The city of Hyderabad is a blend of architecture, cuisine, artistically created landscapes, and entertainment spots.  With a 400-year rich history, and the stature of a metropolitan hub, the city of Nizams is India's top tourist destination, while also being home to the very popular south-Indian cinema.

From the very famous Irani Chai, Osmania biscuits, and the world-famous Hyderabadi Biryani to the best fusion dosas in the country, Hyderabad hosts one of the most flavoursome cuisines in India. This Shahi city also has an energetic nightlife and live music. From Tank Bund Lake to the grand Falaknuma and Chowmahalla Palaces, the beauty of this city will remain with you for a long time.

Akasa Air has compiled a list of top 10 places to visit in Hyderabad for you! Travel by Akasa Air to experience Hyderabadi hospitality now! Book a flight

1. Charminar

The Charminar, which literally means four pillars, is the defining monument of Hyderabad, located in the Old City. It was built by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah as a mosque and reflects the Indo-Islamic architecture of the 16th century. 

Charminar is an important landmark with Laad Bazaar to its west, Musi River on the east, and Makkah Masjid on the south-west. While visiting the Charminar, take your family to the bazaar for some mouth-watering biryani, and laad bangles.

2. Golconda Fort 

The Golconda Fort, built originally under the reigns of Rajah of Warangal, is a massive structure with 8 gates and 87 fortresses. You can witness several remarkable structures inside the fort , including a palace, a mosque, a parade field, and an armoury, among others. Located just 11 km from the city, this architectural masterpiece sits atop a granite hill at an altitude of 120 feet. 

The best time to visit the fort is in the evening when the Sound and Light Show is held in the voice of the legendary Amitabh Bachchan (covering English, Hindi and Telugu languages). This one-of-a-kind show will transport you to a period when Golconda was full with life. 

3. Ramoji Film City 

If in Hyderabad, a visit to the famous Ramoji Film City is a must!  This place has been attracting visitors from across the world since 1991. It is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as one of the world's largest film studio complexes, and spreads over 1666 acres of land. 

There are exciting replicas and displays, including several popular places, such as a Central Jail, that of tourist destinations such as the Taj Mahal in Agra, and the Brindavan Gardens of Mysore. Several south and hindi films were shot here (more than 2500 titles), including the likes of Bahubali.

There are also entertainment shows here, and the crew give a quick lesson in film-making that involves the visitors as part of the production too. There is also an amusement park housed within Ramoji Film City.

To breathe in the magic of movies, add this place to your list of best places to visit in Hyderabad.

4. Hussain Sagar Lake 

The Hussain Sagar Lake is one of Hyderabad's most prominent tourist attractions, located only 2 km from the city's centre. The Buddha Statue, located right in the middle of Hussain Sagar, is regarded as the world's tallest monolith of Gautam Buddha!

Whether you want to do a family picnic, a get-together with friends, or a date night with your partner, the lake is a popular leisure destination for people of all ages. Boat rides in the afternoon, a lighting show in the evening, followed by dinner at the 48-seater launch would make up for a fulfilling day! 

5. Birla Mandir 

As the name suggests, this magnificent temple was constructed by the industrialists, the Birlas in 1976, combining South Indian, Utkal, and Rajasthani architectural designs. 

The temple is a popular tourist attraction in Hyderabad and is believed to have been constructed using 2000 tonnes of white marbles (brought from Rajasthan). The temple houses a 11-foot-tall statue of Lord Lakshminarayana surrounded by a lotus. It also contains shrines dedicated to deities such as Venkateswara, Andal and many more!

6. Falaknuma Palace

A very popular tourist attraction in Hyderabad is the Taj Falaknuma Palace. Referred to as the 'mirror of the sky', this palace is atop a 2000-foot hill and is spread across 32 acres. Nizam VI bought this place to have it serve as a royal guest house, which has more than 22 halls and 220 rooms! The palace has a rich collection of paintings, manuscripts, books, and furniture, besides a library. 

The palace in 2000 was acquired by Taj Group and is famous among celebrities and couples for its 5-star luxurious accommodation. Do not miss this beautiful palace when in Hyderabad. Customise your visit with Akasa Holidays

7.Mecca Masjid

Mecca Masjid, located in the nearby vicinity of Charminar, needs no introduction!

Considered one of the holiest places by the Muslim community, Muhammad Quli Qutab Shah built this mosque in 1614, whose completion, 80 years later, in 1693, is credited to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The Masjid derives its name from Mecca's Grand Mosque, on which it is modelled. 

The mosque is well known for its interiors, Quran verse inscriptions (on the arches and doors), l chandeliers and can accommodate up to 10,000 people easily. 

8. Nehru Zoo Park 

Located near the Mir Alam Tank, and managed by the Forest Department, Nehru Zoological Park houses about 1500 birds, animals and reptile species! Covering an extensive area of about 380 acres, the zoo also hosts a history museum. This place is quite popular with kids and is one of the best picnic spots in the city. 

Select from a range of safaris – Tiger Safari, Bear Safari and more to have adventurous moments with your loved ones. 

9. Salar Jung Museum 

The Salar Jung Museum, located on the banks of the Musi River, is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Hyderabad. The impressive collection of artefacts, manuscripts, and printed books is said to be amongst the greatest one-man collections in the world!

This museum houses 56 galleries with a range of paintings, sculptures, glass items, and art.  To be amongst some of the greatest works of art, add this place to your bucket list of best places to visit in Hyderabad.

10. Gandipet Lake 

The Gandipet Lake, a 46 km expanse built by Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, is the main reservoir of the twin cities - Secunderabad and Hyderabad. The rationale behind the construction was to protect the cities against flooding. Built over 100 years back (1920), this lake is a top tourist attraction in Hyderabad. 

Visit Gandipet Lake to see the beautiful sunset or to spend time away from the city life!   The city of palaces awaits you! Book a flight now!