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.

TSalarjung 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.