The Pearl City, Hyderabad, with its unmatched blend of history and modernity, hypnotises everyone who sets their foot in this beautiful city of Nizams. With a history as old as 400 years and the status of a metropolitan city, Hyderabad promises a unique, refreshing experience to all. From historical monuments to natural getaways to mouth-watering world-famous cuisine to attractive shopping places and thrilling entertainment parks, this city has it all to keep you glued.

There are atleast five trains daily from Vizag to Hyderabad, and there is a choice of buses also. Many airlines are also running their flights from Vizag to Hyderabad. One can opt to stay at a 2 star to 7star hotel in Hyderabad. There are some beautiful resorts, where tourists can visit as well.

Located on the banks of the Musi River, the city of Hyderabad was established in 1591 CE by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shahi. The town is noted for its unique culture. Hyderabad depicts an exciting confluence of the traditional and the modern, the past and the present. So, don't feel betrayed by these inventions, synonymous with modernity, as the Old City has an altogether unique charm alongside the metropolis Hyderabad.

Hyderabad can be divided into the historic city Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, established on the southern side of the Musi River that forms the Old City. At the same time, the New City encompasses the urbanised area on the northern banks. The Old City is composed of a maze of disorienting alleyways that expand outward from the Charminar. Most of the historical attractions are situated in the old city. 

Here is a list of the most popular tourist spots in Hyderabad; the ones which you mustn't miss:

#1 Charminar

The very well-known Charminar of Hyderabad is located in the Old City. This square-shaped structure with a height of 56 m and a breadth of 30 m was constructed in 1591. Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah built it in honor of his wife, Bhagmati.

#2 Golconda Fort

Just 11 km from the city, the architectural marvel Golconda Fort is well connected to the rest of the city. Qutub Shahi Kings builds this fort. This fort presents an impressive structure, with eight gates and 87 bastions.
Its impressive structure has majestic walls as high as 15 to 18 feet and a parameter of close to 11 km. Along with brilliant architecture, this fort also captivates its visitors with its acoustics system, water supply system, 'Rahban' cannon and Ramdas' prison, which has carved Hindu deity.

#3 Ramoji Film City

Since 1991, Ramoji Film City has been alluring tourists from every country. One of the largest film studios in the world, it can house almost 50 film units within a given time. It is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as well. Spread over 2500 acres, it is situated about 30 km from Hyderabad. Its brilliant architecture and sound technical facilities make it suitable for all the pre and post-production of a film.

#4 Hussain Sagar Lake

Connecting the twin cities, Hussain Sagar Lake boasts of being the largest artificial lake in Asia. It was excavated on the tributary of Musi River during Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah's reign in 1562 AD. It has got its name after Hussain Shah Wali. The main attraction is the 16 m high white granite statue of Lord Buddha with a weight of 350 tonnes, situated in the middle of the lake. The lighting show here is worth watching.

#5 Birla Mandir

Located atop the 280-foot-high hillock of Kalapahad, the beautiful Birla Mandir has derived its name from the industrialist Birlas, who have constructed Birla temples in various parts of the country.

Constructed in 1976, it took close to 2000 tonnes of white marble to build this stunning temple from Rajasthan. It has drawn its architecture from the amalgamation of three known architectural designs - South Indian Architecture, Utkal temple Architecture and Rajasthani Architecture.

The temple has an 11 ft. tall statue of Lord Lakshminarayana with a magnificent lotus. It also has separate shrines for deities such as Venkateswara, 'Padmavati' and 'Andal'. The complex also houses a particular temple of Lord Buddha.

#6 Chowmahalla Palace

Chowmahalla Palace, with the literal meaning of 'four palaces' in the Urdu language, was built in the 18th century. It was during the reign of the fifth Nizam, Afzar-ud-Daulah, Asaf Jav V, from 1857 to 1869 that the palace was completed. Initially spread across 45 acres, the palace now covers 12 acres. The palace has two courtyards – the northern courtyard and the southern courtyard.

#7 Birla Planetarium

The late Sri N.T inaugurated it. Rama Rao in 198, dome-shaped Birla Planetarium is situated in the city's heart, at Naubat Pahad. Developed with technical help from Japan, the planetarium offers four sections, each offering a unique opportunity to explore the unknown. 

The interactive science centre, Window on Science, Archaeology Center and the Nirmala Birla Art Gallery and Dinosaurium are the four sections of the planetarium. Sky show, conducted every day, is one of its most attractive features. The Section' Window on Science' is another popular feature. It is open every day, except the last Thursday of every month.

#8 Salar Jung Museum

At the banks of the Musi River, Salar Jung Museum is located. With an impressive collection of 43000 art objects, 9000 manuscripts and 47000 printed books, it is considered one of the world's most extensive one-person collections. This museum has 38 galleries, with 20 on the 1st floor and the rest 18 galleries on the 2nd floor. In 1951, it was opened to the public, while in 1968, it was shifted to its current building.

The museum's artifacts are primarily collected by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan (Salar Jung III), Nawab Turab Ali Khan (Salar Jung I), and a few of his descendants.

#9 Tank Bund

Connecting Hyderabad and Secunderabad, Tank Bund is a popular hangout of the city. Promising its visitors a breathtaking view of the lake and its monolith of Buddha in the centre, it dams the Hussain Sagar Lake. This area showcases not just one or two but 33 bronze statues of various famous state figures such as Sri Krishna Devaraya, Nannaya, Tikkana, Erra Prada and many more.

It has Secretariat buildings, the NTR memorial, the Lumbini Park, and the Hyderabad boat club to its south. In contrast, to its north, it has the Sanjeeviah Park, Hazrat Saidani Ma Saheba tomb, and the Secunderabad Sailing Club. Its prime location makes it even more attractive.

#10 Durgam Cheruvu

Durgam Cheruvu is located quite close to the Hi-Tech city. It lies hidden between various granite rocks and is called Secret Lake. The stones have surrounded the lake, spread over 63 acres, approximately 2500 million years old. It is also said that the lake's water was used as drinking water in Golconda Fort.There are facilities for various activities here at the lake, such as pedal boating, camping, and trekking. You will also find a cafeteria by the lakeside.

#11 Chilkur Balaji Temple

Located in a small village named Chilkur, this temple is about 30 km away from Hyderabad. Chilkur Balaji Temple is popularly called the Visa Balaji temple on mesmerizing Osman Sagar Lake banks.

Dedicated to Lord Balaji Venkateswara, with Sridevi and Bhoodevi accompanying him, this temple is almost 500 years old. There are many legends associated with this temple. It is visited by hundreds of devotees every day as it is believed that the prayers of devotees are often answered here. Devotees, in turn, come and thank God by offering 108 pradakshinas of the temple.

#12 Gandipet Lake

Spread across a vast expanse of 46 km, Gandipet Lake is the main reservoir of the twin cities. Hyderabad Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan built it as a protection against flooding. It was constructed in 1920 and still stands strong. One of the fascinating features is the mesmerising view that it offers. People often visit here to bask in its natural beauty. 

Watching sunsets and sunrises from here makes for a memorable experience. There is also a nearby guest house by Andhra Pradesh Tourism, Sagar Mahal.