Hyderabad, India

1. Charminar - Mosque and Monument

Charminar - Mosque and Monument was built in 1591, on the east bank of the Musi river, out of gratitude for the cessation of a cholera outburst. The settlement was laid out around the mosque and today Charminar is in the center of the old part of Hyderabad. Charminar means 4 minarets or pillars. These are each 56m high and dominate the landscape, with bustling roads and markets all around them.

There are four grand arches on the ground floor. The first floor is open to the public and offers views in all directions. The mosque is on the second floor. Charminar - Mosque and Monument is illuminated each evening from 7 to 9 pm.

2. Chowmahalla Palace

Chowmahalla is a complex of four palaces, built by the Nizam rulers to resemble the Shah of Iran's palace in Teheran. It is still owned by descendants of the dynasty. It was originally built on 45 acres of land and took from 1750 to 1860 to complete, incorporating several architectural styles. The palaces, two courtyards, a hall, the gardens and fountains remain. The interior is ornate and elegant, with large crystal chandeliers and marble finishes.

The family has a collection of classic cars which are on display. In 2010, the palace was awarded UNESCO's Asia Pacific Award for conservation. Chowmahalla Palace

3. Mecca Masjid

Mecca Masjid derives its name from the Grand Mosque in Mecca. It is believed that some of the bricks used in its construction came from the holy city. It is adjacent to Charminar in the old part of the city. It is the largest and most important mosque in Hyderabad and one of the largest in India, with the capacity to accommodate 10000 worshipers. All the Nizam rulers from 1803 have been entombed there. Local granite was used throughout and the two large columns were carved out of a single piece. The mosque is open from 4 am to 9:30 pm daily.

Mecca Masjid , Phone: +91-040-66-74-59-86

4. Salar Jung Museum

Salar Jung III devoted forty years of his life to the accumulation of Asian, Far Eastern and European art and artifacts. In 1951, subsequent generations established a museum in the family's ancient palace. In 1958, the entire collection and a library, containing rare manuscripts, were donated to the state for posterity. They were each declared Institutions of National Importance in 1961 and seven years later were moved to a custom-built complex. This was expanded in 2000. Among the artifacts at the Salar Jung Museum are Roman statues, ivory chairs received from France, miniature paintings from India and a jewel-encrusted dagger and fruit knife.

Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad - 500 002, Phone: 91-040-24-57-64-43

5. Paradise Restaurant

There are 17 outlets of Paradise Restaurants in Hyderabad. The restaurant chain had a humble beginning, starting as a canteen and café in a cinema complex in 1953. That restaurant expanded outwards and upwards until 2004 when it was decided to replicate the outlet. Paradise claims to serve the world's favorite biryani and holds the Limca record for serving the most biryani in one year. There are 20 kinds of kebabs available, as well as curries, Chinese food and Indian breads. Non-alcoholic beverages are served. Patrons can choose to dine at the restaurant, order takeouts or ask for delivery. Paradise Restaurant

6. Dakshin

Dakshin offers luxury dining in an elegant hotel, in the commercial district of Hyderabad. It is one of several refreshment centers in the ITC Kaktiya Hotel. The hotel has almost 200 rooms, conference facilities, a banquet hall and a wellness center. Pastries and hot beverages can be enjoyed in the lobby or the 24-hour coffee shop. Cocktails and other alcoholic drinks are served in the Marco Polo bar on the ground floor and the Towers Lounge on the 16th floor. The Dakshin welcomes guests with flowers and meals take the form of a spread of curries, side dishes, pickles, chutneys, pilau and fried breads.

ITC Kakatiya, 6-3-1187, Begumpet, Hyderabad, Phone: 040-40-08-18-04

7. Ohri's

Ravi Ohri started this enterprise in 1976. After completing an MBA specializing in Hotel Management, his son , Amar Ohri joined him. They have established a chain of 22 restaurants and three hotels in just over 40 years. Thirteen of the restaurants are in Hyderabad. The restaurants have distinct personalities but are governed by the same systems and values. There are broad categories of restaurants offering Chinese, Continental, North Indian and Multi-cuisines. There is also a street food concept model. Ohri's seeks to offer their customers a vast range of experiences from traditional to quirky, lavish to downtown and romantic to historic. Map

8. Kangan

This award-winning restaurant offers modern, North Indian cuisine in a high tech setting. It is situated in the Westin Hyderabad Mindspace Hotel, in the city's center. The jewel-like meals are set off by thousands of bangles that characterize the décor. The bangles are produced by a craftsman working on an open fire in the restaurant. They are used, en masse, to decorate the walls and even to divide the bar from the dining area. The restaurant is close to the Raheja Mindspace IT Park, Hitech City and the Hyderabad International Convention Center. It is a popular venue for those in the city's thriving technology industry.

Kangan , Rahea IT Park, Hitec City, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Phone: +91-40-67-67-67-67