See

On foot

Hyderabad's interesting districts are fairly spread out, but are enjoyable to explore by foot on their own. The Old City is composed of a maze of disorienting alleyways that expand outward from the Charminar. Getting lost in the markets (where you can buy anything from hand-sequined saris to freshly slaughtered goats) and alleyways in the Old City can make for a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. The famous Chudi Bazaar (Lad Bazaar) across from the Charminar is a chaotic tumble of goods, people, animals and vehicles are navigated quickly on foot. The Chowmahalla palace and the Mecca Masjid are both easily accessed from the Charminar. Necklace Road, Sultan Bazar (Koti) and Abids are worth taking some time to wander around. Please note that walking can be hazardous in Hyderabad. It is common for roads to be missing pavement, or simply unpaved, and bikes and autorickshaws may go to right up to the edge of the road and climb any barrier to get ahead in traffic. Walking alongside and crossing the road can be very dangerous and it is important to stay alert for erratic driving. It is always advisable to use the foot-over bridge if there is one available.

Old city

Charminar

Old city is the historical region of Hyderabad. Most of the historical attractions are situated in the old city.

Charminar. M-Sa 9AM-5PM, closed on F 1PM-2PM for prayers. Literally "Four minarets", this structure was built at the very spot at which Quli Qutb Shah prayed for the end to the plague epidemic. The Charminar has long been the icon of Hyderabad. The towers rise to a height of 48.7 m above the ground. It has 140 steps. Graffiti on the walls have diminished the beauty of the Charminar. There is a mosque with 45 prayer spaces located inside in the upper storeys. The structure stands in the middle of a busy road with vehicular traffic, but a pedestrianization project is under way. Atop the minarets, you get a panoramic view of Hyderabad city. At the very bottom of one of the minar is a Hindu temple. The traffic is less than ideal. Plan an early morning trip around 9 a.m. if shopping is not on your to-do list. Rs 5, Children below 11 free (for Indians), Rs 100 (for foreigners), Video cameras are charged Rs 25 extra.  edit

Mecca Masjid, (SW of the Char Minar). Mecca Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in the city and easily the biggest. Muhammed Quli Qutub Shah began building it in 1617 under the supervision of Mir Faizullah Baig and Rangiah Choudhary. Mughal emperor Aurangzeb completed the construction in 1694. The mosque is a granite giant with awe-inspiring innards. The main hall of the mosque is 75 feet high, 220 feet wide and 180 feet long, big enough to accommodate ten thousand worshipers at a time. It is believed that Muhammed Quli commissioned bricks to be made with the soil brought from Mecca and inducted them into the construction of the central arch of the mosque, which explains the name of the mosque. It is mandatory for women to have a dupatta / shawl in order to be granted entry into the premises.

Mecca Masjid

Chowmahalla Palace, Khilwat, 20-4-236, Motigalli, ☎ +91 40 2452-2032, [18]. Sa-Th 10AM-5PM, closed on National Holidays. Situated near Charminar, it was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty where the Nizam entertained his official guests and royal visitors. Rs 40 (for Indians), Rs 150 (for foreigners), camera permit Rs 50

Falaknuma Palace. Built by Nawab Viqar al-Umra in 1872, Falaknuma is a stunning piece of architecture and the most opulent of the Nizam's palaces. The interior is particularly impressive and features the works of Florentine sculptors and a 100-seater Dining Table. The palace has been converted into a hotel run by the Taj group and is no longer accessible to general public

