Places to see in Hyderabad

The city of smiles, Hyderabad, also known as the Pearl City, offers a plethora of places to see, ranging from lakes, parks, heritage monuments, museums, gardens and resorts, in addition to delightful shopping centers. Hyderabad is a rich mix of historical tradition and cultural heritage. A number of airlines operate flights to Hyderabad during weekends with added frequency and convenient flights during weekdays too. Some of the must visit places in Hyderabad include:

•    Charminar: Situated at the city’s center, this historical site is 46 meters high, built by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 AD. The monument stands as a symbol of communal harmony and brotherhood. Markets around the monument are very famous, and are a major center of attraction for tourists.

Charminar (Photo Courtesy:  http://www.cityhyd.info)

•    Nehru Zoological Park: This is a 380 acre zoo, located near the Mir Alam Tank, managed by the Andhra Pradesh Government. It houses more than 100 species of birds, animals and reptiles, including the Asiatic lion, gaur, Indian rhino, orangutan, crocodile, panther, python etc. Different breeds of owls, nocturnal birds, antelopes, deer and kangaroos also live here. There are artificially created embankments, which attract migratory birds too every year. You can also enjoy boat rides and ferry rides in the park.

Nehru Zoological Park: (Photo Courtesy: http://commons.wikimedia.org)

•    Mecca Masjid: This is one of the biggest and oldest mosques in India. This huge structure can accommodate around 10,000 people at a time. Built by Md. Quli Qutub Shah, this structure epitomizes  the rich architecture of his times.

Mecca Masjid (Photo Courtesy:  http://www.beautifulmosque.com)

•    Lakes: There are several lakes in the city too, including the Hussain Sagar Lake, Osman Sagar Lake, Himayat Sagar Lake, Mir Alam Tank, Shamirpet Lake, Secret Lake, etc. You could indulge in water sports or boating. These tourist spots are ideal for getaways, picnics and sightseeing.

Hussain Sagar Lake (Photo Courtesy:  http://www.indiantravels.com)

•    Ocean Park: This is a 20-acre gardened park situated at Gandipet. This amusement park features several pools and water slides, and is a major attraction during summer. Some amusement rides include super loop, cars, tora tora, roller coaster, slam bomb, swinging ship etc. Video games, trains and jet skiing are also famous. The park is open from 11 am to 8 pm, and entry fee is Rs. 100 for children, and Rs. 150 for adults.

Ocean Park (Photo Courtesy:  http://www.mapsofindia.com)

If you are contemplating a visit to Hyderabad, book one of those Hyderabad flights this vacation. And do not forget to mark these places on your itinerary because they are sure to make an indelible mark on your holiday memories! Other than these, there are several museums, temples, tombs, forts and palaces in Hyderabad to visit and make your trip worth the while and fun too!