VISITING PLACES:

RESORTS:

FOOD & SHOPPING:

VISITING PLACES

CHARMINAR                                                                      Top..... 

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.

BIRLA MANDIR                                                                      Top.....

This shimmering ethereal temple of Lord Venkateshwara, built in sculpted white marble, floats on the city skyline, on Kala Pahad. The idol in the temple is a replica of the one at Tirupati.

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY                                                           Top..... 

Built in 1913, the building was originally the Hyderabad State 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.

LUMBINI PARK                                                                           Top.....

This beautiful entertainment park is situated on the shores 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.

NTR GARDENS                                                                           Top.....

A leisure and entertainment centre adjoining the Hussainsagar Lake, the NTR Gardens house a memorial (Samadhi) of Late N.T. Rama Rao, one of the most charismatic Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh. The sprawling NTR Gardens, set up on an area of 36 acres, offers a serene atmosphere and yet provides recreation facilities such as a Machan tree, Japanese Garden, Car Cafe, Souvenir shops, Fruit Restaurant and Children's Playing area. A monorail system takes the visitors around the garden.

HYDERABAD BOTANICAL GARDENS                                          Top..... 

The first Botanical Gardens in Andhra Pradesh, spread over 120 acres when completed, will have 19 sections (Vanams). Already open to public is the first phase, with the completion of 5 sections. The sections include medicinal plants, timber trees, fruit trees, ornamental plants, aquatic plants, bamboos and so on. The Park has been designed to have large water bodies, rolling meadows, natural forests, rich grasslands and exquisite rock formations - all providing visitors an unforgettable experience.

QUTB SHAHI TOMBS                                                                 Top..... 

The tombs of the legendary Qutb Shahi kings lie to the north of Golconda, 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.

SALAR JUNG MUSEUM                                                                 Top..... 

This museum houses one of the biggest one-man collections of antiques and artifacts in the world by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan Salar Jung III. The objects d'art include Persian carpets, Moghal miniatures, Chinese porcelain, Japanese lacquer ware, famous sculptures 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. APTDC has a Punnami snack bar here.

NEHRU ZOOLOGICAL PARK                                                        Top..... 

Spanning 300 lush green acres, the Nehru Zoological Park is a must for nature lovers. The biggest Zoo in India, 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 its Punnami restaurant and an ice-cream parlour here.

BIRLA PLANETARIUM/ BIRLA SCIENCE MUSEUM                        Top...

Birla Planetarium is India's most modern planetarium and first of its kind in the country. It is equipped with advanced technology from Japan and is built on Naubat Pahad adjacent to Kala Pahad. And the Science Museum stands tribute to the advancement achieved by science and technology.

ANDHRA PRADESH STATE MUSEUM                                            Top...

A visit to the Andhra Pradesh State 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 Buddist gallery, Brahmanical & Jain gallery, Arms & Armour gallery Numismatics’ gallery, Ajanta gallery & more. Adjacent to the State Museum is the Contempary Art Museum.

MECCA MASJID                                                                               Top...

A 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 & 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 graves in marble of Nizam Ali Khan & the families of the Asaf Jahi dynasty.

OSMANIA UNIVERSITY                                                             Top...

Established in 1918, it is one of the oldest universities in India. Named after Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, the university buildings are splendid, especially the Arts College building which is a perfect example of Indo Saracenic architecture.

HI-TECH CITY                                                                            Top...

One of the modern monuments of trade & technology, it embodies the newfound attitude of Hyderabad & finds a place of pride today. Situated on the outskirts of the city, it is the nucleus of Cyberabad, the IT destination in these parts of the world.

LAAD BAZAAR                                                                            Top...

This is the famous, colourful shopping centre of the Old City. It is tucked away in one of the streets leading off from Charminar. Bridal wear, pearls & the traditional Hyderabadi glass & stone studded bangles are sold here.

SHILPARAMAM THE ARTS & CRAFTS VILLAGE                          Top...

The latest attraction at Madhapur beyond Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad is the 30-acre village, which houses arts & crafts of the country. India is an ocean of various arts & crafts but the talent of most of the artisans & artists goes unrecognized. To encourage them & give the necessary boost to their art, the crafts village hosts annual bazaars, where artists & artisans from all over the country exhibit their talents.

