36 hours in Hyderabad

Hyderabad is known countrywide for its delicious spicy food, particularly biryani. It was also home to Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII, who was the richest man in the world during the early 1900s.  If you have 36 hours to spare in Hyderabad, be prepared to have a packed agenda. Here are the must-dos:

Charminar and Chudi bazaar - Iconic landmark of Hyderabad, Charminar (literally translates to four towers) was built in 1591 by the 5th ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah. At night, this symbol of the elimination of a plague epidemic from the city is beautifully lit, but you can enjoy it just as well during the day.

Charminar, Hyderabad

Around the Charminar, at the heart of Hyderabad's charming old city are finger-licking good biryani and kebab joints, a heaven for any non-vegetarian. And for the shopaholics, Chudi bazaar and Laad bazaar are right around the corner. Known to have a large variety of colorful bangles and pearls, this place is usually teeming with people. Altogether, some great photo opportunities. This will take up at least 2 to 3 hours of your day.

Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad (Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

Mecca Masjid - Opened in 1694, this is one of the oldest mosques in Hyderabad and one of the biggest in the country. 

Golconda Fort, Hyderabad (Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

Golconda Fort - Built during the reign of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty, these ruins offer a fantastic view of the entire city that was ruled by this dynasty before the British Raj. A great spot for a family outing, you will surely spend half a day here. And while you're at Golconda, make a small detour to check out the Qutb Shahi tombs, only a kilometre away. 

Salar Jung museum - One of the three national museums in India, Salar Jung museum has a collection to die for.

Salar Jung museum, Hyderabad  (Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

Nizam's Palace - For a glimpse of the wealth of Hyderabad, one must go to the Nizam's Palace and see the immense wardrobes, the artifacts and other possessions the Nizams had.

Nizam's Chowmahalla Palace Hyderabad (Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

Hussain Sagar Lake - This man made lake hosts many sailing competitions, and has an amusement park at the water's edge. Pit stop at eat street along the water for a quick bite.

Hussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad

Satisfy your taste buds by stopping at Paradise for Hyderabad's best biryani! Make your way to this city around Ramzaan and try the Haleem that's available at Pista house. Visit Famous Ice Cream for something to cool you down. 

With so much to do, all that's left to do is hop on a flight to Hyderabad, be amazed by one of the best international airports in the country - the Rajiv Gandhi international airport, and have a great time!