Lumbini Park

A major attraction on the Tank Bund Road in Hyderabad is the Lumbini Park, which is located in the heart of the city near the Hussain Sagar Lake. Maintained by the Buddha Purnima Project Authority, the park was constructed in 1994 and occupies an area of 7.5 acres. The park is a perfect place where a family can get together and spend time with dear ones.

The Lumbini Park has become an ideal place of relaxation and a place of amusement. The park has been named after the garden that was the birth place of Prince Siddhartha who later went on to become Lord Buddha. The park also contains a statue of Lord Buddha located in the middle of the lake on a raised platform. The park is a hit with kids and families and has several attractions that could lure you to spend an evening away from home, with your family.

The main attraction of the park is the laser show that takes place every day. Gone are the days when 2D laser shows were the only ones happening in India. The Lumbini Park offers the opportunity to watch one of the greatest laser shows currently happening in India. The laser show attracts thousands of visitors every year to the park. The best part of the Laser show is when the laser is used to create a 3D city, which simply takes the breath away. There is also a musical fountain in which the water from the synchronized fountains is released in accordance with the tunes being played which are generally in Telugu.

Boating is another attraction that pulls visitors to this place. One can hire a paddle boat and take it for a ride in the lake next to the park. This also gives an opportunity to get closer to the Lord Buddha statue located in the middle of the lake.

Qutb Shahi Tombs

Qutb Shahi Tombs 

Nowhere in the world are there so many tombs in one place as here. You will find more than 20 tombs at one place, these tombs are famous as 'Seven Tombs'. These tombs erected in memory of the departed kings of Golconda are truly magnificent monuments that have stood the test of time and the vagaries of nature. These imposing marvels of architectural excellence stand as solemn reminders of the grandeur and glory of Golconda and the great kings who are buried here.
These tombs mark a unique architectural style which is a mixture of Persian, Pathan and Hindu forms. The arcades on all the sides and the pointed arches add to their beauty and grace. Situated 1 kilometre away from Golconda fort.

These 21 magnificent domed granite tombs, with almost as many mosques, sit serenely in landscaped gardens about 2km northwest of Golconda Fort, where many of their occupants spent large parts of their lives. Seven of the eight Qutb Shahi rulers were buried here, as well as family members and a few physicians, courtesans and other favourites. An exhibition near the entrance provides helpful explanatory information.
The tombs' great domes are mounted on cubical bases, many of which have beautiful colonnades and delicate lime stucco ornamentation. You could easily spend half a day taking photos and wandering in and out of the mausoleums. Among the finest is that of Mohammed Quli, the founder of Hyderabad, standing 42m tall on a platform near the edge of the complex, with views back towards Golconda.
The tombs are an easy walk from Golconda, or about ₹30 by autorickshaw. Infrequent buses 80S and 142K also link the two places.

NTR Gardens

NTR Gardens Hyderabad: Built in the memory of late Shri N T Rama Rao, former and one of the most popular chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh, NTR Memorial Gardens are one of the famous sightseeing places of Hyderabad. Spread across an area of 36 acres, NTR Gardens present a soothing atmosphere and refreshing setting to spend some time. The garden has been built with an approximate cost of Rs. 40 crore. It was in 2002, when the NTR garden of Hyderabad was opened to the public.

Location: Hussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad, Telangana
Deemed as one of most expensive gardens in India, the NTR Garden is a popular attraction of the city of Hyderabad. Sprawling across an area of 55 acres, it houses the memorial of the great leader of Andhra Pradesh, Late N T Rama Rao. The park was created by the Government of Andhra Pradesh with a lavish budget of 40 crores, in order to honor the respectable leader. Today, NTR Garden is not only one of the most beautiful locations of Hyderabad, but is also regarded as an attractive leisure and entertainment centre.
Located near the famous Hussain Sagar Lake, the park serves as a quick getaway from the cumbersome activities of the city life. The colourful flowers, trees, shrubs and plants in the park make the setting even more attractive for the visitors who relish the profound beauty of this place. Apart from a serene atmosphere, the park also offers a variety of recreational activities to keep the visitors entertained. Some of the interesting facilities of this place include a Machan Tree, a Car Cafe, and a play area for children, Japanese Park. There are also some souvenir shops and several food joints in this place.
Though the offerings of the NTR Garden are boundless, the major attractions of this place include a mono rail that runs as a joy-ride across the park, a cascading waterfall that lures the visitors and the boating facilities to venture into the adjoining Hussain Sagar Lake. The food offered at the various restaurants also needs a special mention. The resplendent greenery of the park makes the environment excessively fresh and relaxing. A place which started off as a memorial has now turned into a popular amusement park that is crowded with visitors all through the day.

Buddha statue

Hyderabad is the capital of the state of Telangana. Between 1983 and 1989, N. T. Rama Rao served as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. During his tenure, he spent large sums to erect several statues of people from the region's political and religious history. During his visit to New York, he saw the Statue of Liberty and was inspired by the efforts to restore it. He said "I wanted something like that ... That would have been my contribution to society."

