Hyderabad

Hyderabad is well known for its rich history and culture that is still represented by its numerous monuments, mosques, and temples. Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh was once ruled by the Nizam, but lost his reign after the independence.

In November 1956 the State of Hyderabad was divided along linguistic lines, the northeastern Telugu-speaking region including the city of Hyderabad, assigned to the newly created Andhra Pradesh State. A city that is more than 400 years old, Hyderabad is famous for its mosques, temples, minarets, bazaars, and beautiful geography.

On the Deccan Plateau, 541 meters (1776 feet) above sea level, Hyderabad is sprawling over an area of 260 km. The monuments of Hyderabad have a history and an architectural individuality of their own. The area around Hyderabad was once part of Ashoka's Empire in the 3rd century BC.

Tourist Attractions in Hyderabad
The Charminar : One of India's most famous monuments the Char Minar has four wide roads radiating in the four cardinal directions. The square structure, each side measuring 100 feet has a central pointed high arch at the center. The edifice is covered up of numerous decorative arches arranged both vertically and horizontally. A graceful elegance surrounds the structure due to the projected canopy, ornamental brackets and decoration in stucco plaster. Standing 180 feet high from the ground the Char minar is a superb artistic structure.

The Galleries Of Charminar : Two galleries, one over another, bordered with a stone balcony and all over a terrace are a must visit for art lovers. In its pinnacle, the unique grand oriental bazaar conglomerate had busy 14000 shops. With vivid color glass bangles the Char Minar Bazaar is a great mix of color and folklore culture.

The Mecca Masjid : Mecca Masjid is a grand edifice with a huge courtyard and capacity of holding ten thousand men at prayer, stands near the Char Minar. The Jami Masjid and the Toli Masjid are small and modest structures, historically famous and well-admired, stands in the midst of the city.

The Falakuma palace,the Regency Mansion, the Husain Sagar Lake, the Birla temple ( on a hilltop), Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar ( Lakes), the Nehru Zoological Park, Naubat Pahad the Chowmukha palace are some other places of tourist interest.

Shopping
Hyderabad is another shopping hotspot with specialities in Bidri (metal ware). Kalamkari (practiced in two styles, the Machilipatnam and the Kalahasti), Nirmal (toys, wall hangings and other decorative articles), Kondapally Toys (figures of people and animals), Pearls (oyster jewellery), Lac Bangles, Banjara Mirror Work , Silver Filigiri (metal work) Ikat Fabric (Distinct from the Ikat fabrics of North India), Himroo (A traditional occupation of Andhra Pradesh), Handlooms and Perfumes, Kat Sarees (handicraft)

The prominent and rich market areas are Basheerbagh-Abids-Nampally , Begum Basaar - Osmanganj - Moazzam Jahi Market, Mahatma Gandhi Road - General Bazaar - Rashtrapathi Road, Monda Market, Narayanguda - Chikkadpally, Secretariat Road - Khairatabad, and Sultan Bazaar - Koti - Troop Bazaar


How to go there
By Air - Hyderabad is an international airport and is well connected to all the major cities of India. Lufthansa, Silk Air, Air India, Emirates and Air Lanka operate many direct flights from the base in Hyderabad.

By Train - A well-known railway destination in the Railway Map of India, Hyderabad is connected to all major Indian cities through the service of daily express trains.

By Bus- Both intra -state and inter state bus services are being operated from Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station, Hyderabad to other districts of Andhra Pradesh as well as major cities of India.