Hyderabad, Information about Hyderabad, Hyderabad Tour

Hyderabad is the modern and cosmopolitan capital city of Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad was founded by the Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah in 1591. Hyderabad is often described as a link between north and south and occupies a unique position in the map of India. It is India's sixth largest city and a major industrial and educational center. The Charminar, Golconda Fort and the tomb of Qutb Shahi kings are the main attractions of Hyderabad. Telugu is the official and native language of Andhra Pradesh. Deccan, Marathi, Kannada, Tamil and English are the main languages which are widely spoken in Hyderabad. The language used in Hyderabad is an interesting blend of Urdu and some of the other Indian languages spoken with a peculiar accent, which sets a Hyderabadi apart. Hyderabad is also known for its richly flavored cuisine, handicrafts, festivals and fairs. The present Government of Andhra Pradesh is trying to make Hyderabad one of the most progressive cities of India and offer incentives to make it the principal center of computer software industry. Hyderabad can be visited throughout the year, except in summers when the days are very hot.

History of Hyderabad

The glorious history of Hyderabad is reflected in a mud fortress built by Kakatiyas of Warangal in the 11th centuary AD on the Golconda. Golconda is also known for its diamond mines. In the 14th century, Golconda went to Bahamani kings. From 1518 to 1687, Qutub Shahi kings ruled from Golconda. Mohammad Quli, the fourth Qutb Shah king, built his new capital on the southern banks of the Musi river as an alternate to Golconda. Due to the water shortage and over crowding in Golconda, the Sultan Mohammad Quli Qutb Shah founded Hyderabad and named the city as Bhagyanagar after his beautiful wife Bhagmati. Later he gave her the title of Hyder Mahal and changed the name of the city to Hyderabad. Hyderabad was also a gateway to the southern kingdoms. This thriving trading centre with its rich diamond mines lured the Emperor Aurangzeb who invaded the Golconda kingdom. The king retreated to Golconda Fort when he fought the Mughal army. The fall of the city in 1687 marked the end of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. After Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, his Viceroy in Hyderabad, Asaf Jah, declared independence. He founded the Asaf dynasty which continued for seven generations and the last of his successors, Osman Ali Khan, was reported to be the richest man in the world. The Asaf Jahi Nizams ruled till 1948 when the State was merged in the Indian Union. Till 1948, the 0riginal Hyderabad State ruled by the Nizam from Hyderabad city was the largest state of India. Due to the Nizam’s loyalty, the British treated him well and gave him the title, "His most Exalted Highness". After independence, Hyderabad State was brought into the Indian Union. In 1956, Hyderabad became the capital of Andra Pradesh.

Tourist Attractions in Hyderabad

Salar Jung Museum
Salar Jung Museum is the national museum in Hyderabad. This museum can be compared with the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. This museum is one of the finest museums of India and was established by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan (Salar Jung III), the Prime Minister of Nizam Osman Ali Khan. This museum houses the antiques and rare art treasures of Salar Jung, one of the early generals of the Asaf Jahi clan and one of the largest private collections in the world. Some of its unique collections are miniature paintings, illuminated manuscripts of the Quran, weapons, clothing of Mughal emperors, wood carvings, sculptures, library and many other interesting items from all over the world.

Char Minar, Hyderabad

Char Minar
Char Minar is one of the major monument in Hyderabad. The Char Minar is one of the most magnificent emblem of Hyderabad like Taj Mahal in Agra and Eiffel Tower in Paris. When Mohamad Quli Qutb Shah laid the foundation of the city of Hyderabad, he also reserved the location of Char Minar, near the site of his beloved queen’s village, Chickalam. He laid the new city around Char Minar and called it Bhavyanagar after his queen’s name. Char Minar was built in 1591 by Mohamed Quli Qutub Shah and straddles the city’s original grid of broad intersecting boulevards. According to the legend, the Char Minar was built as a charm to work off a deadly epidemic which was raging at that time. Char Minar means four towers or minarets that stands 48.7 meters high and 30 meters wide creating four arches facing each cardinal points. Within the Char Minar complex are 45 prayer spaces and a mosque.