Golconda Fort. 7AM-8PM. The Golconda Fort was the capital of the Qutb Shahi kingdom. Set aside a minimum of 2 hr to do justice to your visit -- the outer wall measures 10 km. Learning a little about the fort ahead of time is recommended as it is easy to get confused or lost in the massive space. If you accept one of the local guides - who hustle you at the entrance gate - try to pick one who actually knows his stuff (Rs 500 per tour and the guide would also ask you for tips in the end, however it is entirely up to you whether to give tips or not), rather than someone who was actually just passing by, spotted you and will tell you bits he once read in a guidebook. The genuine old Muslim guide who gained his encyclopedic knowledge of Golconda as an infant from his 118 year old grandmother knows the history of every inch of the place and will show you with expertise the echo/architecture system built into the fort that the ruler used as a communication/spying system. There is also a light and sound show - the story of Golkonda - for an hour, which could be a little boring,(price for foreigners Rs 50/100 for normal/executive ticket) after sunset lasting ~1h that tells you the story of the fort and is worth seeing. The English show runs Nov-Feb 6:30PM daily and Mar-Oct until 7PM daily. Hindi and Telugu shows are run afterwards in certain days. Afterwards, have a wander through the tiny streets and shops surrounding the fort. The beautiful scruffy old shops and houses will sell you everything from naan bread to bangles, and the fading and gaudy old painted gates and houses are a delight, as are the friendly locals. Rs 100 all

Qutubshahi Tombs

Qutb Shahi Tombs (1 km north of Golconda fort, approached via Banjara Darwaza), [19]. Sa-Th 9:30AM-5:30PM. The Qutubshahi mosques in Hyderabad are so named because they were built by the Qutubshahi dynasty. Most of them were built by Quli Qutb Shah, the founder. Sadly in May 2010 local newspapers revealed that shoddy 'restoration' work allegedly using unskilled labour with road drills (bought in by one government department that didn't bother to seek professional advice or inform the local archaeological or environment departments) has been damaging these beautiful buildings. Rs 10, camera Rs 20.

Qutub Shahi Tombs Site Museum, Hyderabad-8, ☎ +91 40 2351 341. Sa-Th 9AM-4:30PM. Rs 2.  edit

H.E.H The Nizam's Museum, Purani Haveli, Hyderabad-2 (Behind Princess Durru Shehvar Children's Hospital), ☎ +91 40 2452 1029. Sa-Th 10AM-5PM. Home to the famous wardrobe of Mahbub Ali Pasha, who is said never to have worn the same thing twice. It is the world's longest wardrobe, built in two levels with a hand-cranked wooden lift(elevator) in place. This occupies the entire length of one wing of the palace. Hard to find, take small road next to Princess Durru Shehwar Hospital, entrance gate at N17 22.002 E78 28.975 Rs 50, students & children Rs 15

Hussain Shah Wali Dargah.

Moula Ali Dargah. 400 stairs brings you to a place of worship built by the Asif Jahis. The Moula Ali Dargah was built in the memory of Hazrat Ali, the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. Legend has it that Yakoob, a eunuch in the court of Ibrahim Quli, went to the hill after he saw Hazrat Ali seated on it. To his surprise, he saw the impression of Ali's palm on a stone, which he had dreamt. He had the impression cut out and installed in a shrine. Ibrahim Shah later built a mosque beside the dargah. A Ashurkhana , a Baradari (pavilion) and an Nqqar khana (place for beating drums) were built during the Qutb Shahi period.

Osmania Arts College. Built during the period of the last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan. The imposing facade of the building is a great sight.

Paigah Tombs, Santoshnagar (Pisal Banda). daytime. These tombs belong to the 'Paigah' nobles (tied by blood and marriage to the Nizams) and are about 200 years old. These unique lime and mortar tombs are beautifully carved and have marble inlay work on them. Relaxing environment with bird singing. N17 20.639 E78 30.248 seems free

Purani Haveli, Dewandevdi (SE of Afzalganj Bridge). Sa-Th 10:30AM-5PM. Originally, the palace of the Nizam's Prime Minister, later it was renovated and became the quarters of the Nizam's son. It is a U-shaped complex with a single-storeyed building in the European style

Raymond Tomb, Dilsukh Nagar, Asmaan Gadh. Michel Raymond, a French mercenary, was a military commander in the service of the second Nizam and also his close friend. His tomb is located at Saroornagar, and is made of black granite with beautiful sky view of the area

