Hyderabad: History, Climate, How To Reach, Tourism, Best Time

Hyderabad is the capital of southern India’s Telangana state. A major center for the technology industry, it’s home to many upscale restaurants and shops. Its historic sites include Golconda Fort, a former diamond-trading center that was once the Qutb Shahi dynastic capital. The Charminar, a 16th-century mosque whose 4 arches support towering minarets, is an old city landmark near the long-standing Laad Bazaar.

Name:	Hyderabad – City of Pearl
Location:	Hyderabad District, Telangana State, India
Climate:	Summers: 40° C (Max), 22° C (Min) | Winters: 22° C (Max), 14° C (Min)
Best Time To Visit:	October to March
Nearest Airport:	Rajiv Gandhi International Airport – Shamshabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Railway Station:	Secunderabad Railway Station
Must Visits:	Char Minar, Golconda Fort, Qutb Shahi Tombs, Mecca Masjid, Osmania University and HITEC City
Language Spoken:	Urdu, Hindi, Telugu and English
STD Code:	040

Hyderabad, also known as the City of Pearls, is the capital city of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh in South India. Sited on the banks of River Musi, this prominent city is sprawling over an area of 217 square kilometers on the Deccan plateau. It is located on an average elevation of 536 m above the sea level and thus has a tropical wet and dry climate. It has hot summers (late February- June, soothing winters (late October- early February) and pleasant monsoons (late June-Early October) with an average annual rainfall of 810 mm. As such, the ideal time to visit the city is from the month of October to March. Hyderabad city has gradually evolved as one of the major hubs for Information Technology (IT) in India, and thus is sometimes referred with an additional sobriquet ‘Cyberabadï‘. Hyderabad is considered to be the financial, economic and political capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh.

According to the archeological excavations, this region of Hyderabad city was ruled by Kakatiyas over 1000 years ago. However, Hyderabad city was founded by Sulthan Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah who was the 5th King of the Qutub Shah dynasty in 1590 A.D. at Golconda Kingdom. At that time, this city was known as Bhagyanagar. In the year 1687, it was conquered by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and ruled by his governor until 1724. Later, it was taken over by the Asaf Jahi dynasty, which named it Hyderabad State and ruled it till a year after Indian Independence from Britain. Thereafter, Hyderabad was taken charge of by the successors who were called as Nizams of Hyderabad. The rule of the seven Nizams witnessed the cultural and economical growth of the city.

Hyderabad city has steadily become an eminent industrial city for being the best destination for various biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical firms, BPO industries and many more to count. It is also the home to the Telugu Film Industry (Tollywood) and the most expensive residential real estates in Andhra Pradesh, Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills. Char Minar, Golconda Fort, Qutbshahi Tomb, Mecca Masjid, Birla Mandir, Ujjaini Mahankali Temple, Hussain Sagar Lake, Osmania University and HITEC City are few of the prominent tourist attractions that you should definitely explore, whilst in the city. And if you are in love with shopping then, Laad Bazar (bangles market) and Sultan Bazaar are just perfect for you to get various products like silverware, saris, kalamkari paintings and artifacts, unique Bidri handcrafted items, lacquer bangles studded with stones, silk ware, cotton ware and handloom-based clothing materials.

Best Time To Visit Hyderabad

Hyderabad has always a large number of tourist groups congregating around the city all through the year. The princely city of Hyderabad has a host of options for sightseeing and is apparently one of the best places to experience the real South India culture and Mughal grandeur. However before you plan your trip, just check out for the right seasons, as this place is quite infamous for its searing temperatures. Geographically situated on the Southern Peninsula, this place has a rock-strewn and rough terrain. As far as the climate is concerned, the city has a contrasting weather with extreme dry and wet conditions. The temperatures in Hyderabad can rise up to 440C during the summer seasons and can go down as low as 80C during the winter months. Hyderabad has a blend of old world charisma with the vibrancies of modern world, making it one of the best places to explore. With Charminar, Golconda Fort, Chowmahalla Palace, Falaknuma Palace, Salar Jung Museum and many other exciting destinations to its name, a trip to Hyderabad is worth every penny. Read this article to know more on the best time to visit the city.

When to Go to Hyderabad

Weather Statistics:

Hyderabad has a tropical climate that is extremely arid and damp. So it’s important to choose the right time to visit the metropolitan. Hyderabad shows great disparity in its climatic conditions throughout the year. The temperatures in summer rise up to 44° C during the peak summer months of April, May and June. Monsoon usually hits towards the end of June and continues until early October. Hyderabad gets a good 810 mm of rainfall each year. Winters in Hyderabad sets in during late October and last up to early February with temperatures ranging from 29° C to 14° C.

