Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, along with its twin city Secunderabad has over 400 years of history. Hyderabad is a heady mixture of heritage, traditionally hospitality and a thriving software revolution. A revolution that has already attracted Microsoft to set its only overseas base here. The fifth largest city in India and has a population of over 2.2 million. Hyderabad is famous world over for its fabulous Diamond markets; glass embedded bangles and the delectable Hyderabadi cuisine. It has a Hindu - Muslim culture with a number of monuments of historical importance.

Hyderabad has grown enormously over four hundred years. Originally sited on the south side of the Musi river and built to reflect Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah's splendor and style of governance, the city has spread widely in all directions - north across the river, eastwards and westwards.

Mohammed Quli, fifth Sultan of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty of Golconda, founded Hyderabad in 1586. Hyderabad was modeled after Isfaan in Iran and built under the supervision of the prime minister Mir Momin, a poet, architect and an aesthete-like his master. He tried to create a replica of Paradise itself to suit Muhammad Quli’s status as the greatest of the Qutb Shahi rulers. The city was completed in 1592. It has a grid plan of two broad intersecting streets with the Charminar as a kind of triumphal arch at the center.

After the fall of the Qutb Shahis to the Mughal power, it was ruined and neglected.
 
Aurangzeb died in 1707, seven years after the death of the last Qutb Shahi ruler, Abul Hasan Tana Shah in prison in 1700. The Mughal governor of Hyderabad, Mir Kamruddin Khan, titled Nizam-ul-Mulk, declared independence and started the Asaf Jahi dynasty. The waning Mughal power found itself helpless against forces of disintegration. Hyderabad's revival began after 1763 when Nizam Ali Khan, Nizam-ul-Mulk's son and successor, shifted the capital back to where it had been in Qutb Shahi times. But the Nizams were fabulously rich and stories of their hordes of gold, diamonds and pearls spread far and wide. Mir Osman Ali Khan, the last Nizam before Hyderabad merged into the Union of India, was among the world’s wealthiest individuals. Prior to their treaty with the British, the Nizams had good relations with the French. Monsieur Raymond, a French adventurer and commander of the Nizam’s troops, earned great respect of the people. A 23-feet-high granite obelisk inscribed JR stands on a hill in Saururnagar in memory of this trusted lieutenant of the Nizams, who couldn’t stand the growth British influence.

Map of Hyderabad (click to enlarge)

Places you can see in Hyderabad

Golconda Fort, Hyderabad
Golconda fort is a majestic monument lying on the western outskirts of Hyderabad city. The fortress is built on a granite hill 120 meters high, surrounded by massive centered ramparts, which are nearly 7 Kms in circumference.

The magnificent architecture of the fort is manifest in its acoustic system, the structural grandeur of the palaces and ingenious water supply system. I was bewildered to see the meticulous details of the architecture and the fading gardens, which were once upon a time replete with sprawling lawns and playing fountains. The ventilation designs aid the inflow of fresh cool breeze, which is a respite from the heat of summer. The massive gates are studded with large pointed iron spikes to prevent elephants from battering them down. The outer wall surrounding the entire township of Golconda, is about 11 kilometers long, and is strongly fortified. In its heyday, the 10-km long road from Golconda to outer Hyderabad was a fabulous market selling jewelry, diamonds, pearls and other gems, which were famous all over the world. In its heyday, the 10 kilometre long road from Golconda to outer Hyderabad was a fabulous market selling jeweler, diamonds, pearls and other gems, which were famous all over the world.

The fort is famous for its acoustics, palaces, factories, 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.

Sound & Light Show at Golconda Fort.
The glorious past of Golconda Fort is narrated effectively with matchless Sound and Light effects. The unique Sound & Light Show takes you right back in time, when Golconda was full of life, glory and grandeur.