Salar Jung Museum, Naya Pul, Afzalgunj (Turn left once you reach the south bank of Musi using the Nayapul), ☎ +91 40 2452 3211. Sa-Th 10AM-5PM, ticketing closes at 4:15PM. This collection belonged to the Salar Jungs, Prime Minsters of Hyderabad, but has been augmented since. The collection includes articles mostly from medieval and modern times, with a concentration of articles from the Islamic era. The western wing on the second floor is interesting. It contains paintings, furniture and other objects that the Salar Jung got from the West. The collection of Nizam jewellery is displayed only on special occasions. It is one of the best private collections and museums in India. Free guided tours lasting two hours each are available at scheduled times, four times a day. Inquire at the entrance. Cameras, bags and liquids are not allowed, but mobile cameras are winked at. Deposit your contraband at the free lockers available near the ticketing area. Rs 10 for Indians and Rs 150 for foreigners.

Toli Masjid, Karwan. 300 years old. Known for its splendid architecture.

New city

Archival Museum (T.S. State Archives and Research Institute), Tarnaka, Hyderabad-7, ☎ +91 40 2701 8371.

TS State Museum. Displays a stunning array of artifacts dating back to the 1st century to the 20th Century. Ranging from the Lotus Medallion of the 1st century to the Amazing Kalankari work that adorned the bed-spreads of the Nizams to a period room that displays the typical living room of the Nizam time to the Jain sculptures and Statues - this place has it all.

The Birla Mandir.

Birla Mandir, Adarsh Nagar, Naubat Pahad (Two different routes depending on whether you want to drive right to the top or climb the stairs.). 10AM-noon, 2PM-8PM. The industrial house of the Birlas have the tradition of building magnificent marble temples in cities of India. This one is one of the best. Located on top of Naubat Pahad (mountain), this clean, sparkling white temple dedicated to Venkateshwara has viewing areas that afford a great view of the city. Sadly, cameras and camera mobiles are banned; your bags are checked at the entrance. Shoes are not allowed, so come early in the morning so the ground will not be too hot. There is a free cloakroom available for both electronics and shoes.Nowadays it is filled with tourists,who come to marvel at its architecture rather than for spiritual purposes. One should observe the intricate carvings on the marble walls and dome of the temple. Free. 

B.M. Birla Planetarium and Science & Technological Museum, Adarshnagar, Hyderabad -63 (Very close to Birla Temple, Naubat Pahad), ☎ +91 40 2324 1067. Museum 10:30AM-8PM, Planetarium English shows 11:30AM, 4PM, 6PM, More shows in Telugu and one show in Hindi. F-W. The show at the planetarium lasts 35 min and is moderately interesting. The technological museum, on the other hand, is poorly maintained. The Dinosaurium at the upper level is interesting. It contains a complete skeleton of a dinosaur Kotasaurus yamanpalliensis discovered in the village of Yemanapalli in 1988. The lower level displays the personal collection of Nirmala Birla, also quite interesting Museum Rs 40, Planetarium Rs 40, combined admission Rs 70, Parking Rs 20.

The High Court of Telangana, Nayapul.

The Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet. Formerly a Nizam's palace and the Jagirdar's College. This Institution was founded in 1923 and is currently one of the oldest and largest public schools in the country. The campus is also an internationally recognised heritage site.

Kala Bhavan, Ravindra Bharathi complex, Saifabad, Lakdikapul. An art gallery 

The Kothi Residency (Womens College, Kothi).

Nehru Zoological park. Has some rare and interesting exhibits.There is a Lion safari and a Tiger Safari. Adult -Rs 20.

Exhibition, Nampally (Vanitha College). An exhibition that runs in the months of January & February every year. It showcases various items made across India. It runs every year starting 1 Jan-15 Feb in the Exhibition grounds.