THE NIZAM’S MUSEUM                                                                 Top...

Located in the stately Purani Haveli, the palace acquired in the year 1750, by the second Nizam, is now converted as a museum with a fascinating collection. The museum showcases the gifts & mementos presented to the last Nizam on the occasion of Silver Jubilee Celebration in 1937. A 1930 Rolls Royce, Packard & a Mark V Jaguar are among the vintage cars displayed. There is an interesting collection of models made in silver of all the prominent buildings of the city & citations in Urdu about H.E.H Mir Osman Ali Khan, gold burnished wooden throne used for the Silver Jubilee Celebrations, gold tiffin box inlaid with diamonds, gold model of Jubilee Pavilion and a silver filigree elephant with mahout are some of the notable items on display.

The museum is open between 10.30am & 05.00pm on all days except Friday. Location: 2 Kms from Charminar & 1 Km from Salar Jung Museum. Ph:040-24521029.

GOLCONDA FORT                                                                       Top...

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, factories, 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.

RAMOJI FILM CITY                                                                     Top...

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. (040-23235777)

RESORTS

OCEAN PARK                                                                                  Top...

Ocean Park is located at Gandipet, 15 Kms from Hyderabad, on 20 acres of landscaped gardens. It provides a number of amusement rides, water rides and multi-cuisine restaurant. Open from 11 am to 7.30 pm Ocean Park offers a thrilling family outing. (040-23225660/23223824).

TREASURE ISLAND                                                                        Top...

A picturesque holiday spot, Treasure Island, located on 60 acres of landscaped area at Gandipet, offers a variety of leisure and fun-oriented activities - horse riding, billiards, dancing at the disco, go-karting, swimming pool and so on. Night stay facilities are available for Members (040-23323330)

DHOLA-RI-DHANI                                                                     Top...

This is a typical village recreated with the rustic ambience and charm of an ethnic Rajasthani village, situated at Kompally village on Medchal Road. Camel rides, puppet shows, folk dances, authentic Rajasthani cuisine give you the taste of the desert State.
A large swimming pool, a lake for boating, an open-air amphitheatre for plays and entertainment programmes, add to the ambience. Conferencing and night stay facilities available. (040-27721586/92832086)

PRAGATI GREEN MEADOWS & RESORTS                                 Top...

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 in coordination with the Department of Tourism. (040-23744594/23748745/23743411)

DREAM VALLEY RESORTS                                                         Top...

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-kart track. (Phone: 040- 26590894/23394588)

RUNWAY 9                                                                                Top...

Located 9 Kms. from Secunderabad, Runway 9 is perhaps the first, largest and the only international Go-Karting centre in India with a length of 711 meters, lit up by 50,000-watt power white metal halide lamps. Facilities include Go-Karting, pool & snooker, archery, shooting, and roller-skating; children's play area, fast food restaurants, conference facilities and exclusive party areas. (Phone: 040-27537700 Fax: 040-27548021)

AALANKRITA-THE ETHNIC GATEWAY                                      Top...

Spread over an area of 10 acres, Aalankrita blends the convenience of a 5-star resort, the ambience of a heritage site and the ethnicity of the times gone by. Located about 16 Kms 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. (Ph: 92847464)

HUSSAINSAGAR LAKE                                                               Top...

Constructed in 1562 A.D. by Hussain Shah Wali during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah, this promenade by the lake 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 Buddha stands on the 'Rock of Gibraltar', right in the middle of the lake.
Added to all these, is providing new and better facilities like speedboats, motorboats, 48 seater launch etc. Starlit on-board dinners and private parties also can be arranged on the launch.

OSMANSAGAR LAKE                                                                   Top...

Osmansagar, better known as Gandipet, on the outskirts of Hyderabad is an excellent picnic spot. Osmansagar is one of the two lakes on the city’s periphery that supplies drinking water to the great metropolis. The lake is a reservoir created by a dam across the Isa, a tributary of the River Musi.
Abutting the lake & the bund are lush gardens that provide the ideal ambience for an outing. Overlooking the lake s the heritage, Sagar Mahal, builts as a resort by the Nizam of Hyderabad & converted now into a lake resort.

