The capital of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad is an important centre for Islamic culture. It consists of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad and is a bustling 400-year-old metropolis with an urban population of 6 million people approximately. Hyderabad is famous as the former seat of the fabulously wealthy Nizams of Hyderabad. Built on the banks of the river Musi, and surrounded by huge prehistoric rock formations like petrified, gray elephants, Hyderabad is a blend of the fairy tale and earthy, a pot pourri of old and new.
The princely state of Hyderabad, which occupied the greater part of the Deccan, was by far the largest of India's princely states. In 1956 the state of Hyderabad was divided between Maharashtra, Mysore, and Andhra Pradesh. City is well known for its crowded bazaars, surrounded by huge and impressive Islamic monuments. The extensive ruins of Qutab Shahi tombs and its nearby tombs are a major attraction. Charminar, the huge triumphal arc, is one of the most famous landmark of the city. Next to Charminar lies the Mecca Masjid, one of the world's largest mosque.
Hyderabad is the fifth largest cosmopolitan city in India, rich in culture, enduring history and industrial growth. It is unique in being one of the few cities where tradition and technology co-exist. With a dynamic leadership, the state is steering the nation to new dimensions in the fields of Information Technology, Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, and Business Management to emerge as a city of immense business opportunities
Places to see in HyaderabadMECCA MASJID: One of the largest mosques in the world, it can accommodate up to 10,000 worshipers. Mecca Masjid is situated adjacent to the Charminar. Mohamed Quli Qutub Shah built the mosque. Construction began in 1614 and Aurangazeb completed it in 1687. The name of Mecca Masjid was given to the mosque since many bricks embedded above the gate are made from the soil brought from Mecca. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the Masjid. But one can definitely appreciate the architectural features of the mosque from outside. LAAD BAZAR: Situated on the right side of Charminar, Laad Bazar is one of the oldest shopping centers of the city. The Bazar is famous for bridal ware, henna, cosmetics, bangles etc. You will find almost everything in the Bazar. SALAR JUNG MUSEUM: A major attraction for art lovers, Salar Jung Museum was put together by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan (Salar Jung III), the Prime Minister of Nizam Osman Ali Khan. One of the largest private collections in the world that covers exhibits from every part of the world, the museum has over 35,000 items comprising of wood carvings, sculptures, Persian miniature paintings, weaponry and a library of 50000 books. The museum is located near the Musi River Bridge. The museum is open every day from 10 AM to 5 PM except Fridays. BIRLA MANDIR: As the name indicates, Birla Trust in 1976 constructed the temple. Built with white Rajastani marble, the temple is located on Kalabahad, one of the twin rocky hills overlooking the south end of Hussain Sagar. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple is a replica of Venkateshwara temple at Tirupati. The temple is open to all from 7-12 AM and again from 3-9 PM. BIRLA PLANETARIUM: On the hill adjacent to the Birla Mandir is the Birla Planetarium and the Science Museum. The planetarium has daily session in Telugu, English and Hindi. The science museum is open from 1030hrs to 2015hrs daily except last Tuesday of every month. HUSSAIN SAGAR LAKE (TANK BUND): Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali built The Bund in 1562 during the reign of Ibrahim Qutub Shah. Tank Bund once a water source for the Secunderabad Contonment is now a recreational facility and a picnic spot with facilities for water sports. The largest stone statue of Buddha in the world, weighing 350 tons and 17.5 meter tall, is located on a plinth in the middle of the lake. FALAKNUMA PALACE: Built by Nawab Vicar-ul-Umra in 1892, and later purchased by Nizam Mahboob Ali Khan, Falaknuma palace is Hyderabad's most famous and magnificent palace. The palace is on top of a hill 2000 feet high on the southern fringes of the city. The palace was designed by an Italian architect and constructed with carefully chosen imported material. The palace has a large collection of paintings, statues, and English furniture. It also has a collection of books, manuscripts and jade. Since it is the private property of the Nizam's family, one has to obtain special permission to see it. QUTUB SHAHI TOMBS: The royal cemetery of the Qutub Shahi kings lies about 2km from the Golconda Fort. The tombs are a scattered group of large domes and terraces. Perhaps this is the only place in the world where one can see so many tombs in one place. All the Qutub Shahi kings except Abdul Hassan Tana Shah who died in captivity in Daulatabad are buried here. These graceful domed tombs are surrounded by landscaped gardens. They are open daily from 0930hrs to 1630hrs except on Fridays. PAIGAH TOMBS: the Paigah nobles ranked next in hierarchy to the ruling family of the Nizams. They have constructed many palaces including Falaknuma Palace. Several generations of Paigah nobles are buried in one place and the tombs are built along Persian style with stucco and inlay works of Rajasthani style |
 
