Visiting Hyderabad: top attractions and best restaurants in India’s IT hub

. Charminar. Photo by Shubham Rath on Unsplash

Located right in the heart of the Old City, Charminar is a symbol of Hyderabad around the world. It was built in the 16th century by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah to commemorate the town's founding and celebrate the end of a deadly plague. The massive structure features four fluted minarets each crowned with a dome soaring at a height of 16 meters, a mosque on its roof consisting of intricate marble artwork, and 45 prayer rooms assembled using bricks collected from the nearby Mecca. The grand square building is an excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture and the most famous attraction in Hyderabad.

Another tourist place worth visiting near the Charminar is Laad Bazaar. As the name suggests, it is a market for shopping lovers to indulge their curiosity. So polish your negotiation skills and start bargaining with street vendors to purchase a variety of cosmetics, pearls, bangles, dresses, and handbags. You can also buy handmade souvenirs and decorative items to take home from your trip.

Did you know that Hyderabad is the Biryani Capital of India? Trying this iconic hearty basmati rice specialty loaded with juicy meat and fragrant cinnamon, turmeric, and cardamon should not be missed in Telangana. For an impeccable introduction to the culinary legend, head down to Pista House Shahalibanda – a local’s favorite spot cherishing authentic regional cuisine since its opening in 1997. A welcoming ambiance of beige colors along with a spacious outside terrace guarantees an unrushed indulgent experience.

The menu isn’t limited to the star dish only, and you can go for other options, including smoky tandoori chicken, vegetarian seekh kabab, mutton marag (soup), and freshly baked butter naan. Make sure to leave some room for desserts: kaju katli (a type of fudge made of cashew), honey-soaked baklava, and nutty motichoor laddu soaked in sugar syrup will change your perception of sweets once and for all.

Average bill – $12

Ramoji Film City. Photo by Godwin Angeline Benjo on Unsplash

Though Hyderabad is the historic city of Nizams, it does offer a modern tourist spot as well like Ramoji Film City. Started in 1996 by media baron and producer Ramoji Rao, the world’s largest movie-making facility covers an area of 2500 acres. Being a magical place, this destination should make its way onto your itinerary. Aside from the numerous studio lots and set designs, the attraction is home to a bird sanctuary, a family-friendly amusement park called Fundustan, a museum featuring Indian cinema memorabilia, lush green gardens with manicured plants, shopping venues, designated stunt show spaces with live performances, and an arena modeled on the lines of royal forts featured in the blockbuster film Baahubali that was internationally acclaimed. They also have a kid’s playing ground and an ice skating rink that people of all ages will enjoy. Patrons can either have a day trip or choose to stay back at Sitara Luxury Hotel inside the premises that offer a regal restaurant called Galaxy.

Fun Fact: It is also rumored that Ramoji is a haunted space where ghosts have been sighted from time to time.

The Galaxy restaurant in Sitara Luxury Hotel is a glowing symbol of the Hyderabadi fine-dining culinary scene. Upon entering the premises, you get the impression of being invited to an audience with an Indian Mughal. But it's the guests who receive the royal treatment here: surrounded by the luxurious interiors of the grand hall, adorned with Victorian decor, the place oozes splendor and sophistication. If that’s not enough, the establishment also boasts a breathtaking pool view, whose clear blue hues become a perfect backdrop to your meal.

Expertly crafted Indian, Continental, and Oriental delicacies await! Savor chicken biryani, mirchi ka salan (a popular local chili and peanut curry), tomato soup with croutons, ginger chicken soup, Singapuri paneer, chili prawns, and fish tikka. Quench your thirst with fresh lime soda – sweet or salty. And if the feast turned out a bit too fiery for the palate, order a glass of soothing buttermilk.

Average bill – $25

Mecca Masjid (Makkah Masjid). Photo from https://www.facebook.com/tstdcofficial

Dating back to the 17th century, Mecca Masjid, or Makkah (as the locals call it), is not only one of the world’s largest mosques but also the oldest in India. The construction of this massive structure began in 1614 under the rule of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah but was completed after 80 years during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

This magnificent landmark can accommodate around 10,000 worshippers at one time and possesses 15 arches and pillars made using a single slab of black granite that required 1400 bulls to be delivered to the site. The central gate features bricks that were brought here from Mecca Madina in Saudi Arabia. Other highlighting factors include notable inscriptions from the Quran on the doors and roof of the main hall, a huge plaza complex, floral motifs and friezes, and a large man-made pool. There is also a prayer room that houses the hair of Prophet Muhammad.

If you fancy pan-Asian cuisine, HAIKU will become an ultimate love at first bite. The elegant settings promise an immersive experience: large wooden counters with beautiful ornaments created by nature, lush potted plants, light pastel shades, and watercolor murals. They have a no liquor policy, so sipping on a fizzy mix of Monkey 47 with tonic won’t be possible here. But the menu and flawless service are good enough reasons to choose a non-alcoholic evening.