Opting Your Favorite Season:

If you enjoy the rainfall and if the dampness does not bother you, then July to early October is the right time to tour the city. However, if you love feeling the sun’s heat on your skin and prefer to tour under a clear blue sky, then February to early March is the right time to go. The heat wave during this time is tolerable as compared to the later months. However, make sure to consume sufficient fluids to avoid getting your throats desiccated. Also, don’t forget to carry sun screen lotions, wide brimmed hats and umbrella to safeguard yourself from the harsh sun rays. However, if you prefer a pleasant weather then late October to early February is the best time to rush to Hyderabad.

Best Time To Visit:

The ideal time to visit Hyderabad would be during winter as the temperature dips downwards considerably during the months of October and February. Hyderabad is well known for its searing heat wave. Hence, it’s best to visit the place during winter to make your trip pleasurable and avoid warm temperatures and perspiration. The city brings together the royal grandeur of the bygone epoch and beautiful scenic landscape that are a complete delight to your senses. Another reason for you to visit Hyderabad during winter is to experience the harvest festival known as ‘Pongal’. The festival usually comes in the month of January. So, join the celebration and enjoy the delicacies of this regional culinary on your visit to the city.

Gardens In Hyderabad

Hyderabad is one of the hottest tourist destinations in India. Being the capital city of Andhra Pradesh, it is one of the cities that boast of a number of tourist attractions, monuments, museums, amusements parks, eco-friendly gardens, sanctum sanctorum and more. Coming to the habitat and vegetation, Hyderabad is dotted with hills and trees. There are many natural and man-made gardens and green set-ups in Hyderabad that promises to mesmerize you. Gardens give a break from the rush of hectic city life and provide the visitors and dwellers the real delight of basking in nature. These well-kept gardens boast of best foliages and trees. Many gardens that you get to see in Hyderabad trail their roots to the splendiferous past of the city. The gardens and parks illustrate the bio-rich diversity of the hi-tech city. The gardens here not only help to maintain the ecological balance but also provides pollution free and green environment. Read the following article to know about some of the famous gardens and parks in Hyderabad.

Famous Gardens of Hyderabad

NTR Gardens:

NTR Gardens is one of the popular gardens in Hyderabad. It is situated very close to Hussain Sagar Lake. These gardens were established in the loving memory of N.T.Rama Rao, one of the eminent chief ministers and a popular actor of Andhra Pradesh. The gardens are splendidly designed and distinguishably structured. The well-maintained N.T.R Gardens are the chosen spots for tourists and local people to spend leisure time with their loved ones. Some of the special attractions of N.T.R Gardens are its amusement rides, Japanese Garden, and monorails.

Kidwai Garden:

Kidwai Garden is yet another famous garden in Hyderabad. It is situated at Rajendra Nagar. The garden comprises of varieties of green bushes and rare trees. It is a preferred spot for local picnics and excursions. Kidwai garden can be easily accessed from any part of the city since it is centrally located to Nehru Zoological Park and Public Gardens. Kidwai Garden is open to public from sunrise to sunset.

Public Garden:

Public Gardens are one of the oldest gardens in Hyderabad. It was constructed during the Nizam rule, in the year 1846. Public gardens boast of multitude of greenery and are best known for its ambience and fresh breeze. This garden also houses two profound museums like the A.P State Archeological Museum and Health Museum. There is a separate section for the kids called Jawahar Bal Bhavan where regular cultural events for children are conducted. There is also a huge auditorium called Indira Gandhi Auditorium meant for social gatherings. There are also open-air theatres called Jubilee Hall and Lalitha Kala Thoranam for social and cultural events. The Public Garden is open to public from 9 am to 5 pm.

Botanical Garden:

If you want to experience the realm of Mother Nature, the Botanical Garden is the place to go. It is situated at Madhapur, towards the outskirts of the city. It is well-designed and maintained by the Government of A.P. It is considerately modernized with a motto of conservation. This garden is very huge and is divided into 19 main segments or Vanas. The foliage boasts of some of the rarest collections of plants and trees. The botanical garden also comprises of large water bodies, paddocks, hillocks and shrubbery. Since this garden adapts conservative measures towards the betterment of greenery, it is considered to be one of the best eco-friendly tourist spots in Hyderabad.

Indira Park:

Named after the famous leader of our nation Mrs. Indira Gandhi, the Indira Park is quite famous for its foliage and scenic ambience. It is situated in the Lower Tank Bund flanking Hussain Sagar. It was inaugurated in the year 1975 by the then President of India, Late Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed and was open in the year 1978. The layout is exceptionally well designed with some exquisite scenic beauty. This park is home for a splendid collection of rarest foliage from around the world. Other features of this garden are the waterfalls, musical fountains and a man-made lake with boating facility.

Lumbini Park:

Lumbini Park is one of the famous destinations for those who opt for a leisure time with their beloved ones. It is situated besides the Tank Bund Road adjoining the Hussain Sagar Lake. This park got its name after Lord Buddha, whose statue is placed in between the lake. This is the best place to unwind yourself and rejuvenate your bodies. There are many attractions in the park, which include the floral clock, artificial waterfalls, musical fountains, food joints and amusement paraphernalia. There are also special boating facilities that can take you through the waters of Hussain Sagar.

