Hyderabad- Andhra Pradesh

Tourism

Charminar:

Standing majestically in the midst of the crowded old city, is the Charminar-the huge but elegant arch, a masterpiece of Qutub Shahi architecture. It is located amidst the colorful shops of Lad Bazaar (Choodi Bazaar) with its glittering traditional bangles, pearls and bridal ware in the old city. Unique to Hyderabad, this square structure has delicate stucco ornamentation, four tall minarets and a mosque on its top floor. This imposing monument was built by Sultan Muhammed Quli Qutub Shah in honor of his Hindu wife, Bhagmati, between 1591AD and 1612 AD. Charminar gets its name from its four gracefully carved minarets literally meaning 'Four (char) Pillars (minars)'. The massive square structure, built entirely of granite and lime mortar stands on a square base and opens up to four directions through grand arches. The clocks above each of the four archways were added in 1889. There are four minarets in the four corners each minaret stand on a lotus-leaf base. The buildings and has four floors. On top is a bulbous dome crowned by a brass spire. The dome is decorated with petal like motifs. The upper levels of the Charminar were used as a madrasa and mosque, from where royal proclamations were read out to the assembled public. The top floor is facing the holy city of Mecca.

Golconda Fort

DGolconda fort of Andhra Pradesh is a majestic monument. It is built by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah in 1525. The fort was famous for its diamond trade and the 'Kohinoor' diamond is said to have come from here. Golconda is surrounded by crenulated ramparts constructed of large masonry blocks weighing several tons. The design of the ventilation reveals the brilliant planning of the architects; they are designed to let in a flow of fresh cool breeze, which is a respite from the heat of summer.

The massive gates are studded with large pointed iron spikes to prevent elephants from battering them down. The outer wall surrounding the entire township of Golconda strongly fortified. There is also supposed to be secret underground tunnel leading from the 'Durbar Hall' to one of the palaces at the foot of the hill. The tombs of the Qutub Shahi kings, built with Islamic architecture lie about 1-km north of the outer wall of Golconda. Outside the Golconda Fort are two separate pavilions built on a rocky eminence - the 'Taramathi Gana Mandir' and the 'Premathi Nritya Mandir'. A new attraction at the fort is a sound and light show that brings the legend of Golconda to life. The show is presented in English, Hindi and Telugu.

Mecca Masjid

Mecca Masjid is adjacent to Charminar, one of the largest mosques in the world (accommodating up to 10,000 worshippers) Construction began in 1614, during the reign of Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, but wasn't finished until 1687, by which Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb had annexed the Golconda kingdom and completed this Masjid in 1693. But it looks more Mughal then Qutub Shah in its perfect granite finish and vast courtyard. A particular stone brick in the mihrab is believed to have been brought from Mecca. The name is derived from the Grand Mosque at Mecca on which it is patterned. The hall measures 67 mt. by 54 Mt. and is 23 Mt. in height. Fifteen arches, five on each of the three sides, support the roof. A high wall to provide the Mehrab blocks the western side. Each of the two octagonal columns on either side are made out of a single piece of granite, It took about 8000 Masons and laborers and 77 years to complete. At each end are two huge octagonal columns made out of a single piece of granite each topped by an arched gallery that is crowned by a dome?

Hussain Sagar Lake

A one of the largest man-made lakes in Asia located in the heart of the Hyderabad City, contributing to its immense beauty. It is a sprawling artificial lake that holds water perennially. It was built during the reign of Ibrahim Qutub Shah in 1562, on a tributary of river Musi. The unique feature of this lake it connects the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

The place is popularly called the "Tank Bund". A 16m high, 350 ton monolithic Buddha statue on the Rock of Gibraltar is a major attraction at the Hussain Sagar. It is made of white granite, finely sculptured and stands majestically amidst the shimmering waters of the lake. 33 statues of the great luminaries of Andhra Pradesh are laid on the either side of the Bund, who seem to be a silent witness to the changing colors of the city.

This lake offers a fabulous time for holidaymakers and water friends and over the years it has become a favorite evening spot, while in the morning the health freaks are seen toning their muscles in jogging suits. In the evenings it is crowded with young couples and families.

