Hyderabad City Guide – Hyderabad Travel Attractions
Hyderabad is the capital city of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is also called as The City of Nizams and The City of Pearls. After the famous POLO operation Hyderabad was annexed to India in 1948. Now Hyderabad is one of the major high-tech cities of India and ranks only next to Bangalore in information technology sector. Hyderabad has a tropical climate with hot summers and rainy winters. In spite of modern developments the city retains its ancient culture and traditions. It is a paradise for tourists of all sorts, and it has a plethora of excitements and opportunities for every visitor. A brief introduction to some of the exotic locations is given below to facilitate tourists.
Charminar
Charminar was built in 1594 AD by Muhammad Quli Qutab Shah. This is a square structure that measures 48 m high with pointed towers at the corners. It was built to commemorate the eradication of plague. It reflects the Islamic art of the time with beautiful arches and great workmanship. One can find numerous shops around the elegant monument selling high quality pearls and glass bangles. With lights on during the nights, Charminar is truly an eye candy for viewers.
Golconda Fort
Golconda Fort in Hyderabad is a majestic monument, which lies on the western outskirts of the city. It speaks of a great cultural heritage of 400 years and is considered as a place that is worth visiting. Golconda was famous for its diamond mines in olden days. The world-renowned ‘Kohinoor’ diamond is believed to have come from here. The Golconda fort is built on a granite hill 120m high. The fort has 8 gates or Darwazas as they are called in local language. The main gate is called Fateh Darwaza. The hills around the fort lend a very mysterious charm and colossal grandeur to the gigantic fort.
Mecca Masjid
Mecca Masjid is one of the oldest and the biggest mosques in India. The central arch of this monumental mosque is believed to be constructed by bricks brought from Mecca. According to a legend any visitor who sits on the seats of the pond in the Masjid will definitely come back to the city. The mosque also contains many sacred relics, one of which is the hair of Muhammad the Islamic prophet.
Hussain Sagar Lake
Hussainsagar lake is a 16th century man made water body in between the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. It has been beautified with a promenade and several statues of leaders of Andhra Pradesh. A tall monolithic statue of Buddha stands at the center of the lake. Andhra Pradesh tourism has added boating facilities to entice tourists. The lake that was once the source of drinking water for the twin cities now serves as source of entertainment. The beautiful Lumbini Park situated on the shores of this lake, which has a musical fountain and floral clock, adds value to this great picnic spot.
Snow World
Hyderabad has one of the world’s biggest snow theme parks. It provides the visitors an experience for a lifetime. The temperature is maintained at about –5 °C. The snow park has yet another amazing feature of artificial snow fall. Visitors can skate on the ice and even through snow balls. It is a worthy place that offers an exotic enjoyment especially for tourists from tropical countries.
Other places of interest include Falaknuma Palace, Chowmahalla Palace, Salar Jung Museum, Birla Science Museum, Birla Planetarium, Nehru Zoological Park, Botanical Gardens, and many more.
Transport and Stay
Hyderabad has an international terminal popularly known as the Begumpet Airport. The city is connected to most part of the world as well as India both by domestic and international operators.
The city is also well connected to major cities of India by the railways. Hyderabad has a well developed road network that connects it to other parts of the country. Local transport is provided by both government and private sectors. Pre-paid taxies and autos help tourists to commute within the city.
Hyderabad has accommodation for all kinds of visitors. Hotels like Kakatiya Sheraton and Towers, Taj Krishna, Hotel Viceroy, Taj Residency, Hotel Green Park, and Hotel Amrutha Castle offer star comforts to tourists. While hotels like Dwaraka Heritage Hotels, Hotel Rajmata, Sai Krupa Hotel, and Rajdhani hotel are some of the best places for a decent stay at an affordable cost.
