What to do in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri District

Recognisable even if you’ve just arrived in Hyderabad, the Charminar monument is a stunning example of Islamic design, featuring many minarets and domes. The monument is frequented daily by locals who come to pray at the mosque, while tourists rarely visit Hyderabad without spending some time at Charminar and the colourful markets that surround it. Built at the end of the 16th century, the monument celebrates the end of a plague epidemic in the city.

Over a 380-acre (104-hectare) region of untamed parkland you’ll find wildlife and nature at one of the largest animals parks in India. The Nehru Zoological Park is both a museum and a zoo. It is home to 160 species of animals. Visit the Lion Safari Park, ride an elephant and take some refuge from the busy streets of Hyderabad at this entertaining and educational attraction.

An extremely spiritual destination in Hyderabad, Birla Mandir Temple is also one of the most architecturally fascinating. The temple was constructed using nearly 2,000 tonnes of pure white marble. It contains shrines dedicated to both Hindu and Buddhist gods. At night the historic attraction embraces the city’s modern flair and is illuminated by stunning light displays. Immediately next door you’ll find the Birla Science Museum and the Birla Planetarium.

This picturesque lakeside park provides a beautiful backdrop to an afternoon stroll, but most people visit to see the interactive 3-D laser show and a musical water feature or to motorboat on the lake. Lumbini Park occupies 3 hectares (7.5 acres) on the banks of Hussain Sagar lake. It is an ideal area for a relaxing picnic or an interactive educational experience.

The Salar Jung Museum is one of India's most prized historic institutions, preserving a huge range of ancient academic journals, rustic weaponry and precious royal items from throughout the ages. Examine the intriguing collection of objects amassed by one globetrotting explorer.