Rama Rao chose to depict Gautama Buddha because "he was a humanitarian who told the whole truth to the people. It is our pride." After a long search, he found a solid white granite rock near Raigiri (Nalgonda District) on a mountainside 40 miles outside Hyderabad. In October 1985 NTR inaugurated work on structure. For over a year, hundreds of labourers helped the temple architect and builder S.M.Ganapathi Sthapati create the statue. After five years and the expenditure of US$3 million,^[1] the statue stood at 58 feet (18 m) and weighed 350 tons, making it the world's tallest monolithic statue of the Buddha.^[2] A concrete platform measuring 15 feet (4.6 m), now referred to as the "Rock of Gibraltar,"^[3] was constructed in the middle of Hussain Sagar to aid in erecting the statue. The roads of the city were also widened for this purpose.^[1]
This statue is located at Lumbini Park in the Hussain Sagar Island can be reached by boat in 15 minutes.

SHILPARAMAM

SHILPARAMAM, the arts, crafts & cultural village at Hyderabad, established in the year 1992 is spread over 65 acres of prime land in Madhapur, Hi-tech City. Shilparamam is Hyderabad’s tribute to India’s natural beauty, richly diverse cultural heritage and vibrant ethos. It is a place where artisans from across India showcase their individual skills in a variety of arts, crafts and culture. From Indian pottery to a plethora of weaves, woodwork, jewelry, clothes and local crafts of each region of the country, Shilparamam is a kaleidoscope of India’s colour, diversity and talent.

Shilparamam is conceived as an endless, year-round festival of arts and crafts showcasing ethnic art, crafts and skills of the rural folk from all parts of the country.

 The rural museum, nestling amidst the trees, is the archetype of a typical Indian village. Over 15 life-sized huts, authentically constructed out of baked clay and thatch, depict rural and tribal lifestyles and the life of various artisans. It provides a window to rural life for city dwellers and those who

have never visited a village before. The museum houses sculptures and life size models depicting the day-to-day activities of the rural artisans is very well captured in the museum. And the life size models give an experience very close to reality. The rural museum is one of the major attractions of the Shilparamam.

Nehru Zoological Park

Nehru Zoological Park Located at a distance of 16 km from Hyderabad, Nehru Zoological Park was opened to the public in the year of 1963. Situated near Mir Alam Tank of Hyderabad, Nehru Zoological Park is the largest zoo of India and one of the top tourism places to visit in Hyderabad. Run by the Forest department, Government of Telangana, the zoo has been named after Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of the country.
 Spread over an area of approximately 380 acres, the Nehru Zoo Park boasts of almost 1,500 species of birds, animals and reptiles. The zoo has rich fauna including the avian fauna as well such as Indian Rhino, Asiatic Lion, Tiger, Panther, Giraffe, Gaur, Deer, Antelopes, Orangutan, and many more. The place also has a rich population of reptiles such as Crocodile, Python, etc.

Popular picnic spot for the twin cities- Hyderabad and Secunderabad, the zoo has natural history museum presenting a glimpse into the past. The children park in the Zoo keeps kids entertained throughout the trip.

There is a toy train which offers a fun filled ride of the park to the visitors. It is popular especially among kids. There is also a multi cuisine food court at the Nehru zoo park. There is a canteen for snacks and hot beverages as well as a separate dairy parlour with milk products and also a bakery.

Along with these, safaris are the main attraction amongst visitors. You have Lion Safari, Tiger Safari, Bear Safari, and Butterfly Safari at the zoo to choose from.

There is the option of battery operated vehicle, which takes visitors for a ride around the park, offering a closer look of the flora and fauna of the park. For those who like to add a bit of adventure there is the option of bicycling as well. Visitors can hire bicycles at the rate of Rs.20 per hour.

Facility of boating, both speed boat as well passenger’s boat, at the Mir Alam Lake is also offered here. Along with this, the authorities are also putting efforts in creating awareness about the wild life among masses. Weekly educational classes and awareness events are being conducted at regular intervals. Tiger talk, elephant talk, canine a class, snake awareness shows, etc., are a few examples.

Nehru Zoological park timings differ for two sets of months. During the month of April to June it is from 8 am to 5 pm, while during the months of July to March, it opens from 8.30 PM to 5.30 PM. It is open from Tuesdays to Sundays and is closed on Mondays. One can buy entry ticket to Nehru Zoo Park only till 4.30 pm as the counter closes by then.

The entry fee is minimal to the park. However, to carry your camera along with you a ticket price of Rs.20 for still camera and Rs.100 for basic video camera should be paid. However, if you are keen on making a video on Nehru Zoo Park then you need to pay Rs.500 for professional video recording. Trucks for film shooting are also allowed inside with an entry fee if Rs.1, 500 and Rs.1000 for cars or jeeps.

Chowmahalla

A UNIQUE MONUMENT IN HYDERABAD

Once regarded as the center of Hyderabad, the magnificent Chowmahalla Palace was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty where the Nizams entertained their official guests and royal visitors. Built over 200 years ago, Chowmahalla is renowned for its unique style and elegance. A synthesis of many architectural styles and influences, the Palace Complex has been meticulously restored.

Open now to select individuals and corporates for hosting their dinners, receptions and cultural evenings, Chowmahalla is a location that’s unmatchable for exclusivity, and offers an experience guests will never forget.

