Hyderabad, the city of Nizams, is a well-known travel destination noted for its architectural gems that showcase the beauty of the bygone era.
Golconda fort and Charminar are some of the city’s tourist hubs in most travel guides. But if you are seeking some hidden places to visit in Hyderabad on your forthcoming vacation, you should give your guide books a toss.
For the intrepid traveler who wishes to discover the true beauty of Hyderabad beyond the popular tourist attractions, we have come up with some offbeat places within the peripheral limits of Hyderabad that are bound to allure you. Although many of these places are seldom frequented, they promise to charm you with nature’s bounty, its historical significance, or its peace and tranquillity.
Also Read: Best Places to visit in Andhra Pradesh
Telangana is one of the most mysterious states that needs an ardent traveler to discover it.
Table of Contents
Hidden Places to Visit in Hyderabad
Warangal
Throughout history, bugs never miss the opportunity to visit Warangal. The historic remains of the Warangal Fort and the ancient empire will leave you mesmerized. Warangal was ruled by King Ganapati Deva way back in the 13th century.
Also Read: 10 Best Tourist Places in Andhra Pradesh
The other major attraction of Warangal is a thousand pillar temple dating back to the 12th century.
The Temple is noteworthy for its kakatiya architectural form, which pays tribute to the 3 gods- Shiva, Suria, and Vishnu. Take a short break from the historical tour of Warangal and visit Pakhal lake. The Lake is a magical oasis surrounded by abundant greenery and rolling hills.
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
This Dam is one of the marvels of modern India. Located about 160 km from Hyderabad, the area is backed by 3 hills overlooking the dam. The Dam was constructed soon after the independence in 1955-1967 over the Krishna River.
Also Read: Best Places to visit in South India
The gush of water when the flood gates were open is a sight to watch. The dam is indeed a true example of the skills of the modern engineering feat. It can hold roughly 11742 million cubic liters of water.
Also Read: Best Places to see in India
A route to this dam, you will be mesmerized by the scenic beauty of the journey. If you care about boating, there is an island in the Nagarjuna KONDA Valley with a boating facility.
Srisailam
This is a highly revered temple town located a short distance from Hyderabad, which attracts thousands of devotees annually. Surrounded by the lush greenery of the nearby Nallamala Forest range. The place is unique by itself. The town houses the twin temples of Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga and the Ista Kameswari.
Also Read: These Places in Uttarakhand will blow your mind
There are a few ancient caves worth visiting here. The foremost among them is Akka Mahacevi cave lying at a depth of 24 mts.
A visit to the cave involves taking the ropeway along with a board ride along the river Krishna. Besides, tourists can visit the Srisailam dam. The dam offers a breathtaking view of the nearby surroundings.
There is also a wildlife reserve adjacent to the dam. The reserve is a sanctuary of tigers. Although train serves have made traveling to Srisailam easier, hiring a personal cab is easier for many.
Mallela Theertham Waterfalls
Those seeking solace in nature’s beauty should head to Mallela Theertham. The falls are a local tourist attraction for visitors to Srisailam since it is only 58 km from here. The gushing of water from a height of 45 mt is a sight to behold.
The area is cordoned by the Nallamala forest range. Visitors have to climb over 300 steps to get a closer view of the fall amidst a dense jungle. The peaceful, tranquil atmosphere interrupted by the sound of gushing water has its own charm.
Romantic Places in Hyderabad for Couples
When in Hyderabad, you are bound to overwhelm with a sheer number of places where you can take your loved ones on a romantic date.
Golconda Fort
Believe me, an outing to the Golconda Fort is a time-tested method of bringing out the best in couples. This popular tourist destination comes from “Golla Konda” or “Shepherd’s Hill”. The Golconda fort exchanged hands through several dynasties until it was finally expanded during the reign of Qutb Shahis.
The Fort houses the famous Fath Rahben Gun. The Gun wields immense significance since the last shot was fired from this Gun before the Fort was captured by Aurangzeb. Apart from the historical significance, the Fort commands a thorough knowledge of acoustics and architecture.
Timings: 9AM – 5.30 PM
Necklace Road
Traffic jams can be a real menace in Hyderabad. But what about a late-night road trip with your companion while writing down in Necklace Road. It sure sets the mood for a lovely evening together. As it approaches Tank Bund, the road takes its name for the curvaceous bend.
Their bend resembles the curve of a necklace, one around the neck. There are several dine-outs along the stretch, including 1857, Waterfront, and Bidri, for a short stop to satisfy your gastronomic senses. Also, you can take a stroll hand in hand in the many parks that dot the entire stretch.
