Hyderabad offers many historical spots that you should see, such as Charminar, Qutb Shahi Tombs and Mecca Masjid.
Mecca Masjid is an incredible structure worth visiting simply to admire its exquisite architecture. Boasting five arches and a central dome topped by 20-meter minarets on either side, its beauty and design are undeniable.
Charminar
Charminar stands as one of the oldest historical places in Hyderabad and has withstood the test of time. The towering structure boasts four minarets that reach 56 meters above the base. Furthermore, this square-shaped monument stands 20 meters on each side to overlook some of Hyderabad’s major thoroughfares.
This building was constructed in 1591 by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. He ordered its construction after moving his capital from Golconda to Hyderabad due to plague and inadequate water supplies in Golconda. Historians believe these factors prompted this decision.
A spectacular monument, Taj Mahal is a captivating historical attraction for any history lover. Visitors can marvel at its intricate carvings on minarets and domes featuring pigeons perched atop. Visitors can also stock up on curios from nearby bazaars before climbing its tower to enjoy unparalleled city views from its top. Open daily between 9:30am and 5:30pm with a nominal entrance fee. The World Heritage Site can also be reached via public transit from Tehran city.
Qutb Shahi Tombs
The Qutb Shahi Necropolis in Hyderabad lies to the northwest of Golconda Fort. Here lies tombs for members of both royal family and other members of their dynasty such as wives and concubines as well as sons not in line of succession, providing invaluable insight into dynastic politics during Qutb Shahi kingdom rule.
Tombs share a unique architectural style and are typically found on elevated platforms, topped by onion domes and surrounded by arcades with lavish decorations as well as corner minarets.
These monuments form part of the Historic Charminar and Qutb Shahi Tombs Heritage Park, which is protected under the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HMDA) Zoning Regulations 1981 (Regulation 13). In their day, tomb-gardens of Golkonda Sultans provided visitors with free entertainment; singing, dancing or performing plays would often occupy people while waiting.
Mecca Masjid
Mecca Masjid stands out as an iconic religious landmark in Hyderabad, and continues to draw in both tourists and locals with its grandiosity and historical importance. Visitors and locals alike find Mecca Masjid immensely captivating! It is one of the main draws for tourists visiting this part of town.
The 17th-century mosque stands as a pillar of Islam in Hyderabad and can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers at once. The name derives from its founder Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah who ordered bricks made with soil brought from Mecca (Islam’s holiest site) made with which to construct its central archway.
Masjid Iqbal Ud Daula or Aiwan-E-Begumpet, commonly referred to by its Arabic name Aiwan-E-Begumpet, draws inspiration from Spain’s Cathedral-Mosque of Cordoba with spires instead of circular domes creating an appearance similar to a church. One-of-a-kind in India and among South India’s largest mosques. Designated a National Monument by India as part of their heritage. Hyderabad stands proud with their rich monuments, forts and beautiful mosques all evoking their rich royal past with grand monuments such as these beauties that speak volumes about their royal past.
Osman Sagar Lake
Osman Sagar Lake (also referred to as Gandipet) was constructed during the reign of Osman Ali Khan, former Nizam of Hyderabad. This artificial lake became a source of drinking water as well as safeguarded against frequent flooding and drought in Hyderabad city. Furthermore, locals enjoy relaxing near this gentle breeze of an artificial lake.
Begumpet’s Spanish Mosque is another must-see historical spot in Hyderabad, taking inspiration from Spain’s Cathedral of Cordoba to create a one-of-a-kind mosque here in India.
Golconda Fort is one of the country’s most stunning and well-kept forts, having been constructed during Kakatiya dynasty rule and later expanded by Vijayanagara Kings and later still by Qutb Shahis from Golcondo and Hyderabad Nizams. A handclap can be heard over 1 km away! In its walls are several temples, palaces, and even four moveable bridges!
