The Twin City, Hyderabad – Rich and Regal

The alluring pearl city, with its unrivaled enchantment, hypnotizes everyone whosoever sets his/her foot here. The city of Nizams and Nawabs, Hyderabad has a magnificent history and modernity. It promises a different revitalizing experience to all.  Hyderabad has a history of around 400 years old. It is famous for historical monuments, natural gateways, world-famous delectable delicacies, engaging shopping malls, amusing entertainment parks, temples, and everything to keep you glued.

There are a countless number of places to visit in Hyderabad.  From a young group of friends to family to children to senior citizens, everyone finds this city quite absorbing and engrossing.  Hyderabad today is the fastest growing city in India and a huge hub of ITES, IT and Biotechnology. It is a twin of two cities Secundrabad and Hyderabad.

Back in 1591, on the banks of river Musi, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, a ruler of Qutb Shahi dynasty founded the city of Hyderabad. Hyderabad is the financial and economic capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. This city also has the second largest film industry in India, the home of Telugu cinema, popularly known as Tollywood which has a production of approximately 150 movies a year.

Hyderabad is a place which is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. Though it is not possible for anyone to explore the diversity and uniqueness of this place in a short span of time but one can experience a lot which cannot be expressed in a few words.

Here is a list of some most popular places in Hyderabad which you must visit:

1. Charminar

The heroic signature of the city, very well known as Charminar located in the old city was built by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah in the honor of his wife Bhagmati.  Surrounded by Mecca Masjid and Laad Bazaar – a lively shopping street, this landmark is enriched in history. It is graced by four minarets, has a mosque and 45 prayer spaces which are still visited by people. The hustled shopping street of bangles and pearls make the view more glamorous.

2. Golkonda Fort

Golkonda Fort is one of the most fascinating tourist places in Hyderabad. It showcases majestic halls, stables, and mounted cannons. The outermost area of this fort is known as Fateh Darwaza which means Victory Gate. The fort was the principal capital of Qutb Shahi Kings. The meaning of Golkonda is Shepherd’s Hill in Telugu. The fort gains a majestic place amongst the architectural wonders and heritage structures of India and is a testimony to Hyderabad’s distinguished past.

3. Birla Mandir

The glorious Birla Mandir, situated on the south end of Hussain Sagar Lake, is an enchanting magnificent modern temple built on the top of Kala Pahad. The finely sculptured epic scenes of Ramayana and Mahabharata on marble and the blend of Odisha and South Indian architectural style make this temple more supreme. It took 2000 tonnes of white marble to construct this temple, which was brought from Rajasthan. The inner shrine is the replica of Tirupati Venkateshwara. The smell of fresh breeze makes you feel rejuvenated and the stunning view from the top looks beautiful.

4. Ramoji Film City

Without visiting Ramoji Fil City, the tour to Hyderabad is incomplete. Certainly, it is one of the best places to visit in the whole city with family and friends. It is the world’s largest integrated film city, spread across 2000 acres, full of entertainment that includes Eureka, live shows, tour to film studios, multi-cuisine restaurants, shopping venues, kids park, birds park, butterflies garden, and what not. The destination can be enjoyed over a day trip or one could also stay as a vacation destination.

5. Hussain Sagar Lake

Hussain Sagar Lake is one of the largest manmade lakes in Asia that has been embellishing the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secundrabad since the 15th century. The lake got its name after Hussain Shah Wali. The main attraction here is the 16 meters high granite statue of Lord Buddha. The weight of the statue is  350 tonnes, situated at the middle of the lake. People here enjoy ferry rides, laser lighting show at Lumbini Park, water sports, etc. This lake beautifies the city magically and gracefully.

Talking about other historical places to visit, the popular ones include Jala Vihar, Chowmahalla Palace, Qutub Shahi Tombs and Salar Jung Museum. Another major attraction is the Nehru Zoological Park, which has about 1500 different species of birds, animals, and reptiles.

Hyderabad is a foodies wonderland, a paradise for food lovers. Also, it is the origin of world famous Hyderabadi Biryani. Hyderabad is very much a two-way city, ancient and modern both at the same time. The lavish five-star hotels, shopping complexes, eating joints, IT hubs, and entertainment facilities sit very next to the maze of markets, small houses, gushed roads and narrow streets. Hyderabad is a city which will never disappoint you. Once you visit this place, you will cherish the memories forever.