Hyderabad – Princely state of India
Hyderabad is the capital city of Andhra Pradesh state in southern India. It is located at an altitude of 1,776 feet on the Deccan Plateau. Hyderabad is paired with Secunderabad, with a man made lake (Hussain Sagar) separating the two cities. Secunderabad cantonment is the largest in India and the city was founded in the 18th century. Both the cities are often called as twin cities. Being India’s fifth largest city, it is well known for its courtly speech, historic monuments and a distinct cuisine.
History:
This 400 years old city was founded by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, emperor of Qutb Shahi dynasty. Hyderabadi culture is different from that of Andhra culture. It’s because this city is a combination of influences like northern-southern, Hindu-Muslim etc. The city was built in a grid format on the river Musi’s banks by Iranian architects. Now the city is India’s leading center of Information Technology.
Hyderabad, the city of monuments will never disappoint the tourists who are interested in history and archaeology.
Charminar (Four Minarets):
This spot is the well known crowd puller in Hyderabad. Being one of the famous destinations in the city, it is located in the heart of the old city. This majestic structure has four roads emerging in four primal directions. The structure is of square shape with four minarets each 177 feet high. Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah built this monument in 1591 as a remembrance of plague eradication in Hyderabad.
Mecca Masjid:
This largest mosque in India is located near Charminar. The building was started by Muhammad Quli Qtub Shah in 1617 and completed by Quranzeb. Its huge courtyards can accommodate ten thousand men at prayer. There is a belief that one particular stone in the building was bought from Mecca.
Hussain Sagar (Tank Bund):This most famous lake of Hyderabad is located off Mahatma Gandhi road, a three km paved path with lots of statues of Andhra’s historical personalities. This man-made lake separates the twin cities Secunderabad and Hyderabad. Tourists can see a 56 feet high statue of Buddha in the middle of the lake. Here boating and yatching are famous activities for tourists. Also this would be an apt place for leisurely walks in the evening.
Nehru Zoological Park:
Being one of largest zoos in Asia, this park has various species of animals and birds. Both adults and kids can have good time here with safaris, pre-historical animal museums and train rides.
Public Garden:
This best laid garden of India is the largest garden of the city. It houses major public buildings like State Legislative Assembly, Archaeological Museum, Jubilee Hall, Jawahar Bal Bhavan and the Telugu Lalitha Kala Thoranam.
Falaknuma Palace:
This palace was built by Nawab Vigar al-Umra in 1872. It is located atop the hill 5 km away from Charminar. This palace is a perfect blend of French, Italian and Florentine sculptures and architecture. Its interiors are a feast for tourists’ eyes.
Golconda Fort:
This fort is located in Golconda (Shepherd’s Hill) 11 km away from Hyderabad. This fort belongs to Qtub Shahi dynasty as their capital city was Golconda. It is a beautiful complex which houses various palaces, museums, gardens and mosques. The place is worth visiting.
Hyderabad is well connected by airport, railways and roadways with major parts of India.
History:
This 400 years old city was founded by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, emperor of Qutb Shahi dynasty. Hyderabadi culture is different from that of Andhra culture. It’s because this city is a combination of influences like northern-southern, Hindu-Muslim etc. The city was built in a grid format on the river Musi’s banks by Iranian architects. Now the city is India’s leading center of Information Technology.
Hyderabad, the city of monuments will never disappoint the tourists who are interested in history and archaeology.
Charminar (Four Minarets):
This spot is the well known crowd puller in Hyderabad. Being one of the famous destinations in the city, it is located in the heart of the old city. This majestic structure has four roads emerging in four primal directions. The structure is of square shape with four minarets each 177 feet high. Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah built this monument in 1591 as a remembrance of plague eradication in Hyderabad.
Mecca Masjid:
This largest mosque in India is located near Charminar. The building was started by Muhammad Quli Qtub Shah in 1617 and completed by Quranzeb. Its huge courtyards can accommodate ten thousand men at prayer. There is a belief that one particular stone in the building was bought from Mecca.
Hussain Sagar (Tank Bund):This most famous lake of Hyderabad is located off Mahatma Gandhi road, a three km paved path with lots of statues of Andhra’s historical personalities. This man-made lake separates the twin cities Secunderabad and Hyderabad. Tourists can see a 56 feet high statue of Buddha in the middle of the lake. Here boating and yatching are famous activities for tourists. Also this would be an apt place for leisurely walks in the evening.
Nehru Zoological Park:
Being one of largest zoos in Asia, this park has various species of animals and birds. Both adults and kids can have good time here with safaris, pre-historical animal museums and train rides.
Public Garden:
This best laid garden of India is the largest garden of the city. It houses major public buildings like State Legislative Assembly, Archaeological Museum, Jubilee Hall, Jawahar Bal Bhavan and the Telugu Lalitha Kala Thoranam.
Falaknuma Palace:
This palace was built by Nawab Vigar al-Umra in 1872. It is located atop the hill 5 km away from Charminar. This palace is a perfect blend of French, Italian and Florentine sculptures and architecture. Its interiors are a feast for tourists’ eyes.
Golconda Fort:
This fort is located in Golconda (Shepherd’s Hill) 11 km away from Hyderabad. This fort belongs to Qtub Shahi dynasty as their capital city was Golconda. It is a beautiful complex which houses various palaces, museums, gardens and mosques. The place is worth visiting.
Hyderabad is well connected by airport, railways and roadways with major parts of India.