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  If you are looking for a party location that’s full of history and heritage. One that would make every guest of yours feel special and also make the evening different, memorable and indeed magical, then just step into the meticulously restored Chowmahalla Palace, You’ll immediately know that your quest has ended. This is the palace that was the seat of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty and was once regarded as the very center of Hyderabad,. This is the palace where the Nizams entertained their official guests and royal visitors.

  Built over 200 years ago, Chowmahalla Palace is renowned for its unique style and elegance, and is a synthesis of many architectural styles and influences. The highlight of the palace is the Grand Khilwat, the Durbar Hall. The sheer magnificence of the place is breath-taking. The Courtyard where parties can be held, is a vast expanse of lush green lawns and picturesque water tanks and fountains.And now for the details of what the Palace Authorities can do to make your party one of the most talked about events in town.

  Restored with great care, this was one of the original Palace buggies that transported the Nizam and his guests. And today the whole fleet, with liveried assistants in attendance, demonstrated that hospitality indeed begins with four wheels and four legs. As guests entered the courtyard, what their eyes were immediately drawn to was the Khilwat, the Grand Durbar Hall that was lit up in an ever changing milieu of colours. This served as a unique backdrop to the whole event and the fantastic evening that was poised to unfold.

Golconda Fort

Golconda Fort - The Immortal Monument

The city of Hyderabad is famous for its breathtaking monuments. The majestic and imposing monument which lies on the Western outskirts of Hyderabad city - Golconda Fort, unravels with it the 400 years of the rich cultural heritage of this city. Built by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah in 1525, the Golconda Fort epitomises the opulent nawabi culture of the time.
"Shepherd's Hill" or "Golla Konda", as it was popularly known in Telugu, has an interesting story behind it. One fine day, on the rocky hill called Mangalavaram, a shepherd boy came across an idol. This was conveyed to the Kakatiya king, who was ruling at that time. The king got a mud fort constructed around the holy spot. Over a period of time this lowly construction was expanded by the Qutb Shahi kings into a massive fort of granite which has been a silent witness to many historic events. Every nook and corner of this splendid monument echoes the unparalleled history of a bygone era.
The impregnable fort was cradled by many dynasties and it was of strategic

importance to most of the rulers. In 1518, when the Qutb Shahi dynasty was found, Golconda was made its capital. The subsequent generations saw Golconda being fortified further with several additions and the formation of a beautiful city within.
By the 17th century, Golconda was famous as a Diamond Market. It gave the world some of the best known diamonds, including Koh-I-noor diamond, the Hope Diamond and the Orloff Diamond of Catherine the Great.
The magnificent architecture of the Golconda fort is manifest in its acoustic system, the structural grandeur of the palaces and ingenious water supply system.One visit to the fort, and you will get transported to that eventful age of the Qutb Shahi dynasty that speaks volumes of their glorious achievements. One is perplexed to see the meticulous details of the architecture and the fading gardens which were once upon a time replete with sprawling lawns and playing fountains.
Also, the design of the ventilation reveals the brilliant planning of the architects. The ventilation is designed to let in a flow of fresh cool breeze which is a respite from the heat of summer ! !
Through an amazing feat of acoustics, a hand clap at a certain point below the dome at the entrance reverberates and can be heard clearly at the Ball Hissar, the highest point almost a kilometer away.
Outside the Golconda Fort are two separate pavilions built on a rocky eminence - the Taramathi Gana Mandir and the Premathi Nritya Mandir from where the legendary sisters "Taramathi and Premamathi" resided. They gave their performance on a circular dais atop a two-storied structure, the Kala Mandir, which was visible from the king's durbar (king's court) on top of the Golconda Fort. Although in a dilapidated condition, efforts are on to revive the glory of the Kala Mandir by organizing the Deccan art festival annually. Close to the fort are the beautiful domed monuments, the Qutb Shahi Tombs built with Islamic architecture.
Golconda is all this and more. A new attraction at the fort is a sound and light show that brings the legend of Golconda to life. With a spectacular interplay of audio and visual effects, the saga of Golconda unfolds over centuries of splendor. The show livens up the glorious past and it is an experience worth watching. The show is presented in English and Telugu on alternate days of the week.

Falaknuma Palace

Falaknuma Palace is situated on a hill 650 meters in height, in the southern part of Old City of Hyderabad, India. It was built by the Paigah, Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra. It was purchased by the then Nizam VI during 1897 for use as a royal guest house, and its hospitality became unmatched during the heyday. The palace provides a good view of Hyderabad.

The palace is spread out in a scorpion shape with two pincers spread out as wings on the north. The middle part occupies the main building. The Harem quarters and the kitchen stretch towards the south.
The palace was designed by an Italian architect in western style, and took 9 years for construction, and is completely built with Italian Marble. The foundation stone was laid on 3rd March, 1884.
Falaknuma houses a collection of rare treasures collected by the Nizam including paintings, furniture, statues. The Jade collection of the Palace is unique in the world.

