Hyderabad is the capital of Telangana in Southern India, located on the banks of the Musi River and on the Deccan Plateau. Hyderabad and Secunderabad are known as the “twin cities" and are located near Hussain Sagar Lake. Many of the suburbs of Hyderabad were recently merged into the city now called Greater Hyderabad. There are a lot of attractions in the Old City but there is much more to be seen outside of it and it has a very rich history and traditions, with Islamic influences. The well-known Kohinoor Diamond has its origin here and was taken from India by the British.
Hyderabad is also known as the City of Pearls for its wide variety of pearls manufactured and sold here. It is also well known for its biryani and has at least 140 different varieties of the tasty dish that you can try. Hyderabad has a tropical climate and the best time to visit is between November and February. Here are some of the most romantic places to visit in Hyderabad.
1. Hussain Sagar Lake
Hussain Sagar Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region and is situated in the heart of Hyderabad. It is also one of the largest man-made lakes in Asia. It is a heart-shaped lake, with open spaces on all its four sides and a green stretch in the middle. It derives its name from the Sufi Saint Hussain Shah, who built the lake nearly 446 years ago. An 18-metre (59.1-foot) high, 450-tonne (408,233.1-kilogram) monolithic statue of Lord Buddha made of white granite is situated in the centre of the lake, making it a prominent tourist hotspot.
The lake is famous for a variety of water sports activities, which include boating, sailing and yachting. It also has speedboats and motorboats for tourists, which are available for private parties and leisure cruises. Lumbini Park and Birla Mandir, which are close to the lake, are also very popular tourist destinations and worth a visit. The lake is declared as the ‘Heart of the World’ by the UNWTO. It is well connected, easily accessible by road and open on all days between 8 am and 10 pm.
2. Air Cafe Lounge
The Air Cafe Lounge is a lounge and bar located in the posh Jubilee Hills area of Hyderabad. It is a very elegant and welcoming retreat with a beautiful outdoor seating area, where you can dine during the late evening hours and enjoy the beautiful view of the city. The interiors of the lounge are done up in soft lighting and the decor is warm and welcoming. Air Cafe Lounge also offers live music for its guests. You can enjoy continental, Italian, Chinese and North Indian cuisine here, along with a drink of your choice. A variety of drinks and wine from all over the world are available here and it is the perfect place to unwind and relax. Air Care is open from 5.00 pm to 11.30 pm and provides valet parking.
3. Taramati Baradari
Taramati Baradari is located in Ibrahimbagh, on Gandipet Road, in Hyderabad. It is one of the most popular monuments in the city and was built on the banks of the Musi River during the reign of Ibrahim Qutub Shah. There are romantic tales linked with this monument. It is believed that the then Sultan used to hear the voice of Taramati, a courtesan who sang for travellers, while he was in Golconda Fort, which was two kilometres (1.2 miles) away. Another story talks of two dancing sisters, Taramati and Premamati, who danced on the balcony of King Abdulla Qutub Shah. They were later buried in the Royal cemetery of the Qutub Shahi Kings.
The monument has 12 entrances and one can enter through any of them. There are many modern amenities outside the monument, like an open-air 1,600 seat auditorium, restaurants and food courts, providing all kinds of local and international cuisine. You can even spend a night in the hotels here. The Taramati Baradari monument is open from morning till late evening. Entry is free of charge but you have to pay for the other amenities here, like the theatre, pool and gym. You can also visit the Qutub Shahi tombs and Golconda Fort while here, which are both nearby.
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4. O2 Spa
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The O2 Spa is regarded as the best spa in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, offering a wide range of spa, massage and salon services, including body massages, body wraps, scrubs and more for both men and women. The O2 Spa has a charm of its own and the services offered here are highly recommended. The prices are reasonable and they also have tempting offers from time to time, so book an appointment to have a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
5. Choodi Bazaar
Choodi Bazaar or Laad Bazaar is one of the most ancient and famous markets in Hyderabad. It is also known as the “Street of Bangles”, where women can shop for dazzling bangles in a vast variety of design and colour. It is located close to the Charminar, which is also a famous historical monument in Hyderabad. The market was named after Ladli Begum, the wife of Nizam Mir Mehboob Khan, of Hyderabad. It is most famous for its Lac bangles, studded with glass mirrors and colourful stones.
The best season to shop for bangles here is during the Ramadan season, which is the festive season for Muslims. But, people of all religions shop here, as there is also fabric, sarees, perfumes and other accessories available here at reasonable prices. The shops are open from morning till late evening, except on Sunday, which is the weekly holiday.
