HYDERABAD

About Hyderabad

Royal, rustic, romantic are just a few terms to describe Hyderabad, but one has to be present here to truly experience the exotic enchantment of this historic city. The piercing calls of the muezzins from the minarets of mosques. The peal of temple bells accompanied by smells of incense. The mesmerizing fragrance of musky Attars (perfumes). Appetizing aromas from Tandoors (ovens), Dekchis (huge pots) and brewing Irani Chai (tea). Teeming crowds flowing in and out of twisting, narrow by lanes. Hyderabad, the vibrant rainbow of cultures and potpourri of faiths, is unique and glorious. Hyderabad - the territory of the richest man in the world, the Nizam, is also rich in history, arts, architecture and culture. Like the Kohinoor diamond which was mined here, the city is multi-faceted and a shining example of valued traditions. More than 400 years of history is preserved and exists along with the ultra modern infrastructure. Known as the City of Pearls, it is now globally famous as an IT hub. Enigmatic, vibrant and alluring, Hyderabad has a mystic charm attached to the various historic monuments, mosques, minarets and museums, which abound here. Founded in 1591, the history of Hyderabad is rooted in romance. Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah of the Qutub Shahi dynasty fell in love with Bhagyamati, a Banjara (tribal) girl and married her. Initially the city was called Bhagyanagar, but after her conversion to Islam she became Hyder Mahal, hence the present name Hyderabad. The Qutub Shahi kingdom, which took over the rule of Hyderabad (1512) from the Bahamani kings, was followed by the Mughal rule (1687) under Aurangazeeb. After the fall of the Mughal Empire, the Asaf Jahi kingdom came into power under Asaf Jahi who established the Nizam lineage. By this, the power of the Deccan kingdom grew in strength and area. The Nizams became amongst the richest rulers in the world. The different dynasties along with British influence added variety to the culture and cuisine of the region. To the modern tourist, Hyderabad offers unrivalled excitement and excellent entertainment that includes Heritage, Nature, Wildlife, Cultural and Shopping sites. A seamless 360 degrees of activity makes time fly yet the aura of timelessness lends tranquility to the ambience. The hospitality at Hyderabad is unmatched and the laid-back "Nawabi" style of living is totally relaxing. The range of yummy foods, the availability of various types of accommodation, the plethora of places to visit, astounding and affordable shopping options offering pearls, gems, handicrafts, fabrics, garments, branded merchandise and the different colours of culture & festivals make Hyderabad one of the most memorable tourist destinations.

MAHAVIR HARINA VANASTHALI

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali Hyderabad

Location:	15 Kilometers from Hyderabad city, in Vanasthalipuram.
How to Reach:	Local transport that is easily available within Hyderabad.
Main Attraction:	Endangered Black Bucks and other animals.

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is situated in Vanasthalipuram, which is around 15 kilometers from the city. Mahavir Harina Vanasthali Wildlife Sanctuary in Hyderabad has been named after the holy Jain saint 'Lord Mahavira'. It was established in 1975 on this renowned saint's 2500th birth anniversary. This sanctuary was once the exciting 'Shikargarh' or hunting ground of one of the Nizam rulers. It has now been converted into a protected national park under the law. The park is in full bloom during monsoons when beautiful flowers of different colors blossom all around. This Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is home to the endangered Black Buck deer. An estimated 400 deer roam around the National Park fearlessly.

The other species of animals apart from the Black Buck that are found over here are cheetahs, wild boar, monitor lizards, mongooses, porcupines and innumerable variety of snakes. Several species of birds like partridges, quails, peacocks, doves, pond herons, egrets, kingfishers, cormorants are also found here in great numbers. One can also find birds of prey like kites, vultures, eagle etc. Over 80 species of migratory birds can be seen basking in the sun. The Short-toed Eagle, which is a rare variety among the bird species, is also found in this area. The national park provides a tour around the park in vans for those who are interested in seeing the wildlife from a nearer distance. The park is open on all days (except Monday), from 9am to 5 pm. There are observation points in the Park for people to view animals at hotspots.

