Hyderabad is famously known as the City of the “Nizam”. It is renowned for its etiquette, Hyderabadi Biryani, Karachi Biscuits and of course the world-famous Hyderabadi pearls. For most of its historic existence, Hyderabad has been ruled by the Qutab dynasty who came from Persia and by the Nizams who came from Turkey.
When travelling to Hyderabad, visit it’s iconic places; learn about the history (which is super fascinating) ; buy pearls and eat yummy Hyderabad food.
During my trip I visited the Golconda fort, the Shahi Tombs and enjoyed biryani and Irani tea at Paradise restaurant. I was also brave enough to visit Charminar, Old Hyderabad and the Nizam’s Palaces on Eid.
Read further to know more about where to visit and what you can see in Hyderabad.
Gorkonda Fort
Hyderabad Golkonda Fort
The Qutub’s are commonly referred to as the Golkonda Kings. Most of the History of Golkonda Fort and the Shahi Tombs are related to them. As you enter the Golkonda Fort you arrive at the Bala Hisar Gate. It is believed that if you stand at the gate clap the sound will travel up to the council room of the Fort. The counsel of the Golkonda Fort is at 450 Feet from the ground and almost 400 steps each way. Your guide will warn you of the long and steep walk up the fort to see the council, but it is completely worth the effort. The view from the top is stunning.
There is also a temple enroute- Jagadayam Temple, which is believed to be centuries old. It is not very grand in its appearance but has deep-rooted religious and mythological connections. There is a festival each year in July and August at the temple and devotees come from all over during that time to worship at the temple. Golkonda Fort is also home to a 14 feet long rifle of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
It was built in the 13th century and has been home to many dynasties. Golconda was renowned for the Golconda Diamonds which were commonly traded there. The Koh-I-Noor Diamond, which is the world’s largest cut diamond, is said to have been found in a mine nearby. The fort, which is now a ruin overlooks the city of Hyderabad.
Shahi Tombs
Hyderabad Shahi Tombs
Close to the Golkonda Fort are the Shahi Tombs, it is here the Golkonda rulers are buried. The Tombs were built in the lifetime of the ruler and only 10% of work was done later. All tombs have a mosque . The Tombs have beautiful mosaic on the outside, the complex is quiet and peaceful.
I only visited one Tomb from the inside and saw three others from outside included one incomplete Tomb, before I felt that I had seen enough. It is still worth a visit!!!
Paradise Restaurant
Paradise Resturant Biryani
My next stop was a lunch break at the famous Paradise restaurant. No trip to Hyderabad is complete without trying Hyderabadi Biriyani. Paradise chain of restaurants is one of the oldest and best Briyani houses in Hyderabad and for good reason. They have several branches around the city, the branch which I went to was clean and hygienic and the service was super-fast. Much of Hyderabadi cuisine is influenced by the food of the Qutubs’ and Nizams’.
For example, Haleem, which is meat cooked with spices and lentils until it is broken down naturally to almost a puree. This was invented by the chef of the Nizam ruler who did not have teeth so couldn’t chew.
I had the mutton Biryani which comes with Salan (gravy) and raita (beaten yoghurt). I also tried Hyderabad’s famous Iranian Tea – It is made by cooking milk with spices. It is a creamy, sweet, full of favour, strong tea. I certainly recommend trying that.
Old Hyderabad
Hyderabad Charminar
We later continued to visit the Charminar, Old Hyderabad and the Nizam’s Palaces. We drove past Jubilee Hills where all the famous movies stars of Hyderabad stay.
As we drove towards Old Hyderabad, I witnessed many celebrating Eid n the roads. You can feel you are in a different place. We parked our car in the parking of the Nizam’s Place and walked towards Charminar.
Charminar, which literally translates to Four Minarets, is an iconic monument of Hyderabad and often the face of Hyderabad in magazines and movies. It stands tall and erected in the middle of the busy old city street. It was built when the emperor moved his capital from Golkonda to Hyderabad. There is a mosque within Charminar which is home to several festivities of the city. You can climb up the Minar for a perfect view of the city. As I visited on Eid, the streets were overcrowded with processions and young boys on their bikes and jeeps. The Charminar was completely inaccessible, so I did not visit the monument, but I got a real feel of the place.
The markets around Charminar are lined with wholesale pearl vendors and glass bangle shops. It is highly recommended for a true shopping experience.
The Chowmahalla Palace which translates in English as 4 places are located at a walkable distance from the Charminar in Old Hyderabad. Be ready to be awestruck by the exquisite collection of the palace. The chandeliers will make you green-eyed with envy. The Palace building is surrounded by beautiful gardens and gives you a good insight into the royal lives of the Nizams.
While the construction of the palace began in 1750, it was completed by1869.
Nizaam Palace Hyderabad
Ramaji Film Studio
We finally drove towards Ramaji Film Studio, where I was staying for the night. Ramaji Film studio is a state of art film studio just outside Hyderabad city. It is here where the blockbuster hit movie Bahubali was shot. You can visit the studio and the sets of Bahubali movie. The Film Studio tour will also take you around some of the other famous sets and into their amusement park which is very popular with children.
I visited Hyderabad in December 2017. The weather was perfect throughout the day, not very hot or humid. Just right for sightseeing. I visited Hyderabad on Eid, which I then thought would be a lovely experience but I know now that it is definitely not a good day for sightseeing or shopping in Hyderabad especially in old Hyderabad as the shops are closed and streets are crowded with procession and celebrations.
Hyderabad Golkonda Fort