Sanjeeviah Park:

Sanjeeviah Park is yet another prominent park in Hyderabad, named after the former president of India, Dr. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy. The park is filled with green foliage. Some of the special attractions of this park are the Rose Garden with its beautiful rose beds and the Rock Garden with different silhouettes of rocks. The famous floral clock of Sanjeeviah Park is widely known. Since many couples visit this park, it is colloquially known as the Lovers’ Park.

History Of Hyderabad

The land of luminescent architecture and affluent literature – Hyderabad is truly like a bead of pearl in the beautiful string of the city’s legacy. The royal past and rich heritage of the territory has made Hyderabad the most intriguing city of the country. With nearly 400 years of glorious history to boast of, Hyderabad is imprinted with the influence of magnificent rulers and their royal dynasties, who have contributed a great deal in shaping the character and tradition of Hyderabad. The city of Hyderabad may have graduated to being the technical seatee of the country, but, at the same time, it has succeeded to preserve and popularize the spectacular culture of the Nizams. Despite of the political tensions in the kingdom, Hyderabad’s history is deemed as a glorious chapter in the chronicles of Deccan. The beautiful old edifices, forts, palaces and other monuments proudly speak about the ancestral past and its majestic implications. The fascinating history of Nizams City is here to allure you with its dazzling legacy. Go ahead and explore the royal past of Hyderabad.

Overview of Hyderabad History

Qutb Shahi, The Artificers Of Hyderabad:

Although the ancient history of Hyderabad dates back to the 3rd century BC, it was during Qutb Shahi’s dynasty that the city flowered. Quli Qutb Shah, the magnificent ruler of Qutb dynasty, seized the power of Hyderabad from Bahamani Kingdom in 1512.The city, previously known as Golconda, was renamed as Hyderabad by the famous Shahi ruler Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah. As per the records, the king was in love with a gorgeous lady named ‘Bhagmati’ who changed her name to ‘Haider Mahal’ after marrying Mohammed Quli. It was after her that the city of Hyderabad got its name, which literally means the ‘city of Haider’. The splendid city witnessed all seven Qutb Shahi rulers who contributed greatly to the infrastructural and cultural development of Hyderabad.

The Reign Of Mughals And Nizams:

Hyderabad’s eminence, planned construction and its legendary wealth attracted Aurangzeb, the noted Mughal who eventually seized the land in 1687. Aurangzeb ruled the city for many years under the assistance of his Prime Minister Asaf Jah. When the glory of the Mughals declined, Asaf Jah declared himself as the Nizam of the entire Deccan region. In this way, Hyderabad came under the popular Nizam or Asaf Jahi dynasty. The admired Nizams, who ruled from 1724 to 1948, became the most powerful dynasty in the history of India. In 1798, Nizam II, the son of Asaf Jahi, signed an agreement with British East India Company according to which they stayed near Hussain Sagar Lake and involved themselves in building the twin city Secunderabad. Hyderabad, which came under British crown, was never a part of British India.

Post Independence Era:

After the Indian Independence in 1947, the Nizam of Hyderabad acknowledged his intention to maintain his Independent sovereign rule or acquire a separate territory under the British Empire. However, with the intervention of Sardar Patel, Hyderabad came under the governance of Indian Union in 1948 and served as the separate state until 1956. On November 1, 1956, Indian government divided the land based on its linguistic majority because of which provinces in Hyderabad were split into Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Hyderabad city, which came under the governance of Andra Pradesh, became the capital of the state.

How To Reach

With its majestic past, glorious monuments and rich traditions Hyderabad tots up as a spectacular land, which offers the best tourism in the country. On your visit to the ‘City of Pearls’ don’t forget to visit the centuries old mosques, minarets, and other architectural heritage that poses as the real pride of the city. The city, which brims with historical legacy and architectural opulence totes up as a real surprise for the first-timers. Along with its affable nature and structural beauty, Hyderabad is popular for its delicious spicy biryani and other mouthwatering specialties. If you are a shopping freak then Hyderabad is likely to dazzle you with its fares. From traditional handicrafts to beautiful saris to famous Hyderabadi pearls, the city has a lot to offer. If you are mesmerized by the magnificent essence of Hyderabad, then making a quick trip to this city should help you explore more about it. Go ahead and explore the article to know how to reach the major metropolitan city of Hyderabad.

Ways To Reach

By Air:

Hyderabad is well-connected to national and international cities through its extensive air service. The city has two dromes- namely Rajiv Gandhi Terminal, which serves as the international airport and N.T. Rama Rao, which is the domestic terminal. Hyderabad flies regular flights to almost all the major cities like Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Cochin, Delhi, Pune, Kolkata etc. Hyderabad, which boasts of best air service to foreign cities, is flooded with number of international flights such as British Airways, Air France, Gulf Air, Delta Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airlines, and Malaysian Airlines etc. Apart from international service, the city also offers wonderful domestic journey through its domestic airlines such as Air India, Air Sahara, Kingfisher Airlines, Air Deccan, SpiceJet etc.

