Hyderabad is the capital city of the state of Andhra Pradesh. Located on the Deccan Plateau this city is located 1760 ft. above the sea level. Hyderabad was founded by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, Sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. The city of pearls as it is called is known for its rich history and multilingual culture. Hyderabad is also recognized as the fastest growing IT hub in India and is popular business destination today. It is home to many international companies and global IT majors.
Some of the major attractions in Hyderabad are as follows.
Golconda fort
It is situated 11 kilometres from Hyderabad. Golconda is one of the famous forts of India. Originally built by the Kakatiyas, the Qutub Shahi kings converted this fort into a massive and expansive fort of granite. The fort is renowned for acoustic effects, royal palaces, efficient water supply system, and whispering walls. The fort was famous for its great hoard of diamonds found in the mines here. The famous Kohinoor diamond now a part of the British Crown Jewels is believed to belong to the mines in this region. The Light and Sound Show held in the fort is a major attraction.
Charminar
Charminar is a popular landmark in Hyderabad city. This is one of the major historical site which stands at the centre of the old city. Often called "The Arc de triomphe of the East", Charminar was built in 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah. The building got its name from its four minarets. It is a square-shaped structure with the four minarets in each of the corners with each minaret having double balconies. There is a mosque at the western end of the Charminar’s roof.
Qutub Shahi Tombs
Qutub Shahi Tombs are located at around one kilometre away from the Golconda Fort. The tombs are dedicated to the seven Qutub Shahi kings. Theses cluster of magnificent tombs are known for their architectural grandeur and beauty. The tombs are built in an architectural style which is a mixture of Persian, Pathan and Hindu forms.
Falaknuma Palace
Falaknuma Palace is located about 5 kilometres from Charminar. This magnificent palace stands testimony to the glory of the Nizams. This palace was built by Nawab Vikar-Ul-Ulmara, the Prime Minister of Hyderabad. He then gifted it to the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad, Mahboob Ali Khan Siddiqi. The palace has a blend of Italian and Tudor architecture and was designed by an Italian architect. Falaknuma palace houses a large collection of rare treasures collected by the Nizam. The palace’s Jade collection is considered to be unique in the world. The palace has a huge library with a walnut carved roof. It includes the largest Venetian chandeliers.
Chowmahalla Palace
This palace was built in several phases by the Nizams between 1857-1869. The Asif Jahi dynasty made this palace as their seat. This palace is known for its unique style and elegance. “Chow” means four in Urdu and the name Chowmahalla literally means “Four Palaces”. The southern courtyard is the oldest and consists of four palaces- Afzal Mahal, Mahtab Mahal, Tahniyat Mahal and Aftab Maha. Of the four palaces the grandest and the main palace is Aftab Mahal which is a two storied building.
Ramoji Film City
Ramoji Film City is the world’s largest film city. The Film city is spread over an area of 2000 acres. Everything that goes into making a film is available here. Ramoji Film City can accommodate about 50 film units at the same time. The major attractions here are a Japanese garden, an accurate reproduction of an airport terminal, artificial waterfalls, churches, mosques and temples, palace interiors etc. Shangri-La situated here has a huge collection of flowers plants and shrubs.
HITEC City
The Hyderabad Information Technology Engineering Consultancy City (HITEC City) is one of the modern monuments. Situated on the outskirts of the city, this area is called as Cyberabad. This is a cylindrical building meant for housing IT offices.
Mecca Masjid
This mosque is located 100 meters from the Charminar. Mecca Masjid is called so because of the belief that some of the bricks used for the construction of this masjid were brought from Mecca. This is considered as the largest mosque in the twin cities.
Shilparamam
Shilparamam is located at Madhapur village. This is a 50-acre village and it showcases arts and crafts of the country. The main purpose of Shilparamam is to encourage the artisans and artists and to revive and preserve the handicrafts, arts and folk forms of theatre and dance of the country.
Nehru Zoological Park
Nehru Zoological Park is situated in Bahadurpur area, which is about 16 km from the city of Hyderabad. Spread over 300 acres of land, Nehru Zoological Park is one of the largest zoos in India. The zoo is home to several species of birds, reptiles and animals. Other attractions here include elephant rides, Dinosaur Park, Natural history Museum and Children’s Train.
Hussainsagar Lake
This lake connects the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Hussain Sagar Lake is situated about 2 km from the heart of the city of Hyderabad. One of the World’s tallest monolithic statues of the Buddha is placed in the middle of the lake.
Lumbini Park
Lumbini Park is a 7.5 acre public park located 3 kilometres from Hyderabad. Boating facilities are available here. The musical fountain is another attraction here.
Indira Park
Indira Park is spread over 7 acres of land on the banks of Hussain Sagar Lake. It is one of the oldest parks in the city of Hyderabad. Located in the lower Tank Bund of Hyderabad, Indira Park is named after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The musical fountains, waterfalls and a commercial nursery are some of the attractions in this well designed park.
Shamirpet
Shamirpet is located 24 km from the city of Hyderabad. This place is one of the popular picnic spots. This is famous for its artificial lake which is rain fed. Katta Maisamma is located in the lake bund.
Other attraction in Hyderabad include Dhola-ri-dhan, Laad Bazaar, Birla Mandir, Salar Jung Museum, Mir Alam Tank, Nagarjuna Sagar dam, Birla Science Museum and many more.
How to reach Hyderabad
Hyderabad is well connected to national and international destinations. Hyderabad has two airports, the Rajiv Gandhi Terminal is the international airport and the N. T. Rama Rao Terminal is the domestic airport in the city. Hyderabad railway station is well connected to all the major Indian cities. Secunderabad, one of the twin cities with Hyderabad is the headquarters of Southern Railway. Hyderabad is well connected to other cities in the state by a good network of highways. Andhra Pradesh state owned buses connect Hyderabad city with all cities in the state and the neighbouring states.
Accommodation
Plenty of accommodation options are available in the city that caters to different budgets of the tourists.