1st Show (English-All days)
Nov-Feb 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm
Mar-Oct 7.00 pm to 8.00 pm
2nd Show (Telugu- The, Thu & Sat)
Nov-Feb 7.45 pm to 8.45 pm
Mar-Oct 8.15 pm to 9.15 pm
2nd Show (Hindi-Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun)
Nov-Feb 7.45 pm to 8.45 pm
Mar-Oct 8.15 pm to 9.15 pm

Charminar, Hyderabad
Built in 1591-92 by the Qutb Shahi king Mohammad Quli Qutb Shah to commemorate the end of the plague in the city., this magnificent edifice that epitomizes the pride of our city is a structure of char (four) huge minars (pillars). For the etymologists, the word minaret has originated from minar, rendered by the sweet sounding Urdu zabani.

Built to a height of 56.7meters (186 feet) and on a square base of 31.5 meters (100 feet), the Charminar is said to be a prototype of Tazia, a representation of the tomb of Imam Husain. It is also said that during the Mughal Governorship between the Qutb Shahi and the Asaf Jahi rule, lightning destroyed the South Western minaret which 'fell to pieces', but it was forthwith repaired.

Charminar, the hub of the city, has four wide roads radiating in the four cardinal directions. The four minarets command the landscape for miles. The structure is square, each side measuring 100 feet, with a central pointed high arch at the center. The whole edifice contains numerous small decorative arches arranged both vertically and horizontally. The prominently projected cornice on the first floor upholds a series of six arches and capitals on each façade, rising to the double-story gallery of the minarets. The projected canopy, ornamental brackets and decoration in stucco plaster add graceful elegance to the structure. On the upper courtyard, a screen of arches topped by a row of square water screens lends a fragile charm to the sturdy appearance of Charminar. This courtyard was used as a school and for prayers at the mosque. The minarets, their domed finials rising from their lotus-leaves cushion, rise to 180 feet from the ground. An interesting 17th-century description of the monument comes from Thevenot: “That which is called the four towers, is a square building, of which each face is ten fathom broad and about seven high. It is opened on the four sides by four arches…”.

The Galleries Of Charminar, Hyderabad
There are two galleries in it, one over another, and all over a terrace that serves for a roof, bordered with a stone balcony. At each corner of the building there is a tower about ten fathom high, and each tower has four galleries with little arches on the outside. It is vaulted underneath and appears like a dome. There is a large table raised seven or eight feet from the ground with steps to go up to it. All the galleries of that building serve to make the water mount up, that so being afterwards conveyed to the kings palace, it might reach the highest apartments. Nothing in the town seems so lovely as the outside of that building; nevertheless it is surrounded with ugly shops made of wood and covered with straw, where they sell fruit which spoils the prospect of it. The thriving market still lies around the Charminar attracting people and merchandise of every description. In its heyday, the Charminar market had some 14,000 shops, a unique conglomeration of a grand oriental bazaar. The whole market around the Charminar is crowded with shops which sell glass bangles in rainbow colors. Red, blue, green, yellow, orange, mauve and pink-or whatever shade of fancy.

The Arches Of Charminar, Hyderabad
Near the Charminar stand four magnificent arches called Char Kaman, which served as the gateway to the Zilu Khana (ante chamber) of the royal palace and are named Machli Kaman, Kali Kaman, Sher Gil Ki Kaman and Char Minar ki Kaman. The Char-su-ka-hauz, a cistern with a fountain in the center of the arches is now called Gulzar Hauz. The royal residential palaces stood around the Charminar. Of the Qutb Shahi royal palaces in Hyderabad nothing of importance has survived; not even the Qutb Mandir, the pleasure of which admitted only Muhammad Quli and his female companions. The gardens have simply vanished. The mosques have been however spared.

The Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad
Near the Charminar stands the Mecca Masjid, begun by Muhammad Qutb Shah in 1617 and completed by Quranzeb in 1693. It is a grand edifice with a huge courtyard which can accommodate nearly ten thousand men at prayer. Tavernier has provided a graphic description of the mammoth boulders cut to size and carted for use in the building of the mosque. The minarets look rather stunted in comparison with the grandeur of the whole massive structure. But it looks more Mughal then Qutb Shahi in its perfect granite finish and vast courtyard. A stone brick in the mihrab has been brought from Mecca.

