Located on the banks of River Krishna, Mallikaarjunam Jyotirling is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is believed that a visit to Mallikarjunam Jyotirlinga can wash away all sins and bring peace and prosperity to one's life. The temple has four entrances, each representing the four cardinal directions. The morning darshan starts at 5:30 AM and goes on till 12:30 PM. Afternoon darshan starts at 1:00 PM and goes on till 6:30 PM. Do not miss the evening aarti at 7:00 PM, which is a delight to watch. The temple premises have many small shops that sell souvenirs, prasad, and other religious items.
Charminar, a 400-year old monument, is a perfect example of the Indo-Islamic architecture. It was built by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 to commemorate the end of the plague epidemic in the city. The monument has four arches facing each cardinal direction, each leading to a winding staircase to the top. The view from the top is breathtaking, and the cool breeze is a welcome relief in the scorching Hyderabad heat. The morning is the best time to visit as the crowds are thin and the air is cooler. Do not forget to try the famous Hyderabadi biryani, which is available in abundance around the Charminar area.
If you have an extra day, do visit the nearby city of Gulbarga, which is famous for its historical monuments, including the Gulbarga Fort and the Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah. Additionally, you can also take a detour to the Srisailam Dam, which is located about 100 km from Mallikaarjunam Jyotirling. The dam offers a perfect picnic spot with beautiful views of the river.