By Rail:

Hyderabad is well-connected to almost all the major Indian cities via its three major railway stations namely Hyderabad Railway Station, Secunderabad Railway Station and Kachiguda Railway Station. Among them Hyderabad Railway Station runs the most number of daily express trains to various other cities of the country. Some of the trains, which provide service from this station, are Hussain Sagar Express, Hyderabad-Mumbai Express, and Hyderabad-Chennai Express etc. Although the city’s railway runs a huge number of daily trains, advance reservation of tickets is a must as these train are always crowded due to its minimal transportation charge.

By Road:

The ‘City of Nizam’ boasts of good highway network and offers excellent road transportation through its state government and other private bus services. The city has a large bus terminus, which connects several cities within the state and in the country. Apart from the regular pick and drop, the APSRTC (Andra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) conducts number of tours and excursions in and around the city. Along with the APSRTC, Hyderabad is the hub of travel agents who provide better service through deluxe, super deluxe, AC and Volvo buses. The road service is not only limited to buses as there are a number of private agents who offer luxury car and mini- bus services for the convenience of the travelers.

Hyderabad Food

Hyderabad, the city of Nawabs, minarets and pearls, is hugely admired for its sophisticated, spicy and absolutely scrumptious cuisines. Like any other historical city, the food of Hyderabad blends royal zest with regional tang and delivers a mouth-watering potpourri of Andhra specialties and Hyderabadi cuisines that is loaded with spices, ghee and dry fruits and displays the indigenous culinary tradition of the land. Since centuries, Hyderabad food has attracted bon vivants with its delicate taste and aromatic flavor. The food platter of Hyderabad not only boasts of local zest, but is also influenced by the culinary traditions of Persia, Arabia, Afghanistan and Turkish nations. With a spicy and yummy smorgasbord of finger-licking delicacies, Hyderabad beckons its guests to come and experience a �Shahi� fine dining experience. From delectable kebabs to heavily spiced curries to highly aromatic biryani, Hyderabad is a delightful haven for the foodies. Explore the article to know more about the exquisite Hyderabad Food.

Hyderabad Food Guide

Andhra Cuisine:

The famous Andhra cuisine, noted for its hot and spicy zest, is a delectable platter of mostly vegetarian dishes. A typical Andhra meal consists of tangy pickles, varieties of chutney powders, pakodas, rice, sambar and vegetable curries, traditionally served on a banana leaf. Apart from its typical vegetarian fare, Andhra cuisine also has an impressive line-up of non-vegetarian stalwarts like chicken sambar, chicken sukka, Andhra mutton masala and more. On your trip to Hyderabad, don’t forget to savor the authentic Andhra specialties. For the best dining experience, you can visit the popular Andhra restaurants like Shanbagh in Basheerbagh, Indu Deluxe at Saifabad, Kamat Hotel in Nampally and Abhiruchi at S.D. Road.

Hyderabadi Cuisine:

All discussion on Hyderabad food is incomplete without mentioning its royal Hyderabadi counterpart. The typical Hyderabad food, influenced by Mughal cuisine, is quite famous for its aromatic mutton and chicken biryani. Apart from its delectable rice dishes, Hyderabad cuisine prides itself on its luscious list of non-vegetarian fare like chicken korma, sheer korma, lukhmi, nahari, kebabs and tandoori’s. However, if you are a vegetarian, then there is no need to be disappointed as Hyderabad cuisine has a delectable array of veg delights like bagara baingan, tomato kut, shahi dahi vadas and most veg biryani to appease you. Banjara Darbar at Panjagutta is one of the popular Hyderabadi restaurants, famous for its typical spicy biryani and flavored kebabs. Some of the other popular restaurants to relish genuine Hyderabadi cuisines are Akbar at M.G. Road, Parwe at Nampally and Madina at Pattargatti.

Indian Cuisine:

The 400-year-old metropolis of Hyderabad cuisine not only offers a rich taste of its local fare but also puts up an impressive range of culinary delights from all across the country. Be it spicy North Indian, mild South Indian, yummy Bengali or rich Punjabi, Hyderabad is chock-a-block with food joints that brings your food from all corners of India. Copper Chimney in Punjagutta Road is one of the best Indian restaurants, which serves highly delicious food at reasonable rates. Some of the other popular restaurants of Hyderabad are Dakshin at Begumpet, Angeethi and Koyla at Banjara Hills.

