Things to do in  Hyderabad

Situated in the heart of the old city, the Charminar is the most famous building in Hyderabad and a symbol of the city around the world. This monument was built at the close of the 16th century to celebrate the end of a plague—possibly cholera—that had devastated the region. A small mosque sits on the top floor of the building.

Dating back to the 17th century, the landmark Mecca Masjid (also spelled Makkah Masjid) is one of the oldest mosques in Hyderabad, not to mention one of the largest mosques in the world. It’s made of granite and features exquisite interiors, including a large prayer hall that can accommodate more than 10,000 people.

Once the epicenter of Hyderabad, 18th-century Chowmahalla Palace was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty and the site where the nizams (monarchs) lavishly entertained esteemed guests. It features a unique blend of various architectural styles and influences, including Mughal domes and Persian-influenced stucco work.

One of the largest museums in the world, this Hyderabad institution is celebrated for its massive collection of art and artifacts from across Asia, Europe, and North America. Most of the objects here were collected by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, Salar Jung III, a nobleman who served as Prime Minister of the Hyderabad Deccan from 1912-1914.

One of the oldest markets in Hyderabad, Laad Bazaar (also called Choodi Bazaar) has long been known for its bangles. Long before the city became a hive of business activity, the bangle industry emerged here, and it still thrives today: Locals and tourists come from far and wide to browse the market’s colorful creations.

Occupying part of Hyderabad's 18th-century Purani Haveli, The Nizam's Museum is chock-full of artifacts from the Nizams, former rulers of Hyderabad. Here, you can learn about the opulent lives of the men who once ruled over the city and its surroundings as you check out paintings, model airplanes, costumes, weaponry, and lots of gold.

The Telangana State Archaeology Museum, also known as the Hyderabad Museum and the AP State Museum, is among Hyderabad’s oldest museums. It’s home to artifacts excavated from an archaeological site below the museum building, a Nizam-era palace. Items include idols, bronzes, and Ajanta paintings from various dynastic periods—but the most popular is the mummy of an Egyptian princess.

Launched in 1996, the 1,666-acre (674-hectare) Ramoji Film City is the world's largest film complex. Tour studio lots, sets, and gardens to see where Bollywood and film celebs have shot scenes. Try activities at the skating rink, children’s play area, bird park, and family-friendly amusement park, Fundustan.

The expansive Nehru Zoological Park is considered to be one of India’s best zoos, thanks to its vast array of creatures living in a natural-like setting. This popular Hyderabad attraction is home to 193 species of animals and birds, including rhinos, lions, tigers, and elephants. Visitors can explore independently or join a Lion and Tiger Safari tour, which takes place in a secure vehicle that travels through the animals’ habitat.

Built in 1562, when Hyderabad was under the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah, Hussain Sagar Lake is among the largest artificial lakes in Asia. It was originally designed as a means to store water for irrigation and urban use; today it's a popular spot for boating and lakeside picnicking.

Spanning around 55 acres (22 hectares), Mount Opera is the Hyderabad area's largest amusement park. Here you'll find all sorts of rides and attractions, plus a water park offering pools and slides suitable for visitors of all ages. A special kids’ zone includes a playground designed for the littlest of guests.

Part of a chain of amusement parks in southern India, Wonderla Hyderabad offers land and water rides, as well as swimming pools and live entertainment. The park’s water attractions are a popular way to cool off in summer, while other highlights include extreme roller coasters, one of India’s tallest Ferris wheels, and an indoor space to dance under showers of warm water.

On the banks of Hussain Sagar, the sprawling Jalavihar water park features multiple pools and slides along with a variety of rides for the whole family. It's a great place to go to keep kids happy on sweltering summer days and features attractions geared towards visitors of all ages, including the smallest of children.

Hyderabad’s Sudha Cars Museum isn’t your typical classic car museum. Established by Kanyaboyina Sudhakar, an inventor who holds a Guinness World Record for creating the world’s largest tricycle, the museum contains all kinds of weird and wonderful cars, from a hamburger car to a high-heeled shoe car. As well as having plenty of fun, visitors can also admire more traditional vintage cars here.

Believed to be around 500 years old, Hyderabad’s Chilkur Balaji Temple is a Hindu pilgrimage spot dedicated to Sri Venkateswara, a form of Lord Vishnu. It’s often busy with Hindu devotees, who come here to pray for success with visa applications. Travelers interested in Indian spirituality may enjoy visiting, even if their own visa applications have already been successful.