Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh – With a number of tourist spots, the hi-tech city remains a major tourist destination in India

HYDERABAD is the capital city of the Indian state Telengana and Seemandhra. Located on the bank of Musi River, Hyderabad is endearingly called the Pearl City. The history of Hyderabad goes back to the period when Quli Qutub Shah seized power from the Bahamani Kingdom in 1512 and established the city of Golconda and the Qutub Shahi dynasty. Today’s Hyderabad is one of the major metropolitan cities of the country. The city is famous for its IT industry, bio pharmaceutical sector, and the Telugu film industry. Though cosmopolitan, Hyderabad has retained its glorious past. With a number of tourist spots the hi-tech city remains a major tourist destination in India.

Places to see in Hyderabad: Hyderabad is admired with multifarious tourist attraction. These are:

Charminar

The Charminar is as much the signature of Hyderabad as the Taj Mahal is of Agra or the Eiffel Tower is of Paris. Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad, built Charminar in 1591 at the centre of the original city layout. It is said to be built as a charm to ward off a deadly epidemic raging at that time. Four graceful minarets soar to a height of 48.7 m above the ground. Charminar has 45 prayer spaces and a mosque in it. The architectural grandeur of that time is prominently visible as you visit inside. The monument is illuminated in the evenings. Its beauty at that will mesmerise you.

Mecca Masjid

A two hundred yards south-west of the Charminar is the Mecca Masjid, so named because the bricks were brought from Mecca to build the central arch. The Qutab Shahis never finished the building of the mosque. It was completed by Aurangzeb in 1694.

Hussainsagar Lake

Excavated in 1562 A.D. by Hussain Shah Wali during the time of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah, the lake has a promenade that is a busy thoroughfare today. Boating and water sports are a regular feature in the Hussainsagar. One of the World’s tallest monolithic statues of the Buddha stands on the ‘Rock of Gibraltar’, in the middle of the lake. Added to all these, AP Tourism have additional boating facilities like speed boats, motor boats, 48 seater launch etc. Starlit dinner on-board and private parties also can be arranged on the Launch.

Salar Jung Museum

This museum houses one of the biggest one-man collections of antiques of the world by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, Salar Jung III. The objects d’art include Persian carpets, Moghal miniatures, Chinese porcelain, Japanese lacquerware, famous statues including the Veiled Rebecca and Marguerite and Mephistopheles, a superb collection of jade, daggers belonging to Queen Noor Jahan and the Emperors Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb’s swords and many other fabulous items.

Golconda Fort

Golconda is one of the famous forts of India. The name originates from  the Telugu words “Golla Konda” meaning “Shepherd’s Hill”. The origins of the fort can be traced back to the Yadava dynasty of Deogiri and the Kakatiyas of Warangal. Golconda was originally a mud fort, which passed to the Bahmani dynasty and later to the Qutb Shahis, who held it from 1518 to 1687 A.D. The first three Qutb Shahi kings rebuilt Golconda, over a span of 62 years. The fort is famous for its spectacular, palaces, ingenious water supply system and the famous Fateh Rahben gun, one of the cannons used in the last siege of Golconda by Aurangzeb, to whom the fort ultimately fell.

Osmansagar Lake

Osmansagar, better known as Gandipet, on the outskirts of Hyderabad is an excellent picnic spot. Osmansagar is one of the two lakes on the city’s periphery that supplies drinking water to the great metropolis. The lake is a reservoir created by a dam across the Isa, a tributary of the River Musi. Abutting the lake and the bund are lush gardens that provide the ideal ambience for an outing. Overlooking the lake is the heritage building, Sagar Mahal, built as a resort by the Nizam of Hyderabad and converted now into a lake resort managed by AP Tourism.

Nehru Zoological Park

Spanning 300 lush green acres, the Nehru Zoological Park is a must for nature lovers. It has over 250 species of animals and birds, most of which are kept in conditions as close to their natural habitats as possible. This is the first zoo to create moated enclosures for animals. The Lion Safari Park, Natural History Museum and Children’s Train are the added attractions.

Ramoji Film City

Ramoji Film City, a tribute to the bewitching magic of cinema, is the dream destination for entertainment and relaxation. Millions of tourists from all over the world come to the complex every month to revel in its infinite leisure and recreation options. Spread over idyllic 2,500 acres and studded with hills, woods, lakes and striking architectural triumphs, Ramoji Film City is one of Asia’s fastest growing tourism destinations.

Nearby attractions of Hyderabad:From Hyderabad you can make excursion to places like:

Nagarjuna Sagar

170 km from Hyderabad Nagarjuna Konda is one of the Buddhism’s most visited sites, named after Nagarjuna, an authority on the Mahayana form of Buddhism. He is credited to have introduced Buddhism to Andhra Pradesh in the 2nd century AD. One of the popular excursions from Hyderabad, Nagarjuna Sagar is famous for being the largest masonry dam in the world. Nagarjuna Konda Island in the middle of the Krishna River has a Buddhist Museum housing antiques.

Ettipotala Water Falls

18 km from Nagarjuna Sagar, Ettipotala Waterfalls is famous for its pristine and stunning beauty. The fall cascades from a height of 22 metres from to join the main stream Krishna River. The sound of gushing waters echoes all around the landscape. This inviting spot attracts picnickers in hordes. A crocodile breeding centre has been set up here.

Warangal 

155 km from Hyderabad, once the seat of power of the Kakatiyas, Warangal is an absolute must visit for those looking forward to exploring f the south Indian temple architecture. The 1000 pillared temple and Ramappa Temple are glowing instances of the exquisite architecture patronized by Kakatiya kings who ruled the greater part of present-day Andhra Pradesh from the late 12th to early 14th centuries AD.

Things to do in Hyderabad: While in Hyderabad do not forget to taste the delicious Hyderabadi biriyani the unique dish of Hyderabad. Apart from that shopping the items of pearls is also worth. The cinema lovers must not miss the spectacular Ramoji Film city, a tribute to the enchanting magic of cinema.

Best time to visit Hyderabad: Hyderabad has a warmer climate and hence cooler months, i.e. October to March are considered ideal to visit the city.

How to go ?

By Air

The Rajiv Gandhi International terminal, Hyderabad’s international airport is well-connected with major cities across the globe. The airport also has a domestic terminal called NT Rama Rao which is connected to most of the Indian cities. It is approximately 20 kilometres away from the city. The cabs are available to take you in different parts of the city. Fares may vary depending upon which part of Hyderabad city you would like to go.

By Train

There are three major railheads in the city, namely, Hyderabad Railway Station, Secunderabad Railway Station and Kachiguda Railway Station. These railheads connect major Indian cities like Bangalore, Chennai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune. Some of the popular trains that run daily from Hyderabad rail junctions are Kacheguda Express, Hyderabad Express, Charminar Express, Konark Express, Andhra Pradesh Express and Shatabdi Express.

By Road

The city is well-connected to its neighbouring towns like Aurangabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Tirupati and Panaji. The bus terminal is managed and well-organised by Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC). You can also avail private cars to reach your required destination.

Where to stay ?

There are some budget and luxury hotels. Some options are:

Taramati Baradari (APTDC): +91- 040 – 20030352
The Golkonda Hotel: +91 -040- 6611 -0101, 1800 425 0202 (Toll free)  Website: www.thegolkondahotel.com
Katriya Hotels and Towers :  +91- 040- 23325678, 4066135678, +91-9849597052  Website: www.katriyahotel.com
The Park Hotels: 1800 102 7275  (Toll Free), +91- 1800 102 7275  (Outside India)  Website: www.theparkhotels.com

Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.