Hyderabad, the historic Indian city and the current capital of the South-Indian state of Telangana is a bustling metropolitan with a burgeoning population of over one crore and counting. The megacity effortlessly blends old with the new with a hi-tech modern town that spans over a massive 52 square kilometres peacefully cohabiting with an old city whose soul is steeped in history and tradition. The city which was once synonymous with the glory of the Nizaams has, over the years, quietly moved on to the present adjusting itself to the modern time and age. Currently, the city is as much known for its restaurants, pubs, entertainment and shopping zones as it is still revered for its glorious past and architectural marvels.
Once you are in the city, there are plenty of places you can visit and hundreds of things you can do to enjoy with your family, friends and colleagues. This article talks about things you can do in this centuries-old city, segregates them into categories like visiting places, eating out and partying, and provides important details such as their addresses and entry fees if any. So, enjoy reading.
1. Visiting Iconic Places & Entertainment Zones
The city of the Nizams is known for its iconic structures, historic monuments, jaw-dropping palaces and museums, and beautiful sprawling lakes. The city is also famous for its imposing modern structures and entertainment zones. Listed below are a few of the most prominent among them without visiting your Hyderabad tour would be incomplete.
- Charminar
The icon, the symbol and the trademark of the city of Hyderabad, Charminar or the structure with four towers, is the most important monument in Hyderabad that is visited by lakhs of tourists every year. Known as the ‘Arc de Triomphe of the East’, this grand almost 500-year-old structure was built by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah and still stands strong with all its glory till today. It was officially incorporated in the state emblem after the new state Telangana was formed. The monument looks magnificent when fully lit up in the evening. A must-visit place for travellers.
Location: Charminar Road, Char Kaman, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana -500002
- Chowmahalla Palace
As the name suggests, the Chowmahalla Palace in Hyderabad is a combination of 4 individual palaces built within a uniform structure in the 18th century by the Nizams, who ruled the city between 1724 and 1948. Construction of this massive palace, which was the official residence of the Asaf Jahi Nizams, was started in 1750 but ended almost one century later during the reign of the fifth Nizam, Afzal-ud-Daulah. The majestic palace that was originally built on 45 acres of land stands testimony to the glory and grandeur of the erstwhile rulers of the southern states. Although the ownership rights of the palace still remain with the descendants of the Nizams, large portions of it have been turned into museums after renovation a decade back. These museums remain open to public viewing on all working days between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and there is a nominal entry fee to gain access to the premises. Get a glimpse of the lifestyle of the Nizams by visiting this palace during your visit to Hyderabad.
Location: 20-4-236, Motigalli, Khilwat, Hyderabad, Telangana-500002
- Golconda Fort
The historic Golconda Fort intrigues travellers, historians and researchers alike even today even though the superstructure of this citadel built on a hilltop fell into ruins in the 17th century after a long seizure by the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. Originally built in the 11th century by King Prataparudra with mud and bricks, the fort was converted into a fort city with granite walls by Sultan Quli, who was made the Governor of Hyderabad by Bahmani rulers and who later established the Qutb Shahi dynasty. During his reign, it was the capital of the empire. The fort was strategically very important for successive rulers because of its vicinity to diamond mines nearby. The world-famous Koh-i-noor and Hope diamonds were extracted from the nearby mines and were preserved inside this fort city. It was the diamond trade capital of the world in those days. Explore the fascinating history of this place by visiting this fabulous fort city.
Location: Khair Complex, Ibrahim Bagh, Hyderabad, Telangana- 500008
- Ramoji Film City
Listed on the Guinness Book of World Records for its ability to accommodate 50 film shooting units at a time within its premises, Ramoji Film City is a present-day wonder that is built on 2500 acres of land in the immediate outskirts of Hyderabad city. The massive film studio cum movie theme park consists of numerous movie sets and small studios which make it one of a kind in the whole world attracting tourists from all over India and abroad. A must-visit place for film lovers who want a first-hand visual experience of how movies are shot in reality.
Location: 1-10-76, Fair Field, Mayuri Marg, Begumpet, Hyderabad, Telangana- 500016
- Laad Bazaar
Laad Bazaar or Choodi Bazaar is one of the biggest retail marketplaces for bangles in India situated on one of the four major arterial roads leading up to the Charminar. The whole place is very crowded with the locals as well as tourists from all over the world flocking to the shops in hordes on both sides of the road. But the market is worth visiting if you want to feel the pulse of the city.