SHAMIRPET                                                                              Top...

Located 24 Kms to the north of Secunderabad, Shamirpet has a beautiful lake & a deer park. Its peaceful environs make it a great picnic spot. AP Tourism offers comfortable cottages facilities for accommodation (under private management), while the forest lodge can be booked with the AP Forest Department office at Saifabad.

YATRI NIVAS (under private management)                          Top...

AP Tourism’s Yatri Nivas at Secunderabad has elegant & comfortable accommodation facilities. It provides 32 tastefully designed rooms on the first floor. Yatri Nivas has all the modern facilities including plush beds, multi-channel TV, etc. It also has restaurants (indoor & open air), a children’s playground, sophisticated communication network, entertainment/sports/games & ice-cream parlour, all of which are centrally air-conditioned. Its facilities & service have earned it a 3 star category status.

PUBLIC GARDENS                                                                   Top...

Hyderabad has several beautiful gardens, one of the most popular being the Public Gardens, which also encloses the State Legislature, State Archaeological Museum, Jubilee Hall, Jawahar Bal Bhavan and Telugu Lalitha Kala Thoranam, an open-air theatre.
Boating: AP Tourism operates pedal boats in Public Gardens pond.

KBR NATIONAL PARK                                                            Top...

One of the largest parks within the city KBR National Park is a Southern tropical deciduous forest and the last vestigial representative of the endemic flora of Hyderabad region, with over 100 species of birds, 20 species of reptiles and 15 species of butterflies.

MRUGAVANI NATIONAL PARK (CHILKUR)                            Top...


Located 25 Kms. from Hyderabad, the park contains the endemic flora of Hyderabad and is an urban refuge for small mammals like Wild boar, Jungle Cat etc. and birds.

MAHAVIR HARINA VANASTHALI NATIONAL PARK                Top...


Located 15 Kms. from Hyderabad, the park has more than 350 black bucks, 400 cheetahs and a number of wild boars, small mammals, reptiles and over 100 species of birds.

FOOD & SHOPPING                                                            Top...

Nurtured by the Moghal magnificence in the heart of South India, the cuisine combines the very best of Moghlai foods, such as Haleem and Mutton Biryani, with the hauntingly aromatic, spicy, tart and pungent seasonings of the South. The kitchens of the Nawabs, Rajahs and Jagirdars combined the Moghal influence with the predominantly Hindu subculture to cook up a cuisine that is the ultimate in fine dining.
Inseparable from the Moghal culture, but yet as different from the Hyderabadi cuisine as day from night, the sumptuous spread of Andhra delicacies which form a most satisfying repast include the southern foods like the typical Dosa (rice Pancakes), Pesarattu, yet another variety of rice and lentil and pancake with onion garnishing, the fire hot Rasam or spicy lentil and Tamarind soup, and the versatile Sambar, or thick lentil and vegetable stew, that is the ideal adjunct to all southern meals. Snack time could mean onion Pakoras, or Vadas, savory doughnuts dipped in piping hot Samba.
And for the non-vegetarian, Andhra cuisine serves up tongue tingling recipes like the tangy "chapala pulusu (sour & hot fish stew), flavourful "mutton Pulao, delectable prawn and crab curry perked up with lots of spices for that tantalizing taste that typifies Andhra feasts. And round off the meals with a sweet note - Double Ka Meetha, Qubani Ka Meetha or you can pamper yourself with the syrupy Kakinada Kajas (pastry with treacle filling), paper thin "pootharekalu" (cream and sugar sandwiched rice flour wafers), scrumptious "Bandar Laddus", the exotic 'Ariselu' (sweet pounded rice and molasses pancakes) and many more specialties to satisfy your sweet yearnings.
Hotels and restaurants in Hyderabad rank among the best in the state, with highest standards that are geared to meet the most exacting demands. Most hotels have state-of-the-art facilities such as fitness centre, swimming pools, squash courts, pubs and multi-cuisine restaurants where tourists can avail the best of comforts.
How to reach Hyderabad: Well connected by air, rail and road with all major cities of India. Direct flights connect the city with Singapore, Kuwait, Dubai, and Sharjah apart from connections to major cities overseas.