Eat Street
True to its name, Eat Street is the best place to end an evening well spent. The Eat Street is a famous food joint on the Necklace Road. The popular food court has a lot of choices on offer, from South Indian dishes to Moghlai cushions, all under one roof.
Savor the delicacy while facing the Lake. The aroma of the food is bound to bring the foodie in you. There are both indoor and outdoor sitting arrangements. The first food court offers a breathtaking view of the city.
Timings- 9AM – 11.30 Pm
Durgum Cheruvu
This is the secret Lake nestled amidst the beauty of nature. Take your loved one to this Lake for a relaxed outing away from the chaotic, fast-paced city life. The freshwater lake is ideal for a boat ride or a romantic stole along its waterfront. If you love trekking, a trekking trip to this Lake will help to bring you closer to your companion.
Best Places to HangOut with Friends in Hyderabad
The weekend is drawing near, and you are still debating where to hang out with friends. Well, let us put you at ease. Here we have listed a few popular places in Hyderabad where you can bring your friends along.
Hussain Sagar Lake
The city of Hyderabad offers a unique blend of history with modernity. Standing side by side with historic monuments and mosques lays the brand new city of Hyderabad with its tall towers and swanky malls.
The clear balance between the old and the new is manifested in the picturesque Hussain Sagar Lake. With the Buddha statue at its center. The Lake got its name from Hussain Shah Wali, and it was drugged during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah in 1562-1563.
There tall and majestic Buffhas statue overlooking the vast expanse of the Lake was carved from granite. The Lake and its adjacent park are the best places to hangout in Hyderabad with friends and family. The area looks resplendent in the evening. Take a boat ride on the Lake or take a leisurely stole in the park with your companion.
Downing Street
This is the most charming place to be seen after a hectic day at work. This all-time favorite with the city’s professionals records a windfall of visitors every weekend. Popularly referred to as the 10D, the pub cum restore offers diverse themes every single day of the week.
Its immense popularity attracts people from all age groups. Voted to be one of the top frays of Hyderabad, this pub is based on the lines of a vintage English pub. There is a corner dedicated to book lovers who can browse through books while seeping into a glass of beer.
Location– SLN Terminus Mall.
Cost – rs. 1800 for couples
Fisherman’s wharves
If desiring lip-smacking cuisine, especially Goan seafood, then go to Fisherman’s wharves. The place offers authentic Goan food. Visitors can enjoy open-air seating accompanied by live music and an abundance of menu choices.
The restaurant was initially started in South Goa. But its rising popularity induced the owners to open a second one in Hyderabad in 2017. Ever since its establishment, it has had a loyal clientele of its own.
Location: Financial District, ISB, Gachibowli.
Cost: Rs. 1500 for a couple.
Hard rock cafe
The place is a popular hangout joint for friends over a beer bottle. It is the perfect stopover after a hectic work schedule for American cuisine, pumping live music in the background. Conveniently situated in the city’s heart, the Cafe attracts foreigners and locals alike.
The hard rock cafe is the place to be for an evening for relaxation and a chance to catch up with friends. The finger food is equally delicious with savory delicacies like chicken sandwiches and bar-b-q pot.
Location: GVK One, Banjara Hills.
Cost: Rs. 2000 for couples.
Things to See in Hyderabad
If you are going to Hyderabad, you must see these things mentioned below,
Charminar
Charminar is the most notable landmark in Hyderabad, situated in the old city. The majestic structure with a dimension of 56 mt x 30 mt was erected in 1591.
The Charminar was constructed during the reign of Sultan Mohammad Kuli Qutb Shah in memory of his beloved wife, Bhagwati.
Four towers are standing tall at 48 mts. The Charminar houses a small mosque inside it containing 45 prayer rooms. Charminar is visited by the Muslim devotees to offer their Friday namaz. It looks splendid when the whole area is lighted up.
Birla Mandir
The Birla Mandir is perched atop Kala Pahad, a small hillock 280 ft above sea level. The Temple was built by the Birla and hence named Birla Mandir. Erected in 1976, the entire mandir is made of white marble sourced from the quarries in Rajasthan.
The Temple is dedicated to Lord Laxmi Narayan. There are also separate shrines for deities like Venkateshwara, Padmavati, and Andal. The highlight of the Temple is scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata curved on the walls.