Punjagutta to Gachibowli

Astrologer foretells a boy's future. Village scene at Shilparamam

Alankrita Art Gallery, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, ☎ +91 40 2311 3709.

Gallery Space, Rd No.12, Banjara Hills, ☎ +91 40 6554 1836. 

Kalahita Art Foundation, Lakshmi Towers, Nagarjuna Hills, ☎ +91 40 2335 0543. 

Le Cafe De Art, Rd No.1 Banjara Hills, ☎ +91 40 6550 6661. 

Pegasus Art Gallery, Road No.72 Jubilee Hills, ☎ +91 40 23608883. 

Shilparamam, Hi tec city, Madhapur. 11AM-8PM. Designed as a contrast to the futuristic Cyber tower that lies across the road, the crafts village of Shilparamam ("sculpture village") guards the entrance road to Hi tec city. The intent is to showcase and preserve the old. There is a bazaar where you can buy assorted handicrafts and art work. There is also an entire village where you can find realistic -looking sculptures of villagers carrying out their traditional crafts. You can also find a rock museum which contains natural rock formations that allegedly look life-like. Make sure you carry cash to buy anything you like - credit cards are not accepted by most shops.You can bargain the price up to 1/3 of the quoted price.If you are a foreigner they try to fleece you,you need to bargain even more for a fair price. Also next to Shilpa Ramam is Shilpa Sandhya Vedika, a location for eating and shopping. Rs 40.

State Gallery Of Art (Chitramayee), Road No. 1, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, Jubilee Hills, ☎ +91 40 2311 3308.

Vishwakarma arts gallery, Banjara Hills, Panjagutta,Dwarakapuri colony, Esteem House, Backside of Model House, ☎ +91 40 6661 5039 (vishwakarmarts@yahoo.com),. 10AM-9PM. 

Temples

Birla Mandir. Birla Mandir on the Naubath Pahad is a magnificent Hindu temple of Lord Venkateshwara, entirely built in white marble located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The Birla Foundation has constructed several similar temples in India, all of which are known as Birla Mandir. The temple manifests a blend of South Indian, Rajasthani and Utkala temple architectures. In its entirety, it is made of 2,000 tons of pure Rajasthani white marble. The granite of the presiding deity is about 3.4 m (11 ft). tall and a carved lotus forms an umbrella on the roof. The consorts of Lord Venkateswara, Padmavati and Andal are housed in separate shrines. There is a brass flagstaff in the temple premises which rises to a height of 13 m (42 ft). Free.

Balaji Temple (Visa Balaji), Chilkur, [21]. 5AM-8PM. Chilkur is an important pilgrim center in Hyderabad, Telangana (India). The Lord here is Sri Venkateswara Swamy in a standing posture, beside whom is Goddess Sridevi and Goddess Bhudevi. People with wishes, take 11 rounds a round the core of the temple. Once their wish as been fulfilled they return to perform 108 more rounds. You will find people ticking away at the pieces of paper with the numbers to track the count.The god here is also referred as Visa Balaji because,people usually come here wishing for their US Visas to be approved. Free.

Sanghi Temple, Hayat Nagar. Free. 

Karmanghat hanuman temple, karmanghat,. Free. 

Iskcon Temple, Sri Sri Radha Madanmohan Mandir, Nampally Station Road, Abids,

Mahankali Temple, Laldarwaza. Site of the main annual Bonalu procession.

Ujjaini Mahankali Temple, Secunderabad.

Peddamma Temple, Jubilee Hills.

Ashtalaksmi temple, dilsukhnagar.

 Puri Jagannath Temple

Mosques

Hyderabad has many historical mosques.

Mecca Masjid. 

Charminar Masjid. 

Toli Masjid. 

Jama Masjid Darushafa. 

Badshai Masjid. 

Jama Masjid Mushirabad. 

Churches

St Joseph's Cathedral, Gun Foundry Area. Established in 1820, this is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad. 

