Hyderabad, the Capital and the largest City of the Telangana State is known for its upscale markets, tradition, entertainment parks, Kebabs, arid climate, and brilliant architecture. The city presents a beautiful amalgamation of the past and present, ancient and modern. Families, teenagers, couples, and the elderly, there is something to interest everyone. Book couple friendly hotels in Hyderabad when travelling with your partner. It has two parts, the Old City established by Mohammad Quli Qutb Shah on the south of the Musi River, and the New City encompassing the modernized area on the Northern banks. The city offers many alluring sightseeing spots that might sweep you off your feet. Here are six famous sites that are a must visit.
1. Charminar
Talking about Hyderabad is not complete without mentioning the Charminar. Charminar means four pillars. Also called the ‘Mosque of the four Minarets'. Charminar was built in 1951 by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, who was the Sultan at that time. The Sultan prayed religiously for a plague to end that had infected the entire city. To mark the beginning of a fresh start after the end of the sickness. He built the Charminar to thank Allah.
There are rumours that the Sultan first saw his future wife Bahgmati at the Charminar. The Palace's architecture was inspired by the Shia ‘Tazias’ (Tombs). They were built, in the loving memory of Maula Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad of the Muslims. If you are a history buff this is a must-visit for you.
Total duration- 45 minutes
Entry fee- Rs. 5/- per person for Indians
Rs. 100/- per person for Foreigners
Timings- 9:30 am-5:30 pm
2. Birla Mandir
The magnificent Birla Mandir is devoted to Lord Venkateshwara. There are several Birla Mandirs all over India. The statue of Lord Venkateshwara is about 11 feet in height and carved with granite. The sculpture is a replica of Balaji of Tirupati and sculpted in the Oriya style. The Mandir has no bells so that people can meditate peacefully. The intriguing architecture of the Temple is a mix of South and North Indian Temple styles. Be ready to lose weight since you need to climb a bit to step into the Mandir. Another city known for its enchanting temples is Chennai where you can easily book hourly hotels or dayuse hotels in Chennai.
Total duration- 45 minutes
Entry fee- free
Timings- 7:00 am-12:00 pm
3:00 pm-9:00 pm
3. Golconda Fort
The fort is a magnificent monument around 15-18 feet tall, composed of eight gates and 87 fortresses, built by the Qutub Shahi Kings. According to an old tale, a shepherd boy had come across a godly figure on this hill. When the news reached the then ruler of the Dynasty, he decided to build a fort on the elevation. The main entrance is named Fateh Darwaza, celebrating the victory of Aurangzeb's Army. The fort acoustic system is known to turn heads. A clapping sound at the main entrance is audible 1km away at the highest point of Fort ‘Bala Hisaar’.
Ramdas prison is another famous spot in the fort. During his imprisonment, Ramdas carved Hindu deities on the walls of the prison which are now applauded by visitors. Grand halls, stables, a mosque, and eight gateways add to the fort's beauty. Do not miss out on the sound and light show performed in Hindi, English, and Telugu and mimicked in the voice of superstar Amitabh Bachchan. Rumors say there is a secret passage from the Durbar Hall leading to the foot of the hill for a quick escape in case of an attack. However, it has not been discovered yet. The Shepherds hill will undeniably awaken the explorer in you.
Total duration- 2 hours
Entry fee- Rs. 25/- per person for Indians
Rs. 300/- per person for Foreigners
Rs. 25/- for Still Camera
Sound and Light Show fee- Rs. 140/- per adult in Executive Class
Rs. 110/- per Child in Executive Class
Rs. 80/- per adult in standard Class
Rs. 60/- per Child in standard Class
Timings- 9:00 am- 5:00 pm
4. Chowmahalla Palace
Chowmahhalla palace is a depiction of the royal and luxurious lives of the sultans. The construction of the Palace was an order of the fourth Nizam, Salabat Jung. But it got completed during the reign of the fifth Nizam Afzar-ud-Daulah, Asaf Jav V, 200 years ago. The Shah Palace in Tehran influenced the architecture of the Chowmahalla palace. The palace has two Courtyards, the Southern and Northern, and the southern courtyard has four palaces, Afzal Mahal, Mahtab Mahal, Aftab Mahal, and Tahniyat Mahal. The Aftab Mahal is the biggest of all four.
