Charminar Built in 1591 by Muhammed Quli Qutub Shah as a talisman to stop a deadly epidemic, the Charminar offers a panoramic view of the city from its four (char) minarets that are about 49 m high. This mascot of the city was built, in an Arabic style of architecture, with lime and mortar. Within the Charminar is a mosque. A temple is at the base of one of its minars. Timings: 9.00 am - 5.30 pm (Open all days) Entry Fee: Rs. 5 for Indian Nationals, Rs. 100 for Foreign Nationals Video: Rs. 25 Contact: +91 40 24522990

Golconda Fort Originally a mud fort founded by the Kakatiya Kings of Warangal during the 13th century, Golconda attained glory under the Qutub Shahi dynasty (1518 to 1687). This is where the priceless Kohinoor diamond was found. One of the famous forts of India, an added attraction here is an enchanting sound & light show in the evenings. Timings: 10.00 am - 7.00 pm (Closed on Monday) Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for Indian Nationals, Rs. 100 for Foreign Nationals Video: Rs. 25 Contact: +91 40 23512401 Sound & Light Show: Timings: All days 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm Entry Fee: Rs. 40 Contact: +91 40 23451065, Salarjung Museum: +91 40 23453036

Pochampally Pristine environment, rustic beauty and wonderful weaves, thats Bhoodan Pochampalli for you. A centre of excellence for Ikkat (the art of 'tie and dye' in fabrics), which will cast its spell on you, this serene village is a wonderful getaway from urban lifestyles. Easily accessible and only 45 km from Hyderabad, it has many temples, a lake offering boat rides, 101 Darwaja House, Chenetra Gurukulam, Swami Ramananda Thirtha Rural Instititute and most importantly the Vinobha Mandir. Visit to relish the rural delicacies, also avail great bargains on sarees, fabrics, furnishings and handicrafts.

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Mecca Masjid Mecca Masjid owes its name to the presence of the bricks in the structure, which were brought from the holy city of Mecca. The second largest mosque in the country, it has within its periphery the graves of the families of Asaf Jahi kings. The stately architecture consists of single slab granite columns and five arches each on three sides. Construction started under the Qutub Shahi kings but was completed by Aurangazeeb in 1694. Timings: 8.00 am - 12.00 pm and 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm (Open all days) Contact: +91 40 24524023

Qutub Shahi Tombs Nowhere in history has an entire dynasty of rulers, been buried at a single site other than the Qutub Shahi Tombs. Just a km away from the Golconda Fort, the tombs were designed and commissioned by the Qutub Shahi rulers themselves. Built in an Indo-Persian style, the structures have a square base with domes that have pointed arches. Timings: 9.30 am - 6.30 pm Entry Fee: Rs. 10 to 20 for Indian Nationals, Rs. 100 for Foreign Nationals Contact: +91 40 23513410

Osmania University Indo-Saracenic in style with huge Moorish arches, the main block, the Arts College of Osmania University, is an amazing structure. The premier University of the state and one of the oldest (1918) in the country. The institution has been named after Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan. With flowing lawns and a picturesque landscape garden, the campus is surrounded by various colleges dedicated to different streams of education. A large library is housed in a stately building. Timings: 10.30 am - 5.00 pm (Open all days) Contact: +91 40 27098048

High Court Designed by Vincent Esch a British architect in a Mughal style, this stately structure was built in 1916, opposite the Osmania Hospital with the Musi River flowing in between. The red sandstone used gives it a solid indomitable appearance.

