10 Best Museums in Hyderabad for the Nerdy You

Hyderabad is a city ruled by the Qutub Shahis, Mughals and Nizams take pride and boasts its spectacular heritage sites, magnificent monuments, glorious temples and splendid mosques. The best museum in Hyderabad showcases a great collection of arts and antiquities which imparts valuable knowledge of the yesteryear culture and civilization.

Museums display the rich architectural beauty of the culture and historical past. Being ornamented with the historical monument, it not only preserves old antiques but also gives our future generation an insight into a culturally diverse country.

Tourists from all over the globe are highly attracted to visit such places which offer a view of the civilisation of the past, unique collections which are invaluable. Check the list of best museums in Hyderabad for a better exploration.

10 Historically Enriched and Best Museum in Hyderabad

1. Salar Jung Museum

Among the very well-known, this museum is located on the southern bank of the river Musi. Located hardly 3 km from the main city of Hyderabad this place owns objects from the 1st century. Exquisite pieces include a Quran made entirely of gold and silver.

It has an amazing collection of various historical things counting to 43,000, printed books counting to 47,000. Besides all this, one can also find paintings, sculptures, textiles, artefacts, carvings, etc., from China, Nepal, North America, Japan, Egypt etc.

Antiques belonging to Emperor Jehangir, Noorjahan and Shah Jehan can be found in this exclusive place on display.

• Location: Salar Jung Road, Near Minar function hall, Darulshifa
• Entry fee: Indian- Rs. 10 per person, foreign tourist- 150 per person, Children- Rs.5 per person
• Timings: All days of the week except Friday -10 AM to 5 PM
• Speciality:  Antiques dating back to the 1^st century

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2. The Nizam’s Museum

This place was made open to the public in the year 2000. It showcases a rich collection of memoirs, gifts from all across the globe. Created on the wish of the seventh Nizam, Asaf Jah VII, it gives us a glimpse into their rich lifestyle they led.

The place comprises of a wide variety of rare souvenirs and exquisitely designed mementoes. Automobile enthusiasts can have a look at their great collection of vintage cars such as 1930 Rolls Royce, Packard and a Jaguar Mark V.

• Location: Purani Haveli, Pathar Gatti
• Entry fee: Adults- Rs. 65 per person, Children- Rs.15 per person
• Timings: All days of the week except Friday -9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
• Speciality: Gold throne, a 176 feet long wardrobe of sixth Nizam king, Mir Mahbub Ali Khan. It has two levels.

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3. Surendrapuri

Created to spread awareness of Indian and Hindu mythology this place is situated at a distance of 60 km from Hyderabad city. It is an hour drive from the UPPAL circle.

This place promises a unique experience to everyone. It’s a delight to witness more than 100 replica temples at one place depicting cultural heritage and Hindu mythology of our diverse country. Spread over 18 acres, this place is known as Kunda Satyanarayana Kala Dhamam.

Some of the famous replicas are of Ayodhya Rama and Palani Kumara Swami, Madhura Meenakshi, Kaashi Viswanath, Shirdi Saibaba etc. It gives a surreal experience of visiting the original temples.

• Location: Surendrapuri, Near Yadagirigutta, Nalgonda District, Telangana.
• Entry fee:  Adults-Rs. 350 per person, Children: Rs. 300 per child below 10 years (No charges for children below 5 years)
• Timings: Mon- Fri: 6:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Sat-Sun & Public holidays -6:30 AM – 8:00 PM
• Speciality: 100 replica temples depicting all Hindu renowned temples across India.

4. Natural History Museum

Moving from the history of Nizam and ancient rulers this museum has something unique to provide. It elaborates on the history of several extinct animals and other creatures. This museum is located in the Nehru Zoological Park, one of the largest zoos in Asia.

It gives the visitor into the lives of animals both- extinct and still prevailing, by exhibiting stuffed models that look extremely lifelike. The artefacts of these animals are showcased, giving a clearer picture of these enormous and interesting creatures

• Location: Nehru Zoological Park, Bahadurpura.
• Entry fee:  Adults- Rs. 20 per person, Children- Rs.10 per person
• Timings: Mon-Sat: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sun: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Speciality: Showcases dummies of extinct birds and animals.

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5. Sudha Car Museum

Ideated by an exceptionally genius car lover, Guinness World Record Holder, Mr K. Sudhakar, this place showcases various cars and automobiles in the shape of the bed, helmet, handbags, lipsticks, and stilettos. With a display of almost 30 designs of bicycles like Penny Farthings, Tandems etc. this is a different experience for its visitors.