Fast Food:

If you are looking for delicious quick snack options, then Hyderabad is willing to woo you with its roadside fare. From western food smacks like pizza, burger and sandwich to typical Indian chats like samosa, bhelpuri and pav bhaji, Hyderabad fast food can give even the most posh food joints a run for their money. Some of the good places to enjoy fast foods are Niralas Open House at Himayatnagar, Prabhat Fast Food at Banjara Hills and Subway at Madhapur Road.

Multi Cuisine:

Along with traditional Hyderabad’s culinary feasts, the city is popular for its number of multi cuisine restaurants, which attracts people from around the world. If you are in the mood of savoring some lip smacking international cuisine then the city can offer you anything from Chinese to Italian to Lebanese, Thai, Spanish and almost all the popular cuisines in the world. Orchid in Katriya Hotel is one of the most popular multi cuisine restaurant popular for its wide variety of Chinese and Continental foods. Treat Way at Taj Residency Road is another popular eatery for continental feasts.

Monuments In Hyderabad

The capital city of Andhra Pradesh and one of the important technology hubs of Southern India, Hyderabad definitely totes up as one of the most important cities in India. Erstwhile, home to the Kakaityas, Qutb Shahi, and the Mughal dynasties, it is not very surprising to see so an interesting line-up of impressive monuments in Hyderabad. Charminar, Golconda Fort, Chowmahalla Place, Qutb Shahi Tomb are some of the most exemplary work of architecture that attracts throngs of tourists from all corners of the world. Each of these structures is a masterwork in itself and represents the architectural skill and esthetic taste of the people of Hyderabad. The city is chock-full of life and friendly people, making it a joyful experience while touring the city. The best time to visit Hyderabad is during winters as the heat wave is relatively endurable during this time. To explore more on the monuments in Hyderabad, read on.

Monuments Of Hyderabad

Charminar:

Built in 1591 by the fifth ruler of Qutb Shah Dynasty, the Charminar is a majestic square shaped building that replicates Islamic architectural style and hinges itself on four different towers. A staircase leads you to the topmost tower that offers a vantage view of the entire city. The towers are 48.7m high with intricate carvings and beautiful ornate work. According to an old myth, the mosque is said to have a secret passage that connects Charminar and Golconda together. On Fridays, the mosque is packed with devotees who come to offer prayers here.

Golconda Fort:

Located towards the west of the city, the Golconda Fort is an architectural wonder in itself. This splendid fortress was built by Kakatiya kings and later became the stronghold for the Qutub Shah rulers during the 16th century. The fortress is seated on a hill with beautiful open porches, gardens, halls, temples, mosques, stables and different entrances, with drawbridges on all sides making this structure an engineering genius. The main attractions inside the fort are the durbar hall, bala hissar, rahban cannon and the Kala Mandir. The palace is a spectacular sight that speaks volumes about the rich heritage that existed during the bygone eras. Today, it is distressing to see such a beautiful structure wither away. Golconda Fort is worth visiting and should be added to your tour.

Qutb Shah Tombs:

Qutb Shah Tomb is another important monument and is located in the center of the city. The tomb consists of seven successors to the thrown and a popular tourist destination. The structure is constructed out of grey colored granite that has Indian and Persian inscriptions on each of the crypt. This domed building has an attractive archway that is raised with square shaped walls on all sides. The vault has a beautiful well laid lawn making this a popular picnic spot among the locals. Another reason to visit this place is for the ‘Deccan festivals’ conducted by State tourism board which showcase the culture and traditions in this region.

Chowmahalla Palace:

Constructed in 1750 by the Nizams of Hyderabad the palace was completed in 1869. The word ‘chow’ in Urdu means four and ‘mahal’ means palace. This believed that the palace was inspired by the Shah palace in Tehran. The palace consists of four smaller fortresses Afzal Mahal, Mahtab Mahal, Tahniyat Mahal and Aftab Mahal each of them has an individual courtyard with impressive halls that entertained royal guest and members of the higher social ranking. ‘Khilwat Mubarak’ is one of the most impressive halls in the palace with marble podium and large brilliantly lit chandeliers. The hall has total sum of 19 crystal chandeliers from Belgium. The clock tower is again another striking tower that comprises of a 250 year old grand clock that has been ticking away for decades and is still in good condition. Also stroll through the council hall and roshan bangala you will find a few rare documents, valuable books, well maintained gardens and fountains. Located on Moti Gali the palace speaks about the past glory of the Asaf Jahi dynasty.

Asman Garh Palace:

The word ‘asman’ in Hindi refers to sky while ‘garh’ is translated as home which literally means house in the sky. This towering palace was built in 1885. Mohammed Mazharuddin Khan, who was closely related to the second Nawab of Hyderabad, erected this building. It was his desire to construct a home at the highest point in the city and so he built his palace on a hilltop, on the way to Malakpet and Dilsukhnagar. The palace has a signature style of European Gothic design. The palace also has a small museum that showcases a few ancient artifacts belonging to the family. Currently Asman Garh palace is converted into a school.