Jalavihar
Located at the stretch of the Necklace road lies, Jalavihar Park. This is a fully-fledged entertainment park for the entire family. Some of the rides on offer here are river rides, tilt rid, water rides, and family rides. There is even an area dedicated to holding parties and family get together.
Situated at the heart of Hyderabad, it is conveniently located, making it easily accessible. However,r no food or drink can be brought in from outside the premises. There is a food court located inside for a quick grab.
Chowmahalla palace
The term means four palaces. The palace dates back to the 18th century when it was finally completed during the reign of Afzar Ud Daulah. The palace occupies 45 acres bifurcated into northern and southern courtyards.
The southern courtyard houses 4 palaces in all. These are Afzal Mahal, Tahniyat Maha, MahtabMahalk and Aftab Mahal. The government took over the palace and opened it to public view in 2003. The palace is famous for its clock tower and Roshan bungalow.
Fun Things to do in Hyderabad
Ramoji Film City
Since its inception in 1991, Ramoji FilmCityy has attracted visitors from every nook and corner of this country. This huge film city spans over 205 acres. Ramoji Film City can cater to 50 film units at any point in time.
The Hyderabad city tour even organizes special trips to the film city. Located at a distance of about 30 km from Hyderabad, its state of art technical facilities have made it a preferred choice of the producers.
Inside its precincts, areas are restricted for various sets, for instance, the Japanese garden and London Street, to name a few. Thus, the film’s entire production can be carried out under less than one roof.
Salarjung Museum
For those who are interested in the history of Hyderabad, a visit to Salarjung Museum is a must. The museum is famed for its antique collection. The building housing the museum was once owned by Paigah Family and still houses their worldly possessions to date.
Some of the artifacts can be traced back to the 1st century, making it a wonderful treat for the die heart historians.
Nehru Zoological Park
When we talk about the fun activities to indulge in Hyderabad, it is hard to ignore Nehru Zoological Park. Managed by the government’s forest department, the park draws its name from the first Prime Minister of India.
The vast park is home to over 1500 species of birds, animals, and reptiles. Its open enclosures for animals set it apart from the other zoological parks. The authorities have arranged for animal safaris and a toy train to make the park more enduring for the visitors. Near Mir Alam Tank, the park is the nesting ground for many migratory birds.
Laadbazar
No trip is complete without visiting the local market. These bazaars are the lifeline of the city. Take time off to see Laadbazar satiate your chipping urges for local bangles.
The place is bursting with shopkeepers and traders throughout the day. Popularly referred to as the Choodi bazaar. Its countless shops hoard bangles of every size and shape, including the stone-encrusted ones. The core material of these bangles is lead or lacquer, hence the name laadbazar.
Most Famous things About Hyderabad
If you went to Hyderabad and you didn’t see these places then it is useless for you to go there.
Qutub Sahi Tombs
These are an array of mausoleums dedicated to the ancestors of the Qutub Sahi dynasty. The tombs are mostly two stories of sexes in height with a sarcophagus in the middle. Lying underneath the sarcophagus is the burial volt of Qutub Sahi. The tombs are a blend of Persian and Islamic architecture.
Faluknama Palace
This is a heritage hotel run by Tatas. It was initially designed by an Italian architect. The place takes on a world-class look due to the Italian marble used to decorate it.
The main item of interest in the palace is the dining table. It is rumor to be the largest dining table in the world.
Paradise restaurant
The Paradise restaurant in Hyderabad is renowned for its Biriyani. Although the restaurant has several branches spread across the city, the best outlet so far is the Secunderabad branch. The restaurant has been divided into 4 dining areas with a rooftop section. In addition to biriyani, they serve the Chinese as well.
Sultan bazaar
For those on a budget trip, try Sultan bazaar to carry memorabilia back home. Apart from clothing and household accessories, there is a shop selling silver wear and musical instruments. The market is very popular among the young crowd due to its cheap prices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What to see in Hyderabad in 2 days?
A. Hyderabad is fast emerging as the cyber capital of India. But it is also a city steeped in history, love, and war, making it an ideal travel destination. A weekend tour of Hyderabad should fit in the following destinations Salar Jung Museum, Nizam Museum, Charminar, and Chowmahalla Palace grounds. The second day can be reserved for visiting the Husain Sagar Lake and the pearl market in Hyderabad.
Q2. Is there any beach in Hyderabad?
A. Chirala beach is located quite close to Hyderabad.
Q3. Can you go inside Charminar?
A. Yes, Charminar is open to the general public from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm every day of the week.