The Nizam's Museum A collection of the memorabilia, mementos and gifts presented to the last Nizam on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee Celebration are housed in the Nizam's Museum. It's located in the Purani Haveli, a 250 years old palace. The collection consists of the gold burnished throne used during the Silver Jubilee in 1937, gold model of the Jubilee Pavilion, a golden Tiffin box studded with precious stones and an excellent filigree of a mahout atop an elephant. Also on display are silver models of all the prominent buildings and 3 vintage cars, a 1930 Rolls Royce, a Packard, a Mark V Jaguar and various other antiques. Timings: 9.30 am - 4.30 pm (Closed on Friday) Entry Fee: Rs. 65 for Adults, Rs. 15 for Children Contact: +19 40 24521029

Salar Jung Museum The envy of global collectors, a treasure house of antiques and an amazing display of art - the Salar Jung Museum is the largest single man collection in the world. Compiled by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, the collection is mind boggling not only in number but also in the variety of items. Some of the unique items are, the Veiled Rebecca, Marguerite& Mephistopheles (a two sided sculpture), the Sword of Aurangazeeb, gem studded daggers of Emperors Jahangir & Shah Jahan and Queen Noor Jahan, etc. Timings: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm (Closed on Fridays & Public Holidays) Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for Indian Nationals, Rs. 150 for Foreign Nationals, Students with ID card are given 50% concession Contact: +91 40 24523211

Andhra Pradesh State Museum Predominantly consisting of a collection of Heritage and Historic significance, this museum contains a Buddhist gallery, Brahminical & Jain gallery, Ajanta gallery, Arms & Armoury gallery, Numismatics gallery, antiques, art objects, etc. This museum is adjacent to the Contemporary Art Museum, both are located in the Public Gardens. Timings: 10.30 am - 5.00 pm (Closed on Fridays) Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for Adult, Rs. 5 for Children Contact: +91 40 23232267

Public Gardens Locally known as the Bagh-E-Aam, the Public Gardens is located in the heart of Hyderabad. This popular park contains the State Legislative Assembly, Telugu Lalitha Kala Thoranam, Telugu University, Andhra Pradesh State Museum, Contemporary Art Museum, etc. Timings: 8.00 am - 8.00 pm A.P. Tourism operated pedal boats Contact: +91 40 23243842

Legislative Assembly Sparkling white, with a combination of Rajasthani and Persian architectural designs, the Legislative Assembly complex, is located beside the emerald green lawns of the Public Gardens. Originally known as the Hyderabad State Town Hall and built in 1913, the only addition has been the imposing bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Timings: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm (Closed on Mondays) Contact: +91 40 23232171

Birla Planetarium / Birla Science Museum Perched atop the Naubat Pahad, overlooking the Legislative Assembly, the Birla Planetarium is a favourite amongst lovers of astronomy. Equipped with advanced Japanese technology, the planetarium is the most modern and first of its kind in India. Adjoining the planetarium is the Science Museum, which showcases India's growing science and technological advancements. Birla Planetarium Timings: 11.30 am - 8.00 pm Entry Fee: Rs. 18 Shows: English - 11.30 am - 4.00 pm, 6.00 pm, Telugu - 12.15 pm, 3.00 pm, 5.00 pm, 6.45 pm, 8.15 pm, Hindi - 7.30 pm Contact: +91 40 23241604 Birla Science Museum Timings: 10.30 am - 8.00 pm Entry Fee: Rs. 15 Contact: +91 40 23235081

Birla Mandir Referred to as the mini Tirumala, the Birla Mandir is a pure white marble temple, dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara. Built on the Kala Pahad, overlooking the Hussainsagar Lake and visible from miles around, the temple seems to be a projection of heaven. Timings: 7.00 am - 12.00 pm an 2.00 pm - 9.00 pm Photography: Not allowed Contact: +91 40 23235308, 23233259

Hyderabad Botanical Garden The botany enthusiasts have something to boast about with Andhra Pradesh's first Botanical Gardens. Spread across 120 acres, this park will have large water bodies, sprawling meadows, green grasslands, dense forests and exciting rock formations. Envisioned to have 19 sectors, the first phase of 5 sectors is already open to the public, providing visitors an awe inspiring experience.

