Hyderabad
also known as the 'City of Nizams' is the capital of Andhra Pradesh. The
city together with its twin city Secunderabad forms the fifth largest city
of India. Founded by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth Sultan of Golconda
in 1591. Today this beautiful city with modern structures and development
has in no way failed to retain its old charm. The city is dotted with a
number of ancient monuments that are known for their architecture and
historic significance. The ancient mosques, majestic forts and magnificent
palaces present a perfect blend of the Hindu and Islamic architectural
styles. Hyderabad spreads over an area of 260 sq. km and the city has a
population of 6,145,000. Main languages spoken in the city are Telugu,
Hindi, English and Urdu.
Climate & Clothing
The climate of Hyderabad remains firmly warm round the year. The average
temperature during the summer (April - June) remains around 42°C and in
the months of winters ( November - February) the average temperature is
about 16°C. July to September are monsoon months and these months are
loaded with rains. Though the climate of Hyderabad is suitable to visit
anytime of the year, but the best time to visit the city is from October to
February. During summers light cotton clothes are recommended and for
winters woollens are necessary.
Accommodation in Hyderabad
Stay during your travel in some of the most popular hotels of the city
include Kakatiya Sheraton and Towers (5 Star/ 6-3-1187, Begumpet), Hotel Taj
Krishna (5 Star/ Road No 1. Banjara Hills), Tulip Manohar Hotel (5 Star/
Begumpet), Taj Banjara Hotel (5 Star/ Road No.- 1 , Banjara Hills), Taj
Residency (5 Star/ Street No :1 , Banjara Hills), Hotel Viceroy (5 Star/ Opp
Hussain Sagar Lake, Tank Bund Road), Hotel Green Park (5 Star, Greenlands,
Begumpet), The Central Court Hotel (3 Star/ 6-1-71, Lakdi ka Pul) and
Quality Inn Residency Hotel (3 Star/ Public Garden Road).
Tourist Attractions of Hyderabad
»
Charminar : The huge triumphal arch stands in the heart of the old
walled city. It was built by Mohd Quli Qutab Shah in 1591 to commemorate the
end of the plague epidemic in the city.
» Mecca Masjid : Located adjacent to the Charminar,
this is one of the largest mosques in the world and is said to accommodate
around 10,000 worshippers. Constrcution of this mosque was begun by Mohammed
Quli Qutab Shah in 1614 but was finished by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in
1687.
» Birla Mandir : Built in white marble, the
beautiful modern temple graces the rocky Naubat Pahad Hill, which overlooks
the Hussain Sagar Lake. The temple offers excellent views of the city.
» Salar Jung Museum : Renowned as the world's
largest one-man collection, the world famous museum houses around 35,000
antiques and art objects. The museum has a huge collection of sculptures,
wood carvings, religious objects, miniature paintings, armour and weaponry
and clothings of the Mughal emperors.
» Golconda Fort : Built in the 13th century A.D,
Golconda fort was rebuilt by Qutab Shahis in 1525. The fort is located at a
distance of 11 kms from the city and houses the ruins of palaces, assembly
halls, stables, barracks and arsenal.
» Hussain Sagar Lake : The beautiful
lake was built by Qutab Shahi king Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali in 1562. In the
middle of the lake a gigantic statue of the Lord Buddha has also been
erected.
Airport
Hyderabad city has one airport that is located at Begumpet, at a distance
of 5 kms from the city centre. The airport provides two terminals namely the
Rajiv Gandhi Terminal (International) and the N. T. Rama Rao Terminal (
Domestic). Flights to the major cities of India are available and also for
the international destinations like Middle East, Southeast Asia Singapore
and Malaysia.
Local Modes of Transport
APSRTC
buses are used by most of the people for moving around within the city.
Auto-rickshaw, taxis and cars are other local modes of transport.
Entertainment Options
The cyber city of Hyderabad offers plenty of entertainment options that are
on par with the finest in the world. Multiplexes and cinema halls are the
top priority for entertainment seekers, but the city offers much more for
the tourists. There are a number of amusement parks, theme parks, cultural
centers, golf courses, sports clubs, pubs and discotheques scattered
throughout the length and breadth of the city.
Shopping
The pearl city of Hyderabad has been a major shopping centre of India for
centuries. The city is known for the trade of pearls and semi-precious
stones. The colourful bazaars of Hyderabad offer everything from antiques to
handicrafts to Jewellery and from readymade clothes to leather items. Some
of the exclusive shopping items are kalamkari, himroo, handloom fabrics,
lacquered bangles, lambadi mirror-work and other handicrafts. You can also
purchase arts and crafts items like Kondapalli toys bidri metal craft, gun
metal craft, pembarthi sheet metal art, stone carvings, wood carvings,
brassware, nirmal art, banjara embroidery, khadicrafts and dhurries. Most
popular shopping areas include Charminar, Abids, Baseerbagh, Nampally, Koti,
Sultan Bazaar, Narayanguda, Chikkadpally and Monda Market.
Tourist Offices