The Birla Planetarium & Science Museum, Hyderabad
Birla Planetarium is India's most modern planetarium and first of its kind in the country. It is equipped with advanced technology from Japan and is built on Naubat Pahad adjacent

Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
Built by one of the Paigh nobles Sir Vicar ul Umra, and later bought by the Nizam, the Falaknuma Palace (meaning "Mirror in the Sky") is 5km south of the Charminar. This palace was designed by an Italian architect and houses some rare treasures collected by the Nizam. It stands on a hill overlooking the city of Hyderabad. It is a magnificent palace. Falaknuma served as the royal guesthouse for the rulers of Hyderabad, King George and Queen Mary, king Edward-VIII, then Prince of Wale. Falaknuma palace is a masterpiece designed by an Italian architect. The marble used was specially imported from Italy.

Purani Haveli, Hyderabad
Situated between Chatta Bazaar and the Dabirpura main road, Purani Haveli was the residence of Mir Momin, the Peshwa of Hyderabad, during the reign of Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah V (1580-1612 AD).When the layout of the city of Hyderabad was being planned, the ruler of the kingdom, Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah earmarked a large estate for the residence of Hazrat Mir Momin, his Chief Adviser and peshwa (Prime Minister), who widely emerged as a saint and as a statesman. In 1777 AD Nawab Mir Nizam Ali Khan, Nizam II, acquired a large area of the Haveli Mir Alam from Ruknouddoula, a descendant of the family of Mir Momin. Nizam II built the residential buildings for his son, who however shifted his residence to Khilwat palace. Later Nawab Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, Nizam VI, made it his residence.

The main building is reminiscent of the 18th Century European architecture. Although the buildings in the complex were constructed in the second half of the 19th Century during the reign of the sixth Nizam, Nawab Mir Mahboob Ali Khan Bahadur, the seventh Nizam, Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan Bahadur added the auxiliary buildings with spacious courtyards.

Paigah Tombs, Hyderabad
There are many tombs of several generations of the Paigah nobles including Asman Jah, Viqar-ul-Umara and Shams-ul-Umara. The tombs are magnificent structures, decorated in stuccowork, and represent the Asaf Jahi and Rajasthani styles. The geometrical designs in the Paigah Tombs are unique and perforated with screens. This style is unique to the Paigah tombs and is not found elsewhere in the world.

Aalankrita-the Ethnic Gateway, Hyderabad
Spread over an area of 10 acres, Aalankrita blends the convenience of a 5-star resort, the ambience of a heritage site and the ethnicity of the times gone by. Located about 19 Km from More Details... Botanical Gardens
The first Botanical Gardens in Andhra Pradesh, spread over 120 acres, when completed will have 19 sections (Vanams). Already open to public is the first phase, with the completion of 5 sections.

Dhola-ri-Dhani, Hyderabad
This is a typical setting recreated with the entire rustic ambience and charm of an ethnic Rajasthani village, situated at Kompally on Medchal Road. Camel rides, puppet shows, folk dances, authentic

Hitec City, Hyderabad
One of the modern monuments of trade and technology, it embodies the newfound attitude of Hyderabad and today finds a place of pride.

Lumbini Park, Hyderabad
This beautiful entertainment park is situated on the Shore of Hussainsagar Lake. The landscaping here is a visual treat. A musically synchronized water fountain

NTR Gardens, Hyderabad
A leisure and entertainment centre adjoining the Hussainsagar lake, the NTR Gardens house a memorial (Samadhi) of Late N.T. Rama Rao, one of the most charismatic

Public Gardens, Hyderabad
Hyderabad has several beautiful gardens, one of the most popular being the Public Gardens, which also encloses the State Legislature,

Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad
A dream world created for the celluloid on a sprawling 1000 acres, with every imaginable set and location, Ramoji

Shilparamam-The Crafts Village
Shilparamam is an arts and crafts village showcasing various art forms and handicrafts of various artists from all over the State. Shilparamam plays host to myrid traditions of arts and crafts of the country.

