2 Day Travel Guide for Hyderabad

Hyderabad, the ‘city of Nizams’ is a feast to the eye and yes, you guessed it, for the tummy! This city is steeped in history and is home to archaic monuments, bustling spice markets and sprawling palaces. In stark comparison to this, Hyderabad is also home to Hi-Tech city or Cyberabad, posh localities like Banjara Hills and Jubilee Park, and a plethora of multiplexes and malls.

The best time to visit Hyderabad would be during the months of December through February. The days are pretty dry and warm while the evenings are mild. Moreover, the famous Deccan Festival is held either in February or March and allows one to explore the city, its art, music, dance and yes, traditional cuisine.

Finding accommodation here is no big deal because of multiple budget accommodation options available in Hyderabad. The hotel I put up at serves complimentary breakfast and provides free WiFi and as well as branded toiletries. What more could one ask for? Well, getting to the most exciting part of my travels here’s what I did during my 2-day trip to Hyderabad.

Day 1

Charminar
Built in 1591, this mosque cum monument is synonymous with Hyderabad. Overlooking the famous Laad Bazaar, this imposing structure with its beautiful arches and a 48-metre tall minaret is a visual treat.

Things to do here –
● Explore the monument, click beautiful pictures.
● Savour delicious biryani and sip on Irani chai at the numerous stalls and shops around Charminar.

Laad Bazaar
One of the oldest bazaars in the city, Laad Bazaar is a tourist magnet in the city of Hyderabad. Also known as Choodi Bazaar, this place is a one-stop shopping destination for bangles made from lac, printed sarees and dresses, artificial jewellery and ornaments, and sarees that display fine zari work. Apart from the bangles and sarees, the aroma of delicious biryani and freshly-brewed Irani chai is sure to get to you.

Things to do 
● If you are travelling with your partner, be sure to plan a day of fun and shopping here.
● Take back a few sarees and boxes of bangles for your sister and friends.
● Gorge on delicious ‘Hyderabadi Biryani’.

Chowmahalla Palace
Built between 1857 and 1869, Chowmahalla Palace was the seat of power of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty. Awarded UNESCO’s Asia Pacific Merit Award in 2010, Chowmahalla Palace is a fine display of Persian, Indo-Saracenic, Rajasthani and European style of architecture and possess that glorious Nawabi charm only felt in Hyderabad.

Things to do here 
● Explore the sprawling complex that houses a number of fountains, a Clock Tower, lush gardens and important halls like Grand Khilwat (Durbar Hall) and Roshan Bangla.
● Put your camera to good use capturing the fine display of domes, arches and carved windows that don the facade of the palace.

Salar Jung Museum
Comprising 39 galleries, this museum houses sculptures made from bronze, wood and stone, historic manuscripts and miniature Indian paintings. The prized possession here is the ‘Veiled Rebecca’ a marvel by Benzoni, the famous 19th -century Italian sculptor. The treasures here were collected by Salar Jung III or as he is more famously known – Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, who was the Grand Vizier to the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad.

Things to do here –
● Explore the galleries, art and sculptures here.

Nimrah Cafe & Bakery

If you happen to pass by, do drop into Nimrah Cafe & Bakery for the best shortbreads, plum slices, Irani bread, fruit cakes and yes, the famous Irani chai.

Things to do here:
● The place is usually crowded but it’s worth waiting, considering the delicious baked goodies you get to gorge on.

Day 2

Golconda Fort

An archaeological marvel in Hyderabad that ought to make to the very top of your must-visit list. This fort with its sprawling compounds, towering walls and splendid interiors remind one of the royal and regal lifestyles of the Nizams.

Things to do here:

● Get a local guide to take you on a tour. There’s plenty of hidden treasures to uncover here
● Enjoy the light and sound show

I really liked Golconda Fort the most out of all the tourist attractions in Hyderabad. My hotel Treebo Fort Club was located nearby to Golconda fort, this helped me to get up and reach there early morning and spend my complete day at Golconda fort & Qutb Shahi tombs.

Qutb Shahi Tombs

Landscaped gardens and granite tombs adorned with domes, seven Qutb Shahi rulers were laid to rest here, along with family members, courtesans, quite a few physicians and those who were favoured by the royal family. There is an exhibition near the main gate that one should take a look at.

Things to do here:
● Explore and learn about the place. You can begin with the exhibition.

Sudha Cars Museum

Imagine cars shaped as cricket bats, lipsticks and computers! For this crazy collection head to Sudha Car Museum. This place is the pet project of car-enthusiast, K Sudhakar.

Things to do:
● Browse through a number of cars in ridiculous shapes you can ever imagine.

 
Shah Ghouse Cafe & Restaurant

True foods head to this place for a hearty meal. This no-frills restaurant is famous for its traditional food and during the month of Ramadan, people line up for their delicious ‘haleem’.

Things to do here –
● The biryani here is to die for. Wash it down with a glass of sinfully-rich lassi.

If you do have time, I would also suggest visiting Ramoji Film City. Certified by Guinness World Records as the largest film studio complex, a visit to the Ramoji Film City is a must when you are in Hyderabad. This place was built in 1996 under the leadership of Ramoji Rao.

Things to do here –
● Experience artificially stimulated earthquakes at Movie Magic Park.
● Take a tour of the various studios around the film city.
● Enjoy live shows.

With this two-day travel guide, your trip to Hyderabad is sure to be worthwhile. A word of advice, carry plenty of sunscreen lotion, shades, an umbrella and yes, don’t forget to sip on water every now and then. Now that you are all set, why wait? Visit Hyderabad this weekend!

P.S. This is a post by a traveler friend and the views are her own.