LAAD BAZAAR

Laad Bazaar Hyderabad

Location:	Right next to Charminar, Hyderabad.
How to Reach:	Hyderabad is well connected by Air, Rail and Roadways.
Main Attraction:	Bangles, Pearls, Semi-Precious Stones.

Laad Bazaar is located in Hyderabad right next to the historic Charminar. Situated on one of the four main roads that shoot out from the Charminar, it is sited in a very old area of Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh.

"Laad" is a term in Hindi and Urdu meaning "to love" or "to pamper" and a more fitting name would be hard to confer upon the bazaar. Another local folklore is that the market's original name was "Lord's Bazaar" and the current name is an altered form of this. There are a number of stores selling articles primarily targeted towards women on this one-kilometer long stretch. A vast and colorful collection of stores selling stuff usually intended for women like gorgeous bangles, semi-precious stones, pearls, saris and other such items are located in the Laad Bazaar.

Usually shopkeepers set exaggerated prices, but they do so in expectation of the bargaining known to take place in the bazaar. One can strike a good deal if the art and tactics of bargaining are known, as prices are rather subjective. Usually one reduces about 20-30% of the price tagged by the shopkeeper. He may seem very adamant at first, but if you persuade him a bit, you may get good stuff at decent prices. The most popular items sold over here are the colorful bangles and glistening pearls. It may seem strange at the first glance, but most shops make their customers sit on the floor, which is carpeted from wall to wall. Since the stores are cramped, they utilize every inch of space available.

The Laad Bazaar is located in a small lane that offshoots from the historic monument Charminar. Since the lane is narrow, cabs, cars and autos are not allowed inside. It is best to explore the bazaar on foot. You may also take the manually driven rickshaws available there which is a different experience in itself.

Dhola ri Dhani

Dhola Ri Dhani Hyderabad

Location:	Kompally, Medchal road in Hyderabad.
How to Reach:	Local transport within Hyderabad that is available easily.
Main Attractions:	Ethnic Rajasthani culture.

Dhola-Ri-Dhani, located in Hyderabad offers plays, dances, puppet shows and other variety programmes for the whole family plus has a mini handicrafts market worth meandering through. A tour to the famous Dhola-Ri-Dhani at Hyderabad is an absolute must if you want to see the amalgamation of two entirely different cultures. The imposing entrance opens the doors to the world of Ethnic Rajasthani culture and fantasy, a culmination of the images and dreams of tourists out there to experience the pure magic of Rajasthan in Hyderabad!

Dhola-Ri-Dhani is a classic setting, recreated with rustic ambience and charm of an ethnic Rajasthani village. Camel rides, puppet shows, folk dances keep you thoroughly entertained while authentic Rajasthani cuisine gives you the taste of the northern state of Rajasthan in every sense. Apart from the countryside setting, a large swimming pool, a lake to go boating, an amphitheatre for plays and other entertainment performances, give you a feel of modern ambience. For tourists who want to stay, the place has a resort with lodging facilities and accommodation.

Birla Planetarium

Birla Planetarium Hyderabad

Location:	Naubat Pahad, heart of Hyderabad.
How to Reach:	Local transport within the city.
Main Attraction:	Science Museum and Dinosorium.
Timings:	10:30 am to 3:00 pm.

The Birla Planetarium in Hyderabad is an accolade to the advances made in technology and science since the dawn of human civilization. Late Sri N.T.Rama Rao inaugurated this beautiful dome shaped architectural wonder, on 8th September 1985. The B.M. Birla Planetarium and Science Museum is an absolute visit during your trip to Hyderabad. Kids are sure to enjoy this planetarium and the variety of knowledge it has to offer.

