Blessed by nature and with a rich history, Hyderabad is one of the top holiday destinations in India that draws travelers from all over the world. Those who visit this city once want to come here again and again for plenty of reasons.
Hyderabad, boasting 400 years of history and buzzing metropolitan life, offers a bundle of joy and thrill to its visitors. From ancient sites to national parks, from lakes to gardens, from lip-smacking culinary delights to local drinks, and whatnot, there is something for every age group. Simultaneously, the city is alive with luxurious shopping centers, bars, nightclubs, eateries, and multiplexes, which embody its energetic and youthful side.
Even though the city is brimming with lots of hot spots, it sometimes gets difficult to shortlist the places that are good to go to with friends. So, for your ease, we at Holidays DNA, have created a list you can consider exploring the next time you plan your visit to Hyderabad with your near and dear ones.
The top 8 places to visit in Hyderabad with friends are as follows:
1. Charminar
Positioned in the heart of the city and ranked among the top places to visit in Hyderabad, Charminar is a precious gem of the city and the pride of India. History says that it was built by the Qutub Shahi Dynasty to honor their sultanate, making it the oldest mosque in Hyderabad. Its name, Charminar, comes from the four minarets which characterize the structure, a symbol of Indo-Islamic architecture.
Proudly standing by the Musi River, the monument was the vision of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, which came to fruition in 1591 AD. When we visit Charminar, we get to listen to numerous stories behind its construction, though the most accepted explanation is that it marked the start of a new era, when the Sultan relocated to the city due to the water shortage.
It is a historic monument that is the foundation of the city's ongoing development, with Laad Bazaar, a bustling marketplace of delicious food, lacquer bangles, jewelry, and more, surrounding it. Anyone visiting Charminar can drool on delicious eateries like Irani Chai and Biryani at small and large restaurants.
2. Golconda Fort
Golconda fort is a magnificent fort to visit in Hyderabad with friends. Being an impressive example of architectural wonders, this fort amuses visitors in various ways. Also known as Shepherd’s Hill, Golconda fort boasts large cannons, stables, incredible history, and gorgeous architecture to welcome a throng of tourists every year.
You can appreciate a beautiful sunset from here, check out the Naya Qila and Qutb Shahi Tombs, buy craft items in the form of souvenirs from local shops, or eat at the Taramati Baradari resort nearby. Once you're done exploring, head over to the Inorbit Mall with your friends for a shopping spree. To get there, you can take a bus from the Mahatma Gandhi bus station or hail a cab from the list of top car rental companies in Hyderabad.
If we talk about the charges then the Golconda fort entry fee is INR 15 per person for Indian tourists and INR 200 per person for foreign tourists. You will need to pay extra if you decide to bring a camera into the fort. To take part in the sound and light show, you should purchase a separate ticket.
3. Gravity Zip
If you have ever dreamed of skydiving but don't want to jump out of a plane then Gravity Zip in Hyderabad is here to make your dream come true. This indoor skydiving experience will give you a thrilling experience like never before.
At Gravity Zip, you can fly in the wind tunnel that creates a column of air and experience the feeling of free-fall. In case you’re afraid to try it alone, you can accompany your friend as well. The staff here is experienced and happy to help beginners. Make sure to follow all the given instructions and guidelines to stay safe and have a great experience.
There are two types of skydiving plans along with other diving packages for tourists. If you wish to take a ride, you can opt for a peak-hour plan or an off-peak plan. The peak hour plans cost around INR 3490 per flight whereas the off-peak plan costs INR 2990 per flight.
4. Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden of Hyderabad is the perfect place for those who are looking for a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located near Hi-tech City and only 16 km away from Hyderabad's Centre, this garden was developed by the Forest Department of Telangana.
When you visit this garden, you will find a refreshing setting of nature where you can admire the rich flora and water bodies around it. Owing to its greenery, we can say that it is an ideal location to visit with your friends and spend some time amidst nature. The Botanical Garden also serves as a stock-house for plants, which are used for research and other scientific purposes.
Anyone can experience the beauty of the botanical garden at an affordable cost as it charges only INR 10 per person for children and INR 25 per person for adults. There is plenty of parking space available, plus you will find benches, drinking water, and a cafeteria inside. Just spend your time here and enjoy the peaceful surroundings as you get ready to explore the other popular tourist places to visit in Hyderabad.