Nehru Zoological Park
This zoo spreads over 300 acres and is one of the largest in Asia. Over 3000 different species of birds and animals can be seen here. It has a unique nocturnal zoo which houses animals not normally seen during the day. The Natural History Museum has rare and interesting exhibits. Large recreational parks, gardens, a mini train and animal rides, make it an ideal spot for a picnic

Birla Mandir
Overlooking the Tank Bund, the Birla Mandir presents an arresting sight when illuminated in the evening. This magnificent structure built entirely out of marble from Rajasthan, stands atop the Kala Pahad, the twin hillock of the Naubat Pahad. Built by a Birla Foundation over a span of ten years, the main temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara.

Nehru Zoological Park
This zoo spreads over 300 acres and is one of the largest in Asia. Over 3000 different species of birds and animals can be seen here. It has a unique nocturnal zoo which houses animals not normally seen during the day. The Natural History Museum has rare and interesting exhibits. Large recreational parks, gardens, a mini train and animal rides, make it an ideal spot for a picnic

Laad Bazaar
This famous, colourful shopping centre of the old city, is tucked away in one of the streets leading off from the Charminar. Bridals wear, Pearls, Attar (perfume) and the traditional Hyderabadi glass and stone studded bangles are sold here.

Hussain Sagar
Excavated in 1562 A.D. by Hussain Shah Wali during the time of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah, the promenade by the lake 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 Buddha stands on the 'Rock of Gibraltar' , in the middle of the lake It is the 16 meter high, 350 tonne monolithic .
The beautiful “Lumbini Park”, an amusement park for the young and old alike, encompasses the lake on one side. Then there is the enchanting "Birla Mandir" hewn on a hillock nearby. Standing on the Tank Bund at night, one is awe-struck to see the glimmering row of lights outlining the lake that look like a diamond studded necklace.

Salarjung Museum
A collection of art objects by Nawab Salar Jung III, this museum houses magnificent exhibits of European and Indian paintings and statuary. Of special interest is the Jade Room containing priceless objects, which belonged to ancient Indian rulers like Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan.

Events and Festivals of Hyderabad.
Deccan Festival

Deccan Festival Organised by the Department of Tourism, Andhra Pradesh, the Deccan Festival is celebrated in Hyderabad every year on 25th February. This five-day festival reflects the culture of the Deccan and highlights Hyderabad's arts, crafts, culture and the famous Nawabi cuisine.
During the Deccan festival, many cultural programmes are organised; these include ghazal , qawwali and mushaira , (poetry sessions), which are typical of the city. Renowned singers and dancers are invited for performances, making the Deccan Festival a must-see for every visitor.
This festival also includes Pearls and Bangles fair, displaying creations in lustrous pearls and multi-hued bangles that are local specialties, and a Food Fair, with items covering both Andhra and Hyderabadi cuisine. This festival comes alive with food stalls and arts and craft shops.

Reaching Hyderabad

Air
Hyderabad has a domestic and an International airport at Begumpet about 16 km from the city

Rail
Secunderabad is a major junction and headquarters of the South Central Railway Zone. Hyderabad & Secunderabad Rly Stations are Well connected from all major cities of India..

Road
Hyderbad, being Capital city of AndhraPradesh is well conected by Road from all major cities in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Maharastra and Orissa.

Where to Stay

Plenty of Budget and five star hotels dot Hyderabad.

Weather

Summer temperatures range from a mean maximum of 40 deg centigrade to a mean minimum of 30 deg centigrade. Winter temperatures range from 22 deg centigrade. to 14 deg centigrade. The monsoon season normally occurs from June to December. Registers rainfall of about 89 centimeters

Languages: Urdu, Telugu, Hindi and English.

STD Code: 040