Pilgrim's guide to Hyderabad: Top temples to visit
Hyderabad: Hyderabad is not just known for its delicious biryani and bustling markets; it’s also home to some stunning temples that showcase its rich cultural heritage. Each temple offers a unique blend of architecture, spirituality, and history, inviting visitors to explore their beauty and serenity. Whether you’re seeking blessings or want to admire intricate designs, these temples are must-visit spots in the city. Discover the top temples in Hyderabad that captivate both the heart and the soul!
- Swarnagiri Temple, Bhuvanagiri
Located atop Manepally Hills, approximately 50 kilometers from Hyderabad, Swarnagiri Sree Venkateswara Swamy Devasthanam is one of the largest Balaji temples in South India. The features include a 12-feet statue of Lord Sri Venkateshwara, a 120-feet Hanumana Mandapa, and the Jala Narayana Swami Sannidhi, a water-filled sanctum illuminated with lights in the evening, offering a visual delight to visitors. The temple is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- TTD Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple, Banjara Hills
This branch of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams features an 8.6-foot idol of Lord Venkateswara. Opened in 2019, the temple replicates the architecture of the original Tirumala temple. Visiting hours are 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Shri Jagannatha Swamy Temple, Banjara Hills
A beautiful temple built by the Odia Community, it resembles the original Jagannath Temple in Puri. The temple features various deities and is renowned for its annual Rathyatra festival. Open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Swarna Shilpi Vivekananda Kali Mandir, Narkhuda
This temple replicates the Dakshineswar Kali Temple in Kolkata and is dedicated to Goddess Kali. It also houses deities like Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. Timings are from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Peddamma Thalli Temple, Jubilee Hills
Dedicated to Goddess Durga, this temple is over 150 years old and famous for its annual Bonalu festival. It features beautiful South Indian architecture and is open from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Hare Krishna Golden Temple, Banjara Hills
Known as the first Golden Temple in Telangana, it has a 50-foot Golden Dhwaja Stambh and is dedicated to Lord Swayambhu Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. The temple is open on weekdays from 7:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
- Sitaram Bagh Temple, Mallepally
Also known as the Dattatreya Temple, it features Mughal-Rajput-Qutb Shahi architecture and is dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita. Open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- ISKCON Temple, Abids
This spiritual center dedicated to Lord Krishna serves as the South Indian headquarters for ISKCON. It offers daily rituals and classes on various spiritual texts. Open from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Chilkur Balaji Temple
Known as the "Visa Balaji Temple," it is famous for granting visa approvals to devotees. It features the ritual of 108 circumambulations. Open from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Birla Mandir Temple
Built on a 280-foot high hillock, this temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara and constructed with 2000 tons of pure white marble. The temple is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