Mecca Masjid
Mecca Masjid is one of the largest mosque in the world and lies just beyond the Char Minar. This mosque was named so because it is said that Mohammad Quli Shah brought bricks from Mecca to built the Masjid. The Qutb Shahis could not complete the Masjid as Aurangzeb defeated them and was completed by Aurangzeb in 1694. Mecca Masjid is poetry in stone with a hall that measures 67 meters and soar to height of 54 meters. The roof is supported by 15 graceful arches, five each on three sides. The marble graves of Nizam Ali Khan and the families of the Asaf Jahi dynasty are situated towards the southern end of the mosque. About 10,000 devotees can be accommodated in the mosque. During Ramadan, the people can be seen on the streets outside the mosque.

Hussain Sagar Lake
Hussain Sagar Lake was constructed during the time of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah, by Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali in 1562 and connect the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. This lake was once a water source for the Secunderabad Contonment and now a picnic spot with facilities for water sports and boating. One of the major attraction of the Hussain Sagar Lake is the 18 meter high, 350-ton monolithic statue of Lord Buddha on the Rock of Gibratlar in the middle of the lake.

Golconda Fort
Golconda Fort is one of the most famous fort in South India. The name "Golconda" originates from the Telugu word “Golla Konda”, that means the Shephered’s Hill. The origin of the fort can be traced to the Yadava dynasty of Deogiri, and the Kakatiyas of Warrangal. Golconda was originally a mud fort, which passed to the Bahmani dynasty and later to the Qutb Shahis from 1518 to 1687 AD. The first three Qutb Shahi kings rebuilt Golconda from 62 years. The Golconda fort is famous for its acoustics, palaces, factories, indigenious water supply system and the famous Fateh Rabben gun, one of the cannons used in the last siege of Golconda by Aurangzeb, to whom the fort ultimately fell.

Osmania University
Osmania University was founded in 1918 and one of the most important centers of learning in the Deccan. Osmaniya University has one of the largest campuses in India where Urdu is the main medium of instruction. The building of the Arts Campus was designed by Nawab Zai Yar Jung, Nizam's architect, after studying several European Universities. Various other faculty buildings in the campus are built on the same line as the Arts College that blends European and Indian style of architecture. The buildings, botanical gardens and landscaped gardens are worth visiting places.

Qutb Shahi Tomb
The Qutb Shahi Tomb lies about a kilometer away from the Banjara Darwaza of the Golconda Fort. These tombs were planned and built by the Qutb Shahi kings and one of the oldest historical monuments in Hyderabad. These tombs form a large group of domes and terraces and stand on a raised platform. All the Qutub Shahi kings except Abdul Hassan Tana Shah are buried here. These graceful domed tombs are surrounded by landscaped gardens. The tombs are built in Persian, Pathan and Hindu architectural styles using grey granite with stucco ornamentation.

Lad Bazaar
This oldest and most popular shopping centre of the city lies to the right of Charminar and is also known as the “Street of Love”. The bustling streets tudded with colourful shops are famous for traditional bangles, bridal ware, heena and cosmetics. Darushafa is known for the paper thin silver leafy sheets, which are used to decorate Indian sweets and Bidriware.

Birla Mandir
The white marble shrine of Lord Venkateswara is set atop Kala Pahad hillock , towards the southern end of Hussain Sagar lake. It affords a fine view of the city, especially at sunset. The shrine is decorated with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharta. There are also several splendidly sculpted marble statues of Hindu gods and goddesses.

Naubat Pahad
Birla Planetarium and Alliance Francaise are set atop this rocky hill near the Birla Mandir. Sky shows are held at the planetarium. A visit to the science museum is a great learning experience.