The Planetarium offers daily sky shows (in Telugu and English) reciting various aspects of the enigmatic Cosmos, the mind boggling mysteries of the Universe, the undying comets, the Hubble Space Telescope, Eclipses, the puzzling Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO's) and the very recent clash of the Titans. As the sky show begins, the visitors are virtually transferred into the galaxy as they watch a large canopy of dark sky, full of shining stars looking down upon them. The convincing background sound effect multiplies the feel of being in outer space, which adds to the excitement and exhilaration.

The most recent addition to the Planetarium is the Dinosorium - a new wing which houses, the fossil of 160 million years old "Kotasaurus Yamanpalliensis", excavated in Adilabad district. Apart from this highlight, the Dinosaurium also has a collection of smaller fossils of dinosaur eggs, marine shells and fossilized tree trunks. The place always succeeds in enthralling people with its breathtaking sky shows of mysterious universe. It is the one place in the city, which should not be missed out by children. The Planetarium remains closed on the last Thursday of every month.

salar jung museum

Salar Jung Museum Hyderabad

Location:	Banks of the Musi River, Hyderabad.
How to reach:	Easily accessible from Hyderabad with the help of local transport.
Main Attractions:	Artifacts from all over the world that include a musical clock, the Veiled Rebecca, rare scriptures and manuscripts.

The Salar Jung museum in Hyderabad is one of the oldest museums in the city. It is the only museum that has the largest compilation of personally collected artifacts from all around the world. This museum has the greatest collection of rare antiques and knick-knacks from all over the world. One needs to devote an entire day for touring the museum itself.

Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, commonly known as Salar Jung III, did the major collections. However it was started by his father Nawab Mir Laiq Ali Khan also known as Salar Jung II and his grand father Nawab Mir Turab Ali Khan i.e. Salar Jung I. The museum boasts of a collection of 40,000 items, which have been accumulated from every possible place in the world. The former Prime Minister of India, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru declared this spectacular collection open for public display. Later a board of trustees was appointed to look after this legendary museum.

The portraits of the Salar Jung, the Nizams of the Hyderabad city can be found in the Founder's Gallery. The Indian art is exhibited in an assortment of stone sculptures, bronze images, painted textiles, wooden carvings, miniature paintings, modern art, ivory carvings, jade carvings, metal-ware, manuscripts, arms & armor etc. One can also find Middle Eastern Art in the collection of carpets, paper (manuscripts), glass, metal-ware, furniture, lacquer etc. These have been collected from Persia, Arabia, Syria, and Egypt. The Museum is also horded with porcelain, bronze, enamel, lacquerware, embroidery and paintings, which have been skillfully done in China, Japan, Tibet, Nepal and Thailand.

The European chamber of artifacts in the Salar Jung Museum comprises of oil and water paintings. These paintings originate from countries like England, France, Italy and Germany. A well-preserved library within the museum provides a rare treat to all book lovers. The main attractions of the museum are the statue of Veiled Rebecca, crafted knives of Mughal Emperor Jehangir and Queen Noor Jehan, famous European paintings like Venice, etc. A huge clock in which a tiny soldier comes out to strike the gong should not be missed and is a special attraction of the Salar Jung Museum.

Raymond tomb

Raymond Tomb Hyderabad

Location:	Saroor nagar, 10 kilometers from Hyderabad city.
How to reach:	Easily reachable from Hyderabad with the help of local transport.
Main Attraction:	The French Garden in vicinity.

Raymond's Tomb was built in the memory of the brave French General Michel Joachim Marie Raymond (1755 - 1798 AD). He joined as an ordinary soldier in the service of the ruling Nizam of Hyderabad. He rapidly worked his way up and soon commanded the position of an army General. Not only was he respected in the army, he was also popular among the ordinary public. He was fondly known as Musa Ram among the Hindus and Musa Rahim among the Muslims.

Raymond's Tomb is situated in Saroornagar, which lies 10 kilometers from Hyderabad city center towards the east. One can make use of the local transport, which is easily available round the clock in the city of Hyderabad. The tomb is open on all days except Friday. The timings are from 9:30 am to 4:30pm. The tomb is a symbol of great respect and till date people from all over the city pay respect on the death anniversary of the late army general by lighting incense sticks near the tomb.

