THE HYDERABAD

If you haven’t yet uncovered all that it has to offer, we’ve picked ten of our favourite things to do in Hyderabad. From its ancient tombs and historic fort to its luxurious hotels – and its signature biryani – here’s what you shouldn’t dare miss.

Charminar

The Charminar is Hyderabad’s most iconic landmark .

A reminder of the city’s Qutb Shah legacy – one of two Muslim royal houses that once called Hyderabad home – the Charminar is one of the city’s most recognised landmarks. Dating all the way back to 1591, the monument and mosque is distinctive for its four soaring minarets.

Chowmahalla Palace

The terrain surrounding Hyderabad has long been famous for its diamond mines – the Hope Diamond is one of the most famous specimens to have been found in the area – and as such the city has a certain jewelled opulence about it. One of the best places to connect with its gilded past is the Chowmahalla Palace, an 18^th and 19^th century destination known for its magnificent courtyards (and crystal chandeliers).

Golkonda Fort

The sprawling Golkonda Fort is one of India’s architectural treasures .

One of the top things to do in Hyderabad? A daylong trip to the sprawling Golkonda Fort. Once the capital of the Qutb Shahi dynasty during the medieval era, and situated just west of the city centre, the fort complex is one of India’s prevailing architectural treasures.

Qutb Shahi Tombs

Located close to the Golkonda Fort, the Qutb Shahi Tombs serve as the final resting places for rulers of the medieval dynasty. The distinctively domed tombs (21 in total) are something to admire, as are the pretty gardens they’re housed in.

The Taj Falaknuma Palace

The Taj Falaknuma Palace makes for a gorgeous Hyderabad stay © Taj Hotels

Given the city’s royal pedigree, it’s only fitting to stay in a hotel of palatial proportions, a five-star stay that occupies the restored, 19^th century residence of the Nizam (a local monarch). Today, it offers all kinds of temptations, from its luxurious Jiva Spa to its fine-dining restaurants.

Laad Bazaar

Hyderabad’s bangle market is still one of its most famous shopping destinations (and has been since its founding during the Qutb Shahi era). Today, visitors pick up stacks of glittering bangles, as well as saris, fabrics, and other items of jewellery.

Paradise

One Hyderabad must? Indulging in some fragrant biryani.

Ask locals about the best things to do in Hyderabad, and they’ll undoubtedly encourage you to sample biryani, one of the city’s signatures. One of the top places to try it is the beloved , a Hyderbad institution dating back to 1953. They serve seven iterations of the dish here, all fragrant and beautifully prepared.

Lamakaan

Not all of Hyderabad’s cultural destinations date from centuries ago. For an experience of the city’s contemporary art scene, drop by an open cultural centre that hosts music and theatrical performances, debates and literary talks, as well as other inclusive events.

Buddha Statue of Hyderabad

The Buddha State of Hyderabad is certainly hard to miss.

Though Hyderabad’s population is largely split between Muslim and Hindu residents, the city’s Buddhist community is well represented by this soaring statue, cast out in the middle of the heart-shaped Hussain Sagar Lake. The tallest monolith of Gautama Buddha in the world, it can be accessed via frequent boat tours.

Salarjung Museum

One of the three National Museums of India, the  also happens to be one of the largest art museums in the world. Sourced from the private collection of the eponymous family, its exhibitions feature sculptures, paintings, and other artefacts sourced from across the globe.