Water Sports - On both sides of the tank there are sailing clubs. The one towards Secunderabad known as the Secunderabad boat club, which offers facilities for yachting and is, regarded as one of the best boat clubs in India. Annual 'Regatta' (water competitions) draws a good number of sports persons from all around the country. During the regatta competitions, the lake looks picturesque and colorful with the yatches sailing on the shimmering waters. The nearby attractions of the lake are Lumbini Park, Birla Mandir and Planetarium.

Salarjung Museum

It is one of the much lauded tourist attractions of Hyderabad City. It is the largest one- man collections of the world by Mir Yusuf Ali Khan, popularly known as Salar Jung III (1889-1949). He served as Prime Minister to Nizam 1912, at the age of 23, but resigned two and a half years later. Thereafter he dedicated his whole life collecting antiques and art, which were the only passions of his lonely life. He spent considerable portion of his wealth for collecting them.

This museum is well known throughout India for its prized collections of about 40,000 objects belonging to different civilizations dating back to the 1st century. The museum includes sculptures, wood carvings, religious objects, swords, daggers, armors, manuscripts, furniture, vases, snuff boxes, utensils, archer's rings, ornaments, pottery, clocks, miniature paintings, portraits, silver, costumes and even toys which come from all over the world, France, England, Switzerland, Germany, Persia, China, Japan, Burma, Sri Lanka.

Excursions from Hyderabad

Ramoji Film City:

Ramoji Film City is conveniently located on the outskirts of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. It is one of the most comprehensive and professionally planned film production canters in the world. Located at an hour's distance from Hyderabad, it is spread over an area of more than 1000 acres. The place is popular among various film circles in the world not only for its visual feast but also for its multimedia and editing suit techniques.

Entrepreneur-cum-film producer Ramoji Rao owns Ramoji Film City. It is tastefully landscaped, meticulously maintained, exquisitely designed with palace-like edifices, temples, beautiful rock figurines, shopping arcades, railway station, airport and all that a producer can dream of. All a producer has to do is, enter the film city with the script and the cast and leave with the completed film reel.

Nagarjuna Sagar:

It is also called 'Vijayapuri' in ancient times is an important Buddhist site located 150 Kms from Hyderabad. Nagarjunasagar is named after the Buddhist saint Acharya Nagarjuna, one of the outstanding Buddhist teachers in the Andhra Kingdom. The relics of Buddhist civilization dating back to the 3rd Century A.D. that were excavated here are carefully preserved on the picturesque island Nagarjunakonda situated in the center of a man-made lake. Nagarjuna dam, which was completed in 1966, is 124 meters high and 1 km long, one of the largest masonry in the world. The lake, which it straddles, is the third largest manmade lake in the world. 4 Kms away from the dam, is the Viewpoint, where a panoramic view of the amazing landscape, is simply a feast to the eyes. On a pylon not too far from the dam, is the image of Nagarjuna, the patron of the ancient city. The Museum at Nagarjunakonda, which displays relics also, has pre-historic finds in the form of tools from Paleolithic and Neolithic times.

Osman Sagar: 20-km away from the center of Hyderabad is Osman Sagar. Popularly known as 'Gandipet', it is an excellent picnic spot with well-laid gardens.

Shilparamam: Shilparamam is a crafts village at Madhapur, set amidst lovely rocks, rippling waterfalls and gorgeous lawns, about 14-km from Hyderabad.

Ocean Park: Located at Gandipet in Hyderabad, Ocean Park is one of the first theme parks started in the twin-cities. It is a unique amusement park for the entire family and has attractions like a kiddie's pool, a 60ft high ride, the Slam Bomb, bumping cars and dry rides for people of all ages.

How to reach Hyderabad

By Air: There are flights in either direction between Hyderabad and Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Bhubaneswar, Nagpur, and Vishakhapatnam. Hyderabad has an international airport too.

By Road: The twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad are extensively covered by the railway network connected with Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi. The city bus service operates from the railway station.

By Road: On the crossroads of National highways 7 and 9, Hyderabad is well Connected Buses of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation and Private buses operate to all centers in the region.