Falaknuma Palace:

Owned by the Nizam family, the palace served as a guesthouse to the royal members and dignitaries. The palace was built in the form a scorpion with Italian marble. The main attraction of this palace is its interiors, which is beautifully decorated with frescos, spacious ballrooms, a lavish dining room and a fine library. The Falaknuma Palace also has some of the exceptional pieces of furniture, paintings, statues, books manuscripts and ‘Jade collection’. The jade collection found in the palace is said to be finest in the world. The palace also has an extensive collection of Venetian chandeliers. Located close to Charminar and well known for its panoramic view, the palace remained as the private property of the royal family until recent times. Today however, the palace is renovated and converted into a luxury hotel.

Taramati Baradari:

Located close to Gandipet Lake, Taramati Baradari was built by Abdullah Qutb Shah for his beloved chatelaine. The garden in the palace is fashioned after the Persian style. Legend has is that the monument was a tribute to Taramati whose beautiful voice had lured the prince to fall in love with her, while some other believe that Taramati and Permamati were dancing girls who mesmerized the prince. The main attraction in this monument is the garden and its unique design of the structure.

King Kothi Palace:

The palace was an official residence of the last Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan. History reveals that the Nizam moved in to this palace when he was just 13 years of age and continued to stay here even after his succession to the throne in 1911. Parts of the palace were renovated in European style with complicated woodwork and slanting tiled rooftops. Presently, the palace is serves as a hospital and is worth a visit.

Places To Visit

With its unique blend of history, tradition and language, Hyderabad, the ‘City of Pearls’, invokes a colonial charm. The city, which is known for its warm welcome and great hospitality, was under the dominion of several Islamic rulers before it emerged as an independent state. That is why the city is affectionately called as ‘City of Nizam’s’. The rich culture of Hyderabad gracefully interweaves Islamic culture with Hindu traditions. The city is not only admired for its prosperous heritage but also for its glorious architecture. With its many monumental gems, museums, gardens, temples, mosques and palaces, Hyderabad attracts huge number of tourists from all around the world. With a wide number of architectural splendors to claim, the opulence of the city can never be challenged. Along with its structural beauty, the land always delights you with its vibrant life style and delectable cuisines. Wish to explore more about the older lure and exotic places of Hyderabad then go ahead and explore the article. The mystery of Nizam’s city is right here to impress you.

Tourist Attractions in Hyderabad

Charminar:

Charminar, one of the most popular tourist attractions of the land, serves as the principal landmark of Hyderabad. In fact, Hyderabad without Charminar would be like New York without its Statue of Liberty. The monumental structure of Charminar was built in 1591, by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in commemoration of the end of deadly epidemic plague. The Charminar, which means four towers, is famous for its Islamic architecture. The decorative arches, which form the major edifices of the monument, are popular for their elegant designs and water screens, which lend real charm to the Charminar. To explore this magnificent architecture, there is no better idea then to make a quick trip to Hyderabad and revel in the splendor of Charminar.

Mecca Masjid:

Mecca Masjid, one of the oldest and largest mosques in India, proudly represents Hyderabad with its significant history and spectacular design. The construction of the mosque was initiated by Muhammad Qutb Shah in 1617 and was completed in 1694 under the supervision of Aurangzeb. The mosque, which shares its name with Mecca, houses a special stone in the mihrab, which was especially brought from the holy land of Mecca. All though non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the courtyard of the mosque, one can definitely enjoy the architectural grandeur of the mosque from outside.

Birla Mandir:

Birla Mandir, situated on top of hill Kalapahad, was built by renowned industrialist family of India, the Birlas. The temple, which houses the famous deity of Venkateshwara, is popular for its intricate marble carvings. It is believed that nearly 2000 tons of white marbles were used to complete this amazing edifice. Apart from its stunning beauty, the temple delights you with the serene view of Hussain Sagar Lake and the famous Lumbini Park. You can visit the temple on any day from 7 am to 12 pm and from 3 pm to 9 pm.

Salar Jung Museum:

The Salar Jung Museum, perched on the banks of the river Musi, attracts huge number of visitors with its huge collection of artifacts from around the world. Mir Yousuf Ali, popularly known as Salar Jung II, dedicated a major part of the collections during his reign. Later in the absence of descents of Salar Jung, Government of India established Salar Jung museum in 1951. Today the museum, which has an antique collection of nearly 40,000 items, displays the richness of different countries around the world. Apart from the antiques, the museum is flooded with beautiful paintings and artifacts from China, Tibet, Nepal, Thailand and other countries.

Chowmahalla Palace:

Chowmahalla Palace near Charminar is another historical landmark of the city, which entertains its visitors with its unique and elegant architecture. The palace, which served as the royal seat of Asif Jahi dynasty, houses some of the magnificent architectures like Council Hall, Roshan Bungalow, Bara Imam and Shishe-Alat. The meticulous beauty of the palace is open for public to view on all days except on Fridays and other national holidays.

