Hyderabad Highlights

HYDERABAD SIGHTSEEING PAGE

Comprising the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, Hyderabad is the Capital of Andhra Pradesh. It is famous as the center of the fabulously wealthy Nizams of Hyderabad. The city, which is India's fifth largest, was founded in 1590 by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, the fourth of the Qutub Shahi Kings who rules the Deccan from 1512 until 1687 when the last of thier line was defeated by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. After the death of Emperor Aurangzeb, the viceroys who had been empowered to look after the interests of the empire, broke away and established their own independent state, taking the title of Subedar and later, that of Nizam. In the later half of the 18th century, Maratha raids weakened the kingdom of the Nizams. This and conceding to the British saw the Nizams relinquishing most of their power.

In 1798, an alliance was signed between the Nizam and the British East India Company. This saw the area north of what is now the Hussain Sagar Lake being established as a cantonment. The area was named Secunderabad after Sikander Jah, the ruling Nizam at that time. Later, the cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad grew together and merged.

The 400 year old city of Hyderabad retains much of its old world charm and is quote unlike any place further south. Here, Muslim and Dravidian India fuse in the colorful hurly-burly of the city. Hyderabad is just as famous for its minarets and cuisine as it is for pearls. In fact, Hyderabad boasts of an age-old pearls trade with the middle East. To this day, pearls from all over the world are said to be brought to Hyderabad for being pierced and strung.

Hyderabad is at an altitude of 536 meters above sea level and covers an area of 259 sq.kms.

While summer temperatures range from a maximum of 42 Degrees. Centigrade to a minimum of 30 degree. centigrade, winter temperatures range from 22 degree. centigrade. to 14 degree. centigrade. and the monsoon season is from June to December registers rainfall of about 89 cm.

CHARMINAR

Synonymous to the word Hyderabad, this is a proud sentinel in the heart of the Old City, the Charminar is a majestic trimphal arch made of four minarets. It was built in 1591 by Quli Qutub Shah to commemorate the end of the plague.

Mecca Masjid

Located about 500 feet from the Charminar, this huge and impressive mosque can accommodate 10,000 namazi's at a time. The hall is 67 meters long, 54 meters wide and 23 meters high. The roof is supported by 15 arches. The colonnades and entrance arches are made of a single slab of granite. Started in 1614 by Abdullah Qutub shah, the mosque was completed in 1687 by Aurangzeb. The mosque being an old structure has lot of pigeons flock in front of the mosque making it a visual treat to be there.

GOLCONDA FORT

This legendary citadel built on a 120 meter high granite hill is surrounded by battlemented ramparts. Once the capital of the Qutub Shahis, the fort is enclosed within eight massive gates studded with large pointed iron spikes. One of the most remarkable features of this fort is its advanced acoustics.

Qutub Shahi Tombs

The tombs erected in the memory of the founding rulers of Hyderabad are truly magnificent monuments that have stood the test of time and braved the elements. They lie about a kilometer north of the outer perimeter wall of Golconda Fort's Banjara Darwaza. The tombs form a large cluster and stand on a raised platform. They display a distinctive style i.e. a mixture of Persian, Pathan and Hindu forms. The tombs are graceful structures with intricately carved stonework and are surrownded by landscaped gardens. These make a good picnic spot and a lot of the present day movies are shot here.

Salarjung Museum

The collection at this unique museum was put together by Mir Yusaf Ali Khan (Salar Jung III), the Prime Minister of the Nizam. It contains about 43,000 art exhibits and 50,000 books. Some of these have been collected from all over the world. The sculptures, wood carvings, miniature paintings armor, and weaponary, precious stones and jewels displayed here leave visitors spellbound. Two of the best pieces at the museum are the "Veiled Rebecca", a delicated marble statue of a woman seen through a veil and "Marguerite and Mephistopheles", a double figure wood carving. The ivory chairs and turbans of Tippu Sultan and the swords

Purani Haveli

In 1777, Mir Nizam Ali Khan, the second Nizam acquired the existing area of the Purani Haveli and constructed upon it for his son Sikander Jah. Several Nizams were born here and spent a large part of their lives in this mansion. The longest wooden wardrobe in the world, measuring 240 feet. and built by Mir Mehboob Ali Khan, is found here. This palace has been declared a heritage monument.

Birla Mandir

This stunningly beautiful modern Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and built out of white marble. It graces the rocky hill overlooking the Hussain Sagar. Also, the Birla Science Museum and Planetorium are next to this.

HUSSAIN SAGAR

This centuries old lake effectively divides the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. It is named after Hussain Shah Wali who helped the Qutub Shahi King-Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah, recover from a serious illness. An 18 meter high, 350 ton monolithic status of Lord Buddha towers over the lake from atop the Rock of Gibraltar.

Lumbini Park

Located on the banks of the Hussain Sagar Lake, this Hyderabad Urban Development authority (HUDA) park has the biggest musical fountain in Asia. The park is the only one of its kind in India.

Nehru Zoological Park

One of the largest in India, and one of the 10 largest in the world, the zoo is spread over 120 hectares of landscaped gardens. The animals are in enclosures that simulate their natural habitat. Rare species of animals are found here. The newly added nocturnal den and tiger safari are the ones that are worth a special mention.