11 Historical Places in Hyderabad for an Insight into Culture

Hyderabad, the City of Pearls, has a rich heritage and royal past. The grandeur and marvel of its historic monuments is a window to those historic times when they ruled over Hyderabad. These historical places in Hyderabad are a slice of history and gems of archaeology.

Visiting them and knowing more about them is like getting to know about Hyderabad itself. So, let’s take a look at these historical monuments that have become icons of Hyderabad.

11 Historical Places in Hyderabad for Exploration

1. Golconda Fort

One of the most famous attractions of Hyderabad, Golconda Fort is a medieval fort in Hyderabad. Built in the 12^th century, the fort is a marvellous example of supreme architecture and ingenious engineering.

The acoustic system inside the fort, originally used for sending signals, allows one to hear sound clap over a kilometre away at the top of the fort. The Sound & Light Show held here gives the audience a glimpse of its historic past.

• Location: Khair Complex, Ibrahim Bagh, Hyderabad, Telangana 500008.
• Entry Fee: INR 15/- per person.

Suggested to Read : 8 haunted places in India which are not for the faint-hearted

2. Charminar

Charminar has become such a famous icon of Hyderabad that both are, more or less, spoken in the same breath. This 16th-century monument was built to celebrate the founding of Hyderabad and also to stop a deadly epidemic spreading in Golconda region.

The four tall minarets, towering over the entire landscape of Hyderabad, have become a timeless reminder of the architectural skills during those days. The Charminar also has a mosque and prayer rooms.

• Location: Char Kaman, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002.
• Entry Fee: INR 5/- per person.

Also read : Waterfalls in Hyderabad

3. Qutub Shahi Tombs

Qutub Shahi tombs contain seven tombs of Qutub Shahi rulers, the founding dynasty of Hyderabad. The tombs are one of the most beautiful sights of Hyderabad and were built by the rulers themselves as their final resting place.

A stunning blend of Persian, Hindu and Pathan architectural styles, Qutub Shahi tombs is among the most iconic places in Hyderabad, which draws many tourists to view its magnificence.

• Location: Qutub Shahi Tombs, Hyderabad, Telangana 500008.
• Entry Fee: INR 10/- per adult. INR 5/- per child.

4. Mecca Masjid

The Mecca Masjid is a 400-year-old mosque in Hyderabad and is a heritage monument. Considered among the biggest mosques in India, Mecca Masjid is so called, as the central arch of the mosque was built from the soil brought from Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

The mosque is one of Hyderabad’s most famous landmarks and attracts visitors to view its magnificent facades, artistic archways, tall minarets, balconies.

• Location: Near Charminar, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002.
• Entry Fee: NA

Also Check : A Complete List of Things & Places Hyderabad Is Famous For

5. Chowmahalla Palace

Built in the 18^th century, Chowmahalla Palace was the official residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad. This lavish palace was renovated over the years incorporating many architectural styles in its modelling. There are landscaped gardens, fountains and lush greenery around the palace.

The palace has been converted into a museum, exhibiting crockery, royal attires, paintings, coins, weapons among other things. A vintage car to is on display at the palace museum.

• Location: 20-4-236, Motigalli, Khilwat, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002.
• Entry Fee: INR 30/- per adult.

6. Salar Jung Museum

The most popular attraction of Hyderabad, Salar Jung Museum has one of the largest collections of antiques and artefacts, collected by one man, Salar Jun III. His passion for collecting things from all over the world made him spent much of his fortune.

2 floors have 38 galleries, exhibiting close to 43000 art objects, 9000 manuscripts, and 47000 printed books. A fruit knife of Noorjehan and a dagger of Jehangir are some of the rare treasures of this museum.

• Location: Salar Jung Road, Near Minar Function Hall, Darulshifa, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002.
• Entry Fee: INR 10/- per adult. INR 5/- per child.

Also Read : 17 Things to Do in Hyderabad To Feel Like A Local

7. Taramati Baradari

This music hall and auditorium was built for two dancers and courtesans, Taramati and Prememati, who were the favourite of the Sultan of Golconda, Abdullah Qutub Shah.

The auditorium is built with astonishing acoustics and is so remarkable that songs sung by Taramati could be heard at Golconda Fort, 3 km away. The place now is a cultural complex, where numerous concerts, dance performances, and exhibitions are held.

• Location: Near PBEL City, Ramdev Guda, Ibrahim Bagh, Hyderabad, Telangana 500031.
• Entry Fee: NA

8. Malwala Palace

Malwala Palace, built in an early 18^th century, is a historic palace in Hyderabad. It’s constructed with Mughal and Rajasthani architectural styles and is notable for its wooden structure. Special teak woods were imported from Burma for its building.

There are wooden pavilions and balconies, with intricate carvings. There is a library with a rare collection of manuscripts and books. The galleries have rare Indian art and artefacts.

• Location: 563, 23-1-563, Rathkhana St, Panje Shah, Moghalpura, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002.
• Entry Fee: NA

Also Read : 22 Intriguing Places to Visit in Hyderabad, The City of Nawabs

9. Toli Masjid

This magnificent mosque is one of the most striking monuments in Hyderabad. This 300 years old mosque is a remarkable example of architectural brilliance. Delicate carvings on stone, intricately designed front arches with lotus decorations, arches with perforated screens, fill one with awe.

Its minarets too are strikingly beautiful. The mosque is also called Damdi Masjid, the architect was paid one damdi (coin) for every rupee spent on building this mosque.

• Location: Ramsingh Pura, Girkapalli, Karwan East, Hyderabad, Telangana 500006.
• Entry Fee: NA

Also Check : 26 Perfect Weekend Getaways from Hyderabad

10. Thousand Pillar Temple

Situated in Warangal, Thousand Pillar Temple, is a historical pilgrimage site, and among the most important archaeological monuments of Hyderabad. The temple was built in Chalukyan architectural has a remarkable star-shaped structure.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple has 1000 intricately carved pillars and finely crafted sculptures adorning the walls of the temple. The monolithic statue of Nandi, with a beautiful finish, is a beauty to watch.

• Location: Warangal-Hyderabad Rd, Brahmanawada, Hanamkonda, Telangana 506011.
• Entry Fees: NA

11. Paigah Tombs

The Paigah Tombs are among the best historical places to visit in Hyderabad. Paigahs were nobles who were married to the daughters of the Nizam. Dating back to 18^th century, Paigah Tombs is a wonderful example of architectural beauty at its best.

Exceptional geometric design, breathtaking inlay mosaic tile work, ornate ‘jali’ designs with floral emblems, will make you feel the magnificence of this place. The tombs remind you of the royal history of Hyderabad.

• Location: Qalender Nagar Rd, Santosh Nagar, Kanchan Bagh, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500058.
• Entry Fee: NA

We are sure that by now, after reading about them, you would be raring to see them yourself. And if you have been to these places, write to us about your own impressions about these places. Know of any other place? Tell is in the comments section below. It will help others too!!

Book pleasant stays with hotels in Hyderabad.