Begin your Hyderabad trip by immersing yourself in the city's rich history and culture at the Chowmahalla Palace. The 18th-century palace built by the Nizams, is filled with elaborate courtyards, grand halls, and fountains. Engage in a walking tour of the palace and learn about its significance, architecture, and royal lifestyle. Capture some mesmerising pictures around the lush gardens and soak up the serene environment. Next, head to the Golconda Fort, a 30-minute drive from the palace.
Explore the historic Golconda Fort, which dates back to the 12th century. Admire the striking architecture of the fort that once served as a seat of power for several dynasties. Climb up to the top of the fort to enjoy panoramic views of the city and snap some great pictures at sunset. After the fort visit, you can treat yourself to some local cuisine at the famous Paradise Biryani, 20 minutes away by car.
Dive into the city's food culture by trying their most popular dish, biryani, at the iconic Paradise Biryani. The restaurant is famous for its authentic Hyderabadi biryani that is a perfect blend of spices, herbs and tender meat. The restaurant also serves a host of delectable side dishes that can complement your meal. Wrap up your day with a visit to the Lumbini Park, a short 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
End your Day 1 sightseeing at the Lumbini Park. The park is tucked around the serene Hussain Sagar lake and is an ideal spot for relaxation. Take a boat ride to the Buddha Statue, a 16-meter high monolith, and learn about the Buddha's teachings. Don't forget to watch the famous musical fountain show that plays after sunset. Return to your hotel and rest after an eventful day.
Begin your second day with a visit to one of Hyderabad's most historic landmarks, the Charminar. The ancient monument built by the Qutub Shahis stands out for its grand architecture, intricate carvings and beautiful minarets. Take an elevator to the top of the monument and savour the spectacular view of the bustling streets surrounding the structure. After the Charminar visit, take a quick walking tour of the adjacent colourful market called the Laad Bazaar.
After visiting the crowded bazaar, cleanse your palette with some art and antiques at the Salar Jung Museum, a short ride away. The museum boasts the world's largest one-man antique collection, showcasing artefacts and collectibles from diverse eras, regions and cultures of the world. Stroll down the halls filled with paintings, sculptures, textiles, and furniture, and appreciate the artistry. End your visit with a snack break at the Taj Falaknuma Palace, a 30-minute drive from the museum.
End your day with a memorable dinner experience at the Taj Falaknuma Palace, a lavish heritage palace. Tuck into a delicious meal on a candlelit table in an unrivalled royal setting. The palace's signature dishes are a must-try. You can also opt for a guided tour of the palace's gardens and rooms where you can get a taste of the royal lifestyle of yore. Return to your hotel after a magical ensemble.
On your last day, experience Hyderabad's thriving film industry by visiting the Ramoji Film City, the world's largest film studio complex. Explore a wide array of themed movie sets ranging from ancient palaces to modern cityscapes. You might also catch a glimpse of a film shooting or meet a celebrity on the premises. The park also features several entertainment options like rides, games, and live performances. Return to your hotel and pack up. End the trip with a delicious final meal at the famous Hyderabadi Biryani House before heading to the airport.
If you have more time, consider adding the following attractions to the itinerary: Hussain Sagar Lake, Birla Mandir, Nehru Zoological Park, Chilkur Balaji Temple. If time is a constraint, delete the Ramoji Film City, as it requires some travelling. Also, avoid peak-hour traffic which usually happens from 9 am -11 am and 5 pm-8 pm.