity and peace among the hustle and bustle of the city by indulging in heritage and culture.

It is considered to be one of the most attractive tourist spots and is an artificial lake that connects both Secunderabad and Hyderabad. It is the largest artificial lake in all of Asia and was excavated by Ibrahim Qutub Shah to cater to the irrigation needs of the farmers. The water is drawn from the tributary of Lake Musi. It is flanked by Indira Park, Sanjeevaiah Park, and Lumbini Park on three sides with bunds to control water flow. In the middle of the lake, one can find the statue of Lord Buddha that measures 16 meters in height and is made from the rock of Gibraltar.

Moreover, a periodic light show is held, which comprises of numerous other statues of famous personalities. You can take boat rides, motorboats, and other such activities, which are quite enjoyable when you’re with family and friends. Also, one can undertake parasailing or water skiing and a cruise around the lake as well.

Birla Mandir is a Hindu temple located on a hillock named Naubath Pahad and opened to the public in 1976. The temple is a mix of Rajasthani, Dravidian, and Utkala architecture, which is made out of 2000 tons of pure white marble. The main deity is Lord Venkateshwara, with a carved lotus located as an umbrella on the top. It is situated on the banks over the lake and provides panoramic views of the city.

The most interesting facet of the temple is there no presence of traditional bells, making it conducive for meditation. It also comprises of other deities such as Padmavati, Andal, Shiva, Sakthi, Ganesh, Hanuman, Brahma, and others. The temple is well-connected by a metro station, bus, and other private vehicles.

The name Laad Bazaar is synonymous with shopping in Hyderabad. Many famous monuments are located near the proximity of the Bazaar, making it the perfect tourist spot. It is a trendy place for buying bangles and various traditional items. The market was created in the fond memory of Ladli Begum, the wife of the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad Mehboob Ali Khan. You can find a wide range of zari, embroidery, semi-precious stones, and pearls as well. Ranging from eating choices, jewellery shops, bridal wear, funky jewelry, and casual wear can be purchased for a bargain in the Bazaar.

The city of Hyderabad is filled with amazing culture and history. Here are a few things that you must know before you visit the historic city.