Hyderabad boasts many historically important spots that should not be missed, including Qutb Shahi Tombs, Chowmahalla Palace and Taramati Baradari.
Charminar, an iconic 16th century mosque renowned for its magnificent minarets, stands as an impressive landmark of Hyderabad and attracts numerous tourists each year.
Falaknuma Palace
Falaknuma Palace stands out among India’s many stunning palaces as an outstanding example. Translating to “mirror of the sky,” this 32-acre sprawl was built by Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra (nicknamed Sir Vicar) of Paigah family over 10 years and takes on its form by having buildings spread out like wings on either side resembling an enormous scorpion shaped structure.
Architecture and interiors will leave you speechless. From its two-story library to Gol Bungalow resembling the tail of a scorpion, every detail was designed to awe you – not least its library that was inspired by Windsor Castle in terms of design and size.
Palace was left abandoned for most of the past half-century before recent restoration by Princess Esra and Taj Hotels. Now open as a hotel where guests can stay and experience royal life of Hyderabad’s Nizams, this palace will leave visitors marveling over its past glory.
Paigah Tombs
Paigah Tombs (Maqhbara Shams-ul-Umara), located just 15 minutes away from Charminar, are an undiscovered treasure. This ancient necropolis marks the final resting place for noble families from princely Hyderabad state; with white marble tombs featuring intricate carvings that stand witness to craftsmanship that has long since passed into oblivion.
At 4 km south east of Charminar in Pisal Banda suburbs near Owasi Hospital near Santosh Nagar lies an extraordinary architectural masterpiece: 27 tombs constructed in an Indo-Saracenic style that make up one of Hyderabad’s most incredible sights to be seen.
Every tomb has some kind of unique feature that adds to its overall charm, from an ostrich egg that was placed as a lightning strike protector on Sir Asman Jah’s tomb to Sir Muhammad Fakhruddin Khan Bahadur’s jade effigy reminding visitors of his Sufi practice; there’s always something memorable waiting to be discovered on every visit.
Saidanima Tomb
The tomb of Saidani Ma, a lady Sufi saint is an exquisite memorial with intricate stucco decorations and fretwork screens (jaali). As one of Hyderabad’s state protected monuments, this structure serves to showcase Sufi culture.
Built during the 1880s by her son Sardar Abdul Haq Diler Jung who held an influential position at court of 6th Nizam Mahbub Ali Khan Asaf Jah VI and served as home secretary of his princely state.
Hussain Sagar Road or Tank Bund Road makes the tomb easily identifiable with its striking structure, yet much of its stucco decoration and fretwork screens remain unused after years. Furthermore, parts of its surrounding area have also been invaded by local shops selling wood.
Recently, the government of Hyderabad made an announcement regarding restoration work on Saidanima Tomb, Sardar Mahal and Mir Alam Mandi under Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority’s Aga Khan Trust program. Restoring these heritage structures will bolster Hyderabad’s case for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Raymond’s Tomb
Monsieur Raymond (1755-1798) was a soldier in Nizam’s army who founded Hyderabad’s first gun foundry. A person of courage and courtesy, Monsieur Raymond quickly earned the hearts of both Muslims and Hindus of Hyderabad alike as they held him dear. Muslims called him Musa Rahim while Hindus knew him as Musa Ram – both terms are still used today to refer to this great figure!
This tomb is located near Asmangadh Palace on top of a hillock at Mussa Ram Bagh, Malakpet and features a 7 meter black granite obelisk bearing JR’s initials engraved upon its surface. Additionally, an adjacent pavilion has been constructed as part of this monument’s presence.
Prior to 1940, Hyderabadi citizens would visit the tomb annually on its anniversary and offer incense and other items as offerings to it. Each Nizam would send them box of cheroots and bottle of beer on 25 March as gifts from France. Now only a trickle of visitors visit this French monument that stands as testament to Hyderabad’s rich culture and French connection.
