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CITY AT A GLANCE |
Hyderabad, the magical name that brings to the mind's eye
visions of royal grandeur and leisurely "Nawabi" (kingly)
atmosphere. A Vacationer's delight, this legendary city with
a 400-year-old history, of the splendour of Qutb Shahi and
Asaf Jahi dynasties, Moghal grandeur, exotic cuisine, and
exquisite markets, is world famous for its fascinating
contrasts and unrivalled attractions.
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Charminar
The Charminar is as much the signature of Hyderabad as the
Taj Mahal is of Agra or the Eiffel Tower is of Paris.
Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad, built
Charminar in 1591 at the centre of the original city layout.
It was said to be built as a charm to ward off a deadly
epidemic raging at that time. Four graceful minarets soar to
a height of 48.7m. above the ground. Charminar has 45 prayer
spaces and a mosque in it. Visitors can view the
architectural splendour inside the Charminar. The monument
is illuminated in the evenings and a pedestrianisation
project around the monument is under implementation. |
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Golconda
Is one of the famous forts of India. The name originates
from the Telugu words "Golla Konda" meaning "Shepherd's
Hill". The origins of the fort can be traced back to the
Yadava dynasty of Deogiri and the Kakatiyas of Warangal.
Golconda was originally a mud fort, which passed to the
Bahmani dynasty and later to the Qutb Shahis, who held it
from 1518 to 1687 A.D. The first three Qutb Shahi kings
rebuilt Golconda, over a span of 62 years. The fort is
famous for its acoustics, palaces, ingenious water supply
system and the famous Fateh Rahben gun, one of the cannons
used in the last siege of Golconda by Aurangzeb, to whom the
fort ultimately fell. |
Sound & Light Show at Golconda Fort
The glorious past of Golconda Fort is narrated effectively
with matchless Sound and Light effects. The unique Sound & Light Show takes you right back in time, when Golconda was
full of life, glory and grandeur. |
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Qutb Shahi Tombs
The tombs of the legendary Qutb Shahi kings lie about a
kilometre away from Banjara Darwaza of the Golconda Fort.
Planned and built by the Qutb Shahis themselves, these tombs
are said to be the oldest historical monuments in Hyderabad.
They form a large group and stand on a raised platform. The
tombs are built in Persian, Pathan and Hindu architectural
styles using grey granite, with stucco ornamentation, the
only one of its kind in the world where an entire dynasty
has been buried at one place. |
Mecca Masjid
A two 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 members of the Asaf Jahi dynasty. |
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Legislative Assembly
Built in 1913, the building was originally the Hyderabad
Town hall. The architecture is a synthesis of Rajasthani and
Persian styles, with an all white, aesthetic look. Located
adjoining the picturesque Public Gardens, a massive statue
of Mahatma Gandhi in a sitting posture is erected at the
entrance park to the Assembly |
Birla Mandir
This white marble temple of Lord Venkateshwara floats on the
city skyline, on Kala Pahad. The idol in the temple is a
replica of the one at Tirupati |
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Salar Jung Museum
This museum houses one of the biggest one-man collections of
antiques of the world by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, Salar Jung
III. The objects d'art include Persian carpets, Moghal
miniatures, Chinese porcelain, Japanese lacquerware, famous
statues 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.
A visit to the Andhra Pradesh State Archaeological Museum is
a delight for art lovers. Located in the picturesque Public
Gardens, the museum boasts of one of the richest
repositories of antiques and art objects in the country.
Built in 1920 by the Nizam VII, the museum building itself
is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The museum
contains a Buddhist gallery, Brahmanical & Jain gallery,
Bronze gallery, Arms & Armour gallery, Numismatics gallery,
Ajanta gallery and more. Adjacent to the State Museum is the
Contemporary Art Museum |
Nehru Zoological Park
Spanning 300 lush green acres, the Nehru Zoological Park is
a must for nature lovers. 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. APTDC runs an ice-cream parlour and restaurant
here. |
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Hussainsagar Lake
Excavated in 1562 A.D. by Hussain Shah Wali during the time
of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah, the lake has a promenade that is
a busy thoroughfare today. Boating and water sports are a
regular feature in the Hussainsagar. One of the World's
tallest monolithic statues of the Buddha stands on the 'Rock
of Gibraltar', in the middle of the lake.