Falaknuma Palace:

Falaknuma Palace, located about 5 km away from the Charminar, was built by Nawab Viqar-ul-Ulmara, the then Prime Minister of Hyderabad. With its splendid Italian architecture and well-decorated interiors, the building serves as one of the finest palaces in the city. The palace, which is now owned by Nawab Mukarram Jah Bahadur, the grandson of Nizam VII, attracts visitors with its elegant chandeliers, engraved balustrades and a huge library. On your trip to the city of Nizam’s, do pay your visit to this architectural beauty.

Paigah Tombs:

The Paigah Tombs situated at Santoshnagar in Hyderabad is a unique example of architectural magnificence of the 18th century. The Paigah Tombs, constructed in the year 1787 by Nawab Taig Jung Bahadur, houses the tombs of several generation of Paigah family. These majestic tombs spread across an area of 30 to 40 acres of land are unique example of the Nizam period in Hyderabad. On your visit to this aesthetic place, you will truly be mesmerized by the enchanting marble designs and geometric perfections of the tomb.

Asman Garh Palace:

Asman Garh Palace located at Malakpet was built by Sir Asman Jah, a noble member of the Paigah family. This historical wonder is noted for its granite turrets and arched windows, which are highly influenced by castles of Europe. Presently the palace is popular among visitors for its archaeological museum, which displays the rare relics of the history.

Birla Planetarium:

The Birla Planetarium at Naubat Pahad is a beautiful dome shaped building, which displays various aspects of outer space. Equipped with most recent scientific instruments, the planetarium takes its visitors to the new heights of entertainments. The astonishing sky shows in Telegu and English attracts huge number of people. A new wing, called Dinosorium has been recently added to the planetarium, which houses the fossil of 160 million years old “Kotasaurus yamanpalliensis“. Apart from this main attraction, Dinosorium is a home for many smaller fossils of dinosaur eggs, fossil tree trunks and marine shells. The planetarium is open for your service on any day except on the last Thursday of every month.

Shopping

Right from the glorious Moghul rule to the astonishing British dominion, the city of splendid charm, Hyderabad, mesmerizes people with its fascinating beauty and warm culture. This centuries old business centre of India has made its own mark in the history through its trade and commerce. Today, with numerous stores and market areas, shopping in Hyderabad promises to be a real joy ride. Shopping in Hyderabad gives you a cultural insight into the city of Nawabs. When talking of shopping in Hyderabad, the first thing that comes to mind is pearls. Hyderabad, being the ‘Pearl City’, offers you the best quality pearls at much reasonable rates. Apart from pearls, the city is quite popular for its ethnic saris, traditional bangles, carpets, handicrafts and most importantly traditional and funky jewelry. With such a wide list of availabilities, the shopping destinations of Hyderabad have every charm to tempt people to splurge. To widen your grasp on the most famous shopping destinations in Hyderabad, read on.

Shopping Places In Hyderabad

Charminar:

Charminar the most famous monument of Hyderabad is also noted for number of shopping centers, located in and around the site. In ancient times, Charminar used to be the traders’ hub. However, with time and expansion of the city, the shops were shifted to other places. Even so, there are nearly 14,000 shops in the market area today, which offers everything from the traditional items to the contemporary blitz. Most importantly, the jewelry shops in this place provide the best intricately crafted traditional jewelry. Along with the jewels and traditional outfits, Charminar is famous for perfumes, dry fruits, antique silver objects etc. On your visit to the glorious Hyderabad, don’t forget to shop on the lanes near Charminar.

Basheerbagh:

Basheerbagh is one of the vibrant and most outstanding market areas in Hyderabad. The market, which is specially known for jewelry, hosts some of the biggest branded jewelry shops, noted for their elegantly designed gems, pearls and other precious stone ornaments. Apart from the jewelry, the place is also famous for saris, leather goods, bangles, footwear etc. People from various walks of life come to shop at this place at the most reasonable rates.

Koti And Sultan Bazaar:

Koti and Sultan Bazaar are the oldest and most popular shopping markets in Hyderabad, which are noted for their saris, traditional wears, accessories and all other girly stuffs. Because of its wide range of availability and low cost, the markets are always crowded with bustling activities. If you want to know what the traditional market in Hyderabad means, then this is the place to go.

Begum Bazaar:

Begum Bazaar is the largest and the oldest market in Hyderabad. It was established during the rule of Qutb Shahi rule. Today, this retail market sells almost all the necessary household commodities at a much reasonable price. Apart from this, the market area is quite popular for its brassware shops and other metal commodities. If you are looking for the antique piece at the best price, then Begum Bazaar is the place to go.

