Discovering Hyderabad in 3 Days

  1. Day 1: Charminar
    5.7 km (23 minutes) from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport

    Start your Hyderabad trip by visiting the iconic Charminar monument. Built by Quli Qutub Shah in 1591, it has become the symbol of Hyderabad. Take a moment to relish its beauty and history. You can also buy trinkets and bangles from the shops around the monument. Visit the stunning mosque on the first floor. Finally, head to the Laad Bazaar adjacent to Charminar. This bazaar is known for its traditional bangles, saris, and handicrafts.

  2. Day 2: Golconda Fort and Qutb Shahi Tombs
    15.9 km (29 minutes) from Charminar

    Start your day by visiting the majestic Golconda Fort, built by the Qutub Shahi Dynasty in the 16th century. The fort complex comprises four distinct forts with a 10-kilometer long boundary wall. The sound and light show in the evening is worth the wait. In the afternoon, head to the nearby Qutb Shahi Tombs, one of the largest royal necropolises in the world. The complex has 21 tombs, including those of Qutub Shahi rulers, built in a fusion of Persian and Indian styles.

  3. Day 3: Salarjung Museum and Chowmahalla Palace
    1.5 km (8 minutes) from Golconda Fort and Qutb Shahi Tombs

    Start your day with a visit to the Salarjung Museum, located near the Mini Tank Bund in Hyderabad. The museum houses over a million objects dating back to several centuries, including textiles, paintings, sculptures, and weapons. In the afternoon, head to the Chowmahalla Palace, located in the heart of Hyderabad. Built-in the 18th century, this palace used to be the seat of the Nizams of Hyderabad. The palace complex includes four distinct palaces, lush gardens, and a clock tower.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Charminar (1-2 hours, free entry)
  • Golconda Fort (2-3 hours, INR 15 for Indians and INR 200 for foreigners)
  • Qutb Shahi Tombs (1-2 hours, INR 10 for Indians and INR 100 for foreigners)
  • Salarjung Museum (3-4 hours, INR 15 for Indians and INR 400 for foreigners)
  • Chowmahalla Palace (1-2 hours, INR 80 for Indians and INR 200 for foreigners)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 120 for Indians and INR 900 for foreigners

Useful Tips

If you have more time in Hyderabad, head to Ramoji Film City, which is one of the largest film studios in the world. You can also visit the Birla Mandir, a stunning Hindu temple made of white marble, or take a stroll around the Hussain Sagar Lake in the evening.

If you have less time in Hyderabad, prioritize visiting the most iconic places- Charminar, Golconda Fort, and Salarjung Museum. You can also explore the nearby regions, such as the colonial-era Secunderabad or the IT hub of Gachibowli.

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