Capital of the Telengana, the youngest state of inndia, HYDERABAD is also its biggest tourist attraction. the fifth largest city in India, HYDERABAD, Sitiated on the banks of the river Musi, is rich in history and a pot pourri of old and new. A good way to understand the city's history and rich heritage is by taking a round trip of the most popular attractions such as Charminar, Golconda Fort, Salar Jung Museum, Mecca Masjid and Qutubshahi tombs.
Named after Hyder Mahal, wife of Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah of the Qutb Shahi dynasty of Golkonda, Hyderabad has many attractions including ultra-modern malls, exquisite restaurants, bars and crownnded bazaars.
Divided by its twin city of Secunderabad by Hussain Sagar Lake,HYDERABAD is also known far and wide for its exquisite and delicious cuisines like Biryani, desserts and beverages.
Spending your evening on the banks of the lovely Hussain Sagar Lake will be a pleasant experience.
Your lasting impression of Hyderabad will be of the legendary Charminar. Built in 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, who is also credited with the foundation of Hyderabad, this iconic landmark is a four-sided archway with four graceful minarets soaring to a height of 48.7m above the ground. Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah became the ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty of Golkonda in 1580 and ruled till his death in 1612.
Overlooking the Tank bund, this magnificent structure built entirely out of marble from Rajasthan, the main temple is dedicated to Lord Venkatasawara. It combines the architectural styles of the southern and northern Indian temples. The intricately carved gopurams (tower) at the base are in the typical south Indian style, while the smooth sikhara (dome) at the top is in the north Indian Rajasthani style. The temple has beautiful marble carvings and some of them illustrating verses from the Ramayana. The inner shrine of the temple is a replica of the Lord Venkatasawara temple at Tirupati. The Birla Mandir presents a colourful spectacular sight when illuminated at night. A visit to Hyderabad remains incomplete without a visit to the enchanting Birla Mandir.
A hundred yards southwest of Charminar is the Mecca Masjid, the second largest mosque in India. It is so named because few bricks brought from Mecca were used in its construction. The Qutab Shahi rulers initiated the building of the mosque, which was however finished by Aurangzeb in 1694.
The tranquil tombs of Qutub Shahi are significant landmarks of Hyderabad. Situated about a kilometer from the Golconda fort, these tombs, designed and commissioned by the rulers of the Qutub Shahi dynasty are characterized by the blend of Persian and Hindu style of architecture. What makes these mausoleums unique is the fact that the all the rulers of an entire dynasty lie buried at one place. Of all the tombs, the mausoleum of Muhammed Quli Qutb Shah is the most impressive
One of the most photographed monuments in India, Charminar is a prominent landmark in Hyderabad. This four-sided archway is embellished with four towering minarets of 48.7m. Built in 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, this beautiful edifice was commissioned to mark the end of a fatal epidemic that has swept the region.
The rock-citadel of Golconda or Golkonda served as the capital of the Qutub Shahi dynasty, one of the five Deccan Muslim states that arose on the disintegration of the Bahmani kingdom. The fort has some beautiful buildings and should be visited for the Fateh Rahben gun which was used in the Mughal attack on the dynasty by Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor who captured the fort and annexed the kingdom to Mughal empire in 1687. Before the Qutub Shahi rule, the Golconda fort was under the control of the Kakatiya dynasty of Warangal.
One can also enjoy the Sound and Light Show held at the fort depicting the glory and grandeur of the Golcoda fort during the earler times.
Completed by the Nizam rulers of Hyderabad by 1869, the complex houses four palaces. Built in Mughal and European styles, these palaces are architectural masterpieces capable of captivating your imagination. Featuring beautiful courtyards and fountains, the complex is located near Charminar.
Located on the southern bank of River Musi in close proximity to Charminar, the Salar Jung Museum is holds a large repository of antiques collected by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan popularly known as Salar Jung III , the prime Minister to the Nizam.
An eclectic museum of sorts, City Hall is the treasure trove of several precious objects. The treasury comprises of memorabilia that includes the beautiful marble statue of ‘Veiled Rebecca. Other treasures on display in this national museum include Jade crafted daggers of Mughal emperors, paintings of Raja Ravi Verma and a set of Ivory chairs presented to the Mysore ruler Tippu Sultan by Louis XVI of France.
Situated in the centre of the city on the banks of Hussain Sagar Lake Lumbini Park is spread over an area of 7.5 acres. Lumbini Laserorium, India’s first multi media laser show, provides a wonderful touch of colour to the park.
An art centre of Hyderabad, Shilparamam is undoubtedly the centre of artistic and cultural life of the city. Located opposite Cyber Towers, HITEC city, it this 30 acre the Arts & Crafts Village attracts artisans and artistes from different parts of the country during annual bazaars held here.
Situated on the outskirts of Hyderabad, Ramoji film city is an invaluable introduction to the South Indian film industry. If you're interested in the south Indian cinema, this film city should be your be you stop in Hyderabad.
Air: The city's airport, named The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, is connected by flights from major Indian cities. Air flights also connect Hyderabad with overseas destinations including London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Dubai and Doha.
Rail: Hyderabad has two main Railway stations, Nampally, also known as Hyderabad Deccan, and Secunderabad, connected to all the important cities in India.
Hyderabad has some shops which provide a wonderful shopping experience. The lanes around Charminar are a great place to shop for the filigree and silver craft. Laad Bazaar, near the Charminar. is the place where you can find the colourful lacquer bangles. Lepakshi, Kalanjali, Mangatrai Pearls are some of the famous shopping centres in Hyderabad:
Hyderabad has many hotels and other accommodation facilities located in the heart of the city in close proximity of shopping and business and centers providing unmatched comfort and hospitality.