Hyderabad in Southern India is a remarkably modern city, as it has become the headquarters for the India component of Microsoft and Google and has earned itself the nickname Cyberabad. However, underneath the glimmering glass facades of the office buildings and the scaffolds of new construction, the ancient city still waits for the inquisitive traveller.
Although the city of Hyderabad is only 500 years old, there have been archaeological findings on the site that date back to 500 BC. Most of the historical places of interest in Hyderabad are located in the Old City.
If you are interested in taking a glimpse back into Hyderabad’s past, here are a few historical places to explore in the Old City of Hyderabad:
Charminar
This iconic building is one of the most well recognized structures in the city of Hyderabad. Its four impressive minarets tower 48.7m high into the sky. This is where Quli Qutb Shah famously prayed for the epidemic of plague to finally end. You can enjoy the view from the top of the minarets, where you can get a panoramic look across Hyderabad city.
Mecca Masjid
Mecca Masjid is among the oldest mosques in Hyderabad, and it has a very impressive structure with large entrance arches carved from one slab of pure granite, stately minarets and a broad front courtyard with dramatic steps. The view is even more impressive when you venture inside and observe the 75 foot high ceiling and enormous worship space inside.
Golconda Fort
At one time, this fort was the capital of the Qutb Shahi kingdom. It was the central location for a very lucrative diamond trade in the 16th century, and this fort has many fascinating stories in its history. There are many local guides at the entrance who will be willing to take you on a tour and tell you more about the history, so many sure that you choose one who seems to know his stuff. You can also watch a sound and light show here at Golconda Fort in the evenings after sunset that will tell you more about the history of the fort.
Salar Jung Museum
If you would like to learn even more about the history of this region, take a look at the Salar Jung Museum. The collection was once owned by the Salar Jungs, the Prime Ministers of Hyderabad, and includes articles from all the way back to medieval times. If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the Nizam jewellery which is only displayed on special occasions.
Getting There
The brand new Rajiv Ghandi International Airport located 22 km from Hyderabad is one of the best aviation facilities in India. Direct international connections are available from many countries all over the world, and several international airline carriers operate from Hyderabad.
Have fun exploring the historical sights of the Old City in Hyderabad!
About the author
Simon Grant blogs about his travels on Time To Wander and adored Hyderabad and will have to book his returning flights to India as soon as possible.
By Olivia GrilHey Folks! I'm Olivia from California, United States. I'm a blogger, travel lover, I can travel anywhere, whether it's a new place or already visited. I love meeting new people, clicking photos of every movement, and documenting my adventure. I also, write about travel, travel movies, the best places to visit, etc. Read my stories.
