Hyderabad,
the magical name that brings to the mind's eye visions of royal
grandeur and leisurely "Nawabi" (kingly) atmosphere. A Vacationer's
delight, this legendary city with a 400-year-old history, of the
splendour of Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi dynasties, Moghal grandeur,
exotic cuisine, and exquisite markets, is world famous for its
fascinating contrasts and unrivalled attractions.
Hyderabad,
the capital of Andhra Pradesh, is the fifth largest cosmopolitan city
in India. The City thrives with a variety of cultures intermingled into
an astounding culture that gives it a distinct identity of its own.
This is where tradition fuses with modernity, and heritage structures
vie with modern high-rise buildings to add to the beauty of the city.
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Charminar
A splendid piece of architecture standing in the heart of the city
built by Quli Qutub Shah, in 1591. This magnificent monument is the
unique symbol of Hyderabad. Charminar is often called as "The Arc de
triomphe of the East". It is considered as the legendary masterpiece of
Qutub Shahi's. This beautiful structure derives its name from four
intricately carved minarets, The four graceful minarets literally
meaning 'Four Minars', soar to a height of 48.7m each, above the
ground. Enormous in its size, this imposing monument exudes a charm
that is more than 400 years old. |
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Golconda
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. Built by Mohammed
Quli Qutub Shah in 1525, it stands as the epitome of Nawabi culture and
grandeur. |
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Birla Mandir
An enchanting temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, the Birla Mandir
of Hyderabad, India stands in its entire splendor on the hilltop of
Kala Pahad. Made of pure white marble, the Birla Mandir overlooks the
serene and placid waters of the Hussain Sagar Lake. The famous Birla
industrialist who had built a large number of temples all over India
built the Birla temple of Hyderabad. They finished building the Birla
Mandir of Hyderabad within a time span of ten years. The magnificent
shrine offers a wonderfully breath-taking view of the twin cities of
Hyderabad and Secunderabad |
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Qutub Shahi Tombs
A little away from Golconda fort are a cluster of tombs, the most
authentic evidence of the Qutub Shahi architectural traditions.
Ensconced amidst picturesque and landscaped gardens, known as Ibrahim
bagh, is the grandeur of these tombs dedicated to the memory of the
seven Qutub Shahi kings who ruled Golconda for nearly 170 years. The
tombs are also an unequivocal manifestation of the structural
engineering talent of the Qutub Shahi period. |
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Makkah Masjid
Makkah Masjid is one of the oldest masjids in Hyderabad and one of the
biggest in India. Makkah Masjid is a listed heritage building located
in Laad Bazaar.
Makkah Masjid was built during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Qutub Shah,
the 6th Qutub Shahi Sultan of Hyderabad. The work began in 1617 and
continued during the reigns of Abdullah Qutub Shah and Abul Hassan Tana
Shah and was finally completed in 1694 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
It took 77 years to come up as the magnificent edifice we see today. |
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Salar Jung Museum
The Salar Jung Museum was established in 1951. The major portion of the
collection of the museum was acquired by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, popularly
known as Salar Jung III. In the absence of any direct descendants of
Salar Jung III, the Government of India appointed a Committee to
administer the Salar Jung Estate. Later on with the idea of
perpetuating his name, the Salar Jung Museum was brought into existence
on 16th December, 1951 in Diwan Deodi, the residential palace of Salar
Jung III and opened to the public by Pandit Jawarharlal Nehru, the then
Prime Minister of India. |
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Chowmahalla Palace
Once regarded as the center of Hyderabad, the magnificent Chowmahalla
Palace was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty where the Nizams
entertained their official guests and royal visitors. Built over 200
years ago, Chowmahalla is renowned for its unique style and elegance.A
synthesis of many architectural styles and influences, the Palace
Complex has been meticulously restored. |
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Hussainsagar Lake
Hyderabad’s most popluar boating and water sports location from speed
boats to motor boats, 48 seater launches with starlit dinner on board
etc. In the middle of the lake is placed one of the world’s tallest
monolithic statues of Lord Buddha on the ‘Rock of Gibraltar’. |
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Other Attractions
Snow World - world's biggest and India's only snow themed park is a
must visit for kids and adults. The city of pearls is also popular for
its beautiful gardens and parks. Lumbini Park with its musical fountain
and laser show is a big hit with the tourists. Others that deserve a
visit are NTR Gardens, Sanjeevaiah Park and Nehru Zoological Park. |
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Food
Once in the City, the world renowned Hyderabadi cuisine is a must try,
Biryani being the hot favourite. With strong influences of Mughlai and
Indian styles the Hyderabadi platter is every gourmet’s delight. The
city today has numerous outlets that serve a variety of traditional and
contemporary fare. |
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