Hyderabad is second to no Indian city when it comes to cultural heritage. It has plenty of great sites to see and fun things to do. From visiting iconic buildings to taking a walk in the parks and shopping, there are plenty of ways one can spend an entire day in Hyderabad.
Not sure where to start? Follow our guide to the best places to visit in Hyderabad for one day.
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Places to Visit In Hyderabad: Tourist Attractions
1. Charminar
It doesn’t matter whether you are in the city for a day or even two, the Charminar is a must-visit site for any tourist. Splendid and gorgeous, this attraction is a mosque built in 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah.
Must catch glimpses at the Charminar are the minarets and the arches. Once you are done admiring the structure, head out for shopping and street food in the area, which is buzzing until the wee hours of the morning.
- Location: Char Kaman
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2. Qutb Shahi Tombs
The Qutub Shahi Tombs are a set of 21 tombs that belong to the Qutub Shahi rulers. The tombs are located about 2 kilometers away from the iconic Golconda Fort.
At this site, there are few mosques that are beautifully constructed. For a complete insight into the history of the site, visit the exhibition that is held near the gate.
- Location: Toli Chowk
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3. Taramati Baradari
The Taramati Baradari was formerly a place where dance and singing performances were held, during the reign of Sultan Abdullah Qutb Shah. Today, all that stands is the beautiful architecture, rich with Islamic art influences. Go here for a picnic, after you have visited the Golconda Fort that is located nearby.
- Location: Ibrahimbagh
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4. Ramoji Film City
The world’s largest integrated film studio complex, Ramoji Film City sees over 1.5 million tourists each year. The tourists get to see various sets, maybe watch a shooting, see a few film stars and much else. In the evening, there are also performances.
- Location: Anaspur Village
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5. British Residency
The British Residency was the home of James Achilles Kirkpatrick, the official East India Company representative to India. The structure is gorgeous to see and has a typical British construction with splendid pillars.
There is a garden in the premises wherein lies a few British cemeteries. Today, the residency has been converted into a women’s college. Restoration work is going on but you can still visit the site and catch glimpses of it from the outside.
- Location: Koti Road
Places to Visit In Hyderabad For One Day (Religious Sites)
1. Birla Mandir
The Birla Mandir is perched on top of the Black Mountain that overlooks the Hussain Sagar River. The highlight attractions at the temple are the many gorgeous statues, including a huge marble statue of Lord Venkateshwara.
The best time to visit is in the evening to watch the sunset, take the lift to the clock tower at the temple for the best view.
- Location: Khairatabad
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2. Ananda Buddha Vihara
Located in Hyderabad, the Ananda Buddha Vihara is a spiritual place for the Buddhist community in Hyderabad. Open to all people, this monastery is the ideal place to visit for peace and quiet.
At the temple, there is a large bronze statue of Buddha that sits in the middle. Prayer sessions are conducted daily. There is an attached meditation hall at the complex, where one can spend a few minutes or an hour meditating.
- Location: Mahendra Hills
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3. Spanish Mosque
The first word that comes to mind when you see the Spanish Mosque in Hyderabad is wow! A beautifully-constructed mosque, this place is dressed in white and has minarets and balconies around its main structure.
The interesting part of this mosque is that unlike the others in Hyderabad, the Spanish Mosque is made using a Deccan style of architecture and not the usual Islamic style.
- Location: Sardar Patel Road
4. Badshahi Ashurkhana
The Badshahi Ashurkhana is one of the first structures to be built by the Qutub Shah. A gorgeous structure, the entire building is made from marble and stone.
For a real cultural feel, visit during Muharram, when Shiites throng the place to pay their respect to Hussain Ibn Ali. If you are visiting inside, it is necessary to take off your shoes and ladies should wear a scarf or a veil.
- Location: High Court Road
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Places to Visit In Hyderabad (Markets)
1. Laad Bazaar
The Laad Bazaar is one of the most famous markets in Hyderabad. Popular for bangles and sarees, the market is a great sight to see, especially with shoppers and store owners jostling with each other for a great bargain. The market is also famous for pearls and there are a few fixed price shops selling perfumes.
- Location: Near Charminar
2. Begum Bazaar
Although this market is famous for tobacco products, there are quite a few shops that sell household products and decorative items. Apart from shopping, go here for the market’s old world charm. It is believed to be more than 100 years old.
Avoid going on Sundays and late evenings, the market is closed during this time.
- Location: Near Naya Pul bridge
Places to Visit In Hyderabad (Forts, Palaces & Lakes)
1. Golconda Fort
Once the pride of Hyderabad, the Golconda Fort now lies in ruins. You can still visit to check out the arches and to learn about the Qutub Shahi empire.
Guided tours are available from Rs. 200. If visiting in the evening or late afternoon, wait for the sound and light show that takes you back in time as it revives the lost memories of the fort.
- Location: Ibrahim Baugh
2. Hussain Sagar Lake
One cannot miss out on sightseeing at the Hussain Sagar Lake. It can be identified by the giant Buddha statue in the centre of the lake. A great place for a one-day outing with the family, at the lake you can enjoy boating, long walks and plenty of street foods.
- Location: Hyderabad Centre
3. Lumbini Park
The Lumbini Park is a great place to head out to in the evening with family or friends. Great for long walks, the place is popular with walkers who drop by to watch the sunset and enjoy the cool breeze. There are a few food stalls around the park. There is a laser show for kids in the evening that is a must visit if you have little ones.
- Location: Near Hussain Lake
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Places To Visit Around Hyderabad For One Day
1. Bidar Fort
If you are driving down to Bidar, you must visit the fort. The fort looks stunning with its many doors and arches, moats and bastions. The fort is famous for its Karez water system, a unique water harvesting technology from Persia. While you are at the fort check out the large canon and visit the spot of the Karez water system.
- Distance from Hyderabad: 140 kilometres
2. Panagal
Located a bit away from Hyderabad, the village of Panagal is a great place to visit for tourists. The village is well-known for its many temples and cultural centres. Go here to explore old Hindu temples and to learn about the rich Hindu culture. Popular sites to see in Panagal are Chaya Someswara Swamy and the Pachala Someswara Temples.
- Distance from Hyderabad: 164 kilometres
3. Nagunur Fort And Temples
A historic fort, visit this place and relive the importance of the Kakatiyas kingdom. At this site, feast your eyes on historic temples that now lie in ruins. The only temple that still stands is the Shiva Temple that has three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Do not forget to catch a glimpse of the carvings of musicians playing the Mridangam.
- Distance from Hyderabad: 170 kilometres
The next time you are in Hyderabad and plan on doing some sightseeing for a day, it is worth visiting these places for a great experience. Whether you are going with family, friends or flying solo, stopping by at these historic and important places are definitely worth your time. Want another location included in this list? Let us know in the comments.
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