The Raymond's tomb is a conical structure that is made up of black granite slabs. It is 60 meters long, 30 meters wide and 10 meters high. While touring the tomb, you can also head off to the French Garden, which is located nearby. It is a beautifully laid out lawn with velvety green grass and lovely flowers. You can also spot military barracks of the army that were once bustling under the command of the valiant general Raymond.

Qutub Shahi tombs

Qutub Shahi Tombs Hyderabad

Location:	2 Kilometers from the Golconda Fort.
How to reach:	Local transport which is easily available in Hyderabad.
Main Attractions:	Numerous tombs at one place, Deccan Festival.

Qutub Shahi Tombs are located in the heart of the Hyderabad city. The Qutub Shahi Tombs are quite close to the Golconda Fort, which is a famous landmark of Hyderabad. The Qutub Shahi Tombs are a perfect blend of Indian and Persian architectural forms, constructed in gray granite decorated with exquisite ornamentation. The tombs are domed structures, which are built on an elevated square base surrounded by pointed arches. Each tomb is quadrangular and rises to a height of 9 - 15 meters above the terrace. The smaller tombs are single storied while the larger ones are double storied. The domes were originally covered with blue and green tiles, of which only a few pieces remain now.

The tombs were once furnished with carpets, chandeliers and velvet canopies on silver poles. Qurans or the holy book of the Muslims, were kept on supports and readers recited verses from the sacred book at regular intervals. Golden spires were fixed over the tombs of the Sultans to distinguish their tombs from those of the other members of the noble family.

Enchanting minarets at the corners surround the Qutub Shahi Tombs. This magnificent tomb is one of the largest monuments in Hyderabad reaching upto a height of 42 meters with a large dome adorning the top. The architect has prudently designed it on a double terrace, elevating it to a height of 6 meters from the ground level of the terrace. These mausoleums of the Golconda Sultans are truly splendid monuments that have stood the trial of time and braved the natural elements. During the Qutub Shahi period, these tombs were held at such high esteem that criminals who took refuge there were pardoned and let off. But after their rule, the tombs were uncared for. Later, Sir Salar Jung III ordered their renovation and refurbishment in the early 19th century.

Said in simple words, these monuments are a work of splendid beauty and artistry. The numerous tombs of the members of the royal family, laid beautifully on the sprawling gardens are worth the visit. Not only are they architecturally impressive, they also make a good picnic spot. Another attraction of these tombs is that every year the State Government authorities conduct a 'Deccan Festival', which is exclusive to the city of Hyderabad with these tombs as the backdrop as they speak volumes about the history of the city of Hyderabad. One can spot many renowned artists showcasing their talents in various fields like music, dance and theater.

Paigah Tombs

Paigah Tombs Hyderabad

Location:	Santoshnagar, 10 kilometers from Hyderabad city center.
How to reach:	Local Transport within Hyderabad city.
Main Attractions:	One of its kind architectural wonder, carvings of marble.

The Paigah Tombs in Hyderabad, India are the tombs of the several generations of the Paigah nobles. The Paigah nobles were very close to the Nizams and so they enjoyed a significant social status. They were given the responsibility of looking after the security and defense of the state. Some of the Paigah nobles who have been laid to rest here are Asman Jah, Viqar-ul-Umara and Shams-ul-Umara.

Abdul Fateh Khan Tegh Jung founded the Paigah nobility and was rendering service to the second Nizam, who ruled between 1760 and 1803. The Nizam bestowed him with the prestigious title of Shams-ul-Umra, meaning "the Sun among the masses". Tegh Jung was buried in 1786 at the foyer of the complex. An iron plaque at the entrance of the complex traces the Paigah lineage and exalts the marble magnificence of the vault. The Paigahs were also great patrons of fine arts, literature and sports and commanded the respect of the rulers and the ordinary people alike.

