There are many historical places in Hyderabad. All the historical sites in Hyderabad provide a glimpse into the past of Hyderabad and the people who lived in that era.
All these places are open to visitors all through the year. Most of these places were built during the Mughal period, and Hyderabad city served as the capital of the Mughals.
List of the Top 7 Historical Places In Hyderabad Are:
1. Charminar
The well-known Charminar of Hyderabad is situated in the Old City. It is a square-shaped structure with a height of 56 m and 30 m constructed in 1591. Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah built it. It has four towers in each corner. The pillars on each side consist of 48.7 m in height.
Charminar has a little mosque on the upper floor. You will find 45 prayer spaces that are still visited by people, especially on Fridays. Lighting in the evening is very glamorous and leaves for a value viewing site.
- Entry Fee: INR 15 for Indians, INR 200 for foreigners
- Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Highlights: An iconic monument of Hyderabad, Charminar is known for its beautiful architecture and bustling markets around it.
- Tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds. Don’t miss exploring Laad Bazaar nearby for traditional bangles and handicrafts. The area around Charminar can be quite busy, so be prepared for traffic.
2. Golconda Fort
It is located 11 km from Hyderabad. The Golconda Fort is well linked to the remaining part of the city. Its remarkable structure has royal walls that are as large as 15 to 18 feet. It has incredible architecture.
This fort captivates its customers with its acoustic water distribution system, ‘Rahban’ cannon, and Ramdas’ prison that has carved Hindu deity within it.
- Entry Fee: INR 25 for Indians, INR 300 for foreigners
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Highlights: This massive fort is famous for its acoustics, palaces, and the stunning view of Hyderabad from the top. The evening sound and light show adds to its charm.
- Tips: Wear comfortable shoes as there’s a lot of walking and climbing involved. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon, so you can stay for the evening sound and light show. Carry water and snacks as there are limited facilities inside the fort.
3. Birla Mandir
It was constructed in 1976. It is made up of 2000 tonnes of white marbles brought from Rajasthan. It is based on three famous architectural layouts – South Indian Architecture, Utkal temple Architecture, and Rajasthani Architecture.
This temple has an 11 ft. tall statue of Lord Lakshminarayana using a stunning lotus carved around it. It also has different shrines for deities like Venkateswara, ‘Padmavati’, and Andal’s too.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Highlights: This white marble temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara offers panoramic views of the city and a peaceful environment for meditation and prayer.
- Tips: Visit early in the morning or during sunset for the best views. Photography is not allowed inside the temple. It’s advisable to dress modestly out of respect for the religious site.
Read also: Plan Your September Road Trip from Hyderabad
4. Chowmahalla Palace
This palace was constructed in the 18th century. During the reign of Nizam, Afzal-Ud-Daulah, Asaf Jav V, from 1857 to 1869, the palace had been finished.
Initially, this palace has an area of 45 acres, but now it is 12 acres. The palace has two courtyards — the northern courtyard as well as the southern courtyard.
- Entry Fee: INR 80 for Indians, INR 200 for foreigners
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on Fridays)
- Highlights: Once the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, this palace is known for its grandeur and beautiful gardens. It’s a UNESCO Asia Pacific Merit award-winning site.
- Tips: Allocate at least a couple of hours to explore the palace thoroughly. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Photography is allowed, so don’t forget your camera.
5. Qutub Shahi Tombs
It is situated at a distance of 850 m from the Banjara Darwaza of Golconda Fort. This tomb presents the Persian and Indian structures. The Qutub Shahis constructed it.
It was built with grey granite in quadrangular arrangements with dome shape roofs ornamented with exquisite layouts. The backyard areas of the tombs are famous as picnic areas. These tombs are now also used for a Deccan festival by the State Government.
- Entry Fee: INR 10 for Indians, INR 100 for foreigners
- Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Highlights: These tombs are the resting place of the rulers of the Qutub Shahi dynasty and are known for their architectural beauty and historical significance.
- Tips: The site is relatively large, so plan for a relaxed visit. Early morning or late afternoon visits are best for photography. The tombs are surrounded by well-maintained gardens, making it a peaceful spot for a walk.
6. Salar Jung Museum
Salar Jung Museum is regarded as among the most significant past collections of Indian history. This museum has an impressive assortment of 43000 art items, 9000 manuscripts, and 47000 printed novels.
This museum has 38 galleries with 20 galleries on the 1st floor, whereas the remainder 18 galleries around the 2nd floor. Back in 1951, it had been opened to people, while in 1968, it was changed to its existing construction.
