Location: South India in state of Andhra Pradesh
Famous As: The Capital of Andhra Pradesh
Places of Interest: Charminar, Mecca Masjid, Golconda Fort
Temperature: summer: Max 42, Min 22, winter: Max 22, Min 11
Ideal Time to Visit: June to February
Language: Telgu, English, Hindi
An Over All View OF Hyderabad
Hyderabad is the diverse capital city of Andhra Pradesh embellished with
gothic monuments, lush green boulevard and bustling shopping bazaars,
Hyderabad is now becoming every tourist's dream destination.
Hyderabad the fastest developing city of Andhra Pradesh was founded by the
5th Sultan of Golconda, Muhamad Quli Qutab Shah in 1593, Hyderabad immerged
as one of the main centers of Islamic culture. The city is more known for
their exquisite monuments and mosques, Saracenic, Mughal and British
architecture that displays an architectural extravagance seldom viewed in
other parts of the country.
Historic Perspective
The city was also known as the home of one the affluent royal family of the
world the legendary Nizams of Hyderabad whos wealth was legendary. The city
is adorned with capricious palaces, erstwhile royal homes and bustling
bazaars filled with shops selling Hyderabadi pearls, perfume and copper
artifacts with an additional charm of Golconda Fort, it was from the
Golconda Fort that the world-famous Kohinoor diamond was discovered
Much of Hyderabad's old town enjoys the masterpieces like- Charminar, a
16th century gateway; the Salar Jung Museum which exhibits priceless
treasures, Mecca Mosque and Golconda Fort. Nagarjunakonda is the site of
imminent exhuming, which have revealed Buddhist temples, stupas and
monasteries.
Charms of The City
Charminar
The Charminar a 4 Colonnade monument is the abiding emblem of Hyderabad,
built in 1591 by Mohammad Quli. The 4 archways of the structure face the 4
prominent directions, north, south, east and west. On the second floor of
Charminar is located the oldest mosque of the city. From the top of the
structure one can have a magnificent view of the charming, glowing city
below. Charminar is open to visitors during the day.
Mecca Masjid
The
Mecca Masjid next to the Charminar is one of the largest in the world. The
construction of this holy mosque was completed under the regime of the
Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Some of the bricks of the mosque were built from
the holy soil of Mecca.
Salar Jung Museum
The Salar Jung Museum treasures an astonishing mélange of artifacts
from all over the world. The fascinating collected by three generations of
the Nizam regime includes unique oil paintings by foreign as well as well
known Indian artists, marble sculptures, carpets, clocks, china porcelain
objects, Chola sculptures, miniature paintings and a massive ivory
collection will definitely leaves a visitor wonder struck. Timings: Closed
on Saturday.
Husain Sagar tank
It's a large manmade lake in the northern part of Hyderabad. Main
attraction to the lake is the massive statue of the Buddha that sunk into
the lake while installation was taking place. Later on it was successfully
retrieved and was set up in 1993. The Lumbini Huda Park on the lake is quite
a famous picnic spot frequently visited by the visitors. The park also
facilitates boating.
Falaknuma Palace
At a distance of 4km from Charminar the palace was designed by an Italian
architect. The Falaknuma Palace is transformed into a museum and is famous
for its precious collection and the personal belongings of the Nizam of
Hyderabad.
It's closed on Fridays.
Excursion
The Golconda Fort
The Golconda Fort, 11 km from main city, is one of the gigantic and amazing
fort in India. The capital city was established in the colossal walls of
Golconda Fort by the Qutb Shahi dynasty.
The main features of the fort are the stiff and towering Balahisar Gate,
the Grand Arcade where you can here the sound of a clap made at a certain
distance, the Royal Nagina Gardens, the bodyguards' barracks, and the
magnificent Durbar Hall crowned on the hill. The Durbar Hall displays a
breath taking view of Hyderabad and Secunderabad and with a carefull look
one can even spot the Charminar.
Nagarjunasagar
and Nagarjunakonda
It is 149 km from Hyderabad. Nagarjunasagar is the tallest masonry dam in
the world across river Krishna. The Nagarjunakonda is an island formed in
the man made lake. Launch services are available from Nagarjunasagar to
Nagarjunakonda.
Bharamarambha Mallikarjuna Swamy temple
Perching on 457m high hills the Bharamarambha Mallikarjuna Swamy temple is
one of the 12 Jyothir lingas. The temple sculptures depicts the stories from
the great Hindu epics - Ramayana and Mahabharata. The temple is accessed by
regular bus services from Hyderabad , Tirupati- 436 km, and Vijayawada- 248
km. The place also provides accommodation for the pilgrims at their cottages
at very reasonable price. The APTT and TDC operate package tours from
Hyderabad.
Festivity
Deccan Festival
The Deccan festival of Hyderabad is all about Hydrabadi culture its
arts-craft and exotic cuisine. Pearls and Bangles fair is also organized
during this festival along with other cultural programs, food, stalls, arts
and craft shops.
Lumbini Festival
It is a grand Buddhist Festival celebrated in Nagarjunasagar and Hyderabad
over a period of 3 days from 2nd Friday of December every year.
Moharrum
Moharrum is celebrated in Hyderabad and is as popular as Dasara in Mysore.
Muslims also celebrate Milad-un-Nabi with gathering held in Mecca Masjid and
at Dar-us-Salaam.
Makara Sankranti
Makara Sankranti is a harvest festival and is celebrated over 3 days in the
month of January. Cockfights, bullfights and ram fights are also organized
and are quite famous among the masses.
Ugadi
Ugadi is a native New Year of Telgus that comes soon after the celebration
of 'holy' in April-May. Spring is considered as the first season of this
native New Year of Andra. The festival is celebrated with great devotion and
enthusiasm.
Shopping
Hydrabad also boost lavish shopping hubs endorsed with turbulent bazaars
buzzing with activities. The main shopping area is in the proximity of the
Charminar. The Laad Bazaar here and Sultan Bazaar and Abids circle are the
main shopping joints in the city.
Hyderabad also treasures many multicolored bangles, strings of white
pearls, heavily embroidered garments that often make their way into wedding
gowns. The city is also famous for its brass artifacts and other decorative
items.
Getting Around
Air: Indian Airlines connect Hyderabad with Bhubaneshwar,
Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Channai, Nagpur and Vishakapatnam.
Rail: Hyderabad is very well connected by means of rail transport
with Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Mumbai, Delhi, Channai and other cities in
India.
Road: The city has developed road ways connecting Aurangabad- 548
km, Bangalore- 568 km, Mumbai- 735 km, Channai- 704 km and Tirupati- 651 km.