The palace boasts of lavishly decorated interiors made of the Italian marble, and follows a western architectural style. And the Marble Hall of the Palace is one of the highlights.It took almost nine years to complete. This famous palace houses a large collection of rare treasures, paintings, statues, furniture, manuscripts and books collected by the Nizam. The jade collection displayed here is considered to be unique in the world. Some old models of artillery are also exhibited in the front.
The staircase of the Falaknuma Palace, has the portraits of all the guests who stayed there, with stature no less than the Governor-General of India, is supported by carved balustrades and marble figures. The palace also has a library containing most valuable collection of books and manuscripts.
The Palace also has the distinction of having a 100-seat dining table.
The Palace is now converted into a heritage hotel by the Taj Hotels group.__

Birla Planetarium

Birla Planetarium Hyderabad: Located at Naubat Pahad in the heart of Hyderabad city, Birla Planetarium is one of the most modern planetariums of the country. Not just children, this is one of the popular Hyderabad sightseeing places that attracts everyone. It was inaugurated in the year of 1985 by the late Sri N.T.Rama Rao. This planetarium is the first phase of the Birla Science centre in Hyderabad, which was nothing less than a landmark in bridging the gap between science and the common masses. This dome shaped structure was developed with the technological help from Japan. This place present its visitors with latest information about Universe and about various invention and theories related to it.

 It not only educates but also entertains its visitors in different ways. Birla Planetarium in Hyderabad presents international standards of presentation, which has been rated among the best and highly visited planetarium of the world. Its cosmic presentation can be easily considered at par with those in Europe, Japan and US. It is a place for everyone and can be afforded by everyone too as the Birla Planetarium entry fee is also minimal. However, kids below the age of 4 years are not allowed for the sky show.

The Sky show is the most attractive feature of the Planetarium. The sky show at Birla Planetarium Hyderabad has a unique feature with which very less number of people are familiar. Each year, it presents its visitors with a different sky show, based on different scientific approach/theory. This has been the tradition for last 29 years. Every year there is a different show with a different name. The first show was on based on theme of universe and was named as ASTOUNDING UNIVERSE in 1985 which was followed by the Comet of the Century is here!, in the year of 1986. This year the sky show is Mangalyaan to Mars 2014 - 2015, while previous year in 2014 it was The Time Machine 2013 - 2014.

Birla Planetariums timings are from between 11:30 am to 8:00 pm. On 2nd and last Friday of every month it opens only from 3 pm. The duration of this sky show is 35 minutes.

If you planning to visit Birla Planetarium then you need to put aside any special weekend for it as you can go on any day in the week. It is open on all the seven days, except on last Thursday of every month, when it is closed. Also on Last and second Friday of every month it is closed till afternoon for maintenance and opens only by evening at 3 pm. There are shows in three languages, English, Hindi and Telugu. Birla Planetarium Hyderabad show timings are- for English- 11.30 am, 4 pm and 6 pm, while Telugu sky show timings are at 12.15 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm and 6.45 pm and 8.15 pm which is optional. There is also show in Hindi at 7.30 pm.

Birla Mandir

Birla Mandir in Hyderabad, dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara of Tirumala Tirupati Temple is said that a whopping quantity of white marble, which is almost 2000 tonnes, was brought from Rajasthan for building this temple. Located on the top of a hill of 280 feet, also known as Naubat Pahad, Birla Temple stands magnificently, drawing admiring glances from every passerby. Birla mandir one of the Top 10 tourist places to visit in Hyderabad. There are various Birla Mandir which have been built all over the country. These have been constructed by the industrialists Birlas and are thus popularly known by the the family that undertook the task.

The architectural style of the Birla temple is a blend of North Indian and South Indian styles of temple architecture. The temple tower or the ‘Gopuram’ exhibits the salient features of South Indian temples. The Jagadananda Vimanam built atop the sanctum sanctorum resembles the Oriya style of temple architecture. It took 10 years of dedicated and hard work of sculptors and artisans to complete the construction of this temple.

The flagstaff of the Birla Mandir which has a height of 42 feet is made of brass. Scenes from the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata are intricately carved on the walls and ceilings of the temple. The statues of deities belonging to Hindu mythology can be found from the entrance up to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.

The idol of the main deity, Lord Venkateshwara, is a replica of Balaji of Tirupati. The statue of Lord Venkateshwara is about 11 feet in height with a carved lotus canopy above, adding on to the entrancing beauty of the deity. The statue has been carved out of granite stone. The statue of Lord Venkateshwara is carved out in the Oriya Style. This temple is said to be sanctified in 1976 by Swami Ranganathananda from Ramakrishna Ashram. Swami Ranganathananda has envisioned this temple as a place which can be suitable for meditation as well. Owing to his wishes, Birla Mandir in Hyderabad has no bells. There are also shrines of other Hindu deities such as of Padmavati and Andal. A temple of Buddha is also located inside the temple complex, which has been adorned with paintings depicting his life and works. It also has shrines for other Hindu Gods and Goddesses, namely, Shiva, Hanuman, Brahma, Ganesh, Saraswati, Shakti, Lakshmi and Sai Baba. There are engraving on the walls showcasing Gurbani and various teaching of revered saints.

As the Birla mandir is located on the hilltop, which at one point used to be one of the highest spots of the city, be ready for a bit of climbing. The view of the city from the temple is worth all the efforts. It overlooks the waters of Hussain Sagar Lake, provides a panoramic view of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. There is free locker facility available at the temple. It is better to deposit all your belongings there before embarking your march towards this captivating white temple of Lord Venkateshwara.

