Temples in Hyderabad: Exploring the City’s Sacred Side

Hyderabad, the City of Nizams, is not just about its finger-licking biryani, shiny pearls or the majestic Charminar. The city also hides a spiritual treasure trove waiting to be explored. From hilltop marvels to temples believed to grant visas, discover these ten unique temples in Hyderabad that reveal the city’s deeply rooted cultural and devotional side.

Revered as one of the significant IT hubs in India and the undisputed king of authentic biryani and bling, Hyderabad is a city that knows how to impress. From tech parks to pearl and bangle bazaars and the majestic Charminar, it is easy to get swept up in the usual glitz and glamour that the City of Nizams, Hyderabad, has to offer. But here is the twist! Beneath all that glitz and glamour lies a deeply spiritual soul that not many talk about. You guessed it right; we are talking about the temples in Hyderabad.

Hyderabad is home to some of the most unique temples. Think of a temple where people show up in thousands every day, not just for blessings, but also for their visa to get approved. Or one perched atop a scenic hill in white marble elegance, watching over the city like a protective guardian. These are some of the best temples in Hyderabad to visit that are full of stories and spiritual vibes that make them worth a detour.

So, if you are booking a tour package to Hyderabad, get ready to trade your kebab trail for a temple trail (at least for three days), because Hyderabad’s divine side is just as layered and unforgettable as its biryani. Let us begin!

Best Temples in Hyderabad

• Birla Mandir
• Chilkur Balaji Temple (Visa Balaji)
• Jagannath Temple
• ISKON Temple
• Keesargutta Temple
• Sanghi Temple
• Pedamma Temple
• Ujjaini Mahakali Temple
• Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Jiyaguda
• Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Narsingi

Birla Mandir

Constructed entirely from white marble brought from Rajasthan, Birla Mandir is one of the biggest temples in Hyderabad. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara (Balaji), with an architecture that seamlessly blends Dravidian and Rajasthani styles. Additionally, the hilltop location atop Naubat Pahad offers panoramic views of the city and the scenic Hussain Sagar Lake. The temple is also known for being refreshingly peaceful despite its popularity.

Location: Naubat Pahad, near Lakdi-ka-Pul

Timings: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Best time to visit: Early morning or just before sunset for the picturesque view and cooler weather

Note: Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside the temple.

Chilkur Balaji Temple (Visa Balaji)

Famously known as Visa Balaji, the Chilkur Balaji is one of the powerful temples in Hyderabad that attracts thousands of devotees praying for overseas visa approvals, especially to the USA. The ritual includes eleven pradakshinas (circumambulations) when making a wish and 108 once the wish is fulfilled. The temple is unique in its strict no-donation, no-commercialisation policy, which is an increasingly rare practice in Indian temples.

Location: Chilkur Village, 30 km from the city

Timings: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds

Jagannath Temple

A replica of the famed Puri Jagannath Temple in Odisha, this red sandstone temple is one of the newest temples in Hyderabad, which is truly an architectural marvel. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, along with Balabhadra and Subhadra. The Jagannath Temple also hosts annual cultural and religious events, like the Rath Yatra, that bring the local Odia community and other devotees together.

Location: Road no. 12, Banjara Hills

Timings: 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Best time to visit: During the Rath Yatra festival between June and July, or early evening for a peaceful visit when the crowd is comparatively less

ISKON Temple

Part of the global ISKON movement, this is one of the must-visit temples in Hyderabad that is a haven for devotees of Lord Krishna. With its soothing chants of “Hare Rama-Hare Krishna”, bhajans and peaceful surroundings, paying a visit to the ISKON temple is a perfect break from the noise of the city’s life. Do not miss the Sunday feast or grab a sattvix meal at Govinda’s restaurant inside the temple premises.

Location: Nampally, Abids

Timings: 4:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Best time to visit: Mornings during the Mangala Aarti (4:30 AM) or the annual Janmashtami festival, which usually falls in August or September

Keesargutta Temple

One of the famous Shiva temples in Hyderabad, the Keesargutta Temple, sits atop a hill with legends connecting it to Lord Rama’s penance after defeating Ravana. Besides its spiritual relevance, the Keesargutta Temple is also a mini trekking spot with panoramic views and hundreds of mini Shiva lingams scattered around the landscape.

