Hyderabad on a Shoestring Budget: A 6-Day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Charminar
   20 minutes (6.5 km) from Hyderabad Railway Station

   Explore the iconic Charminar, a 16th-century mosque and monument located in the heart of Hyderabad's old city. Take in the bustling street markets surrounding the monument before climbing to the top for panoramic views of the city.

2. Day 2: Golkonda Fort and Qutb Shahi Tombs
   40 minutes (13 km) from Charminar

   Step back in time and explore the historic Golkonda Fort, an impressive 13th-century structure that was once a center of diamond trade. Discover the impressive sound and light show. Visit the nearby Qutb Shahi Tombs, a collection of beautiful, 16th-century tombs of the rulers of the Qutb Shahi dynasty.

3. Day 3: Birla Planetarium and Museums
   15 minutes (5 km) from Golkonda Fort and Qutb Shahi Tombs

   Explore the Birla Planetarium, which offers interactive exhibits and shows that introduce visitors to astronomy and space. Further discover the city's rich history, art, and culture at the nearby Salar Jung Museum and the Telangana State Museum

4. Day 4: Hussain Sagar Lake and Ramoji Film City (substitute if Ramoji is closed)
   20 minutes (7 km) from Birla Planetarium and Museums

   Enjoy a serene boat ride at Hussain Sagar Lake, a vast artificial lake that provides a quiet oasis in the midst of the bustling city. Head over to Ramoji Film City, a vast urban film studio with several indoor and outdoor sets that includes a train ride, bird park, and adventure park. Otherwise, if Ramoji is closed, substitute it with Nehru Zoological Park.

5. Day 5: Chowmahalla Palace and Laad Bazaar
   20 minutes (6.5 km) from Hussain Sagar Lake or Nehru Zoological Park

   Explore the grand Chowmahalla Palace, former residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad. Admire the palace's impressive collection of artwork, furniture, and vintage cars. Head over to the Laad Bazaar, a colorful market known for its array of jewelry, bangles, and other traditional handicrafts.

6. Day 6: Kutub Shahi Tombs and Lumbini Park
   30 minutes (10 km) from Chowmahalla Palace and Laad Bazaar

   Visit the serene Kutub Shahi Tombs, the burial ground of the Qutub Shahi dynasty rulers. Satisfy your cravings with the famous Hyderabadi biryani nearby at Shah Ghouse.Capping off your trip, take a relaxing evening stroll at Lumbini Park, offering gorgeous views of Hussain Sagar Lake and its statue of Buddha. You can also opt for the Laser Show.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Charminar (1-2 hours, Free)
• Golkonda Fort (2-3 hours, INR 20)
• Qutb Shahi Tombs (1-2 hours, INR 10)
• Birla Planetarium and Museums (2-3 hours, INR 100)
• Hussain Sagar Lake (1-2 hours, INR 25 for boat ride)
• Ramoji Film City (5-7 hours, INR 2,200)
• Nehru Zoological Park (3-4 hours, INR 50)
• Chowmahalla Palace (2-3 hours, INR 80)
• Laad Bazaar (1-2 hours, Free)
• Kutub Shahi Tombs (1-2 hours, INR 10)
• Lumbini Park (1-2 hours, INR 20)

Useful Tips

If you have more time to spare, consider taking day trips to nearby attractions like the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam or the Golconda Mines. If you have less time, you can reduce the number of museums and palaces you visit. Alternatively, if you are interested in shopping, you may want to spend more time in marketplaces like Laad Bazaar and Charminar.