Added to all these, AP Tourism has additional boating
facilities like speed boats, motor boats, 48 seater launch
etc. Starlit dinner on-board and private parties also can be
arranged on the Launch. |
Ramoji Film City
A dream world created for the celluloid on a sprawling 1000
acres, with every imaginable set and location, Ramoji Film
City on the outskirts of Hyderabad offers facilities to
produce any kind of movie. Apart from sets, there are hotels
where artistes and technicians can stay. Visitors too can go
round in conducted tours that the management organises. |
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Hitec City
One of the modern monuments of trade and
technology, it embodies the newfound attitude of Hyderabad
and today finds a place of pride. Situated on the outskirts
of the city, it is the nucleus of Cyberabad, the IT
destination in this part of the world. Cyber Towers is the
main building here. |
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 of AP Tourism. |
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Hyderabad Botanical Gardens
The first Botanical Gardens in Andhra Pradesh, spread over
120 acres. Already open to public is the first phase, with
the completion of some sections. The sections include
medicinal plants, timber trees, fruit trees, ornamental
plants, aquatic plants and bamboos. The Park has been
designed to have large water bodies, rolling meadows,
natural forests, rich grasslands and exquisite rock
formations
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Resorts & Theme Parks |
Ocean Park
Ocean Park is located at Gandipet, 15 km from Hyderabad, in
20 acres of landscaped gardens. It provides a number of
amusement rides, water rides and
is equipped with facilities like multi-cuisine restaurant.
Tel: +91-040-23225660/23223824, Website:
www.oceanparkindia.com |
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Snow World
It is the World's biggest and India's 1st Snow Theme Park.
The visitors can chill out at minus 5°C and go merry with
SNOW and have a SNOW-FILLED fun holiday. The Snw Park has
achieved yet another milestone by introducing Snow Fall,
this is the first of its kind of Snow Fall introduced by any
Snow Theme Park or Snow Dome anywhere in the world. Slide
and skate on ice and throw snowballs at each other, Enjoy
India's first snow park.
Tel: +91-040-27677948, Website:
www.snowworldindia.com |
Treasure Island
A picturesque holiday spot, the Treasure Island, located on
60 acres of landscape at Gandipet, offers a variety of
leisure and fun oriented activities - horse riding,
billiards, disco, go-karting, swimming pool and so on. Night
stay
facilities are available for Members
Tel: +91-040-23323330 |
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 and authentic Rajasthani cuisine give you the taste
of the desert State. A large swimming pool, a lake to go
boating, an amphitheatre for plays and entertainment
programmes add to the ambience. Conferencing and night stay
facilities available.
Tel: +91-040-27721586/92832086 |
Pragati Green Meadows & Resorts
Spread over 26 acres and an hour's drive from Hyderabad,
Pragati Resorts offers facilities like swimming, boating,
children's park, coffee and snack bar, restaurant,
conference hall, uniquely designed cottages for overnight
stay. Pragati Sparsh, part of Pragati Resorts, set in the
sylvan surroundings, offers a complete range of Ayurvedic
Treatment and medicines in association with Santigiri Ashram
of Kerala and in coordination with the Department of
Tourism.
Tel: +91-040-23744594/23748745/23743411 |
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-karting track.
Tel: +91-040-55590894 |
Aalankrita-the Ethnic Gateway
Spread over an area of 10 acres, Aalankrita blends the
convenience of a 5-star resort, the ambience of a heritage
Aalankrita - the ethnic gateway site and the ethnicity of
the times gone by. Located about 16 km from Secunderabad,
the facilities here include an air-conditioned conference
hall, Well-side Restaurant, a pyramid shaped Meditation
Centre, a covered swimming pool for day and night use, a
sunken dancing floor, air-conditioned cottages, an antique
shop, exhibition hall, walkways and a sprawling open air
theatre that can accommodate about 3000 people.
Tel: +91-08418-247161/162/199/464 Website:
www.aalankrita.com |
Mount opera
It is a huge multi-theme' park. Far from the hustle and
bustle of the busy city, this amusement part that offers a
variety of entertainment and leisure activities for the
entire family. Built on a 50-acre plot, the park has special
packages for corporates and non-resident Indians.
Tel: +91-925 2722888/999/855 |
More About Hyderabad |
| Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, is the fifth
largest cosmopolitan city in India. The City thrives with a
variety of cultures intermingled into an astounding culture
that gives it a distinct identity of its own. This is where
tradition fuses with modernity, and heritage structures vie
with modern high-rise buildings to add to the beauty of the
city.
Located in the heart of the Deccan plateau, 1760 ft above
the sea level, Hyderabad has an invigorating climate with
awe inspiring prehistoric rocks and natural lakes, along
with a variety of flora and flauna.
Hyderabad offers a variety of tourist attractions ranging
from Heritage monuments, Lakes and Parks, Gardens and
Resorts, Museums to delectable cuisine and a delightful
shopping experience. The city of Hyderabad is a shopper's
delight! From the world famous pearls to traditional arts &
crafts, from textiles of all modern brand names to ethnic
wear, the city offers an astounding variety of shopping.
Hyderabad is famous world over for its fabulous diamond
markets, glass embedded bangles and the delectable "Hyderabadi
Cuisine".
It is unique in being one of the few cities where tradition
and technology co-exist, a revolution that has already
attracted Microsoft and other major MNC's to set their
overseas base here. With a dynamic leadership, the state is
steering the nation to new dimensions in the fields of
Information Technology, Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals,
Business Management, Construction, and more - to emerge as a
land of immense business opportunities.
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You can also visit
www.aptourism.in for further info. |
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