Charminar

Built by Sultan Mohammad Quli Qutb Shah, the Charminar is a magnificent square edifice of granite, built upon four grand arches facing north, south, east and west with 56 meters high slender minarets and spiral staircases. These arches support two floors of rooms and a gallery of archways. It is these four (char) minarets (minar) that give the building, its name 'Charminar'. Each minar stand on a lotus-leaf base that is a recurrent motif in Qutub Shahi buildings.

Golconda Fort

The majestic ruins of Golconda Fort stand as a backdrop to the sprawling city of Hyderabad. Built by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah in 1525, the Golconda Fort epitomises the opulent nawabi culture of the time. A new attraction at the fort is a sound and light show that brings the legend of Golconda to life.

The Seven Qutub Shahi Tombs

The tombs are made of black granite or green stone with a shape of square or octagonal base. Its dome is in onion shape and arches are with fine sculptures. The road from Golconda fort goes to the north has the tomb of Abdullah Qutb Shah (1626 - 1672). The tombs of Abul Hasan Tana Qutb Shahi(1672 - 1687), Princess Hayat Baksh Begum (died on 1677), Muhammad Qutb Shah (1612-1626) and Pemamati, one of the mistresses of Muhammad Qutb Shah are also situated near to the tomb of Abdullah Qutb Shah.

Mecca Masjid

It is a grand mosque of South India. The construction of this masjid was started in 1614 by the 6th Sultan Abdulla Qutb Shah and completed by Aurangzeb. This vast mosque can accommodate 10,000 personnel during prayer time. It was built of enormous black granite slabs. The clay from Mecca mixed with red colour were used for stucco decorations at the entrance of the Masjid. Lies next to Charminar. The entrance arches are made of single slabs of granite.

Salarjung Museum

One of the largest private collections in the World. Situated at Afzal Ganj, the museum has a collection of more than 43,000 art objects and 50,000 books in the 38 rooms spread over three floors of the building. Open timing:10 to 7pm. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Ramoji Film City

The world's largest film production complex, is situated just 16 miles from the historic city of Hyderabad. Hyderabad, an international IT hub located in south-west India, is a modern metro and the home to several major transnational corporations. The Film City, spread over 2,000 acres of land studded with hills, vales and lakes, has few parallels as both a tourist attraction and major film-making facility.

Falaknuma Palace

It is believed that the Falaknuma palace was gifted to the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad, Mehboob Ali Khan by the generous Nawab. The palace was constructed over a period of seven years and it covers a total area of 9,39,712 square meters. The Falaknuma palace is a rare blend of Italian and Tudor architecture. The palace is laid out in the shape of a scorpion with two stings spread out as wings on the north.

Shilparamam

It is an arts and crafts village showcasing various art forms and handicrafts of various artists from all over the State. Shilparamam plays host to myrid traditions of arts and crafts of the country. The annual All-India Festival of Arts and Crafts held here in February brings to the limelight the cultural and artistic traditions from every nook and corner of the country and is a unique opportunity to take home a piece of India.

All forms of transport are available in the city, from City Buses to chauffer driven taxis. Most popular being the Autorickshaws or an Auto in Hyderabad should be metered, though it can be difficult for non-locals to find an autorickshaw driver who agrees to a metered fare from the airport. But you should insist on metering a trip. Autos can carry a maximum of 3 passengers excluding the driver. The minimum fare is Rs 10.00 (as of April 2007). There are also shared 8 seater Maxi Vans available in selected areas fares are mostly 2Rs more than Bus but are far more comfortable and fast.*MMTS trains are also available for local travel.

Most buses start and terminate in Secunderabad Railway station, Nampally Railway station, Kothi, and Charminar.

Metered taxis are also available. One needs to call their centralised despatch centre and book the service. Service is very good. It is next to impossible to be able to get a cab without prior booking since demand far outstrips the supply. Minimum is Rs. 80 valid for the first two kilometres and subsequently it is Rs. 10 per kilometre. All cabs have didgital meters. Outsiders arriving at Hyderabad Begumnpet Airport can book in advance and inform their flight details so that the Cab Company will send the taxi to pick one up at Airport Arrival (Do fine tune the modalities like exact pick up point, driver's mobile number, etc. while booking). Companies offering metered taxis include Cel Cabs 23242526, City Cab 27760000/66316000/66316001, Orange Cab 66315555, Metro Cab 66100676/66100677, Green Cab 66644444, Call Taxi 27901111/27901122, Call Cab 66251313/66251414

By Train

Local Trains are also available albeit for a few places in Hyderabad, called MMTS.

By Car

For Hiring Cars Hertz Rent-a-Car, Orix Car Rentals,Hussain Travels, MM Travels, Travels and Rentals Kannoo travels Call: 91-9866330101 or 91-9393002002, Makson Travels

By Foot

Hyderabad,especially Old City, is good for walking. Going around Chudi Bazaar(Lad Bazaar) near Charminar is an experience. Places like Necklace Road,Sultan Bazar(Koti). Abids and Madhapur(for learning about the local Software Industry) are some of the good places. It is important to note that despite its size, Hyderabad lacks an expressway system, leading to traffic jams during rush hours.