The northern courtyard is open to the public and homes the Bara Imam, an endless corridor with several rooms facing east to a water fountain and pool that once used to be the administrative wing. Opposite Bara Imam is the Shishe-Alat, used to welcome guests. The Roshan Bungalow is another part of the palace, named after the mother of the sixth Nizam Roshan Begum.
The heart of the palace is called the Khilawat Mubarak. The Durbar Hall is known for the fancy work on its walls and ceilings, glass chandeliers, a mechanical clock ticking for over 250 years, and a marble stage where lies the Takth-e-Nishan (royal seat). There are museums in the palace displaying many things such as currency, clothes, weapons, cutlery, etc. There is a separate Quran section with different unique Qurans, one restored by the Japanese technique and a miniature Quran printed in gold. The palace underwent redesigning in 2005-2010 to enhance its beauty. Fun fact- The palace had a staff of 7000 employees. The lush, green landscape and yellow and white terrain of the palace is a sight to admire. A good way to recover the entry fee is by residing at dayuse hotels in Hyderabad.
Total duration-2 hours
Entry fee- Rs. 50 per adult
Rs. 10/- per Child
Rs. 200/- per person for foreigners
Rs. 50/- for still camera
Rs. 100/- for video camera
Timings- 10:00 am- 5:00 pm
Closed on Fridays
5. Purani Haveli
Purani Haveli is a U-shaped structure situated southeast of Afzal Guj Bridge. A single storied building lies in the center. Initially, established around the 16th century to house the Peshwa of Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah. It depicts a mirror image of the city in the 18th century. The old palace is famous for its European exteriors and traditional courtyards. The Haveli consists of two double-storeyed wings with quaint patios surrounded by rooms.
The western wing boasts a king-sized wardrobe that comprises two levels and a wooden elevator, a dream of every woman. The closet can accommodate 730 outfits. At present, the Haveli is a museum showcasing souvenirs and mementos received from different authorities by the last Nizam. Some include a 1930 Rolla-Royce, a Jaguar Mark V, and a Packard, making it an essential visit for all car enthusiasts. The place has an entry fee and photography fee. You can always opt for Hourly hotels in Hyderabad so that you can thoroughly enjoy these sightseeing spots without breaking your bank.
Total duration- 1 hour
Entry fee- Rs. 80/- per adult
Rs. 15/- per Child
Rs.150-500/- for photography
Timings- 10:00 am- 5:00 pm
Closed on Fridays
6. Hussain Sagar Lake
Hussain Sagar Lake is a romantic place to visit with your loved ones. Common to Hyderabad and Secunderabad, the lake got excavated in 1562. In the middle of the lake lies a 16m tall and 350 tonnes heavy statue of Lord Buddha made with granite. There are statues of other 30 famous personalities surrounding the lake. Enjoy a boat ride with your partner in the pleasant atmosphere of the lake while gazing at the beautiful sunset.
There are many couple friendly hotels in Hyderabad near Hussain Sagar Lake to make your journey memorable and smooth. Surf for some couple friendly hotels in Hyderabad on MISTAY. The lake also offers some exciting water sports like parasailing and waterskiing. Take back some sweet souvenirs in the form of cute Photographs.
Total duration- 45 minutes
Entry fee- free
Timings- 8:00 am- 10:00 pm
Nizam’s city offers other choices like the Paigah tombs, Maura Ali Dargah, Taramari Baradari, Taj Falaknuma Palace, and much more. Hyderabad is worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. Other cities in India boasting some notable vacation spots are Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune. Visiting these cities could get a little heavy on the pocket. Check out Hourly hotels in Bangalore, Hourly Hotels in Delhi, and Hourly hotels in Mumbai to travel on a budget.
Also read All the good food to not miss out on when in Hyderabad.