OT Travel Itinerary: 3 Days In Hyderabad, The City Of Pearls

According to a recent survey conducted by MakeMyTrip, domestic destinations in India are attracting more searches this year than the previous year. The report titled "Summer Travel Trends" compared user activity from March to April in 2023 and 2024. The survey found that 20 Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, contributed to 45% of all travel searches in both years.

The capital city of Telangana, Hyderabad is renowned for its rich history, diverse cuisine, and various experiences. The city attracts tourists from all over the world. Hyderabad is renowned for its iconic landmarks, such as the Charminar and Golconda Fort, that narrate tales of the illustrious Nizams who once ruled here. Beyond its historical grandeur, Hyderabad is a bustling metropolis that embraces technology, gastronomic delights, and a vibrant arts scene. In 2022, Hyderabad won the prestigious 'World Green City Award 2022' at the International Association of Horticulture Producers (AIPH) award ceremony in Jeju, South Korea, where it competed against other international cities such as Paris, Bogota, Mexico City, Montreal, and Fortaleza in Brazil. If you are planning to spend a weekend in Hyderabad, you can follow a three-day itinerary that covers most of the amazing places to visit and things to do.

DAY 1

Chowmahalla Palace And Salar Jung Museum

Begin your day by admiring the stunning architectural intricacies of the Chowmahalla Palace. Constructed between the 18th and 19th centuries, this grand palace served as the centre of power for the Asaf Jahi dynasty. The palace's architecture is fashioned after the Shah's Palace in Tehran, Iran, and is an amazing example of diverse architectural influences blended seamlessly. The palace boasts two courtyards, each adorned with delightful gardens and impressive structures, all of which are truly awe-inspiring. More info on the palace website.

Address: 20-4-236, Moti Galli Rd, Khilwat, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002. Timings: 10am to 5pm

Next move on to the Salar Jung Museum, known for its vast and diverse collection of artifacts assembled by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, famously known as Salar Jung III. The museum showcases items from different civilisations and periods, ranging from the 2nd century BC to the early 20th century AD. It represents various cultures, including Greek, Roman, Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, Christian, and Islamic. The museum boasts an impressive collection of 43,000 art objects, 50,000 manuscripts, and books. More info on the website.

Address: Darulshifa, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002

Charminar

After a hearty lunch, head out to Charminar. Constructed by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the 5th sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty in 1591, the monument was built to celebrate the founding of Hyderabad and is a grand presence amidst the busy streets of the city. The name comes from the four-sided archway with minarets in each corner. The monument measures about 20 meters per side, with each minaret rising to a height of 24 meters and containing 149 circular steps. The area surrounding the Charminar is home to many colourful bazaars where visitors can find a variety of items such as lehengas, sarees, sherwanis, wedding suits, Hyderabadi khara dupattas, and pearls at affordable prices, especially the Barsa pearl embellished with gold.

Address: Charminar Rd, Char Kaman, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002

Check out Laad Bazaar, a famous market known for its exquisite bangles. Situated on one of four streets which branch out from the iconic Charminar, the market's name refers to the lacquer used to craft these beautiful bangles, which are adorned with artificial diamonds. Stretching over a kilometre, this bustling shopping lane has a variety of bangles, wedding items, saris and affordable jewellery on offer. Check here for our guide to the unique market.

Makkah Masjid

Next move on to this magnificent mosque, situated just two hundred yards from Charminar. It is one of the largest mosques in India and is modelled after the Grand Mosque in Mecca. It is believed that bricks from Mecca were used during its construction. The arched gallery of the mosque features the tombs of all the Nizams from 1803.

Hussain Sagar Lake

You can unwind in the evening at the Hussain Sagar Lake. This heart-shaped tourist attraction was constructed by an engineer named Hussain Shah Wahi during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah in 1562. In the centre of the lake stands a 16-meter-tall monolithic Buddha statue, crafted from white granite. A delightful promenade encircles the lake. The department of tourism provides regular boating services at this vast lake, which is considered one of the largest man-made lakes in Asia. Additionally, tourists are attracted to the cruise facility offered by the department of tourism. If you're an enthusiast of yachting and sailing, Hussain Sagar Lake has active clubs where you can be sure to indulge your passion.

DAY 2

Golconda Fort

Start your day early for a tour of a Hyderabadi gem. Located in the western part of Hyderabad, the famous Golconda Fort was originally known as Mankal and was built in 1143. It started as a mud fort under the rule of the Rajah of Warangal and was later fortified by the Bahmani Sultans and the Qutub Shahi dynasty between the 14th and 17th centuries. The inner fort contains the remains of palaces, mosques, and a hilltop pavilion that offers a view of other buildings. Check here for our guide.

Qutb Shahi Tombs

Located one kilometer north of Golconda Fort's Banjara Darwaza, they are marvels of architectural excellence that stand as reminders of the glory of Golconda kings who are buried at the same spot. Built by the Qutub Shahis, these tombs are considered among the oldest historical monuments of Hyderabad. An integrated conservation and landscape restoration project was undertaken at the Quli Qutb Shah Tomb complex by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture to merge responsible heritage conservation with sustainability. You can read more about it here.

