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Hyderabad
[ Edit ] Overview
Hyderabad, the capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh, situated at an altitude of 536m above sea level, is a city with an endearing history that dates back to over 400 years.
The city of Hyderabad is based on the banks of the Musi River and the Deccan Plateau. Hyderabad and Secunderabad are twin cities near the Hussain Sagar Lake, more commonly known as Tank Bund . However over time, the two cities have grown into one big city. Today the city of Hyderabad is the 5th largest city in India, widely transformed into one of the busiest and fastest growing IT hubs. However the city still preserves its old Nawabi hospitality and age-old traditions and monuments.
[ Edit ] History
Founded in 1586 by the fifth sultan of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty, Mohammad Quli Qutb Shah, the city has a few legends on how its name came into existence. Popular legend suggests that the sultan was in love with a commoner called Bhagmati and the city was then called Bhagyanagar. Later when the sultan married her, she changed her name to Hyder Mahal and thereby the name of the city was changed to Hyderabad.
Quick Facts
[ Edit ] State
[ Edit ] Location
Located in the centre of the state of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad is
[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit
The cooler months from September to February are the best time to visit Hyderabad. The temperature at this time ranges between 14°C and 25°C. Summers on the other hand can get very hot with temperature going up to 45°C.
[ Edit ] Tourist Offices
Tourism House, Himayatnagar,
Hyderabad 500 063.
Yatri Nivas
SP Road
Secunderabad.
[ Edit ] STD Code
040
Sightseeing
[ Edit ] Birla Mandir
Carved out of Rajasthani marble, this stunning structure is set atop a hill called Kala Pahad. There are intricate carvings on the walls, ceilings and sculptures of the monument.
[ Edit ] Charminar
Charminar was built by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, in 1591. This granite and lime mortar monument symbolizes the city’s victory over plague. The structure reflects the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. It comprises of a mosque and 45 prayer spaces. The four towers of this monument, standing at a height of 48.7m above ground, are ornate with carved minarets, each minaret with double balconies and crowned by dome. more
[ Edit ] Chowmahalla Palace
Built from 1857-1869, the palace was once the private property of the Nizams of Hyderabad. The palace has now been renovated into a museum. Chowmahalla Palace, which is near by the Mecca Masjid, houses four elegant forts and also the Court of Nizams. Well-maintained and with a beautifully kept garden, the palace still holds its original magnificence.
[ Edit ] Falaknuma Palace
5km south of Charminar on a 2000ft high hill is The Falaknuma Palace. Originally built by Nawab Vikar-Ul-Umrah the palace was used as a royal guest house. The scorpion shaped palace was designed by an Italian architect and took around 9 years to be completed. The palace has some of the largest Venetian chandeliers, 100-seater dining table and some of the finest collection of Korans. The palace has 220 lavishly decorated rooms and 22 halls.
[ Edit ] Golconda Fort
In the 16th century Golconda was the capital of the ruling Qutb Shahi dynasty. The fort was once the seat of a flourishing diamond trade in the country. Situated 12 km from the city, this magnificent structure speaks of remarkable acoustics, architectural splendor and inventive water supply system for its time. more
[ Edit ] Mecca Masjid
To the southwest of Charminar is the Mecca Masjid. The 2nd largest mosque of its kind in the country and the 7th largest in the world, it is said that the central arch of the masjid was built by the bricks brought from the holy city of Mecca. The mosque was started by the Qutb Shahis but was completed 77 years later by Aurangzeb in 1694. The mosque is believed to contain sacred relics, one of which is the hair of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.
[ Edit ] Nightlife
Though Hyderabad has its fair share of bars, pubs and discotheques, the city nightlife is rather restricted. Just as many other cities in the country, the night life comes to an abrupt halt by midnight.
[ Edit ] Qutb Shahi Tombs
Half a kilometer from Golconda Fort is the Qutb Shahi Tombs. It is home to the tombs of all seven kings of the Qutb Shahi dynasty.
[ Edit ] Ramoji Film City
Ramoji Film City is the largest film studio complex in the world according to the Guiness Book of World Records. The heart of the Telugu film industry, the Film City offers tourists access to movie sets, rides, games, shows, and other entertainment.
[ Edit ] Salar Jung Museum
The museum houses one of the biggest collections of antiques by Salar Jung III, who used to be the Prime Minister to the Nizam. The assorted collection includes Persian carpets, collection of jade articles, Chinese porcelain, daggers belonging to the royal family, Japanese lacquer ware etc.
[ Edit ] Things To Do
Go boating in the Hussain Sagar Lake. Built as early as 1562 by the Qutb Shahi emperors, the lake separates the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. An island anchored in the center of the lake hold a monolithic statue of Buddha.
Planning a Trip
Getting There
[ Edit ] Air
Hyderabad has both domestic and international airports located at a distance of 8 km from the city.
[ Edit ] Rail
Hyderabad has 3 major railway junctions- Kacheguda, Nampally and Secunderabad.
[ Edit ] Road
Well connected by an extensive network of National Highways and roads.
[ Edit ] Getting Around
Choose between rickshaws which always run on meter and are quite reasonable or private taxis. Getting around in Hyderabad is can be painstaking at times because of heavy traffic.
[ Edit ] Other Information
[ Edit ] Shopping
At Charminar, check out the exotic shops that line the streets, offering everything from pearls, lacquered bangles and other such indigenous artifacts. Hyderabad pearls, lacquered bangles, jewellery, artifacts, handloom wears are some of the sought after items which can be found at Basheerbagh, Abids Koti, Nampally, Begum Bazaar, Laad Bazaar and Sultan Bazaar.
[ Edit ] Food
Carrying strong influences of Mughlai and Nizami cuisine, Hyderabadi food follows more or less the South Indian style of cooking. Try the Hyderabadi biryani, kebabs, spicy meat curries and the hyderabadi pickles that are typical to the region.
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