You can visit the temple at anytime. In mornings, fresh breeze, tranquil environment and chirping of birds greet you as you seek blessing of the Gods. While in night it is illuminated, creating a site that is worth appreciating. One can visit the Birla mandir from 6 am to 12 noon and in evening from 2 pm to 9 pm.

There are also other tourist-attractions which are located close by. The Birla planetarium, observatory and the Birla science museum are located quite nearby. The temple can be easily accessed from the city of Hyderabad as it is only about 1 km from Hyderabad Railway Station, 6 km from Hyderabad Bus Terminal and 7 km from the Begumpet Airport.

Salar Jung Museum

Brief History and Evolution of the Museum:

The Salar Jung Museum of Hyderabad is a repository of the artistic achievements of diverse European, Asian and Far Eastern countries of the world. The major portion of this collection was acquired by Nawab Mir Yousuf Ali Khan popularly known as Salar Jung III. The zeal for acquiring art objects continued as a family tradition for three generations of Salar Jungs. In 1914, Salar Jung III, after having relinquished the post of Prime Minister to H.E.H., the Nizam VII, Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan, devoted rest of his entire life in collecting and enriching the treasures of art and literature till he lived. The precious and rare art objects collected by him for a period of over forty years, find place in the portals of the Salar Jung Museum, as rare to very rare pieces of art. 

After the demise of Salar Jung-III, the vast collection of precious art objects and his Library which were housed in "Dewan-Deodi" the ancestral palace of the Salar Jungs, the desirability of organizing a Museum out of the Nawab's collection dawned quite soon and Sri M.K. Velodi, the then Chief Civil Administrator of the Hyderabad State approached Dr.James Cousins a well known art critic, to organize the various objects of art and curios which were lying scattered in different palaces of Salar Jung III to form a Museum.

With a view to perpetuate the name of Salar Jung as a world renowned art connoisseur, the Salar Jung Museum was brought in to existence and was opened to the public by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India on 16th December, 1951.

However, the administration of the Museum continued to be vested in the Salar Jung Estate Committee till 1958. Thereafter, the heirs of Salar Jung Bahadur graciously agreed to donate the entire collection to the Government of India through a Compromise Deed based on a High Court Decree on 26th December l958. The Museum continued to be administered directly by the Government of India till 1961. Through an Act of Parliament (Act of 26 of 1961) the Salar Jung Museum with its Library was declared to be an Institution of National Importance. The administration was entrusted to an Autonomous Board of Trustees with the Governor of Andhra Pradesh as its Ex-officio Chairman and ten other members representing the Government of India, the State of Andhra Pradesh, Osmania University and one from the family of Salar Jungs.

Nawab Mir Yousuf Ali Khan Bahadur Salar Jung – III

The Salar Jung's family has a glorious past with great qualities of statesmanship for generations and rich contributions from the family towards the vast collection of art objects, manuscripts and printed books, which now find a place in the museum.

It is evident that the treasures which the last Salar Jung inherited only added to the vast acquisitions which Salar Jung III made, that too with the zeal of a real collector. This went on for forty years till he passed away on 2nd March, 1949. The then Military Governor declared a public holiday as a mark of respect to this great man, who was a premier noble and Ex-Prime Minister of the old order. The Hyderabad Art Society convened a meeting and passed a resolution of condolence. The Society also resolved that a Museum be opened associated with his name.

Location:

The present museum building was constructed on the southern bank of River Musi, which is in close proximity to the important monuments of old city of Hyderabad like the historic Charminar, Mecca Masjid etc. The collections of the Museum and the library were transferred from Dewan Deodi to the new building in the year 1968, and two more buildings were added in the year 2000.

Collection of Objects:

The Museum has a magnificent global collection of art objects and antiques not only of Indian origin, but mostly from countries Western, a sizable collection hails from Middle Eastern and Far Eastern origins. Apart from these, there is a Children's section, a rich reference library which contains reference books, large collection of rare manuscripts etc. Thus, this Museum has become popular, not only as a place of interest but also as an institution for education.

Out of the several rare objects, one of the important and interesting object collected by Salar Jung I was “Vellied Rebecca” an enchanting marble statue which was acquired by him from Rome in 1876 during his visit to Italy.  The western collection are from England, Ireland, France, Belgium, Italy, Germany.  A set of Ivory chairs said to have been presented by Louis XVI of France to Tippu Sultan of Mysore deserve special mention.  A jade book-stand “Rehal” having the name of ‘Shamsuddin Altamish’, an archer’s ring inscribed with the legend Sahib-e-Quran-e-Sani, title of the Mughal Emperor, Shahjahan are masterpieces.  A dagger and a fruit knife made in jade decorated with precious stones are said to belong to Jehangir and Noorjehan respectively.  A good number of Indian Miniature Paintings in early style of Western India of 14th and 15th Centuries representing Krishna Leela themes are also form part of the Museum’s Collection.  There are good number of Arabic and Persian Manuscripts dated to 19th century and Shah-nama by Furadausi are also among the valuable collection of the Museum. A rare manuscript entitled ‘Lilawati” on mathematics and an ancient medical encyclopedia transcribed in India is in the collection. Oil and water paintings form an important part of the European collections.  