Lumbini Park A place for entertainment, the Lumbini Park is a kid's haven, and is located on the bank of the Hussainsagar Lake. The colourful Floral Clock and musically synchronized water fountain are spell-binding. The jetty here provides for various types of pleasure-boat riding. Laser Show Timings: Daily one show at 7.15 pm, Saturday & Sunday at 7.15 pm and 8.30 pm Contact: +91 40 2345301

NTR Gardens Set on 36 acres of lush landscapes this is a memorial (Samadhi) in honour of Late N.T Rama Rao, a dynamic personality and Andhra Pradesh's most charismatic Chief Minister. Being one of the most visited spots, with serene ambience and recreational facilities, NTR Gardens overlooks the Hussainsagar Lake. A monorail train regales visitors with glimpses of the Machan (tree house), Japanese Garden, Car Café, Souvenir shops, Fruit Restaurant and children playing area, that are a part of this park. Timings: 2.30 am - 9.00 pm Contact: +91 40 234503035

Hussainsagar Lake Set in-between the twin-cities, with one of the world's tallest monolithic statues of Buddha in the middle, the Hussainsagar is a picturesque man-made lake. Created by Hussain Shah Wali, during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah in 1562, the lake has facilities for speed boats, a huge 48 seated launch with starlit onboard dining and provision for private parties. Boating Fee: Rs. 30 for Adults, Rs. 20 for Children Speed Boat Fee: 4 persons, Rs. 160 Water Scooter Fee: Rs. 60 Per trip Contact: +91 40 23453315

Osmansagar Lake Popularly known as Gandipet, the most sought after picnic-spot, Osmansagar Lake is a drinking water reservoir for Hyderabad. Created by a dam across the Isa, a tributary of the River Musi, the lake overlooks the heritage Sagar Mahal resort.

Shamirpet Soothing environs, comfortable cottages, a serene lake abutting a deer park, Shamirpet is an ideal getaway because of its proximity to the city that’s just 24 km away. Contact: +91 40 292844510, 292844520, +91 8418 244510

Nehru Zoological Park Home for around 3000 animals, birds and reptiles, the Nehru Zoological Park is spread across 300 acres of verdant greenery, with 250 species living in conditions resembling their natural habitat. The biggest zoo in India, also the first to create moats around enclosures, the park has a Lion Safari, Natural History Museum, a children's train, and APTDC maintained Haritha Restaurant. Timings: 8.30 am - 5.30 pm (Closed on Monday) Entry Fee: Rs. 25 for Adults, Rs. 15 for Children Contact: +91 40 24477355

KBR National Park With over 100 species of birds, 20 species of reptiles, and 15 species of butterflies, KBR National Park is one of the city’s largest parks. The area is a Southern tropical deciduous forest and representation of the endemic flora of the Hyderabad region.

Mrugavani National Park (Chilkur) An urban refuge for small mammals such a Wild Boar, Jungle Cat and birds, containing the endemic flora of Hyderabad, the parks offers quietude and is just 25 km from Hyderabad.

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park Sheltering 350 Blackbucks, 400 Cheetal, Wild Boar, small mammals, reptiles and over 50 species of birds, this park is a good location to spend a day off being only 15 km from Hyderabad.

HITEC City The modern technology hub of Hyderabad, a zone for IT/ITES MNCs, HITEC City is situated at Cyberabad. This area with its towering, spacious office spaces is the face of modern Hyderabad.

Ocean Park A dream destination for all those with an affinity for water, Ocean Park offers wholesome entertainment. A multi-cuisine restaurant serves piping hot dishes to the ravenously hungry after a gala time in the pool, amusement rides, water rides, etc. Spread over 20 acres, Ocean Park is located at Gandipet just 15 km from Hyderabad.

Snow World Offering the 'thrill of the chill', Snow world is India's first Snow Theme Park. It is also the first in the world to introduce the Snow Fall concept. With the temperature being minus 50°C, the ambience fulfills the dreams of visitors who have always wanted to slide and skate on ice. Thermal clothing is provided to all visitors. Snow World is located near Hussain Sagar Lake.