Location: Char Kaman, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana -500002
2. Eating out with Family, Friends or Colleagues
The next best thing to do after visiting the iconic places in Hyderabad is to eat out at some of the iconic restaurants and eateries the city of pearls is famous for. Being a hub of trade and politics for centuries, Hyderabad is the cultural melting pot of different races and religions. And the Hyderabadi cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the food habits associated with the dynasties that ruled the city, is a perfect testimony to that. No wonder, the distinguishable presence of Arabic, Turkish, Mughlai and local cuisines can be witnessed in the local delicacies and food items. Listed below are three of the iconic as well as modern food junctions in Hyderabad that are a must-visit for all food lovers.
- Paradise
Being in Hyderabad and not tasting the Hyderabadi Biryani is a crime if you are a non-vegetarian. And while in Hyderabad, what can be a better address for Biryani lovers than the good old Paradise? The very name of the 70-year-old eatery has almost become synonymous with what is known worldwide as Hyderabadi Biryani. And if you are a foodie, don’t miss their Supreme Biryani and the Mutton Hyderabadi Dum Biryani.
Location: Multiple outlets across Hyderabad
- Over the Moon
Located in Gachibowli, Over the Moon is a new-age craze particularly known for its elaborately spacious interior, fabulous indoor and outdoor seating arrangements, heavenly view from the 8th floor, and, of course, a wide assortment of multinational cuisines to choose from. The place is equally favourite among the young and old and is one of the top restaurants in Hyderabad for cocktail party. A must-visit place if you are in Hyderabad with your friends and colleagues and you want to be a part of the city’s emerging nightlife.
Location: Daspalla Hotels, Road No. – 37, Jubilee Hills, 8th Floor, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500033
- Altitude by Marriott
For the high flyers, who are on a trip to this historic megacity, an Altitude is a place that they should never give a miss. Located right opposite one of Hyderabad’s most famous tourist destinations, Hussain Sagar Lake, Altitude is a restaurant cum lounge and bar from Marriott that offers a breathtaking view of the lake and the entire city from the top, providing a blissful dining experience in a meditative environment. Head to this place for a relaxing evening with friends or colleagues and taste the best of creative Hyderabadi cuisine along with artisanal cocktails.
Location: Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre, 8th Floor, Tank Bund Road, Central, Hyderabad, Telangana -500080
3. Partying Hard & Celebrating Occasions
When it comes to partying and celebrating personal and social occasions with family, friends and colleagues, Hyderabad can’t be left far behind. The party culture, so far associated with modern cities, has caught up with this erstwhile city of the Nizams. Over time, the city has come up with numerous resorts, farmhouses and fancy villas. Mentioned below are the names of three popular party places in Hyderabad.
- Hotel Amrutha Castle
Hotel Amrutha Castle is a majestic boutique hotel in Basheer Bagh, designed in the medieval European style of architecture with multiple turrets and a classic rooftop party space complete with a pool that can be an ideal place for engagement ceremonies, birthdays, anniversaries and pool parties. The luxurious party venue is surrounded by greeneries and is primely located right opposite the Andhra Pradesh State Secretariat.
Location: Basheer Bagh, Saifabad, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500063
Contact – 08588826881
- Farm Air
One of the best farmhouses in Hyderabad with pool for small parties and private celebrations of intimate occasions such as engagements, mehendis and ring ceremonies, Farm Air is a name one must consider if he is to host a cozy event on the outskirts of the city of minarets. The presence of large trees and ample greenery on the lawn, quality maintenance and efficient service make this place in the suburban village of Shamirpet the perfect farmhouse in Hyderabad for birthday party.
Location: Shamirpet, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500078
Contact – 08588826881
- Samrat Farms
Located in Moinabad, an upcoming residential area on the outskirts of Hyderabad, Samrat Farms is a farmhouse that is perfectly suited for parties and celebrations of all kinds. It has a lovely terrace, a well-maintained mid-sized pool with a spacious pool deck and a sprawling lawn which makes it one of the best farmhouses in Hyderabad for Wedding or anniversary parties
Location: Chilkoor Village, Moinabad Mandal, Hyderabad, Telangana – 501504
Contact – 08588826881
Contact Sloshout to book farmhouses & restaurants for parties in Hyderabad
Whether you are new in Hyderabad or you are a local resident, if you want you can book restaurants in Hyderabad for party simply by logging on to www.sloshout.com, Sloshout, which is India’s number one online portal for venue booking allows users to book the best venues in a city from the comfort of their homes or offices with a few clicks of the mouse.