Shopping Malls:

Like any other metropolitan city, Hyderabad is also flooded with a number of huge shopping malls and stores that offer you the best shopping experience and better service. From saris, western outfits, branded shoes to perfumes, jewelry and accessories, shopping malls here cater to all your needs. Some of the famous malls in Hyderabad are Hyderabad Central at Punjagutta, Amrutha Mall at Somajiguda, Minerva Complex in SP Road and City Centre at Ameerpet.

Temples In Hyderabad

Hyderabad, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh and the hi-tech hub of the country, is one of the major tourist hotspots that attract myriads of visitors every year who come to this “City Of Nizams” to explore its regal legacy. The city reels with enchanting glory of the past and fascinates admirers with its modernity and fast-growing technology. This famous Indian city prides itself on its marvelous architectural wonders, historical monuments, eco-friendly gardens, religious spots, amusement parks and lot’s more. The religious destinations here display the resplendent history and culture and echo the architectural splendor and religious significance of the land. The temples here are overwhelmed with devotees and visitors all around the year. They are the chosen spots to spend memorable time in the lap of divinity and experience sheer spiritual bliss. Some of the famous and most visited temples are listed below. Scroll through this article and make your pick for your next spiritual tour.

Famous Temples

Birla Mandir:

Birla Mandir is one of the eminent temples in Hyderabad. This temple, believed to have been inspired by the Utkal style of architecture, is a beautiful blend of South Indian and Rajasthani style of architecture. Built of marble stone, this magnificent spiritual destination is nestled on a small hill called Naubath Pahad, situated close to Hussain Sagar Lake. It was constructed in the year 1976 by Birla Foundation. The main presiding deity of this temple is Lord Venkateshwara. Other residing deities of this temple are Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman and Shirdi Sai Baba. This spectacular temple serves as a vantage point for the tourists and is nothing less than a visual treat during the nights. This temple is open to the devotees from 7 am to 12 pm in the morning and between 3 pm and 9 pm in the evening.

Chilkur Balaji Temple:

Chilkur Balaji temple is a renowned temple perched on the outskirts of the city, on the banks of Osman Sagar. The presiding deity of this hoary temple is Lord Venkateshwara, fondly known as Lord Balaji. The temple is flooded with many devotees and visitors all through the year. The sheer tranquility of the place offers a blissful experience to the visitors. One can easily reach Chilkur Balaji temple by any local mode of transport.

ISKCON Temple:

The International Society of Krishna Consciousness or ISKCON in Hyderabad is located near Abids at Nampally Station road. The Founder Acharya of ISKCON, Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, installed the presiding deities of this temple- Sri Radha Madana Mohana. The temple is also the home to other deities of Sri Nitai Gauranga and Sri Jagannatha Baladeva Subhadra. The temple has huge followers and is crowded with thousands of devotees, especially during the main celebrations like Janmashtami and Radhashtami. The temple is open from 4.30 am to 1.30 pm in the morning and again from 4 pm to 8.30 pm in the evening.

Parsi Fire Temple:

The Parsi Fire temple is one of its kind of temple, noted for its simple European style of architecture that serves as an eye-candy for the visitors. It is located at M G Road near Abids in Secundrabad. It is the religious center for Zoroastrians or the Parsis. This is an ideal place for meditation and attaining peace and serenity. Many devotees visit the temple all through the year. The temple is open from 6 am to 7.30 pm.

Ranganatha Swami Temple:

Sri Ranganatha Swami temple is one of the 108 “divya desams” in India. This temple situated close to Musi River is the presiding abode of Lord Maha Vishnu, fondly called as Sri Ranganatha Swami. The temple follows pure Vaishnavite system. The temple celebrates all Vaishnava festivals in a very ostentatious way. The crowd during Vaikunta Ekadasi is fairly large and the celebrations are enormous.

Akkanna Madanna Temple:

Akkanna Madanna Temple is located in the city skirts of Hyderabad. The temple got its name after the two brothers Akkanna and Madanna, who constructed this temple during the rule of Tana Shah of Golconda. The temple is famous for the Bonalu festival. The Ghatam procession is one of the major attractions of this place.

Sanghi Temple:

Sanghi Temple is another famous temple in Hyderabad, located at the hilltop of Sanghi Nagar, overlooking the city. It is very close to the famous Ramoji Film City. The temple houses a grand deity of Lord Venkateshwara. The temple is now much in scene because it has become one of the chosen film shooting spots of Hyderabad. The architecture is typically South Indian style. The temple is open to devotees from 6 am to 1 pm in the morning to evening 4 pm to 8 pm. Sanghi Temple is now one of the chosen tourist attractions in Hyderabad.

Ashtalakshmi Temple:

Ashtalakshmi Temple is a well-known temple in Hyderabad situated at Vasavai Nagar in Dilsukh Nagar. The architecture is purely South Indian style. It is the abode of Goddess Lakshmi in her eight spectacular expansions / forms. Many devotees visit this temple all through the year. It is one of the destinations worth a visit during your trip to Hyderabad. All local transports can easily be accessed to Ashtalakshmi temple.