Lumbini Park
The well laid out park on the banks of Hussainsagar lake is one of the most popular amusement site in the city. The floral clock and the musical dancing fountains are noteworthy

Mahankali Temple
It was built in 1864, by Surati Ayyappa and lies near Rashtrapathi Road, the centre of Secunderabad’s commercial district . the marble idol of Kali was sculpted in Ujjainand the temple is also referred as Ujjaini Mahankali temple.

Public Garden
This exquisite garden located in the busy Nampally area is said to be the largest of its kind in Asia. It is the oldest park of city and is dotted with several majestic buildings. To the right of the main gate is an excellent mosque, which was used by the last Nizam for his prayers on Friday. Adjacent to it are two old buildings, whih house Abul Kalam Institute of Oriental Studies. Nearby are many important buildings like the state Legislative Assembly, Jawahar Bal Bhawan, the Jubilee Halll, the Ajanta Pavilion, the state Archaeological Museum, the Health Museum etc.

Nehru Zoological Park
It extends over an area of about 1.2 sq. km. And is one of the largest zoos of India. conducted tours in protected vans are taken to the Safari Park. Other attractions includes – a Natural History Museum, an Ancient Life Museum, an aquarium and a children’s train ride.

Shopping in Hyderabad

There are various shops in Hyderabad that sell pearls, carpets, jewellery, glass bangles, Indian scents, traditional Himroo brocades, delicate silver jewewllery, lacquered sandalwood toys and distinctive Bidri work. Hyderabad is particularly known for its two crafts which are Bidriware and Pearls. Bidriware is a technique of decorating the dishes, boxes, hooka bases with very fine arabesques, flowers, geometric patterns. The designs are inlaid with silver and brass. You can see various craftsmen working on it in bazaars around Char Minar. Jewellery making with pearls have been one of the oldest crafts of India. There are various shops near Char Minar that perform this work. Various shoppers come here from all parts of India to buy pearls or jewellery made of pearls.

Around Hyderabad

Shilpagramam (14 kms.)
The crafts village at Madhapur nestles amidst beautiful rocky formations by the hillside with natural slopes and wild vegetation. It was set-up to preserve the dying art hillside with natural slopes and wild vegetation. It was set-up to preserve the dying art forms as well as to bring together the crafts are held in March, which provide an opportunity for the buyer to come in direct contact with artisans and crafts person. Cultural activities are held during te ten day Dussehra festival (Oct. – Nov. ) as well as Sankrant Sandadi, the festivals of harvest in the month of January. Camps and workshops are also organized for the craftsmen. The folk and tribal artists are encouraged at the village and spectacular performances can be seen here.

The HI - TEC City
The HI – TEC or the “Hyderabad Information Technology Engineering Consultancy” City is a symbol of Hyderabad’s leadership in the field of Information Technology (IT) in the country. It is located at Madhapur on the outskirts of Hyderabad and the foundation stone of this breathtaking venture was laid on April 28^th 1997. The HI – TEC city is a fully integrated, ultramodern techno township that provides infrastructural facilities like office space, production areas , communication facilities, shopping centre, hotel, convention centre, recreational zones and club houses. It was conceived to act as one – stop- shop solution fulfilling the business as well as social needs of the corporate community.

Osmansagar (Gandipet) (21 kms.)
The charming lake covering an area of 46 sq. kms. Was built by Mir Osman Ali Khan in 1920, by barricading the water of Musi river. Boating facilities are available here. Balaji This famous shrine of Lord Balaji Vendateswara is located at Chilkur near Himayatsagar at Gandipet. I is said to be over five hundred year old and is built in Kakatiyan style. No ‘hundi’ / cash offerings are accepted here.

Sanghi Temple(25 kms.)
The majestic temple complex dedicated to Lord Venkateswara is a favourite gateway point for the tourists visiting Ramoji Film City. It is perched atop the Parmanand Giri hill and the and the 15 ft. high Raja Gopuram dominates the skyline. There are several other temples in the complex dedicated to various Hindu deities.