5. Hussain Sagar Lake
Flowing along the banks of the Musi River, Hussain Sagar Lake is a popular lake in Hyderabad. It is the largest artificial lake in Asia, having been constructed during Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah's reign in 1562 AD. The lake gets its name after Hussain Shah Wali.
The main attraction of the lake is a 16m high white granite statue of Lord Buddha, weighing 350 tonnes, placed in the middle of the lake. The lighting show here is worth watching. Visitors can take a ferry ride to the statue, which takes and brings back people at regular intervals.
Recreational activities like boating, water-skiing, parasailing, and cruising are also offered here. You can choose to stroll alongside the lake in the early hours of the morning, however, visiting the lake between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm is the perfect time to enjoy a spectacular sunset. The sky's colors will be vibrant and the temperature will be cool and pleasant, making it an ideal time for taking boat rides.
6. Ramoji Film City
If you or your friends are a Bollywood or cinema fan, you must not finish your journey without visiting Ramoji Film City. Founded by Ramoji Rao in the year 1991, the film city is an incredible destination for locals and tourists alike. Spanning an impressive 2500 acres of land, the World's Largest Film Studio Complex has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.
Ideal for all age groups, Ramoji Film City typically sees around 10,000 visitors on any given day. Various bus services are available from the main city to the Ramoji Film City, and during your visit, you can also take vintage buses to explore the area.
Please note that the best time to visit this film city would be during the winter season i.e., from October to February as the weather remains pleasant during this time. Avoid visiting it during the summer months as the temperature sometimes touches 35 degrees Celsius, making it uncomfortable for tourists to roam around the area.
7. KBR National Park
Perched in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad’s Kasu Brahmananda Reddy Park, more commonly referred to as KBR National Park, is an abode of Mother Nature. It is a lush, green oasis amid the city's busy life that soothes your mind and gives you a chance to rejuvenate yourself in utmost tranquility.
Named after the former CM, KBR National Park is a reservoir of a variety of flora and fauna that are worth treating to your eyes. Here you can see approximately 600 species of different plants and trees along with 140 species of avian fauna, 15 species of butterflies, 20 species of mammals, and 20 species of reptiles.
On your way, one can also take a dig at the Chiran Palace, which is famous for its different designs and was constructed in 1960. Its entry gate is separate from that of the main gate of KBR National Park. Other properties including a Mor Bungalow, gol bungalow, wells and water tanks, motor khana, and stables for pet animals such as horses, elephants, and cattle can also be found in the same complex.
8. Snow World
Visit Snow World with your group of friends to experience snow on your Hyderabad tour. It’s the first snow-themed park in the country that covers an area of 17,000 square feet and offers a kind of experience you’ll not forget no matter what.
Feel like standing amidst a snow-clad hill station with snow falling from overhead and wondrous landscapes. The best thing about this place is that the snow is generated here by the mineral water and it’s completely safe for both the adults as well as little guests.
From a range of attractions like snow sculptures, snow mountains, igloos, simulated polar bears, penguins, and a dedicated play area for kids to recreational activities including ice boarding, ice skating, and toboggan rides, there are plenty of things to engage in throughout the day. You can also try go-karting to add more adventure to your visit.
It is worth noting that no cameras or mobile phones are allowed inside, and warm clothes, gloves, and other necessary items are also provided within the premises for your ease.
Hyderabad is renowned for its delicious biryani, and other exciting places that will leave you amazed. The more you explore this wonderful city, the more you get attracted to it. You will have an incredible time here with your friends as there are plenty of many other places to explore. So, why don't you plan your trip to Hyderabad and have a blast while discovering its beauty? Pack your bags and get ready to experience something extraordinary.
Need any help with travel? Get in touch with us. We at Hyderabad Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, present all-inclusive Hyderabad tour packages to cater to everyone’s varied holiday needs. Our all-inclusive packages can also be altered along with the itinerary as per the inclusions you want us to include in the package. For your ease, a list of top car rental companies in Hyderabad is also available with us. Please fill out the Contact Us form to know more about us in detail.