Treasure Island The wide variety of leisure and fun oriented activities offered here definitely suit the name 'Treasure Island'. Horse riding, disco-dancing, go-karting, indoor games, swimming, etc, ensure that memories of this entertainment zone are treasured forever. This holiday spot offers night stay, but only to members.

Dhola-ri-Dhani For those who like the desert experience, Dhola-ri-Dhani is the right place that offers a rustic and ethnic charm of a typical Rajasthani Village. The thrills of the desert include sumptuous dining, camel rides, puppet shows, folk dances, etc. Entertainment programmes in an amphitheatre, conferencing facilities, a lake for boating, a swimming pool and over night staying facilities are available here. This theme resort is located at Kompally on the Medchal road just outside Secunderabad.

Pragati Green Meadows & Resorts For those wanting to enjoy facilities such as swimming pool ,boat rides, children's park, coffee & snack bar, restaurant, conference hall, fully furnished cottages for an overnight stay, the best choice would be Pragati Resorts. Just an hours drive away from Hyderabad, this 26-acre resort has sprawling lush landscape and offers a complete range of Ayurvedic treatments & medicines. Pragati Sparsh, the wellness wing of the this resort has been set-up in association with Santigiri Ashram of Kerala in coordination with APTDC.

Boulder Hills Golf & Country Boulder Hills Golf and Country Club is a world-class leisure and residential community spread out over approximately 531 sprawling acres. It has been envisioned as a complete, self-contained township spread around an 18-hole championship golf course where every home is designed to the most demanding international standards.

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Celebrity Club A favourite family entertainment centre, Celebrity Club offers facilities such as barbecue, bar, restaurant, swimming pool, golf course, horse riding and video games. Located in the outskirts of Hyderabad, this resort has luxury cottages amidst landscaped gardens.

Golkonda Resorts & Spa With 44 well appointed luxury villas that are centrally air-conditioned with 24x7 room service, hot and cold water, and wi-fi connectivity, the Golkonda Resorts & Spa is an excellent weekend getaway. Set over 12 acres, it offers club cars to explore the area, extensive banqueting & conferencing facilities, restaurants and bar.

Leo Meridian Resort The Leo Meridian Resort is in a league of its own. With a spa, fitness & salon facility, an ultra modern 350-seat cinema & sports complex and 28 state-of-the-art conference & convention facilities, you won't find anything like this in Hyderabad. And to top it all , the 82 ultra-luxury rooms and 6 suites fulfill the needs of all those seeking a luxurious resort.

Mount Opera This is another multi-theme park which offers special customised packages for corporates and NRIs. Spread over 50 acres, Mount Opera offers a variety of entertainment and leisure activities at a serene location outside the city.

Alankrita – The Ethnic Resorts Ambience of an heritage site, convenience of a 4-star hotel and an ethnic showpiece - all rolled in one smart package that's called Alankrita. Air-conditioned cottages, meditation centre, restaurant, an antiques shop, exhibition hall, a covered swimming pool for 24x7 use, dance floor, walkway and a sprawling 3000-seat open air theater, all this located just 16 km from Hyderabad. Can one ask for more?

Lahari Resorts Lahari is well equipped with both entertainment as well as leisure activities for all ages. The resort boasts of an International Standard Cricket Stadium, Bowling Alley, Snooker and Billiards, Paint Ball, Beach Volleyball & Gaming Arcade for children.

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Dream Valley Resorts Amongst the first resorts of Hyderabad, Dream Valley Resorts offers the luxury of a 9-hole golf course, a go-karting track, water slide, cascading waterfalls, water squirts, and excellent dining facilities. This resort is located in the vicinity of Gandipet Lake.

