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Home Introduction The Nizam's Historical Sites Other Attractions Tourist Information City Info Hyderabadi Cuisine Hyderabadi Books Articles Hyderabad's African Old Guard |
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Hyderabad, a city
with a deep-rooted past lies on the banks of river Moosi. It's
language and mannerisms still exude it's rich and legendary past.
The Nizam's of Hyderabad were known to be one of the wealthiest royal's of the past. The elegant buildings, marbled temples and
monuments stand testimony to it. This 400 year old city was named
after Hyder Mahal wife of the ruler Quli Qutab Shah. Today
Hyderabad is the capital of Andhra Pradesh and is a cosmopolitan
city on the fast track. |
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Quick Facts for the TravelerVisas :
Six month multiple-entry visas are now issued to
most nationals regardless of whether you intend staying that long or
re-entering the country. Only six-month tourist visas are extendable. Be
careful to check whether your visa is valid from the date of entry or the
date of issue. [Check with your local Indian embassy before travelling] |
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How to Get There | |||||
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By Air : |
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By Rail :The twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderbad are connected to all the major cities of India. [click here for Train timings] | |||||
By Road : Hyderabad lies on National Highway No. 7 and 9, hence is connected by the rest of the country. | |||||
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Places to See | |||||
Charminar : Charminar is the symbol of Hyderabad and was built by the ruler Quli Qutab Shah in honour of his Hindu wife. The monument is surrounded by a very busy market place and falls in what is known as the old city. | |||||
Mecca Masjid : Lies next to Charminar. The entrance arches are made of single slabs of granite. | |||||
Golconda Fort : This fort, originally built by the Kakatiyas, the rulers of the neighbouring state, was made with mud. Later, the Shahis converted it into a marvellous piece of architecture using advanced acoustics wherein sound signals could pass from the entrance of the fort to the top without the use of any electric gadgets. There is a sound and light show in the evening which is quiet popular. Timings and details available here. | |||||
Naubat Pahad : These are two hillocks from where announcements were made during the olden days. Nowadays there is a hanging garden. | |||||
Nehru Zoological Park : This is a 300 acre park filled with various species of birds and animals. | |||||
Tank Bund : This is a dam on the Hussain Sagar lake and is famous for the 33 statues of statesmen and a huge monolithic statue of Buddha. | |||||
Hussain Sagar : Hyderabad spreads around this lake which is the largest lake in the city. It is surrounded by well maintained parks. | |||||
Nagarjuna Sagar : This is the world's largest masonry dam and lies on the river Krishna. There is a museum which houses ancient Buddhist sculptures, carvings, and terracotta. 149 km from Hyderabad. | |||||
Kolanupuka : It is a 2000 year old Jain temple with a 1.5 m tall jade statue of Mahavira.It is 80 km from Hyderabad. | |||||
Tirupathi : A town housing several temples. The black idol of Balaji which stands 2m high and decked in gold can be found here. It is one of the richest temples in India. 740 km from Hyderabad. | |||||
Kondapur : Excavations here date back to 3000 B.C. Copper, lead and silver coins of Roman, Satachana era and Buddhist period were excavated from here. 90 km from Hyderabad. | |||||
Osmansagar : An artificial lake off the river Moosi. Complemented by well kept gardens and swimming pools. | |||||
Paigah Tombs : These are 200 year old tombs of the royal nobles made out of lime and mortar with carvings. | |||||
Pakhal : This is an old wildlife sanctuary and retreat built around 1213 A.D. Approx 900 sq. km. The sanctuary has wildlife like tigers, leopards hyenas, and deer. 200 km from Hyderabad. | |||||
Raymond's Tomb : A tomb for a French soldier who served in the Nizam Army 1786 A.D. | |||||
Lumbini Park : A new amusement park near Hussain Sagar. This park has a musical fountain show at 6.30pm and 8.00pm. The park is open from Tuesday to Sunday 9.00am to 9.00pm. | |||||
Ocena Park : Ocean park is located at Gandipet in 20 acres of landscaped gardens. The park provides a number of amusement and water rides. The park is also equipped with fast food restaurants offering a variety of cuisine. | |||||
