Asia India

15 Diverse Things to do in Hyderabad, India

22nd February 2023

If there is any place in India which has a penchant for impressive architecture, fine art, exquisite jewelry, impeccable culture and rich food then it has to be the lovely city of Hyderabad.

Located on the river Musi, in the southern state of Telengana, of which it also happens to be the capital; the flamboyant nature of Hyderabad is well reflected in its short 500 year old history, which began from its rule under the charismatic Quli Qutb Shah rulers, who also happened to be the founders of the city.

Hyderabad is, and always has been, a colorful blend of the remnants of a bygone era and the vibrancy and youthfulness of a modern-day metropolis. The confluence of this heady mix has thrown up such a delightful array of contrasting attractions and things to do in Hyderabad, that any newcomer can easily get bewildered and lost for choices.

So to make matters simple, read on and use this guide to visit these carefully handpicked fifteen things to do in Hyderabad that are bound to make your head turn during your visit to the land of the Nizams.

1 – Admire the architecture of the Charminar

Location: Ghansi Bazar
Timings: 930am to 530pm. All days
Duration: 45 minutes

The iconic landmark of Hyderabad the magnificent Charminar has four towers, as the name suggests, each of 48.7 m in height. The signature building houses as many as 45 prayer rooms, said to have been constructed in 1591 by the city founder, Quli Qutub Shah, to ward off a deadly epidemic which was prevailing in the region at that time.

2 – Take the family to Lumbini Park

Location: Khairatabad, opp Secretariat
Timings: 9am to 9pm. All days
Duration: Two hours

The Lumbini Park is a modern park built right in the heart of the city to provide locals and visitors to relax and unwind in a refreshing environment. Named after Lord Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal, Lumbini, the highlights here include a stunning laser or light and sound show, which takes place every evening at 715 pm. One of the fun things to do in Hyderabad at night.

3 – Get mesmerized by the beauty of the Golconda Fort

Location: Ibrahim Bagh
Timings: 9am to 530pm. All days
Duration: Three hours

Located 11km away from the hustle and bustle of Hyderabad, the medieval but world-famous Golconda Fort overlooks the city from the top of a 400 feet high hill. What strikes the visitors are the well-preserved remains of royal dwellings, mosques and armories which include the massive cannon Fateh Rahben, said to have been used by Emperor Aurangzeb. An indigenous water supply system and a unique signaling device were inbuilt in the fortification layers of the fort, which garnered a lot of praise and appreciation from the world over.

Tip – Book one of the centrally located affordable Hotels near Hyderabad to ensure you have a good base for your explorations of things to do in Hyderabad.

4 – Have a breathtaking view of the city from Birla Mandir

Location: Kalapahad
Timings: 7am to 12pm & 3pm to 9 pm. All days
Duration: One hour

This enchanting temple complex is strategically located on top of a hill, Kalapahad, overlooking the scenic Hussain Sagar Lake. The architecture is more of South Indian style and depicts scenes from the famous Hindu epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana on the finely sculptured marble walls. The inner sanctum of the shrine houses a replica of Lord Venkateswara of Tirupati.

5 – Get blessed at the mini Tirupati in Balaji Temple

Location: Chanda Nagar Village
Timings: 5am to 8pm. All days
Duration: Five hours

The Balaji Temple, also referred to as the mini Tirupati, is located about 30km away from Hyderabad on a sacred piece of land, by the Osman Sagar Lake. Being one of the oldest temples of the state, Balaji attracts thousands of devotees from all over the country. Apart from Lord Venkateswara, the other deities housed here are Sridevi and Bhoodevi.

6 – Go to Salar Jung museum for artefacts

Location: Banks of River Musi, old city
Timings: 10am to 5pm. Friday closed
Duration: Two hours

Lying in the immediate vicinity of some other things to do in Hyderabad like, Charminar, Mecca Masjid and the State Library, the Salar Jung Museum has around 38 galleries in three different complexes. The founder, Nawab Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, had a penchant for artefacts and had a massive collection on display from not only Asia but from the Far East and European countries as well.