Ramoji Film City Welcome to the awe-inspiring world of celluloid fantasies that exposes you to different environments and sets used for film making. This is the world's largest integrated film studio complex and one of Asia's most popular tourism and recreation centers. Spread over 1666 acres, it has hotels, restaurants, and guest rooms to accommodate artistes, technicians and visitors. One can be a part of the well organized package tours that take you all over the premises.

Chow Mohalla Palace 'Chow' means 4 in Urdu, signifying the number of palaces that are designed in Mogul and European styles of architecture. Built between 1857-1869 in several phases by the Nizams, these palaces offer a glimpse of the royal lifestyles. Three of these palaces are single storeyed whilst the main palace is a double storeyed structure.

Falaknuma Palace Built in 1892 by the Paigah noble Nawab Vicar Ul Umra, this majestic structure was later purchased by the Nizam VI in 1897. Designed in the shape of a Scorpion with 2 stings by an Italian architect, it is located on a hill at a height of 2000 ft. Louis XIV style of decor, stained glass windows, ornate fountains and marble staircases adorn this magnificent palace. Showcased here are a collection of paintings, Jade artifacts, statues, rare manuscripts, books and antique furniture.

Mir Alam Tank Located within the Nehru Zoological Park, the Mir Alam Tank was once a source of drinking water to parts of the old city of Hyderabad. Now, the A.P Tourism Department operates boat rides that are a favourite to the visitors of the zoo.

Durgam Cheruvu Because of its hidden location amidst hills, Durgam Cheruvu is also called the 'Secret Lake'. Situated in the Jubilee Hills area, close to Shilparamam and HITEC City, this lake is a favourite spot for the youth of Hyderabad. If there is 'Something Fishy' it must be the name of the bar here.

Finjaan Finjaan is the first exclusive 'Tea house' of Hyderabad. The name Finjaan means 'a cup without a handle', but for its visitors, it's the cup of joy. Situated at Tolichowki, this unique beverage centre serves 36 different types of tea from across the world. Visit this tea house, for its sheer variety of flavours.

Sudhakar Car Museum Shoe car, Brinjal car, Burger car, Camera car, etc, can be found at this one-of-its-kind Car Museum located at Bahadurpura. With more than 80 models of cars and motorcycles, the museum is a must-see for automobile lovers.

Cinema Ghar (M.F. Hussain's Museum) This museum at Banjara Hills, was set up by M.F Hussain at Banjara Hills to restore the Yakshagan tradition. This institution is a tribute to the glory of Indian cinema and also houses some of Hussain's paintings. Also on display are a collection of books on subjects of art and films. A must-see for art lovers and film buffs.

Paigah Tombs A stunning fusion of Islamic & Rajputana styles of architecture with hints of Persian, Turkish and Greek art forms, these are the tombs of the several generations of the Paigah nobles. Located at Pisalbanda on the outskirts of the Hyderabad, these structures, spread over 30 acres, are unique specimens of extraordinary workmanship that is clearly visible in the wonderfully inlaid mosaic work and is compared to the Taj Mahal for the sheer splendour of artistry in white marble.

Raymonds Tomb General Michel Joachim Marie Raymond served as the Commander for the 19,000 strong Nizams army. Having come to Hyderabad in 1786 A.D, he was greatly admired for his gallantry. This tomb was built after his death in 1798, on a hillock at Saroonagar.

Sanghi Temple This beautiful temple is located in Sanghi Nagar, about 25 km from Hyderabad. The 15 feet Raja Gopuram can be seen from several kilometers away. This beautiful temple complex atop the hillock Paramanand Giri beckons the faithful devotees who seek God's infinite blessings. The aura of divinity and the verdant slope around the temple complex is panoramic and breathtaking. This temple has shines of several Hindu Gods, with Lord Venkateswara being the presiding deity, in the sanctum sanctorum at the centre of the complex. The idol is 9½ feet tall and resembles the deity at Tirumala. There is a special garden where all the exotic flowers, for daily rituals of the Gods, are grown.