The artifacts of these museums are primarily gathered by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan (Salar Jung III) and Nawab Turab Ali Khan (Salar Jung I).
- Entry Fee: INR 20 for Indians, INR 500 for foreigners
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on Fridays)
- Highlights: One of the largest museums in India, it houses an extensive collection of art, antiques, and artifacts from around the world. The Veiled Rebecca and the musical clock are must-see exhibits.
- Tips: Allocate at least half a day to explore the museum, as it’s quite extensive. Weekdays are less crowded. Use the audio guide for a better understanding of the exhibits.
7. Purani Haveli
Purani Haveli is located in the Southeast of Afzal Gunj Bridge near Dewandevdi. In the 16th century, it had been used as the shuttle of Mir Momen, the Peshwa of Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah.
But later in the 18th century, it had been remodeled by Nizam III. It’s beautifully designed interiors, classic furniture, huge courtyards, and bedrooms with tiled, tiled walls and mosaic flooring.
There’s also a Nizam’s museum with a broad collection, a library, and Mukarram Jah Technical Institute within the U-shaped architecture at which the haveli is situated.
- Entry Fee: INR 20 for Indians, INR 150 for foreigners
- Timings: 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on Fridays)
- Highlights: This haveli is known for its long corridors, beautiful wooden furniture, and the world’s longest wardrobe. It also houses a museum displaying artifacts from the Nizam’s era.
- Tips: Visit in the morning to avoid the heat. Photography is allowed, but it may require an additional fee. Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Salar Jung Museum.
Conclusion
Hyderabad was also the capital of the British. Most of the old monuments in Hyderabad tell us about the glorious days of Mughal and British rule. One of the best ways to know about the historical roots of the place is to go on any of the heritage tours offered by the tourism authorities. While on a visit to any of the historical sites in Hyderabad, one will be amazed by the immense wealth of the various artifacts and paintings that tell us about the past.
Also read:
- Top 10 Resorts in Hyderabad for Family Trip
- 10 Popular Religious Places Near Hyderabad
- Hyderabad Nearby Hill Stations
- Weekend Getaways from Hyderabad
- Tourist Places Near Hyderabad within 100 km
- How many famous places are in Hyderabad?
- Hyderabad Famous Museums
- 10 Most Famous Temples of Telangana
- 100 Famous Tourist Places to Visit in India
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the most famous historical monuments in Hyderabad?
The most famous historical monuments in Hyderabad include Charminar, Golconda Fort, Qutub Shahi Tombs, Chowmahalla Palace, and Mecca Masjid. These sites are iconic and represent the rich history of the city.
2. What is the ancient name of Hyderabad?
The ancient name of Hyderabad is “Bhagyanagar,” named after Bhagmati, a queen associated with the city’s founder, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah.
3. Which are the must-visit historical places in Telangana?
Must-visit historical places in Telangana include the Warangal Fort, Kakatiya Kala Thoranam, Ramappa Temple, Bhongir Fort, and the Thousand Pillar Temple in Warangal. These sites showcase the region’s rich architectural heritage.
4. What are the famous temples in Hyderabad?
Famous temples in Hyderabad include Birla Mandir, Jagannath Temple, Chilkur Balaji Temple, and the ancient Yadagirigutta Temple located near the city. These temples are known for their spiritual significance and beautiful architecture.
5. Which historical monument is the most famous in Hyderabad?
The most famous historical monument in Hyderabad is the Charminar. It is an iconic symbol of the city and a popular tourist attraction, known for its stunning architecture and historical importance.
6. What are some important heritage sites in Telangana?
Important heritage sites in Telangana include the Ramappa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Warangal Fort, and the Kakatiya Kala Thoranam. These sites are significant for their cultural and historical value.
7. What is Golconda Fort known for?
Golconda Fort is known for its impressive architecture, acoustics, and rich history. It was once the capital of the Golconda Sultanate and is famous for its role in the diamond trade, particularly the Koh-i-Noor diamond.
8. Which historical places should I visit in Hyderabad for a cultural experience?
For a cultural experience, visit Charminar, Chowmahalla Palace, Salar Jung Museum, and the Qutub Shahi Tombs. These places offer a deep insight into Hyderabad’s history, art, and culture.
9. What is the significance of Warangal Fort?
Warangal Fort is significant for its historical and architectural value, particularly the Kakatiya Kala Thoranam (Warangal Gate), which is an emblem of the Kakatiya Dynasty’s glorious past.
10. What are the best times to visit these historical monuments in Telangana?
The best time to visit historical monuments in Telangana is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant for sightseeing.