Location: Keesara, 30 km from the city

Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Best time to visit: Shivaratri (February to March) or early mornings for pleasant weather

Sanghi Temple

Among the top temples in Hyderabad, the Sanghi Temple is a beautiful temple complex that is also a favourite filming spot for Telugu movies. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, where several smaller shrines were built to spread across the well-maintained hilltop. The lush surroundings and architectural beauty of the Sanghi Temple make it an excellent choice for spiritual and scenic day trips.

Location: Sanghi Hills, 25 km from the city

Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Best time to visit: Winter months, between November to February, for comfortable climbs and clearer views from the hill

Pedamma Temple

Dedicated to Goddess Pedamma, which translates to Mother of Mothers, the Pedamma Temple is one of the top temples in Hyderabad, famous for granting wishes. It is exceptionally vibrant during the annual Bonalu festival, which is a local Telangana festival when devotees throng in colourful processions celebrating the onset of the monsoon season. Outside the festive season, the temple is a relatively quiet space for reflection and prayer.

Location: Jubilee Hills

Timings: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Best time to visit: During the Bonaly festival between July and August

Ujjaini Mahakali Temple

Built by a military devotee in the early 1800s, the Ujjaini Mahakali Temple is one of the must-visit temples in Hyderabad that is dedicated to Goddess Mahakali. The temple is a symbol of protection and power, with devotees offering wax figures of animals or body parts as symbolic representations of their prayers. The temple’s environment is always lively, but the Jathara festival takes the crowd and energy to a whole new level.

Location: General Bazaar, Secundarabad

Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Best time to visit: Ashada Jathara festival (July), one of the most prominent and significant gatherings in the city

Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Jiyaguda

One of the oldest temples in Hyderabad, the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple is a sacred place that offers a Tirupati-like experience within the city limits. The architecture of the temple mimics the traditional South Indian style of architecture and the rituals are conducted with the same fervour. Paying a visit to the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple is perfect for those who wish to experience Balaji darshan without the long travel to Tirumala.

If you have a few days to spare, consider booking a tour package from Hyderabad to explore the city's surrounding religious temples.

Location: Jiyaguda, near Goshamahal

Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Best time to visit: Saturdays and during Vaikuntha Ekadashi

Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, Narsingi

A lesser-known gem, the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is one of the best temples in Hyderabad to visit, tucked away on the outskirts and it offers a deeply meditative atmosphere. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva (Mallikarjuna) and the peaceful environment makes it ideal for inner reflection. With fewer visitors, visiting this non-so-famous Shiva temple in Hyderabad makes it a good pick if you prefer quiet over crowds.

Location: Narsingi, near Outer Ring Road

Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Best time to visit: Early mornings, especially on Mondays, which are sacred to Lord Shiva

Biryani may be appetising and Charminar may fill your camera roll, but these temples in Hyderabad will fill your soul. Each temple in Hyderabad is too good not to miss, offering more than just darshan. They provide a cultural and emotional connection to history, the divine, and the people of the city, as well as those visiting from other parts of the world.

So, if you are looking beyond tourist itineraries, we suggest you include these stops in your travel plan. And if you need help curating the perfect itinerary, check out the Hyderabad tour packages by Veena World for a seamless spiritual getaway.

FAQs

Q1: Is there a temple in Hyderabad that blends South Indian and North Indian styles?

The Karmanghat Hanuman Temple (built in the 12th century) has a blend of Dravidian and Nagara styles. It's also wrapped in legend — it’s said that Aurangzeb himself couldn’t destroy it because of divine protection.

Q2: Any offbeat temples with historical backstories?

Visit the Peddamma Temple in Jubilee Hills. It’s over 150 years old and dedicated to the “Mother of Mothers.” It’s especially vibrant during the Bonnaalu Festival, but otherwise remains under-the-radar for tourists.

Q3: Is there a temple in Hyderabad with strong mythological connections?

That would be the Ashtalakshmi Temple near Dilsukhnagar. It’s one of the few temples in India dedicated to all eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi. The temple’s colorful gopurams and spiritual calm are a hidden treat.

Q4: Are there any Jain temples in Hyderabad?

Yes, the Shri Vimalnath Digambar Jain Temple in Kachiguda is beautifully constructed in white marble and offers a peaceful break from the city. Jain temples are rare in this region which makes this one all the more special.

Q5: Is there a temple connected to nature or forests near Hyderabad?

The Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Vikarabad (about 75 km from Hyderabad) is surrounded by forests and hills. It’s a peaceful retreat with beautiful surroundings and fewer visitors.