Keesaragutta (35 kms.)
The Hindu pilgrim centre is known for Ramalingeswara and Lakshminarasimha shrines. According to mythological legends, Lord Rama came here during his exile and was captivated by its natural beauty. He decided to install a Shivalinga and asked Hanuman to bring one from Varanasi. Hanuman did not arrive in time thus Lord Rama made a Shivalinga out of sand and completed his praers. When Hanuman returned with 101 Shivalingas and saw that prayers were over, he was very upset and threw the lingas on the hill which can still be seen here.

Yadagiri Gutta (68 kms.)
It is famous for the shrine of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy perched atop a hillock. The presiding deity is believed to cure the incurable diseases of the devotees. Yadagiri Gutta is 85 kms. From Warangal.

RAMOJI FILM CITY
Ramoji Film City is the largest, most comprehensive and professionally planned film production center of the world. It is located near Hayathnagar on the Hyderabad –Vijayawada Highway, 25 kms. From Hyderabad. The film city sprawling over an area of about 2000 acres was conceived and developed as a ‘one stop shop’ for a filmmaker. It is said to have better facilities than the best studios of Hollywood. It also offers a variety of well conducted tours that transports a visitors into a virtual dreamland. The tourists are received at the main gate on the Vijayawada highway and taken to ‘Eureka’, inside the film city from city from where all the tours commence. Eureka, the fun place, is an architecture marvel amidst the glamour land. It is an excellent stop for entertainment, food and shopping.

Medak (96 kms.)
This historic site and famous Christian pilgrim centre is named after ‘Methuku’, which means a particle of cooked rice. Originally, it was an important Buddhist site, but the town is now well known for its magnificent cathedral.

Medak Church
It is the single largest diocese in Asia and second largest in the world after the Vatican. Te church was built by Rev. Charles Posnett in gratitude for the end of a famine that lasted for three years. Its construction started in 1914 and was opened on 25^th December 1924. the imposing structure in Neo-gothic style is 173 feet high, while the length and width are 200 ft and 100 ft respectively. The tiles used here were brought from Italy , while the sound proof roof of the church is built of sponge material. The church is also noted for its stained glass windows depicting various Biblical and Christmas celebration scenes. It can accommodate about 5,000 people at a time.

Medak Fort
It was originally built in typical Hindu style during the reign of the Kakatiyas and was later constructed by the Qutub Shahis in Muslum architecture. The fort has wide ramparts with several natural bastions carved out of the boulders and rock on the hillock. The huge Mubarak Mahal within is worth a visit.

Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary
It covers an area of 130 sq. kms., about 15 kms. From Medak. The low hills and small water pools attracts large flocks of migratory birds. Animals seen here are panther, sloth bear, wild boar, cheetal, nilgai, hyena etc. best season to visit is from October – May. The sanctuary is 120 kms. From Hyderabad.

Basar (190 kms.)
The famous hindu pilgrim centre on the banks of river Godavari is known for the temple of Sri Gyana Saraswati, the Goddess of learning. The only other temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati in the country is at Kashmir. It is believed that the idol of the presiding deity was installed here by the legendary saint Ved Vyasa, who wrote the great epic mahabharta. The main festivals celebrated are – Sri Vyasa Purnima, Dasshera Navarathula, Sri Vasantha Panchami and Maha Shivarathri.

How to get here

By Air:
Indian airlines, East West airlines, Jet airways, Sahara, etc. operate flights from Hyderabad. A few international flights are also operating to and from Hyderabad.

By Rail:
Secunderabad, the twin-city of Hyderabad, is the headquarters of the South Central Zone. Hyderabad and Secunderabad is connected to various cities and towns by rail.

By Road:
Hyderabad is connected to every city and town of Andhra Pradesh by well connected network of roads.

To know the distances from Hyderabad click here.

Map of Hyderabad

Hyderabad Map, Map of Hyderabad