Activities of the Museum:

The Museum is regularly organizing special exhibitions and workshops in collaboration with International Museums and organizations.  The museum publishes guide-Books, brochures, research Journals, and books on selected subjects in English, Hindi and Urdu languages. Seminars and workshops are being organized on special occasions such as – Birthday celebrations of Salar Jung III, Museum Week, Children’s Week etc., as part of its educational activities.  As one of the museums of “National importance” in India, the Salar Jung Museum is meant to function as a cultural centre through its exhibits, research projects and planned activities as a cultural centre both in educational and as a centre of national integration.

Mecca Masjid

Mecca Masjid is the biggest and the most spectacular mosque of Hyderabad. It is also one of the largest mosques in India and is listed as a heritage building. It is believed that a strand of Prophet Mohammed’s hair is preserved in a room in the mosque’s courtyard. The bricks used for the construction of the mosque were brought all the way from the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. For this reason, this gorgeous mosque was named after the Grand Mosque in Mecca. This ancient mosque of Hyderabad has a large hall that can accommodate over 10,000 worshippers at the same time. One is bound to be awe-struck by the beautifully patterned walls of the mosque, which are made of granite. What’s more, the verses of the holy ‘Quran’ are inscribed on the arches of Mecca Masjid, which makes this mosque look divine. If you are in Hyderabad, make sure this monument is on your must-see list!

History
According to history, Sultan Mohammed Qutub Shah began the construction of Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad under the guidance of Choudhary Rangaiah and Daroga Mir Faizullah. The construction was completed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1694 after 77 years.

Architecture
Mecca Masjid is built in granite and the bricks for construction were brought from Mecca, the holy city in Saudi Arabia. About 8000 laborers were required to build this great monument. There is a gateway erected just before the path leading to the entrance of the court. One can see a huge pond of water and two stone benches that are mounted near the entrance as well. Legend states that if a person sits on these benches, he/she will return to sit on these benches again. The mosque has a prayer hall, which are 75 feet high, 180 feet long and has a width of 220 feet—perfect measurements to accommodate over 10,000 people.

There are 15 intricately designed arches that support the roof of the main hall, in which 5 arches were constructed on 3 walls. The mosque is decked with Belgian crystal chandeliers, which adds to the beauty of the exquisitely designed interiors of the mosque. Inside the mosque, there are 5 passageways and tombs of the rulers belonging to the ‘Asaf Jahi’ dynasty. Ancient and rare artifacts and relics are treasured in a room located in the courtyard.

Things To Do

• One can explore the architectural features of the interiors as well as explore the courtyards of Mecca Masjid. 
• The atmosphere inside the mosque is very peaceful and serene and therefore, one can offer their prayers in solitude amidst a holy environment.

Nearby Places
One can also visit the beautiful Charminar, which is another historical monument in Hyderabad located only 100 meters from the Mecca Masjid. Chowmahalla Palace is also situated nearby, which belonged to the Nizams of Hyderabad. Laad Bazaar or ‘Choodi’ (Bangles) Bazaar is a popular market where you can buy different types of bangles.

How To Reach

Mecca Masjid is situated very close to Charminar Bus Stand. One can board a bus from anywhere in the city and get off at this bus stand. From here you can either walk or hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to get to the mosque.

By Rail
The Kachiguda Station is the nearest railway station to Mecca Masjid and is well-connected to almost all other local stations in the city as well as in the country. Once you disembark at the station closest to the mosque, you could opt for local transport (taxi/auto-rickshaw) to get to the monument.

Located about 100 meters from Charminar, Mecca Masjid is one of the most magnificent structures of Hyderabad. The mosque is one of the well-known tourist attractions in this city. One will be amazed to see the elegant designs carved on the arches and the Quran’s Verses etched on the walls of the mosque. Mecca Masjid is known for its architectural splendor and is truly a work of art.

Charminnar

  Charminnar

Charminar is a monument and a mosque, which is synonymous with the history of Hyderabad, India. The majestic structure was completed in 1591 CE and is not only a landmark building of Hyderabad but also a famous monument of India. It is believed that Mohammed Quli Qutb Shahi, the fifth sultan of the Qutub Shahi dynasty had built the monument to commemorate the end of a deadly plague menace that had gripped the city then. It is located near the bank of the river Musi. Charminar is derived from two distinct words Char and Minar, which means four towers. Mir Momin Astarabadi of Qutb Shah dynasty played an important role and he ordered extensive preparations for the design and layout. Historians believe that this structure is an example for Indo-Islamic architecture combined with few Persian elements. The monument is located in the heart of old city and it is believed that Hyderabad was measured in four directions from Charminar for administrative purposes.
A visit to Hyderabad is incomplete without visiting this grand and majestic centerpiece. It is also considered the Arc de Triomphe of the East. Some of the historians say that it was built it in honor of his wife, Bhagyamathi. There is also legend that tells about the existence of a secret tunnel underneath the monument connecting the fort at Golconda that was created as a means of escape to royal family in an emergency. Each of the sides measure 20 meters while the minarets are located at a height of 48.7 meters from the ground level. Each side of Charminar opens into a plaza like structure where the giant arches overlook the major thoroughfares. It is a clear square structure that measures 31.95 mts. on each side while imposing arches span a distance of 11mts. The four minarets rise to a height of 56 mts. The ornamental arches on the minarets enhance the aesthetic value. There are 149 circular steps inside each minaret and one of them is open for tourists to climb and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city. It also houses the oldest mosque in Hyderabad with prayer spaces for the devout to worship.

