Hyderabad

The city of Hyderabad is the capital of Telangana state and this is the ideal starting point to begin a tour of South India. Hyderabad is a bustling 400-year-old metropolis with an urban population of 4.2 million people approximately. It is the fifth largest city in India. Hyderabad is perched on the top of the Deccan Plateau at a height of 1776 ft., above sea level and expands over an area of 100 Sq. miles. Attached to the city is its twin, Secunderabad, which is part of Hyderabad. There is a love story related to the founding of the city of Hyderabad. The city nurtures in its heart the love story of a young prince, Muhammad Quli and a village belle, Bhagmati that laid the foundation of the city. Hyderabad is a heady mixture of heritage, traditionally hospitality and a thriving software revolution. Due to this revolution Hyderabad has already attracted Microsoft to set its only overseas base here.

The palaces and buildings, houses and tenements, gardens and streets have a history and an architectural distinction of their own, which makes Hyderabad a city of tourist's interest.

Places of tourist interest

Birla Mandir, Charminar, Salarjung Museum, Shilparamam, Qutb Shahi Tombs, Hussain Sagar, Golconda fort, Ramoji Film City, Nehru Zoological Park, Lumbini Park, Ocean Park, public gardens, and many more

Birla Mandir

A trip to Hyderabad remains incomplete without a visit to this enchanting Temple, Birla Mandir. This shimmering ethereal temple of Lord Venkateshwara, built in sculpted white marble, floats on the city skyline, on Kala Pahad. The highest tower in the temple reaches a height of 165 feet and the ancillary towers reach 116 feet. The tower over the main shrine of Venkateswara called the Jagadananda vimanam is built in the Orissan style while the towers over the shrines of the consorts are built in the South Indian style. This temple displays a mixture of architectural styles.

Charminar

Charminar is always on the top of the mind of any tourist visiting Hyderabad. Charminar is the symbol of Hyderabad and was built by the ruler Quli Qutub Shah in honor of his Hindu wife. Charminar is a squire structure with four towers in the four corners of the square, each of whose sides is 20 meters in length. Charminar is surrounded by markets and many other structures which add to its grace.

The beautiful mosque is situated on the western section of the top floor facing the holy city of Mecca. There are 45 open air prayer spaces without roof, to accommodate more people in Friday prayers. The Charminar looks spectacular particularly in the nights when it is illuminated. Charminar has become an inseparable part of the history of Hyderabad.

Salar Jung Museum

One of the oldest museums in the twin cities, it is reputed to be the largest private collection in the world. Nawab Mir Yousuf Ali Khan Salar Jung III (1889-1949), former Prime Minister of the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, spent a substantial amount of his income over thirty five years to make this priceless collection, his life's passion. It contains 35,000 exhibits from all corners of the world and includes sculptures, woodcarvings, religious, objects, Persian miniature paintings, illuminated manuscripts, armor and weaponry. The museum building in a semicircular shape with 38 galleries spread on two floors displays only a part of the original collections. This museum contains personal artifacts, mementos, portraits, Royal clothes, porcelain and silver bowls, books, furniture, Standing Buddha, Indian textiles, bronze images, Stone sculptures, brass idols, embroidered fabrics, wood carvings, guns, daggers, shields and swords, miniatures, European paintings, clock room is one of the best galleries displaying more than 300 clocks in various sizes ranging from Sandiers to modern day huge pieces, and many. Museum remains closed on Fridays.

Shilparamam

Shilparamam, the crafts village of Hyderabad is spread over 50 acres of land nestling by the hillside with natural slopes and wild vegetation studded by unique rock formations. A festival celebrated at Shilparamam is a 'reincarnation of arts and crafts' when artifacts, related functional skills and supportive traditions are presented in a manner connecting the boundaries between theatre, crafts, music, dance, poetry-each complementing the other. The recently started GRIHA BHOJAN Centre, the most diverse of traditional native delicacies of various cultures are cooked and served by women in the most traditional way.

