Best of Hyderabad

Steeped in history, thronged with people and buzzing with commerce, the Old City of Hyderabad is one of India's most evocative ancient quarters. Exploring the lanes of this district, with its chai shops and spice merchants, you'll encounter a teeming urban masala of colour and commerce. Looming over the Old City is some of Islamic India's most impressive architecture, in varying states of repair. Most visitors concentrate their time in this area, though the magnificent Golconda Fort should not be missed either.

Hyderabad's other pole is far younger and west of the centre – its Hi-Tech City, or 'Cyberabad', and other districts like Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills are replete with glittery malls, multiplexes, clubs, pubs and sleek restaurants.  

Hyderabad traffic is appalling, though with the opening of a new metro rail rapid-transit system things should ease somewhat in the coming years.

Sightseeing around Hyderabad     

The city of Hyderabad depicts an interesting confluence of the traditional and the modern, the past and the present. When planning a vacation to Hyderabad, chuck all the ideas of a laid-back vacation out from your head and get ready to be on your toes the entire day as with an unending list of tourist attractions, you are bound to have a jam-packed itinerary. Since it is impossible for anyone to soak in the multifarious charms which the city has to offer in a limited time span, we have complied a list of top tourist spots which are not-to-be-missed, when on a vacation of 2 to 3 days at Hyderabad.

Charminar 
An iconic landmark of Hyderabad and located in the Old City, it is said to have been built as a charm against a deadly epidemic raging in 1591. Charminar has 45 prayer spaces with foour graceful minarets projected towards the sky.

Golconda Fort       
Capital of the Qutb Shahi kingdom, it is considered by many as one of the most magnificent fortress complexes in India. A Light and Sound show is held in the evenings wherein the glorious past of Golconda Fort is narrated with Golconda depicted full of life, glory and grandeur.

Salar Jung Museum         
It houses the largest one-man collection of antiques in the world and is not the typical boring museum as the common understanding of museums is, thereby making its way into one of the most visited tourist spots of Hyderabad

Ramoji Film City   
Constructed over a sprawling 1,666-acre of land, it holds a certification from Guinness World Records of being the largest integrated film city in the world. Escape to Ramoji Film City to enjoy a kaleidoscope of attractions ranging from rolling landscapes, striking gardens, captivating live stunt shows and thrill rides.

Hussain Sagar Lake 
An artificial lake, it forms the boundary between Hyderabad and Secunderabad. At the centre of the lake stands a famous statue of the Buddha, which can be accessed through the various boat rides to it.

Birla Mandir 
Situated atop a hill and overlooking the Hussain Sagar Lake, it is a magnificient temple of Lord Venkateshwara, built entirely with white marble. It projects the magnificent panoramic view of the twin cuties of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

Paradise Restaurant                   
Recipient of Best Biryani 2012 Times Food Award, Paradise started as a small cafe, serving tea and snacks. Over time, it has transformed into a palatial restaurant serving delumptious Hyderabadi delicacies. A journey to Hyderabad is incomplete without visiting Paradise restaurant for a traditional Hyderabadi spread.