        
        Islamic architecture of those times is marked by arches, minarets, and domes. The structure is famous for its profuse stucco decorations and arrangement of impressive balustrades and balconies. The floral design is executed delicately and stands as a masterpiece to the combination of Mughal and Hindu architecture crafted by the local artisans. The four clocks in four cardinal directions were added in the year 1889. The base of Charminar has a water cistern located at center which consists of a small fountain for ablutions, before the faithful offer prayers in the mosque. Charminar has become synonymous with the culture of old city of Hyderabad and the area is also a popular destination for lip smacking Muslim dishes, colorful bangles, pearls, jewellry and other items. The place is a symbol of Hyderabadi culture and stands tall and proud as a reminder of the glorious era.

Historic Places In Hyderabad

Historic Places In Hyderabad

Golkonda is a ruined city and fortress 11 km west of the city of Hyderabad, Telangana state, India. The city and fortress are built on a granite hill that is 120 meters high and is surrounded by massive crenellated ramparts. The beginnings of the fort date to the 1143,when the Hindu

Kakatiya dynasty ruled the area. The Kakatiyas were followed by the state of Warangal, which was later conquered by the Muslim Bahmani Sultanate. Golkonda consists of four distinct forts with a 10 km long outer wall having 87 semi circular bastions; some still mounted with cannons, eight gateways, four drawbridges and number of royal apartments & halls, temples, mosques, magazines, stables etc, inside. The lowest of these is the outermost enclosure into which we enter by the 'Fateh Darwaza' ( Victory gate, so called after Aurangzeb’s triumphant army marched in through this gate ) studded with giant iron spikes ( to prevent elephants from battering them down ) near the south
-eastern corner.
 At Fateh Darwaza can be experienced the fantastic acoustic effects, characteristic of the engineering marvels at Golkonda. A hand clap at a certain point below the dome at the entrance reverberates and can be heard clearly at the 'Bala Hisar' pavilion, the highest point almost a kilometre away. This acted as the warning note to residents in case of danger.

The tombs of the Qutb Shahi sultans lie about one kilometer north ofGolkonda's outer wall. These graceful structures are made of beautifully
carved stonework, and surrounded by landscaped gardens. Golkonda fort overlooking HyderabadThe fortress city within the walls was famous for its diamond trade, and many famed diamonds including the Koh-i-noor, the Regent Diamond and the Hope are said to have come from here. The wealth of the Golkonda mines enriched the ruling Nizams of  Hyderabad, which ruled the area from their independence from the Mughals in1724 to1948 ,when Hyderabad was annexed by India to become an Indian state. Hyderabad state was broken up in 1956, and Golkonda became part of  Telangana state.

Charminar is one of the most important landmarks of the city. The monument was built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 to commemorate the eradication of plague, shortly after he had shifted his capital from Golconda to what now is known as Hyderabad. Legends tell that the emperor Quli Qutb Shah prayed for the end of plague and took the vow to build a mosque on that very place. He ordered the construction of the mosque which became popular as Charminar because of its four characteristic minarets.The top floor of the four-storeyed structure has a mosque which has
45 covered prayer spaces and some open space to accommodate more people in Friday prayers


Mecca Masjid is near Charminar in the old city of Hyderabad is the biggest mosque in the entire south India.In the sheer size it ranks third in the country, next only to Jama Masjid in Delhi and the one at Gulbarga. Though Quli Qutb Shah laid the foundation stone for Mecca Masjid in 1614, it was Emperror  Aurangzeb who completed its construction in 1687.Anestimated 10,000 devotees can offer prayers in the vast hall measuring 67 X 54 meters. Though Quli Qutb Shah , gave the name " Baitul Atiq " to this mosque ,a few bricks brought from Mecca ( and still displayed inside the mosque) perpetuated the name " Mecca Masjid " for this place of worship


Hussain Sagar is a lake in Hyderabad, built by Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali in 1562, during the rule of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah Wali. It was built on a tributary of the Musi river to meet the water and irrigation needs of Hyderabad, India.It is now popularly known as Tank Bund, and has become a tourist destination as well as a local attraction. Once the source of drinking water for the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, the Hussain Sagar lake's current condition is far from desirable. Since the 1980s and 1990s the immersion of Ganesh idols during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi has led to the further pollution of the lake. Currently there are numerous environmentalist groups and government agencies that are trying to improve the condition of the lake. 

The Salar Jung Museum is an art museum on the southern bank of the Musi river in the city of Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. The museum opened to the public on December 16, 1951; it houses the collection of the
Salar Jung family, who were important nobles in the courts of the Nizams , Muslim rulers of Hyderabad. The collection of Islamic art from all over Asia includes a variety of illuminated Korans,astrolabes, jewelled swords and daggers, and Persian carpets
The museum also houses fine examples of European painting and sculpture, most famously the "Veiled Rebecca" of Italian sculptor Giovanni Maria Benzoni, as well as Chinese and Japanese pieces. The collection was mostly acquired by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, also known as Salar Jung III. Some of the items he inherited were collected by his father, Nawab Mir Laiq Khan (Salar Jung II) and his grandfather, Nawab Mir Turab Ali Khan (Sir Salar Jung I).