St. George's Church, Abid Road,. St. George's Church is one of the oldest churches in the city of Hyderabad, India. It was built in the year 1844 AD. The church was originally an Anglican church but is now under the auspices of the Church of South India.

Lakes

Hussain Sagar Lake.

Hussain Sagar Lake (Tank Bund), Necklace Rd. 24 hrs. The artificial lake is a historical landmark, built during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah in 1562 by damming the Musi. This forms the boundary between Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Surrounding the lake are various parks, temples, statues and historical buildings. This is one of the few walkable places in the city. At the centre of the lake stands a famous statue of the Buddha installed in 1992. Boat rides to Budha Statue are available from Eat Street and Lumbini Park, and fares are low. Speedboats, however, do not stop at the Buddha statue. low.  edit

Osman Sagar Gandipet

Himayat Sagar

Durgam Cheruvu (Secret Lake) - this is quite close to Hi-Tec City area and now hosts various parties and events. It used to be a real hidden gem in the busy city but it is still a nice lake to sit around.

Shamirpet 24 km away to the north of Secunderabad, Shamirpet has a beautiful lake and a deer park. The peaceful environs make it a great picnic spot. TS Tourism offers comfortable cottages facilities for accommodation (under private management) while the forest lodge can be booked with the TS Forest Department office at Saifabad.

Saroornagar - this lake is very famous as it has been lined by a solid strong wall on one side recently. A two lane undivided road is laid over this wall. The road is neat and exciting to drive. It has abundant lighting during nighttime and large pedestrian space provided. A problem is 'eutrophication' which is caused due to water hyacinth. A pleasant space for young couples to spend their evening. Smells sometimes, but that is the nature of any waterbody in a metropolis. Another important event that takes place is 'vinayakachaturthy', (a festival for Hindus in which Lord Vinayaka's statues are immersed (and thereby dissolved) in water). All roads lead to saroor nagar lake on the day of the Lord Ganesh's nimajjanam.

Parks

Public Gardens. Known as the Bagh-e-aam (Garden for the commoners), it has well laid out gardens and is surrounded by the imposing State Legislative Assembly building, the Jubilee Hall, the Jawahar Bal Bhavan, the Health Museum and the State Archaeological Museum. This was the old zoo and now is a beautiful place for both children and adults.

Necklace Road. The Chaupati of Hyderabad.

Indira Park. A sprawling 76 acre park located near Tank Bund with a nice little pond and boating.

Sanjeeviah Park

Krishna Kanth Park

Lotus Pond (Jubilee Hills)

Botanical Garden (Madapur)

Nehru Zoological Park (almost natural habitat for a great collection of animals.drive in + Safari)

KBR National Park (Chiraan Palace)

Chilkur Wildlife Park

Jalavihar Family Water Park (Necklace Rd)

Mahaveer Vanasthali Wildlife park

Lumbini Park - It also offers nice Laser Shows in the evening which is first in India.

Chacha Nehru Park (Masab Tank) for pleasant morning walks with kids

Jalagam Vengal Rao Park (JVR Park, Banjara Hills)

NTR (Nandamoori Taraka Ramarao) Gardens (Necklace Rd)

The wild life parks, botanical garden and zoo have several educational programs including lectures with live snakes

The bad news is this has been almost occupied by some people and there is no surprise if you don't see this.

Touts

Recently, there has been a great rise in the number of complaints about harassment of innocent tourists in various destinations around the country. The Ministry of Tourism has adopted a strategy of introducing Audio Guide Devices at various places of interest around the country such as the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, etc. to provide reliable and factual information to tourists. It is wise to hire such devices as you can avoid being ripped off or ambushed by desperate touts itching to make a buck. The Ministry of Tourism has also announced its partnership with AudioCompass, a company specializing in creating Audio Tours of all places of interest in the country including Hyderbad, Golconda Fort, etc in the form of Audio Devices available at the monuments and Smartphone apps that can be download from the App Store.