7 – Recreation at NTR Gardens

Location: N T R Marg, Central Secretariat
Timings: Monday to Saturday 230 to 830. Sundays; 1230pm to 830 pm
Duration: Two hours

This rather new addition to the city of Hyderabad, in memory of the late Shri N T Rama Rao, offers visitors to rejuvenate their tired minds in a lush and family-friendly atmosphere.

8 – Get immersed in the heritage of the Qutub Shahi Tombs

Location: Banjara Darwaza
Timings: 930am to 430pm. Friday closed
Duration: One hour

This is the resting ground of the former flamboyant rulers and founders of Hyderabad. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Ibrahim Gardens, Qutub Shahi Tombs are of great historical importance. The majestic architecture is a mix of Persian, Pathan and Hindu, symbolizing the different kings who dominated over the Golconda region for nearly two hundred years.

9 – Enjoy a picnic at the Hussain Sagar Lake

Location: Tank Bund Road
Timings: 8am to 10pm. All days
Duration: One hour

This large man-made lake acts as a border between the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. It’s one of the unmissable things to do in Hyderabad and is a perfect place to spend time with the family in the pleasant surroundings. A monolithic statue of Lord Buddha lies in the middle of the lake and thereby enhances the charm.

10 – Get awed by the magnificence of the Chowmahalla Palace

Location: Khilwat, Motigalli.
Timings: 10am to 5pm. Friday closed
Duration: One hour

The fascinating Chowmahalla Palace is, without doubt, one of the most popular things to do in Hyderabad. The place pulsates with the rich essence portrayed by the Nizam rulers. The grandeur and the rich history of the palace can be seen in the royal residences of the Nizams who occupied the seat for many years. Prior to the Nizams, the Asaf Jahi Dynasty treated the Chowmahalla Palace as their home.

11 – Look inside the lavish lifestyle of the Nizams

Location: Purani Haveli, near Charminar
Timings: 930am to 430pm. Friday closed.
Duration: Two hours

The main home of the VI Nizam, Mahbub Ali Pasha, this U-shaped complex let’s visitors take a peek into the way of living of the once royal rulers of Hyderabad. The building is also home to a museum, the Nizam’s wooden wardrobe and a giant room served by a private elevator to access the two large closets situated on two levels.

12 – Spend a fun filled day at the integrated Ramoji Film City

Location: Anaspur village
Timings: 9am to 8pm. All days
Duration: Eight hours

Founded in 1996 by the legendary filmmaker Ramoji Rao, the film city houses some of the largest studio complexes in the world. Visitors can take time out at the Japanese gardens located here and have a thrilling experience at Asia’s first mystery and magic house in Borasura.

13 – Take the kids to the Birla Planetarium

Location: Naubat Pahad
Timings: 1130am to 8pm. All days
Duration: Two hours

Established in 1985, the Birla Planetarium lies in the heart of Hyderabad and is a great educational attraction for young and old alike. The planetarium ranks as one of the most modern in the country and has over the years provided the perfect bridge between the common people and those seeking the latest innovations in science.

14 – Go on a safari at the Nehru Zoological Park

Location: Hyderabad city
Timings: 9am to 5pm. All days
Duration: Two hours

Looking for things to do in Hyderabad for families? There is nothing better than taking the kids to this 50 year old Zoo in order to keep them close to the wilder side of nature. Activities here include train rides, bicycle rides, boating and children games. The Nehru Zoological Park is home to the first butterfly park in India, apart from 1500 different species of animals.

15 – Find a new dimension with Snow World

Location: Lower Tank Bund Road
Timings: Seven sessions per day, week-long
Duration: Whole day

The perfect indoor entertainment arena spread over 17,000 square feet for adults and children. The below freezing point ambience has resulted in a unique environment with polar bears, snow slides, dancing, penguins and even a snow hotel. The state of the art technology adopted has made Snow World one of the ultimate things to do in Hyderabad for familes.

Final thoughts…

The demands of the present day way of life restrict most people to one particular place for most of the time. It is therefore vital to break away from this mundane routine and plan a trip with family and friends to the wonderful city of Hyderabad. Not only will the things to do in Hyderabad reward you with a rich cultural experience, but you will get a taste of some of the finer things in life.