Best things to do in Hyderabad

Visit the majestic marble temple of Birla Mandir, one of the many eponymous temples built by the Birla family all over India. Constructed in 1976, the temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, an incarnation of Vishnu. Admire the imposing building, supposedly made out of 2,000 tons of pure white marble, and view the idols of many deities, including a 3 m (11 ft) tall image of Venkateshwara. Climb up to the hilltop temple to enjoy panoramic views of Hyderabad and its surroundings.

Admire the vast art and antique collection of Salar Jung Museum, one of India’s three national museums. The museum houses over a million objects, only a fraction of which are displayed. The items were collected by Salar Jung, a former prime minister of Hyderabad, and they represent one of the world’s largest one-man antique collections. Roam the museum's spacious galleries, containing art belonging to various civilizations and time periods, some dating back to the second century. View countless paintings, sculptures, artifacts, and an extensive collection of clocks.

Stop by and admire Charminar, a towering 16th-century monument and landmark of Hyderabad. Built in an ornate Indo-Islamic style, the imposing building boasts a mosque and four elaborately decorated minarets. Situated in the heart of the old town, the iconic structure is surrounded by a lively marketplace, filled with shops and eateries. You can browse the bustling surroundings before paying a visit to the monument, rich in history and renowned for its architecture.

Take a tour of Ramoji Film City, a bustling studio and the largest film city in the world. Sprawled across 1,011 ha (2,500 ac), the complex features countless movie sets and serves as a hub of Telugu cinema, or “Tollywood.” On a trip to the studio complex you can spend the whole day exploring the sets, gardens, artificial buildings, and even whole streets created for filmmaking purposes. The complex also boasts a plethora of restaurants, a large amusement park, and India’s biggest aviary.

Nestled on top of a granite hill, Golconda Fort, the place that once held the famous Koh-i-noor diamond, overlooks the city of Hyderabad. The historic structure served as the capital of the Qutb Shahi dynasty in the 16th and 17th centuries, before being abandoned. Explore the massive stone ruins, enjoy the panoramic view of the city, or try out the fort’s famed acoustics; a clap from anywhere on the premises can be heard on the highest point of the fortress.

Admire the millennium-old details of Chilkur Balaji Temple, a place of worship devoted to Venkateswara, a form of the Hindu god Vishnu. Also known as the "visa god," Venkateswara draws devotees praying to gain a visa to visit the United States. If their initial 11 rounds around the temple yield success, worshippers must perform another 97 circumambulations in thanks. The temple represents one of the few in the country that doesn't accept any money from devotees, and has no privileged access.

A named cultural heritage site, Chowmahalla Palace showcases the opulent cultural landmark where Nizam--sovereign of the state--entertained guests and royal visitors. As you reach the palace, notice that many architectural styles and influences are synthesized to create this exclusive structure. The 200-year-old restored complex opens its doors to selected individuals and corporations for hosting dinners, receptions, and cultural evenings. See the highlight of the palace--the Grand Khilwat, the Durbar Hall--and step outside afterwards into the courtyard decorated with fountains and water tanks.

Hussain Sagar Lake sits in an area known for a range of cultural and natural landmarks. Built in 1562, the lake reaches a maximum depth of 9.7 m (32 ft). Catch a glimpse of the water at a large monolithic statue of the Gautama Buddha, which stands on a small island in the middle of the lake. You can also explore a tomb that represents a fine example of Islamic architecture, or visit an M47 Patton tank , acquired after the 1971 India-Pakistan War.

A modern twist on traditional religious architecture, Puri Jagannath Temple draws thousands of visitors during the Rathyatra festival, which involves a procession of various deity representations mounted on wooden chariots. Constructed in 2009, this Hindu temple in the center of city serves the Odia community and features shrines dedicated to Shiva, Hanuman, and Ganesh. Made of red sandstone, the structure boasts many structures, created by over 60 expert carvers. Stop by in the evening, when artificial lights illuminate the temple and add to the site's ethereal atmosphere.

Open enclosures at Nehru Zoological Park keep animals in habitats closely resembling their native environments. Rent a bike and cycle around the zoo to ensure you see all the creatures sheltered here, including Bengal tigers, Indian rhinos, and Asiatic lions. You can also visit the nocturnal house to observe many shy creatures that emerge only at night, or take a guided safari tour and watch an animal feeding session.

Considered by some India's answer to the Statue of Liberty, Buddha Statue remains the world's tallest sculpture of Gautama Buddha. Hundreds of laborers carved this Buddha out of a single piece of solid white granite, which stands 18 m (58 ft) tall at the heart of Hussain Sagar Island. Take the regular ferry service to the island and stroll through Lumbini Park to fully appreciate this spectacular landmark and cultural symbol.

Apart from "laads" (traditional bracelets), Laad Bazaar offers saris, inexpensive jewelry, and wedding attire and accessories. For an authentic shopping experience, allow a vendor to lure you into his store, take off your shoes, sit against the wall on a soft floor mattress, and let the sales pitch begin. Start haggling from one-third of the asking price.

Pay a visit to Sri Ramakrishna Math and learn about the customs of this monastic order, and all the good things they do for the locals, namely children, which you can become a part of. The organization is mainly concerned with the well-being of the youngest, their education and development, with the free classes and a large public library. They also try to feed as many as possible, with their daily meals that are free for everybody. You can visit and make a donation that will surely find its way to a good cause.

Find glittering souvenirs at Krishna Jewellers Pearls & Gems, a jewelry store operating since the 1980s and offering beautiful pearl pieces. Whether you prefer earrings, necklaces, rings, or bracelets, this attraction offers everything you could want in terms of jewelry. Choose from pearls in a wide variety of colors, including black, pink, and white. If you don't like pearls, have a look at the range of diamonds and other gemstones. Be aware the store only ships to locations in India, so you cannot order items after you have returned home.

Escape from the hot, busy city and step into KBR National Park, a hidden jungle in the heart of the concrete. Spanning nearly 160 ha (400 ac) and displaying beautiful greenery with over 600 species of plants and trees, the park also offers the chance to see flashy peacocks roaming around freely, reptiles soaking up the sun, and colorful butterflies. The well-maintained pathways ensure a pleasant walk, while many joggers consider this park an ideal spot to exercise, as the dense forest maintains a slightly cooler temperature than outside. Breathe the fresh air and enjoy the peaceful ambience. You can purchase juices and other refreshments at stalls along the trails.