Ramoji Film City : The Ramoji Film City is a colossal creation. This is Hyderabad's answer to Universal Studios - nearly 2000 acres, a complete world created for assisting the dream merchants of cinema. Luxury hotels, Japanese gardens, Parisian boulevards, lavish palaces, make-believe airports/railway stations and a host of other fantastic creations. | |||||
High Tech City : One of the modern monuments of trade and technology, it embodies the new found 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 these parts of the world. | |||||
Places to Stay | |||||
Krishna Oberoi
5*
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Holiday Inn Krishna |
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Taj Residency
5*
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Ramada Hotel
Manohar |
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Kakatiya Sheraton and Towers 5* Deluxe | |||||
Click
here for more Hyderabad hotels (with rates) |
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Places to Eat | |||||
Palace
Heights (off Abids Road) - One of my personal favourites. Serves traditional Hyderabadi, European and Chinese
cuisine. Excellent panoramic views of Hyderabad are visible from
the restaurant. |
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Madina
(near Charminar), is one of the oldest and best examples of old Hyderabad
dining. It was
opened in 1947, and was situated on the premises of the Aladdin Wakf. At one time, when Hyderabad was richer than Saudi Arabia
(the oil still not having been discovered there), the proceeds
used to go to Saudi to help poor Muslims there! Serves
traditional Hyderabadi Biryani, Haleem, Nahari and many more. |
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Irani
Hotels include Cosmopolitan in
Narayanguda and Olympia in Abids. The place to go for a good
Hyderabad Biryani is Shadab opposite Madina. Shadab has recently
modernised the restaurant above the original hotel where you can dine in air-conditioned
comfort. Ambience can be found at Irani Cafe. One Irani hotel that has retained its original
interior is Grand in Abids, with mirrors on the walls, woodwork
and traditional furniture. For a large bustling hotel there is the Garden in Secunderbad which probably sells more tea than any
other hotel in the twin cities, or Embassy which occupies a
strategic location on the Basheerbagh crossing or Alpha in Secunderbad opened in 1950. |
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Apart from the original Irani restaurant there are the Deccani Hotels which are similar in every way to the Iranis, but for the fact they were started by local Hyderabadis. One such cafe is the Rainbow on Abids, started 20 years ago. Mohammad Yousuf, one of the owners says, "Ours is the only hotel outside the Old City which serves haleem, a traditional Hyderabadi dish made of ground wheat and mutton, throughout the year, and not just during Ramzan when it is traditionally eaten. Haleem takes at least three hours to prepare. We start making it around 11am and its almost 2pm before its ready." | |||||
Shopping | |||||
Main shopping
areas are Abids, Basheerbagh,
Nampally and Sultan Bazar
in Hyderabad and MG Road and Rashtrapati Road in Secunderbad. The markets around
Charminar
are favoured for bangles and pearls. Hyderabad is
synonymous with pearls. Cultured pearls studded in gold
and silver jewellery of exquisite design are a specialty. Pearls come in many shapes and of particular
interest is the rice-pearl a tiny
variety. The precious "Basra", a pearl
unmatched in lustre, colour and price and is available in
select stores. Pearls are sold in strings or raw by
weight. Laad Bazaar : This famous, colourful shopping centre of the old city, is tucked away in one of the streets leading off from the Charminar. Bridal wear, Pearls, Attar (perfume) and the traditional Hyderabadi glass and stone studded bangles are sold here. The areas surrounding Charminar like 'Charkaman' and 'Mitti-ka-sher' are famous for antique kundan and enamel jewellery, temple sarees, old bidri and silver, crystal and pearls. "Darushafa" is famous for the tissue-thin silver leaf that decorates Indian sweetmeats, and bidri ware. The appliquéd patchwork skirts, bags and belts, set with sparkling mirror and tiny beads of the Banjara gypsies; Nirmal lacquer ware, ornate brass from Pembarthi, Kondapalli carved toys, leather puppets and Warangal carpets combine to make Hyderabad, truly a shopper's paradise. |
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