6. Shamirpet Lake
Shamirpet Lake is another beautiful lake, which is located about 27 km (16.8 miles) from Secunderabad. It was built during the rule of the Nizam and has a history all its own. It is another man-made lake, dug about 50 years ago to meet the water requirements of the surrounding areas. It is a popular picnic spot with captivating scenic beauty. There is a lot of greenery here, which attracts a variety of birds. There are no restaurants and eateries around this area, so make sure to bring your own food. The Tourist Department offers cottages for rent here, which have to be booked in advance. You can also visit the Shamirpet Deer Park, which is close by and features a variety of deer and birds.
7. Lumbini Park
Lumbini Park is a 7.5-acre (3-hectare) lakeside park, located on the shores of Hussain Sagar Lake. It is well known for its multimedia musical fountain shows. The park is dedicated to Lord Buddha and there is a 57-foot (17.4-metre) Buddha statue in the centre of the park, which is illuminated at night and a beautiful sight to behold. The park is adjacent to the lake and you can take a boat ride on the lake to get a beautiful view of the Buddha statue. There are picnic areas where you can relax with the family and enjoy the refreshments that are sold at the many eateries and cafes around the park. Children can enjoy the pool and take a ride on the toy train.
There is also a huge auditorium where you can watch a laser show which depicts the history of Hyderabad and shows a 3D tour of the city. The park is open on all days except Mondays. There is a small entrance fee to the park and extra charges for its activities, like the boat rides, fountain show and auditorium.
8. Golkonda Fort
Golconda Fort, also known as “Shepherd’s Hill”, is situated in the western part of Hyderabad and about 9 km (5.6 miles) from Hussain Sagar Lake. It was built during the reign of the Qutub Shahi Dynasty and it is one of the largest fortresses in India. If one stands at a certain point in the dome entrance and claps, it can be clearly heard in the hilltop pavilion, which is one kilometre (0.6 miles) away. In the evenings, the fort comes to life with a light and sound show, during which the history of the rise and fall of the fort is displayed. One of the main attractions of the Fort is the Fateh Darwaza (Victory Gate), which was named when Mughal emperor Aurangzeb captured the fort.
The fort is well known for its beautiful architecture, arches, underground passages and water systems. The region was once famous for the Kollur Mines and was a hub for diamond cutters. Some of the most expensive and prestigious diamonds ever were produced here, like the Kohinoor Diamond, Hope Diamond and many others, which added to the riches of the Qutub Shahis and Nizams. The best time to visit the fort is in the evening when you can watch the light and sound show, which is the highlight of the fort and cannot be missed.
9. Dialogue In The Dark Restaurant
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The Dialogue in the Dark Restaurant is situated in the Orbit Mall, in Hyderabad. It is a place where food is served in complete darkness and is led by visually impaired staff that guide and serve you. Because of the darkness, one has to use their senses of touch, smell and taste to enjoy the food. They serve a four-course meal, which is simple but tasty. One can experience what it is to be blind here and it makes you more sensitive to their needs. The restaurant serves vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, which is reasonably priced. It is open every day and children below the age of eight are strictly not allowed to attend. The dark surroundings force one to interact with one another while dining. This is a once in a lifetime experience which cannot be easily forgotten.
10. Necklace Road
Necklace Road is one of the most popular spots in Hyderabad and connects the roads of other famous spots, like Sanjivaaiah Park, Tank Bund, Lumbini Park and NTR Gardens, forming a circle which looks like a necklace from above. It is a great place to unwind and relax from busy life and is lined with lush gardens, offering a splendid view of Hyderabad. The People’s Plaza is a popular recreational spot and hosts exhibitions and music shows throughout the year.
Perfect for a romantic getaway
Hyderabad is said to be the second best place to live in the entire world and is safe for women, especially at night. The city is well known for its rich history and culture and the forts and monuments here are exceptional in their architecture. Hyderabad is also a flourishing IT centre and engineering hub and is famous for its Prasad IMAX theatre, which is the biggest 3D screen in India. It also houses the biggest film studio in India. Known as the City of Lakes, Hyderabad has the best museum in the country and one of the largest zoological parks in Asia. A visit to Hyderabad is a must for so many reasons and a good holiday destination. There are a lot of resorts and hotels here, so book your stay and enjoy the experience of a lifetime.
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