Chow Mohalla Palace
‘Chow’ means four in Urdu, signifying the number of palaces that are designed in Mogul and European styles of architecture. Built between1857-1869 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 NizamVI 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 décor, 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
Resplendent in a stunning fusion of Islamic & Rajputana styles of architecture with hints of Persian, Turkish and Greek art forms, these tombs are richly inlaid with semi-precious stones. The final resting place for the Paigah royalty who were related to the Nizams of Hyderabad by marriage, these tombs are built over an area of 30 acres. Located at Pisalbanda on the outskirts of the city, these structures are 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 valour and respected by the local population. This tomb built after his death in 1798, on a hillock at Saroonagar, is made of black granite and is conical in shape.
Sanghi Temple
This is actually a temple complex housing shrines of various Gods such as Vijaya Ganapathi, Lord Shiva & Goddess Shakti Swaroopini, Lord Venkateswara, Goddess Padmavathidevi, Lord Rama – Lakshmana – Sita Devi & Hanuman, Lord Kartikeya, Goddess Durga, Ashtalakshmi and the Navagraha Mandir. Located at Sanghi Nagar atop a hillock called Parmanand Giri, this site is 25 km away from Hyderabad.
IMAX
The Prasad’s multiplex or IMAX as it is popularly known, is a hot favourite destination for most of the Hyderabad film buffs. Housing 4 mini theatres and a giant screen IMAX, it also has a number of retail outlets of well known brands,f ood courts, video games and an adventure zone. Located adjacent to Hussain Sagar Lake, movies of all languages play to full-houses here.
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 th1906, this mosque has unique Hispanic (Moorish) style of architecture and is said to be one-of-its-kind in India. The stand-out feature are 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 onlookers imagination. ‘Bears 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 Garh Palace
Built in 1885 by the Paigah noble Sir Asman Jah, this palace derived its name Asman (Sky) (Garh) 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 archeological museum.
Chilkur Balaji Temple
Located on the banks of the Osman Sagar lake and dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, this temple is also known as Visa Balaji Mandiram. This is due to the popular belief that all those aspiring for a visa to the United States, will be blessed with success here. This famous temple is the only shrine in India, that does allow or accept cash donations from the devotees.
