The capital of southern state of Andhra Pradesh is also its cultural and financial centre where vestiges of the medieval past merge with local culture and modern aspirations. In a travel to this fifth largest city in India, visitors can enjoy the city’s innocent charm, exquisite cuisines and beautiful mosques and minarets, as well as the chaotic energy of ebullient Hyderabad. Separated by its twin city of Secunderabad by Hussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad has plenty of attractions including its restaurants, bars and teeming bazaars. New shopping complexes and ultra-modern malls are popping up all over the city, driving a new fashion dynamic. Hyderabad also claims to have the best Biryani in India.

Sights to See

Qutub Shahi Tombs
Located about a kilometer from the Golconda fort, the mausoleums of the famous Qutub Shahi rulers are the important landmarks of Hyderabad. Designed and built by the Qutub Shahi rulers themselves, these tombs show the influence of Persian, Pathan and Hindu style architecture. The uniqueness of these tombs lies in the fact that an entire dynasty has been buried at one place.

Mecca Masjid
One of the architectural gems of Hyderabad, Mecca Masjid is so named because the bricks were brought from Mecca to build the central Arch. Located two hundred yards south west of Charminar the mosque was commissioned by the Qutub Shahis and completed by Mughal emperor Aurangazeb in 1694. This grand mosque, the second largest India, can hold 10,000 people at a time.

Charminar
Charminar, a four-sided archway with four soaring minarets of 48.7m, dominates the city and is as much Hyderabad’s signature building as the Taj Mahal is of Agra or the Palace of winds or Hawa Mahal is of Jaipur. Built in 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, the founder of Hyderabad, the monument was laid out to mark the end of a deadly epidemic raging at that time. You will find 45 prayer spaces and a mosque in Charminar.

Golconda Fort
Golconda, one of the most famous historical forts of India, derives its name from the Telugu words "Golla Konda" meaning "Shepherd's Hill". Originally a mud fort, the Golconda fort came under the control of several dynasties including the Yadavas of Deogiri, and the Kakatiya dynasty of Warangal. With the establishment of the Bahmani kingdom in South India, the fort came under its domain. When the disintegration of Bahmani kingdom, the Golconda fort became part of the Qutub Shahi dynasty who made it their seat of government. The fort in the present shape was built by the first three rulers of the Qutub Shahi dynasty over a period of 62 years. The fort is home to some beautiful palaces, and contains the famous Fateh Rahben gun, one of the cannons used in the last siege of Golconda by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, to whom the fort ultimately fell in 1687. A unique sound and light show, takes you right back in time, when Golkonda was full of life, glory and grandeur.

Salar Jung Museum
This museum houses the world's largest private collection of art, artifacts, and antiques by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan Salar Jung III, who served as prime minister (wazir) to the Nizam of Hyderabad. The objects d'art include Indian miniature paintings, Persian carpets, Chinese porcelain, Japanese lacquer ware, celebrated sculptures including the Mephistopheles, Veiled Rebecca and Marguerite. The weaponry collection includes swords belonging to the Mughal Emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb' as well as daggers used by Queen Noor Jahan.

Chowmohlla Palace Complex
Located near Charminar, the complex comprises four palaces built in Mughal and European styles that house photographs and other memorabilia of the Nizam Shahi rulers of Hyderabad .

Lumbini Park
If you want to find yourself in a scenic landscape in Hyderabad, Lumbini Park, situated on the shore of Hussain Sagar Lake, is the best option. This beautiful entertainment park is situated on the banks of Hussain Sagar Lake. Lumbini Laserorium, India’s first multi media laser show, is an added attraction of the park. A thrilling display of laser lights, it takes you the time of bygone eras depicting the past glory of Hyderabad.

Shilparamam
Another highlight of Hyderabad is the Arts & Crafts Village spread over an area of 30-acre. On display in this crafts village here are arts and crafts of the different parts of the country. The annual bazaars organized here attract artisans and artistes from the length and breadth of India who flock here to exhibit their talent.

Ramoji Film City
Located on the out skirts of Hyderabad, Ramoji film city is worth a trip for an amusing and interesting exposure to the South Indian film industry. The glitz and glamour of the South Indian film industry will leave the tourists with vivid impressions.

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