Birla Mandir
Taj Falaknuma Palace
Ramoji Film City
Chilkur Balaji Temple
Chowmahalla Palace
Nehru Zoological Park

History of hyderabad

History of hyderabad

Hyderabad, the capital of  TELANGANA is a bustling 400 year old metropolis with an urban population of 4.2 million people approximately. The city is cosmopolitan, and is richly endowed with a
variety of cultures. The city presents an attractive amalgam of old world charm together with ebullience of growth and enterprise. Beautiful old edifices built in the medieval, large glass and chrome temples of commerce.

The history of Hyderabad begins with the establishment of the Qutub Shahi dynasty. Quli Qutub Shah seized the reins of power from the Bahamani Kingdom in 1512 and established the fortress city of
Golconda. Inadequacy of water, and frequent epidemics of plague and cholera persuaded Mohammed, the fifth Quli Qutub Shahi ruler to venture outward to establish the new city with the Charminar at its center and with four great roads fanning out in the four cardinal directions.

Hyderabad's fame, strategic location and Golconda's legendary wealth attracted Aurangazeb who captured Golconda after a long siege in 1687. After this defeat the importance of Hyderabad declined and the city fell into partial ruin.

As the Mughal Empire decayed and began to disintegrate, the victory, Asaf Jah-I proclaimed himself the Nizam and established independent rule of the Deccan. Hyderabad once again became a major capital city, ruled by successive Nizams of the Asaf Jah dynasty until the state was merged into the Indian Union in 1948.

In 1798, a subsidiary alliance for military and political cooperation was signed between the Nizam and the British East India company. Thereafter, an area north of what is now the Hussain Sagar lake was
established as a cantonment. The area was named Secunderabad after the then Nizam, Sikander Jah. Both Hyderabad and Secunderabad grew together and have now merged. An imaginary line drawn across the Tank Bund is still used to distinguish the two cities.

The City of Hyderabad is famous for its minarets and its pearl bazaar. Pearl from all over the world are said to come to Hyderabad because the artisans here are skilled in piercing and stringing pearls without damaging them. The city's gypsy tribes called "Lambadas" and "Banjaras" are known throughout the country for their colorful costumes - and Hyderabadi cuisine is much sought after.

Hyderabad is at an altitude of 536 meters with the mean summer temperature going up to a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius and the minimum average temperature being around 22 degrees. The maximum winter temperature is around 22 with the minimum going down to around 12 degrees. Light woolens are required during early mornings and late evenings.
culture of hyderabad
The infamous Hyderabadi pearl Culture. Who hasn't heard about the soft, rounded, luminescent, tear drop pearl of Hyderabad. People form everywhere flock here to possess a few of these pearls. But why Hyderabad? It neither is on the sea coast nor near to it. Yet it has become almost synonymous with pearls. It is because of the city's grand and very old history. Hyderabad was a princely state and a very rich one too! The royal patronage saw to the burgeoning growth of arts, crafts and cuisine. Their rich life-styles beckoned many a craftsman from distant parts of the world, especially the Arabian Gulf where the rare original pearls are found in abundance. Hence, Hyderabad became the one-stop-destination for pearls. There is an entire street which only comprises of pearl shops - Patther Gatti.

In the land of beautiful women, beautiful poetry, beautiful cuisine and beautiful pearls, one more can be added to the beautiful string, i.e. Beautiful bangles. Down the centuries, the lure of bangles still persists in the hearts of millions of women who love to adorn their arms with a dazzling set of Hyderabadi bangles. There are about 450 shops flanking either side of the world famous Charminar with around 2500 craftsmen weaving their magic around your arms. These bangles are so very purse and are of high quality too.

Hyderabad

HYDERABAD 

Hyderabad city is the capital city of the Indian state of Telangana,.
It lies on the Deccan Plateau, 541 meters (1776 ft) above sea level, over an area of 625 km² (244 mile²).
The city has an estimated population of around 8 million, making it 4th largest city in India , while the population of the metropolitan area was estimated above 9 million. Religiously and culturally, the city is united with Hindus, Muslims and Christians.
Hyderabad city is known for its rich history, food and its multi-lingual culture, both geographically and culturally.
Founded in the year 1591 by fifth Qutb Shahi Ruler Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah.
The original city of Hyderabad was founded on the banks of river Musi. Now known as the historic old city, home to the Charminar, Falaknuma Palace, Chowmallah Palace and Makkah Masjid, it lies on the southern bank of the river.
Hyderabad and Secunderabad are twin cities, separated by the Husain Sagar (bound by the 'Tank Bund'), a man made lake made during the time of Ibrahim Qutb Shah in 1562.

People

What makes Hyderabad such a special destination is its multi-cultural mix of people.

Language

Hyderabad India There are four languages in Hyderabad: Hindi, Deccani-Urdu, Telugu and English. English is the language of business and administration, and is widely spoken and understood. Most Hyderabadis are bilingual, and speak their mother tongue as well as English.

Religion

With this mixture of people, Hyderabad is also a mixture of religions. Hyderabad’s skyline boasts the distinctive minarets of mosques, intricate figurines of Hindu temple gods, beautiful Churches and distinctive architecture of Gurudwaras. The main religions are Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and Sikhism.