You might have heard of Hyderabad as a technology industry hub in India. But the City of Pearls is not just about technology. Traces of its rich and royal past can still be seen all around the city. Here are some of the historical sites in Hyderabad to visit while you are there:
Historical Sites in Hyderabad: Darulshifa
Aza Khane Zehra
Mir Osman Ali Khan, last Nizam of Hyderabad, greatly doted his mother (Amtul Zehra Begum) that he had an ashurkhana or monument built for her memory in 1930. It is recognized to be the largest of its kind in the entire South India region.
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Aza Khane Zehra – photo by Bhaskaranaidu under GFDL and CC-BY-SA-4.0
Salar Jung Museum
Salar Jung III was known to collect various arts and antiques from all over the world. These days, the public can view his collections at the Salar Jung Musuem, along the southern portion of the Musi River in Hyderabad.
Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad, India – photo by Omer123hussain under CC-BY-SA-4.0
Historical Sites in Hyderabad: Ghansi Bazaar
Charminar
In Ghansi Bazaar, one can find Charminar, a historic 16th century mosque that has been recognized as a National Monument. Its minarets and grand arches have become a symbol of Hyderabad that is known all over the world.
Charminar – photo by Gopikrishna Narla under CC-BY-SA-3.0
Mecca Masjid
Constructed with bricks all the way from Mecca, this monumental and ornate mosque is one of the largest in all of India.
Mecca Masjid (Makkah Masjid) – photo by { pranav } under CC BY 2.0
Historical Sites in Hyderabad: Ibrahim Bagh
Golconda Fort
Golconda Fort was a fortress complex of a thriving kingdom during the 14th to the 16th centuries. It is famed for its acoustics and its semi-circular bastions.
Golconda Fort in Hyderabad – photo by Arpita Tripathy under CC-BY-SA-4.0
Taramati Baradari
During its glory days, Taramati Baradari was a popular sarai or roadside inn with a Persian-style garden. It was constructed during the rule of the fourth Sultan of Golconda, Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah.
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Taramati Baradari – photo by Arvind.vindhu under CC-BY-SA-3.0
Historical Sites in Hyderabad: Kanchan Bagh
Paigah Tombs
Maqhbara Shams al-Umara or the Paigah Tombs belong to the aristocratic family of the Paigahs. The Paigah family was known to be fiercely loyal to the Nizams and served as philanthropists, states-people and generals.
Maqhbara Shams al-Umara (Paigah Tombs) – photo by Arvind Ramachander under CC-BY-SA-3.0
Historical Sites in Hyderabad: Karwan East
Toli Masjid
Also called Damri Masjid, this mosque was built during the rule of Abdullah Qutb Shah in the 17th century. It is considered to be one of the greatest examples of architecture of the Qutb Shahi dynasty.
Toli Masjid near Golconda – photo by iMahesh under CC BY-SA 4.0
Historical Sites in Hyderabad: Khilwat
Chowmahalla Palace
Having served as the seat of Asaf Jahi and official residence of the Hyderabad Nizams, the royal history of the palace complex can easily be seen in its Persian style, opulent Durbar hall and sprawling grounds. To this day, it remains to be the property of a Nizam heir.
Chowmahalla Palace – photo by { pranav } under CC BY 2.0
Historical Sites in Hyderabad: Qutub Shahi Tombs
Qutb Shahi Tombs
Serving as the final resting place of 18th century dynasty rulers, the domed Qutb Shahi Tombs are a beautiful sight. The ornate tombs and the landscaped gardens simply speak of royalty.
Qutb Shahi Tombs – photo by Alaka123 under CC-BY-SA-4.0