Old and unwanted pieces are taken into use to create the masterpieces which makes it even more charismatic to the visitors. Interestingly, the vehicles on display here are in working condition and not just a showpiece. Each shape takes about 20 days to 3 years of time for designing.

• Location: Beside Zoo Park X Roads, Bahadurpura
• Entry fee:  Adults-Rs. 30 per person, Children- Rs.15 per person
• Timings: All days of the week- 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
• Speciality: Vintage cars and creative vehicles.

6. The State Museum

The unique architecture with high arches, subtle domes, projected eves and stylistic windows give this museum a very royal look.

The Museum showcases sculptures and bronzes of the Hindu, Jain & Buddhist. The heritage building has a unique collection spread over two floors with semi-circular galleries.

The collection includes Ajanta gallery, Buddhist and Jain relics, arms and armour gallery, Buddhist gallery, coins of the Satavahana period, bronze figures from the Vijayanagar and Chola periods, Brahmanical and Jain gallery, Numismatics gallery, Roman era coins, etc

• Location: Public Gardens, Hyderabad
• Entry fee:  Adults-Rs. 10 per person, Children- Rs.5 per person
• Timings: all days of the week except Friday – 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Speciality: 2,353-year old Egyptian Mummy

7. Birla Science Museum

Known for its scientific milestones this museum exhibits Nobel Gallery, Dvaraka Diorama, Interactive Science Section, Dinosaurian, Archaeology and dolls museum, Antarctica Diorama, NRSA and IEEE this museum makes learning a fun-filled process.

What makes it interesting for visitors is that the circulation of information is done in a very appealing and interactive way. The various section it offers makes it a must visit for every age group.

• Location: Hill Fort Rd
• Entry fee:  Rs. 100 per person, Combo of Planetarium and Science Museum – Rs. 160 per person
• Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
• Speciality:  A variety of sections ranging from interactive sciences to electronics.

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8. Railway Museum

This was recently opened in April 2015 at Kacheguda Railway Station. This place showcases the various aspects of railway sector during the rule of Nizams in the region. Visitors can find plenty of objects from the vintage era like prototypes of the coaches, signalling equipment, prototypes of the locomotives, working and ticking models etc.

This can be a unique learning and interactive experience who would like to know how the railway sector has overall evolved over the years. The museum also facilitates screening of Audio-Visuals depicting the history and growth of railways in an exclusive air-conditioned lounge.

• Location: Inside Kacheguda Railway Station
• Entry fee:  free, one should have a valid passenger boarding ticket or platform ticket. Else, a nominal fee would be charged
• Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Speciality:  Railway locomotives and parts dating to Nizams era

9. Jagdish and Kamla Mittal Museum of Indian Art

Lovers and scholars of Indian Art have a special place for this museum for its exquisite art collection.  The well-known collection of Indian art is assembled by the visionary artist couple, Jagdish Mittal and Kamla over sixty years. The setup was done in March 1976.

It exhibits a broad variety of traditional arts and crafts produced in the Indian subcontinent.  With a collection of 2000 objects which include folk and classical bronzes, miniature paintings and drawings, manuscripts, Nepali and Tibetan tankas, Islamic calligraphy, , terracottas, wood carving this place stands out in the eyes of visitors.

• Location: 214/6, Gaganmahal Rd, Gagan Mahal, Domalguda, Himayatnagar.
• Entry Fee: N/A
• Timings: Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sat-Sun: Closed
• Speciality:  Indian produced arts and crafts dating to 1st century BC and 1900 A.D.

10. Chowmahalla Palace

This place was completed during the rule of fifth Nizam which was later restored by the Indian Government and made open to the public in the year of 2005.

The place is renowned for its elegance, beautiful spread of lawn, green landscape, yellow and white motifs. Other hypnotic sights include huge water fountain with artistically carved pillars, intricate carvings on the walls and ceilings, an interesting display of crockery, furniture, coins, currency notes, display of weapons, handwritten Quran, vintage cars etc

Talking about the built the palace consists of two courtyards: northern and southern courtyard. It has a Clock Tower, Roshan Bungalow, and Council Hall.

• Location: Khilwat, 20-4-236, Motigalli
• Entry fee: Indian- Rs. 50 per person, Children (below 12 years)- Rs.10 per person, Foreigner – Rs.200 per person
• Timings: All days of the week except Friday- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Speciality:  Glimpse of the enigmatic and marvellous era of the Nizams.

Hyderabad consists of diverse and unique kinds of museums; one must visit these in the nation’s capital. One can not only enhance their knowledge but also get a deep insight into India’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

Do let us know in the comments sections below about your experience to any of these in terms of accessibility, exclusiveness and any other relevant parameter. Also, let us know of any gem that we may have missed.

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