Hyderabad is one of India’s top cities to visit, fusing the modern world’s dining, culture, and accommodation in banjera hills with historical depth spread throughout the city. Throughout both Hyderabad’s old and new cities sit some of India’s most iconic palaces, monuments, and temples that should make every India’s traveler’s itinerary.
Charminar – Located in the center of old city, Charminar, literally meaning ‘four towers’ is one of India’s most recognized monuments. A great example of Islamic architecture, Charminar literally translates to ‘four towers’, which indicates its most defining features as travelers approach. Once inside, the intricately designed engravings and decorations of this 1592 monument give visitors plenty more to feast their eyes on. Also, climbing the staircase to the overlook, locals and tourist alike are offered great views of the surrounding areas and shopping districts.
Mecca Masjid – Nearby Charminar sits Hyderabad’s oldest and one of India’s largest mosques, Mecca Masjid. Able to accommodate 10,000 worshipers at a time, this massive structure is especially unique because it is constructed out of dirt brought from Mecca. While this helped give the building its name, being built from Mecca’s dirt makes worshiping here as holy and important as worshiping in Mecca. Besides worship, another way to enjoy visiting Mecca Masjid is to feed the hundreds of pigeons and other birds that make this area their home – arrive before 7am to see the biggest flock.
Chowmahalla Palace – Just south of Mecca Masjid sits the Chowmahalla Palace, literally translated as ‘the Four Palaces Palace’. Taking over a hundred years between 1750 and 1869 to complete, the palace is now open to the public offering two courtyards, elaborately designed palaces, gardens, and the grand Khilwat. This is a great place to stroll through looking at the impressive construction and feeling the culture of India’s past. However, visitors can’t help but be impressed by the Durbar Hall, a room that sparkles with opulence as 19 chandeliers dazzle above a floor of marble, making this room recall the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles.
Birla Madir – Located in new city, one of the best places to overlook Hyderabad is from the top of the stunning white Birla Madir. The Birla Foundation built several temples throughout India, and this is one of the most striking, with over 2,000 tons of white marble used to shape this meditative hilltop site. From the overlook up top visitors are able to see nearly the entire city stretch out below, impressive to see throughout the day but especially pretty as the sun sets and the lights of the city come on. It is important to note that phones and cameras are prohibited in the temple, and, also, shoes need to be removed while visiting – making it easier to visit earlier in the day before the ground has had time to heat up.
Buddha at Hussain Sagar Lake – For a change of scenery, hop a boat ride out to the center of Hussain Sagar Lake and take in the world’s largest single stone statue of Buddha. Standing 18 meters high, this statue was placed in 1992 and sits in a small park dedicated to peace and perseverance. Also, for added cultural depth, the Hussain Sagar Lake is manmade from16th century.
This article was created by Vagabond3, and while it is sponsored, the thoughts expressed within are those of Vagabond3.com