Start by trying crispy Thai corn fritters, water chestnut in spicy sriracha sauce, or lotus stem in a tangy sauce. Next, move on to generously portioned citrusy lemongrass chicken, chili basil fish, fried squid with curry flakes, and flavorful chicken ramen. For the sweet indulgence, we recommend coconut tres leches and triple layered eggless chocolate mousse.

Average bill – $16

Nehru Zoological Park. Photo by Dennis Groom on Unsplash

One of the best zoos in Asia, Nehru Zoological Park, has been catering to the community for over 50 years and provides a wonderful blend of ecological programs, animal habitats, research facilities, and interactive activities. It is home to more than 1500 types of birds, creatures, and reptiles, including species, such as African elephants, peacocks, chimpanzees, rhinoceros, hyenas, deers, and tigers.

The major attraction here for visitors is the Lion Safari. People board a van fenced with iron and travel through an open jungle enclosure where they find themselves surrounded by lions, tigers, panthers, rhinos, wild oxen, etc. which roam freely in the area. If you prefer a less adventurous outing, just opt to rent a bicycle and ride along the trails, or take a boat tour in the Mir Alam Tank waterbody. India’s first butterfly park can also be found here at Nehru Zoo Park.

Exploring Nehru Zoo Park will surely help you build up an appetite, so satiate your hunger by visiting the Cascade restaurant for a lovely pan-Asian dinner. It offers an Indo-Chinese fusion cuisine with a little bit of Japanese flair added to it. The interiors are elegant and contemporary in ambiance, complete with rich carpeted flooring, a semi-open kitchen, oriental wall designs, hanging lantern lights, a dark color palette, and soft furnished orange-black sofa chairs.

Chef BabuRao commands the cooking team and presents a brilliant menu of exquisite delicacies made using the freshest ingredients. We recommend trying gastronomic delights, such as sliced beef tossed in chili garlic, crispy tempura prawns in honey chili sauce, Vietnamese basa cooked in ginger pepper sauce, spicy egg Hakka noodles served with butter garlic lobster, kung pao crab with fried rice, and chicken chow mein with crispy lamb honey soy. Pair your meal with their extensive drinks selections of beers, lemonades, classic cocktails, and young wines.

Average bill – $14 (without drinks)

Golconda Fort. Photo by Sai Smith on Unsplash

Situated in the western part of Hyderabad, a Medieval fortress called Golconda is a must-visit historical spot. Originally built of mud during the reign of Rajah (king) of Warangal, it later became the capital palace of the ruling Qutb Shahi dynasty and was fortified between the 14th and 17th centuries. Today, visitors can explore the marvelous remains of the mansion, mosques, a hilltop pavilion, and a bird’s eye view of the city.

Golconda also boasts four drawbridges, eight gateways, majestic halls, horse stables, and mounted cannons. The highlight of this monument is the outermost enclosure called Fateh Darwaza, meaning Victory Gate. It creates a unique acoustical effect, which is one of the many famous engineering marvels of the Fort. If a person claps their hand at a certain point, this sound can be heard at the hilltop pavilion which is located one kilometer away. This was used as a warning sign for inhabitants to know of any impending danger. The heritage structure is a testimony to Hyderabad’s glorious past.

After exploring the grandeur of Golconda Fort, head to the nearby Trident Hotel for a regal meal befitting a king. Kanak is a specialty North Indian restaurant serving Mughlai delicacies in a polished modern setting. The decor is lavish and inviting: Italian white marble flooring, high ceilings with crystal chandelier lights, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a semi-open kitchen, and leather-furnished chairs and sofas.

The culinary team under the guidance of Executive Chef Dharmendra Lamba creates a seasonal menu of traditional foods from the royal kitchen of India. Diners can relish scrumptious dishes like Sikander raan (whole leg of lamb roasted with spices), pan-fried kingfish in coconut curry with steamed rice, grilled pepper chicken skewers served with garlic naan, hara bhara kebab (potato and herb fritters) in yogurt dip, tandoori broccoli with mint chutney, and mushroom tikka masala with beans. Satisfy your sweet craving by treating yourself to gulab jamun with vanilla ice cream, rice pudding with cashew nuts, and sticky vermicelli noodles with maple syrup.

Average bill – $18

Apart from being the IT hub, Hyderabad is also one of the most royal destinations in India that showcases historic monuments, modern amenities, delicious food items, and amazing attractions. From the serene forts to the adventurous Ramoji Film City, visitors will find something to satiate the travel bug in them. And if the regal past becomes too much, you can always get back to reality by strolling the gargantuan IKEA mall. Just kidding, we assure, the city never comes across as boring.