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Hyderabad, the
capital city of southern Indian state of Andhra
Pradesh may be described as a heritage city of Qutub
Shahi rulers. The city, whose construction was
completed in the year 1592 was modelled after Isfaan
in Iran and built under the direct supervision of
Mir Momin, the Prime Minister of the greatest of
Qutub Shahi ruler Muhammad Quli. Hyderabad was an
autonomous princely state of south-central India
from 1724 until 1948, ruled by a hereditary Nizam
Dominated by hills, tanks, forests, and rock
formations, the city was originally named Bhagnagar
meaning the city of good fortune. Later, it came to
be known as Hyderabad. The city of Hyderabad
presents an attractive composition of old world
charm together with the exuberance of growth and
enterprise. Present day Hyderabad is striving hard
to become the information technology capital of
India.
Accommodation
and Connectivity
Hyderabad has very good transport links with rest of
Andhra Pradesh and southern states. Flights operate
between Hyderabad and other prominent destinations
of India on a regular basis. There are Express train
services between Hyderabad and many other Indian
destinations including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and
Chennai. The road network to Hyderabad is also very
well laid out.
From economy to high-end, all types of accommodation
are available in Hyderabad in abundance.
Tourist Attractions
The Charminar
Any description of Hyderabad remains incomplete
without the marvellous Charminar. The Minar is a
square structure with four towers or minarets on
four corners of it. Though the Charminar is said to
exclusively represent Islamic architectural
tradition, Hindu influences cannot be denied either.
One can go atop the minarets through the internally
built stairways and have a magnificent view of the
sprawling city.
The Mecca Masjid
The Mecca Masjid is another example of great Islamic
style of architecture. The complex has a huge
courtyard where ten thousand people can offer
prayers at a time.
Hussain
Sagar Lake
Built by Ibrahim Qutab Shah in 1550, Hussain Sagar
is a large artificial lake between the cities of
Hyderabad and Secunderabad. There is a huge statue
of Lord Buddha at the very centre of the lake.
Golconda Fort
Located on the outskirts of Hyderabad city, Golconda
Fort is regarded as one of the best built fortress
complex in India. The Kakatiyas of the 13th century
and Qutub Shahi kings of 16th and 17th century had
major contributions in building this majestic fort.
With a view to attract more tourists, a light and
sound show has been introduced which depicts the
tumultuous history of the fort through audio and
visual effects.
Salarjung Museum
The Salarjung Museum displays Hyderabad Nawab's
collection of European art, glass, bronze and ivory.
Also stored are other interests of Nawab like
porcelain, illuminated manuscripts and weapons. The
Nawab's costly collection has very impressively been
displayed in the museum.
State
Central Library
This library is considered one of the best among the
Indian manuscript libraries. The library was started
by the Nawab's director of public relations.
Naubat Pahad
Naubat Pahad is a hilltop that gives a mesmerizing
view of Hyderabad city. The Birla Temple, B.M. Birla
Science Centre and Archaeological Museum are all
located on the top.
Excursion Delights
Warangal
Situated some 157 kms away from Hyderabad, Warangal
is famous for the thousand pillar temple and Ramappa
Temple, both of which flourished under the patronage
of Kakatiya rulers. Other attractions in the city
include a musical garden, rock garden, archeological
museum and the Warangal fort.
Bidar
Bidar lies 110 kms north west of Hyderabad. The
historically important city was initially the
capital of Bahamani rulers and later Barid Shahi
dynasty. The place has wide range of palaces,
mosques and tombs.
Nagarjunakonda
This place nearer to Hyderabad is a Buddhist
heritage delight. The Satvahanas had built a grand
stupa here. It is worth mentionable that before the
Nagarjunasagar Dam project was initiated,
archaeologists excavated the ruins of Vijaipuri and
set them on Nagajunakonda hill. A huge statue of
Buddha could also be seen in Nagarjunakonda.
Hyderabad is a perfect showpiece of the great
Islamic style of art and architecture. The adage
that art and culture cuts across religious
boundaries is well demonstrated by the fact that
huge number of tourists following different faiths
come here to appreciate the heritage of Hyderabad.
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