The Paigah Tombs are unique specimens of extraordinary artistry that is ardently visible in the wonderfully inlaid mosaic work. Local people claim that the geometrical patterns and designs of these stunning tombs are only one of its kind and exclusive and cannot be found anywhere in the world.

Golconda Fort

Golconda Fort Hyderabad

Location:	11 kilometers west of Hyderabad.
How to Reach:	Local transport within Hyderabad is easily available and will take you there.
Main attractions:	Touring the fort, spectacular light and sound show every evening.
Built by:	Qutb Shahi Rulers

Golconda Fort in Hyderabad is a majestic monument, which lies on the western outskirts of the city. It speaks of a great cultural heritage of 400 years and is considered as a place that is worth visiting. Golconda was famous for its diamond mines in olden days. The world-renowned 'Kohinoor' diamond is believed to have come from here. The Golconda fort is built on a granite hill 120m high. The fort has 8 gates or Darwazas as they are called in local language. The main gate is called Fateh Darwaza. The hills around the fort lend a very mysterious charm and colossal grandeur to the gigantic fort.

Qutub Shahi kings who reigned during the 16th century built the Golconda fort. There is an interesting story behind the Golconda Fort. The place was originally called as 'Golla Konda' in Telegu, which is the official state language of Hyderabad city. Roughly around 1143 in the rocky hill called 'Mangalavaram', a shepherd boy found an idol, which was given to the then king, Kakatiya who built a mud fort. From 1507, within a span of 62 years the Qutub Shahi rulers transformed the humble mud fort into a marvelous granite wonder. The stunning Golconda Fort lost its entire splendor and luster as the Mughals invaded and plundered this breathtaking wonder into a heap of ruins.

The Golconda Fort reaches to a height of 120 meters with a boundary wall covering a range of 10 kilometers of the outskirts of Hyderabad. The Golconda fort comprises of four small forts within itself. Some of those are heaped with cannons, drawbridges and number of royal living chambers & halls, temples, mosques, stables etc. You have to enter the fort through 'Fateh Darwaza', which is also called the 'Victory gate'. The main attractions of this entrance are the acoustic effects, which is a remarkable feature of the Golconda Fort. It is said that such an articulate construction was used in those ancestral days for security purposes.

The latest feature that adds more excitement to the Golconda fort is the Light and Sound show. The amazing light and sound impacts with the narration of the hair raising story of the golconda Fort is sure to amuse all tourists visiting the Hyderabad city.

Charminar

Charminar in Hyderabad

Location:	Heart of Hyderabad city.
How to Reach:	Hyderabad is well connected with the rest of the country by air, railways and roads. Once in Hyderabad, the local transport like auto-rickshaws and taxis should get you to Charminar.
Main Attractions:	The architecture of Charminar and the Bangle Bazaar flanking the monument on either side.

The elegant structure of the Charminar in Hyderabad is a vivid example of Cazia style of architecture comprising of granite and lime-mortar. Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah built this Islamic architectural splendor in the year 1591. Charminar is the most famous landmark of the city and most tours to Hyderabad include the Charminar as an absolute essential. It is a must see if you are visiting Hyderabad.

The wonderful monument with its four arches is so proportionately planned that when the fort is opened one could catch a glimpse of the bustling Hyderabad city as these Charminar arches were facing the most active royal ancestral streets. At each corner stands a tall minaret, which measures more than 55 meters long and also have a double balcony. The monument has the signature style of Islamic architecture.

A mosque has been built on the western side on the open roof of the Charminar fort. You need to climb an array of 149 steps to reach the top of the fort. Once there, it is easy to feel the calm of the terrace and see life bustling below. In sharp contrast to the active and energetic life in the ground floor, the peaceful solitude in the upper part of the fort is quite relaxing. You can enjoy the passionate beauty of the Hyderabad city from this elevated height. You can get a bird's eye view of the city of Hyderabad from this elevation, which is quite a spectacular sight.