Hyderabad
is well known for its rich history and culture that is still represented by
its numerous monuments, mosques, and temples. Hyderabad, the capital of
Andhra Pradesh was once ruled by the Nizam, but lost his reign after the
independence.
In November 1956 the State of Hyderabad was divided along linguistic lines,
the northeastern Telugu-speaking region including the city of Hyderabad,
assigned to the newly created Andhra Pradesh State. A city that is more than
400 years old, Hyderabad is famous for its mosques, temples, minarets,
bazaars, and beautiful geography.
On the Deccan Plateau, 541 meters (1776 feet) above sea level, Hyderabad is
sprawling over an area of 260 km. The monuments of Hyderabad have a history
and an architectural individuality of their own. The area around Hyderabad
was once part of Ashoka's Empire in the 3rd century BC.
Tourist Attractions in Hyderabad
The Charminar
One of India's most famous monuments the Char Minar has four wide roads
radiating in the four cardinal directions. The square structure, each side
measuring 100 feet has a central pointed high arch at the center. The
edifice is covered up of numerous decorative arches arranged both vertically
and horizontally. A graceful elegance surrounds the structure due to the
projected canopy, ornamental brackets and decoration in stucco plaster.
Standing 180 feet high from the ground the Char minar is a superb artistic
structure.
The Galleries Of Charminar
Two galleries, one over another, bordered with a stone balcony and all over
a terrace are a must visit for art lovers. In its pinnacle, the unique grand
oriental bazaar conglomerate had busy 14000 shops. With vivid color glass
bangles the Char Minar Bazaar is a great mix of color and folklore culture.
The Mecca Masjid
Mecca Masjid is a grand edifice with a huge courtyard and capacity of
holding ten thousand men at prayer, stands near the Char Minar. The Jami
Masjid and the Toli Masjid are small and modest structures, historically
famous and well-admired, stands in the midst of the city.
The Falakuma palace,the Regency Mansion, the Husain Sagar Lake, the Birla
temple ( on a hilltop), Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar ( Lakes), the Nehru
Zoological Park, Naubat Pahad the Chowmukha palace are some other places of
tourist interest.
Shopping
Hyderabad is another shopping hotspot with specialities in Bidri (metal
ware). Kalamkari (practiced in two styles, the Machilipatnam and the
Kalahasti), Nirmal (toys, wall hangings and other decorative articles),
Kondapally Toys (figures of people and animals), Pearls (oyster jewellery),
Lac Bangles, Banjara Mirror Work , Silver Filigiri (metal work) Ikat Fabric
(Distinct from the Ikat fabrics of North India), Himroo (A traditional
occupation of Andhra Pradesh), Handlooms and Perfumes, Kat Sarees
(handicraft)
The prominent and rich market areas are Basheerbagh-Abids-Nampally , Begum
Basaar - Osmanganj - Moazzam Jahi Market, Mahatma Gandhi Road - General
Bazaar - Rashtrapathi Road, Monda Market, Narayanguda - Chikkadpally,
Secretariat Road - Khairatabad, and Sultan Bazaar - Koti - Troop Bazaar
How
to go there
By Air - Hyderabad is an international airport and is
well connected to all the major cities of India. Lufthansa, Silk Air, Air
India, Emirates and Air Lanka operate many direct flights from the base in
Hyderabad.
By Train - A well-known railway destination in the
Railway Map of India, Hyderabad is connected to all major Indian cities
through the service of daily express trains.
By Bus- Both intra -state and inter state bus services
are being operated from Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station, Hyderabad to other
districts of Andhra Pradesh as well as major cities of India.