IMAX South India's first family entertainment destination, PRASAD is home to the world's largest movie screen - IMAX. With a range of entertainment options present here, the place is a must visit for every fun lover. Located close to several gardens and the beautiful Hussain Sagar Lake, PRASADS with its five mini theatres, a giant screen, food courts, retail outlets and a gaming zone will keep you engaged for hours together. Ways to enjoy are so many that you will certainly make a second trip here if not more.

Eat Street This is another favourite spot for the youth when it comes to dating and dining. With a number of food stalls offering a wide range of sumptuous cuisine, Eat Street is located on the Necklace Road, the most happening place of Hyderabad.

Runway 9 Even though it is a family entertainment and adventure zone, Runway 9 also caters to corporate get-togethers , dance parties and rock shows. Located at Kompally on the Medchal road, this place also boasts of a state-of-the-art Go-karting track which is 711 metres long and of international standards. Situated 20 km from Hyderabad it offers Laser Combat, Shooting, Archery, Pool Tables, Rock climbing, etc.

Hayath Bakshi Begum Mosque This mosque was built in honour of Hatath Bakshi Begum after her death in 1666. She was the daughter of the 5th Qutub Shahi king and the wife of the 6th Qutub Sahahi ruler. This mosque at Hayathnagar with 5 double arches and 2 majestic minarets had scores of rooms for travellers to rest. It also housed the 'Haathi Bowli' (Elephant Well) where water was drawn by elephants.

Ujjaini Mahankali Temple This temple dedicated Goddess Mahankali, built in 1815 at Secunderabad, has a marble idol of the deity. The centre of the annual Mahankali Jatra (also called Lashkar Bonalu), held every year in July, this temple draws lakhs of devotees during this festival from all over the surrounding towns and villages.

Trimulgherry Church Built in 1869, this church is also known as the All Saints Church. Located in the cantonment limits of Secunderabad, this structure has high steeples and an imposing belfry. This shrine is maintained by the Church of South India, which is a part of the Church of England.

Spanish Mosque The Jama Masjid Iqbal-ul-Dowla at Begumpet, is also known as the Mosque of the Moors. Built in 1906, this mosque has unique Hispanic (Moorish) style of architecture and is said to be one-of-its-kind in India. The stand-out feature is the spires instead of the usual minarets or domes, that give this mosque a church like appearance.

Rock Formations and Rock Tours With rock formations that are said to be 2,500 millions years old, the granite ridges and hillocks of Hyderabad are amongst the hardest and oldest in the world. These natural monuments offer picturesque beauty and come in various shapes & forms which are limited only by the onlooker's imagination. 'Bear's Nose', 'Mushroom Rock', 'Cliff Rock', 'Monster Rock', 'Tortoise Rock', etc are names of these natural beauties. These formations can be found in the Central University Campus, around HITEC CITY, Old Bombay Road, near Gachibowli, near Nandi Hills, close to Durgam Cheruvu, Mahendra Hills, etc. The Society to Save Rocks formed in 1992, conducts Rock Walks and Rock Excursions regularly to create awareness and also identify new rockscapes.

City College Located near the Muslim Jung Bridge across River Musi, this college was built by the Nizam VII in 1929. With more than 100 rooms and several spacious verandas, this 2 storeyed structure has identical facades on both the Eastern and Western sides. The 'Greater Hall' here can accommodate 1000 people.

Asman Ghar Palace Built in 1885 by the Paigah noble Sir Asman Jah, this palace derived its name Asman (sky) Ghar home, because of it being located at a height on a hillock. This castle like structure with granite turrets and arched windows has been designed in the Gothic style of architecture, and at present houses an archaeological museum.

Chilkur Balaji Temple Located in Chilukur, about 33 kms from Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad this temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. Also known as 'Visa' Balaji due to the popular belief that He grants a visa to those who wish to go to the USA. This famous temple is the only shrine in India, that does not allow or accept cash donations from the devotees.