Culinary Trails

Break for lunch and a memorable meal. From the coveted Hyderbadi biryani to decadent kebabs, the City of Nawabs is famous for more than just its architecture and diverse culture, it is known for its gastronomic prowess too. In fact, Hyderabad has been named as one of the Creative Cities by UNESCO in the gastronomy category. The city received this title not only for its delectable dishes but also for its homegrown ingredients and cooking techniques. Read more about the unique cuisine of Hyderabad here. Check here for a list of biryani places.

Falaknuma Palace

After lunch, visit the Falaknuma Palace, one of the most stunning baroque mansions in India. Initially, it was the residence of the Nizam family, but now it is under the management of the Taj group of hotels. You can have some tea or coffee while taking in the splendid architecture of the palace. The name 'Falaknuma' means 'mirror of the sky', and it was constructed in such a way that it appears to be floating in the clouds. The palace is located on top of the Kohetoor hill, which is approximately 2,000 feet above sea level. It took 10 years to complete the construction of this magnificent palace, which was eventually finished in 1894.

Address: Engine Bowli, Falaknuma, Hyderabad, Telangana 500053

A Memorable Dinner

Tucked away amidst verdant gardens, a majestic white edifice is home to the Jewel of Nizam eatery. Its enchanting ambiance seems to have been lifted straight out of a storybook. Located in the Golkonda Resort, Gandipet, Jewel of Nizam - The Minar is a sophisticated dining venue where you can relish the authentic and delectable Nizami cuisine, including Anokhi Kheer, Barkas Patthar Gosht, and Kacchi Dum Biryani. You can also sample the food at Paradise Food Court. Established in 1953, is renowned for its authentic Hyderabadi biryani, especially the mutton Hyderabadi dum biryani and supreme biryani. 

DAY 3

Ramoji Film City

Start your day early by visiting the famous Ramoji Film City, considered as the world's largest film studio complex and has been recognised by the Guinness World Records. This vast cinematic universe is located around 35km from Hyderabad and gives a deep insight into the Indian film industry. You can book a guided tour to explore the meticulously crafted movie sets, where you can walk through grand palaces, intricate streetscapes, and otherworldly landscapes. There are also various restaurants and eateries located throughout the premises, where visitors can indulge in a wide range of cuisines. Check here for our guide to Ramoji.

Address: Abdullahpurmet, Vijayawada Highway, Hyderabad, Telangana 501512

A Trail Of Rocks

The amazing rock formations of the Deccan are about 2,500 million years old. The stunning granite ridges, hillocks and boulder-strewn formations of the Deccan Plateau have faced thoughtless destruction over decades of reckless development. The award-winning Hyderabad-based Society to Save Rocks was registered in 1996 to protect these silent sentinels. Book a walkabout with them (saverocks.org) and join them on their popular Rock Walks to see overlooked treasures like the white quartz cliffs at Shamshabad, Baatasingaram near Ramoji Film City and Fakhruddingutta near Khajaguda.

Address: 1236, Road No. 60 Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad - 500 033, Telangana, India. Tel. No. +91 40 23552923

Shopping Binge

Reserve your last day to shop for souvenirs and gifts. From exquisite silver and metalware crafts to handwoven silks and lustrous pearls to biscuits from iconic bakeries, Hyderabad is a treasure trove for souvenir hunters. Check here for our guide to things to buy in Hyderabad and here for a list of markets to head out to for bargains.

Stays

In the realm of luxury accommodation in Hyderabad, the Taj Falaknuma Palace stands as a former Nizam palace offering a regal experience, while The Park Hyderabad, situated in the city centre, provides modern luxury with premium amenities and a vibrant nightlife. ITC Kakatiya, a part of the ITC luxury chain, offers a luxurious stay with top-notch facilities. The newly launched Leela Hyderabad offers exquisite accommodations in the heart of Banjara Hills while celebrating the city's rich legacy in its decor and hospitality. On the budget side, options include Hotel Geetanjali near the railway station, Hotel Megha City in Abids, OYO Rooms with various affordable accommodations, and the homely Rainbow Cottage near Golconda Fort. In the upscale category, the Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre focuses on sustainability, and Treebo Hotels emphasises eco-friendly and responsible tourism practices.

For those intending to fly in or out of Hyderabad's sprawling RGI Airport, Novotel Hyderabad Airport offers a smooth and seamless stay within the GMR premises itself. Bustling with aviators, the hotel not only offers comfortable stays and a stunning pool but also has a large farm on premise to support the demand for fresh ingredients in the kitchen. Under the guidance of Chef Amanna, the farm grows everything from spinach to passion fruit and is a highlight of the 15 year old property that is doing things differently now. The hotel has a check in kiosk at the reception and hourly shuttles free of cost to reach the airport at any time 24x7.

Getting There

If you're travelling by air, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport serves as a major gateway to the city, offering both domestic and international flights. You can also opt for the Indian Railways, with Hyderabad having multiple railway stations like Secunderabad and Hyderabad Deccan (Nampally), making it well-connected to many parts of the country. For those preferring road travel, a network of well-maintained national and state highways links Hyderabad to neighbouring cities and states.