Qutb Shahi Tombs

The tombs of the legendary Qutb Shahi kings lie to the north of Golconda, about a kilometre away from Banjara Darwaza of the Golconda Fort. The tombs form a large, close group standing on a raised plateau.Noteworthy among these are the tombs of the seven kings and the one of Hayath Bakshi Begum. Tomb of Sultan Quli Qutb Shah, Tomb of JAMSHEED Quli Qutb Shah, Tomb of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah, Tomb of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah,Tomb of Muhammad Quli Qutb, Tomb of Hayath Bakshi Begum, Tomb of Abdullah Qutb Shah.The tombs are built in Persian, Pathan and Hindu architectural styles.

Hussain Sagar

The Tank Bund, the dam to the Hussain Sagar and the link between the twin cities, was built by Hazrat Hussain Shah, and is and has always been a major tourist attraction. A 16m high, 350 tonne monolithic Buddha statue on the Rock of Gibraltar is a major attraction at the Hussain Sagar. Spend at least a moment there to bathe in the cool breeze. Thirty-three elegant statues of eminent historic personalities like Tyagayya, Vemana and Pingali Venkaiah greet you warmly.

Golconda fort

Golconda fort is a majestic monument, which lies on the western outskirts of Hyderabad city. It speaks of a great cultural heritage of 400 years and is regarded as a place worth visiting. The fort was famous for its diamond trade and the 'Kohinoor' diamond is said to have come from here. Golconda is built on a granite hill 120m high. The fort has 8 gates or Darwazas as they are called locally, the main gate being Fateh Darwaza.

You can carry your Video camera inside the fort at a fee of Rupees twenty five.

Ramoji Film City:

The largest film studio complex in the world is Ramoji Film City(RFC) in Hyderabad, which opened in 1996 and measures 674 hectares (1,666 acres) with 47 sound stages, has created a Guinness record as the world's largest film studio complex. Ramoji Film City has become the most sought after destination for filmmakers, TV production units, ad filmmakers, music videos, etc. Ramoji Film City not only attracts the film fraternity, but is also must-visit place of tourist interest for millions of tourists who see it as a place for recreation and entertainment. A unique corporate destination: The natural beauty, man made splendor, a host of facilities and support systems make Ramoji Film City a one of its kind corporate destination. Honeymoon getaways for a couple on their honeymoon, there cannot be a better destination than Ramoji Film City. So, if you are planning a getaway and you want something unconventional and heavenly, do get in touch with Ramoji Film City. It will be the most memorable experience.

You can carry your Video camera inside the film city.

Nehru Zoological Park

Sprawling across 300 lush green acres, the Nehru Zoological park is one of the biggest zoos in Asia with over 250 species. 2450 animals and birds are kept in natural environment. The Lion Safari Park, Natural History Museum and Children's Train are the added attractions. The popular ones among the different species are white peacocks, mynahs, chimpanzees and rhinoceros. The Nehru Zoological Park is a must for nature lovers.

Lumbini Park

A beautifully landscaped park on the banks of the placid Hussain Sagar lake is the Lumbini Park. The main attractions of the park include a colorful floral clock, waterfalls and fountains. The Lumbini park is surrounded by the state Secretariat, the Hussain Sagar lake and the exotic Birla Mandir. The musical fountain with two shows per day is an added advantage and entices more visitors and tourists. The Lumbini park is maintained by the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HUDA). It is a hit with kids and families and has several attractions that could lure you to spend an evening away from home, with your family.

Ocean Park

Located at Gandipet in Hyderabad , Ocean Park is one of the first theme parks started in twin-cities. For those interested in swimming there is a waves swimming pool. Helicopter rides are available. The park has a water sports section and another one for amusement games. There are separate sections for men, women and children.

Snow World

One can experience one hour in snow filled valley inside a temperature controlled big hall with many games and sledges. For one hour you can experience Rohtang pass or Manali without going out of Hyderabad. Located in an area of 17,000 sq feet, one can enjoy many rides and see snow carvings and enjoy a friendly war using ice balls with others.

Public gardens

The Public Gardens are the largest gardens in the city consists of well laid out gardens and is located in the heart of the Hyderabad City. It is located right next to the Assembly, this is one spot in the city that has almost everything needed to allure a kid. The Gardens have a superb plant nursery, government auditorium called Telugu Lalitha Kala Thoranam, a park where kids can play, a mini school (Jawahar Bal Bhavan) for the children to learn fine arts and an auditorium (the Indira Gandhi Auditorium).