Charminar: Standing in the heart of the old walled city this huge triumphal arch was built by Mohammed Quli Qutab Shah in 1591 to commemorate the end of the plague in Hyderbad. It's surrounded on all sides by lively bazaars and the views from the top are superb. An image of this building graces every packet of 'Charminar' cigarettes which hoardings all over India assure you are the only brand which 'satisfy a man like you'. 
Mecca Masjid: Situated next to the Charminar, this is one of the largest mosques in the world and is said to accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers. Construction began during the reign of Mohammed Quli Qutab Shah in 1614 but was not finished until 1687, by which time the Moghul Emperor Aurangzeb had annexed the Golconda kingdom.
Birla Mandir (Naubat Prahad) Temple: This stunningly beautiful modern Hindu temple, built out of white marble, graces the rocky hill which overlooks the south end of Hussain Sagar. It's a very popular Hindu pilgrimage centre but non-Hindus are allowed inside. There's no entry fee and the priests make no efforts to press you for contributions. There are excellent views over the city from the summit.
Salar Jang Museum: This is India's answer to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The collection was put together by Mir Yusaf Ali Khan (Salar Jang III), the Prime Minister of the Nizam. It contains 35,000 exhibits drawn from the four corners of the world including sculptures, wood carvings, religious objects, Persian miniature paintings, illuminated manuscripts, armour and weaponry, the swords, daggers and clothing of the Moghul emperors and of Tipu Sultan, and many other objects. All of this is housed in one of the ugliest buildings imaginable.
Archaeological Museum: Situated in the public gardens between Nampally High Rd and the branch railway line which leads to Hyderabad railway station the museum has a small collection of archaeological finds from the area together with copies of the Ajanta frescoes. It's supposed to be open daily except Mondays from 10.30 am to 5 pm but appears to be semipermanently 'under construction'.
Nehru Zoological Park: One of the largest in India, it is spread out over 120 hectares of landscaped gardens with the animals contained in large open enclosures. They don't look any less bored than animals in zoos anywhere else in the world but at least here an effort has been made which is more than can be said for most other zoos in India. The park is open from 9 am until 6 pm daily except Mondays and entry costs 50 paise. There's also a Lion Safari Park which you can go around in a mini-bus for Rs 1 and a toy train for children. It's a very popular park with local people.
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