Tourist Places

Hyderabad Guide

Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, along with its twin city Secunderabad has over 400 years of history. Hyderabad is a heady mixture of heritage, traditionally hospitality and a thriving software revolution. A revolution that has already attracted Microsoft to set its only overseas base here. The fifth largest city in India and has a population of over 2.2 million. The Boundaries of Hyderabad district are Nalgonda district, Mahaboobnagar district, Karnataka state and Medak district in the East, South, West and North directions respectively.

Hyderabad is famous world over for its fabulous Diamond markets, glass embedded bangles and the delectable Hyderabadi cuisine. It has a Hindu - Muslim culture with a number of monuments of historical importance. Legend says that in 1589 Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutub Shahi dynasty founded a new city along the banks of river Musi for his ladylove, Bhagmati. The city was then called Bhagyanagar. Later when Bhagmati entered the royal family, she was honored with the title Hyder Mahal. And Bhagyanagar became Hyderabad. There are no forests in this district, and this district is the Smallest district in Andhra Pradesh and the densest one in the whole State. The major water sources for the twin cities are Singur Project on River Manjeera in Medak district and Osman sagar on River Musi at Gandipet. Hyderabad with its rich cultural backdrop is famous for its Bangles and Ivory products. Osmania University the Oldest one in Andhra Pradesh established in 1919, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Potti Sri Ramulu Telugu University, Acharya N.G.Raga agricultural University, Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad University (Central University) are Chief pioneers in educational establishments in the district


Places of Interest in Hyderabad

Botanical Gardens
The first Botanical Gardens in Andhra Pradesh, spread over 120 acres, when completed will have 19 sections (Vanams). Already open to public is the first phase, with the completion of 5 sections. The sections include medicinal plants, timber trees, fruit trees, ornamental plants, aquatic plants, bamboos and so on. The Park has been designed to have large water bodies, rolling meadows, natural forests, rich grasslands and exquisite rock formations - all providing visitors an unforgettable experience.


Dream Valley Resorts
Nestled amidst lush green environs and located at Gandipet, Dream Valley Resorts is a water theme park with waterslide, cascading waterfalls, water squirts,a 9-hole golf course and go-kart track.


Lumbini Park
This beautiful entertainment park is situated on the shore of Hussainsagar lake. The landscaping here is a visual treat. A musically synchronized water fountain and a floral clock are major attractions here. Lumbini Park jetty is a major point for pleasure boating.


Dhola-ri-Dhani
This is a typical setting recreated with the entire rustic ambience and charm of an ethnic Rajasthani village, situated at Kompally on Medchal Road. Camel rides, puppet shows, folk dances, authentic Rajasthani cuisine give you the taste of the desert State. A large swimming pool, a lake to go boating, an amphitheatrefor plays and entertainment programmes, add to the ambience. Conferencing and night stay facilities available.


The Nizam's Museum, Hyderabad
Located in the stately Purani Haveli, the palace acquired around the year 1750 by the second Nizam is now converted into a museum with a fascinating collection. The museum showcases the gifts and mementos presented to the last Nizam on the occasion of the silver jubilee celebrations in 1936. A 1930 Rolls Royce, Packard and a Mark V Jaguar are among the vintage cars displayed. There is an interesting collection of models made in silver of all the prominent buildings of the city and citations in Urdu about H.E.H. Mir Osman Ali Khan, gold burnished wooden throne used for the silver jubilee celebrations, gold tiffin box inlaid with diamonds, gold model of Jubilee Pavilion, silver coffee cups studded with diamonds and silver filigree elephant with mahout are some of the notable items on display.


The Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad
This museum houses one of the biggest one-man collections of antiques of the world by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan Salar Jung III. The objets d'art include Persian carpets, Moghal miniatures, Chinese porcelain, Japanese lacquerware, famous sculptures including the Veiled Rebecca and Marguerite and Mephistopheles, a superb collection of jade, daggers belonging to Queen Noor Jahan and the Emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb's sword and many other fabulous items.


Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad
Spanning 300 lush green acres, the Nehru Zoological Park is a must for nature lovers. The biggest Zoo in India, it has over 250 species of animals and birds, most of which are kept in conditions as close to their natural habitats as possible. This is the first zoo to create moated enclosures for animals. The Lion Safari Park, Natural History Museum and Children's Train are the added attractions


Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad
Hyderabad A hundred yards southwest of the Charminar is the Mecca Masjid, so named because the bricks were brought from Mecca to build the central arch. The Qutb Shahis never finished the building of the mosque, which was completed by Aurangzeb in 1694. Mecca Masjid is poetry in stone, with a hall measuring 67m and soaring to a height of 54m. Fifteen graceful arches - five to each of the three sides, support the roof. Towards the southern end of the mosque lie the marble graves of Nizam Ali Khan and the families of Asaf Jahi dynasty.