Known for its mosques, palaces and a historic abandoned fort, the capital of India’s Andhra Pradesh state is one of southern India’s most fascinating cities.
Admire the intricate designs of mosques, visit historic ruins or walk around man-made lakes as you explore one of India’s largest cities. Hyderabad is the capital of Andhra Pradesh, the state that occupies much of India’s southeastern coast, and is characterised by a myriad of architectural styles that date back to the 1500s. See the influence that the Asaf Jahi dynasty and the Qutub Shahis have had on the bustling metropolis.
Just west of the city you’ll find one of Hyderabad’s oldest attractions, the Chilkur Balaji Temple, where you can revel in its lakeside views and peaceful atmosphere.
As you make you way back to the city stop by Golconda Fort. Follow the paths that lead around its ancient walls before stopping by Taramati Baradari to learn about the romantic fables that surround the ornate pavilion. Today the building is housed within a modern structure with bars, restaurants and a hotel.
Admire 160 species of exotic animals at the Nehru Zoological Park. Embark on a safari trip to see lions and tigers roaming the plains of a 380-acre (150-hectare) habitat.
Just south of the Musi River you’ll find one of Hyderabad’s most famous attractions, the Charminar monument and mosque. Stroll through the grounds of the nearby Chowmahalla Palace to see a vast collection of antiques and vintage cars.
By night the central Lumbini Park is the place to be. Sit by the lake with a snack from a street food vendor or stop by the auditorium and musical fountains for some entertainment. You can also hire a boat to cruise on the lake.
Climb to the hilltop Birla Mandir Temple, a favourite spot for locals to take in the sunset.
Located approximately 700 kilometres (400 miles) east of Mumbai, Hyderabad is a well-connected transport hub. International flights arrive daily at the airport just 22 kilometres (14 miles) outside the city, while trains from other parts of India are frequent. Once in town you’ll love seeing the city by bus, taxi or auto rickshaw and exploring the maze-like Charminar precinct on foot.
![Hussain Sagar is a heart shaped lake in Hyderabad built by Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah in 1563, during the rule of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah. It is spread across an area of 5.7 square kilometers and is fed by River Musi. A large monolithic statue of the Gautama Buddha, erected in 1992, stands on Gibraltar Rock in the middle of the lake. It also separates Hyderabad from its twin city Secunderabad.[1] The maximum depth of the lake is 32 feet
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