Hyderabad
A city of royal heritage

Hyderabad’s iconic landmark, the 56-m-high Charminar is an imposing four-sided archway with four minarets soaring above its surrounding bustling market area. it had been inbuilt 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, who was the fifth king of the Qutub Shahi dynasty, to mark the founding of Hyderabad and therefore the end of an epidemic that had devastated the town .
Each side of the structure faces a cardinal direction and features a arch . These arches support a gallery of archways and two floors of rooms. The square structure of the monument measures about 20 m to a side and at each corner may be a minaret that rises to a height of 24 m. Each of the four minarets (leading to the structure’s name Charminar or four minarets) houses 149 circular steps. The minarets stand on a lotus-leaf base, which may be a recurrent motif within the Qutub Shahi sort of buildings. The Charminar has been inbuilt the Indo-Saracenic sort of architecture. The materials used are granite and lime mortar.
The first floor of the monument was used as a madarasa (college) during the Qutub Shahi times. The second floor houses a mosque, which is that the oldest mosque within the city, on its western side. The dome of this majestic mosque are often seen from the road from quite distance. One can climb to the primary floor for a view of the old bazaar with its labyrinthine lanes. The upper portions aren’t hospitable the general public . Stucco decorations, intricate motifs, balustrades and balconies are the hallmarks of its design.
In 1889, four clocks facing the four cardinal directions were added to the monument. in the dark (from 7 to 9 pm), the illuminated Charminar may be a stunning vision, pitted against the dark sky. Charminar isn’t just an architectural icon of Hyderabad. It reflects the city’s royal soul, the character of its laid-back lifestyle and in its shadow Hyderabad’s heritage lives on.

This luxurious palace was once the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty and also the place where the Nizams entertained their official guests. Built between the 18th and therefore the 19th centuries, the opulent palace complex is claimed to be a reproduction of the Shah’s Palace in Tehran, Iran. With the synthesis of several architectural influences, the palace is renowned for its unique style. It boasts two ornate courtyards with gardens and luxurious buildings. one among the grandest attractions here is that the pillared Durbar Hall or the Khilwat Mubarak, a spectacular ceremony hall with 19 enormous Belgian crystal chandeliers. The palace houses a priceless collection of antiques, including one among vintage cars, among which the foremost popular may be a 1911 yellow Rolls-Royce and 1937 Buick convertible. In 2010, the palace was honoured with the distinguished UNESCO Asia-Pacific Merit Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

Perched atop a 2,000-ft hillock, the spectacular Falaknuma (meaning a mirror within the sky) Palace harks back to Hyderabad’s royal past. one among the most important and therefore the grandest Venetian chandeliers, gorgeous antique furniture, an exquisite Italian marble staircase, delightful marble fountains, awe-inspiring statues, rare manuscripts and precious objects d’art adorn this palace, which is around 5 km from Old Hyderabad, and was the house of the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad, Mehboob Ali Pasha. It also features a well-stocked library with one among the foremost unique collections of the Quran. Its manicured lawns are dotted with Mughal, Rajasthani and Japanese gardens. Designed by a eu architect and built over a decade within the 1880s, the palace fell into misuse after the Nizam died in 1911. For nearly 100 years it stayed neglected till it had been hired bent an Indian luxury hotel major for renovation. Today, it’s a spectacular heritage hotel, restored after almost 1,000 artisans toiled thereon for around 10 years!

Around 11 km from Hyderabad, the impressive 16th century Golconda Fort is one among the foremost famous forts in India. The capital of the erstwhile Golconda kingdom, the fort was the centre of the Golconda stronghold within the region and was thus built as an impregnable structure.
Its former glory and majesty can still be seen within the mighty ramparts and fortifications encircling it. Situated on a 120-m-high hill, it enjoyed a prominent viewpoint from where a lookout for the enemy might be kept. Today, its high-rising position gives tourists sweeping views of the encompassing areas, where one can see almost as far because the horizon.

Climbing further up, one can spot the stunning Deccan plateau and also get a germander speedwell view of the bustling and lit-up city.Touring the fort, one can sample the rich flavour of its history, which saw the throne move among various dynasties. While the several beautiful palaces housed here echo the royal grandeur of times gone , the famous Fateh Rahben gun, reminds one among the brutal onslaught that the fort experienced when Mughal emperor Aurangzeb laid seize thereto . within the evening, a singular light and sound show takes one back in time when Golconda was filled with life and splendour.The Golconda Fort was originally built as a mud fort, with the Yadavas of Deogiri and therefore the Kakatiya dynasty of Warangal ruling over it.
Moreover, the fort was a citadel until Mughal emperor Aurangzeb conquered it in 1687.The fort may be a marvellous work of engineering of that point and maybe that’s why numerous mighty emperors sought to occupy it. Its massive gates are studded with iron spikes to prevent elephants from breaking them down and inside, a futuristic concealed water pipeline ensured uninterrupted water system during sieges. the foremost spectacular, however, is that the ingenious acoustics of the fort that ensured that even the slightest sound from the entry gates would echo across the complex. It also has four drawbridges, eight gateways, halls, and stables. The outermost area houses the Fateh Darwaza (victory gate), which is named so because Aurangzeb’s victorious army marched successfully through it. 

Hussain Sagar Lake is taken into account to be one among the most important man-made lakes within the country. The lake is formed sort of a heart and circumvented by open spaces on all its four sides. it’s been built on a tributary of Musi river and connects the dual cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The lake may be a hub for water sports, including parasailing, kayaking, pedal boat rides, canoeing, jet skiing, boating, yachting, catamaran rides and even luxury cruises. The annual regatta (boat race), which is an annual affair, draws professional contestants from everywhere the planet . If you would like to undertake your hand at sailing, choose between the several short-term courses offered by the boat club of India at the lake. If you’re not into water sports, you’ll choose a pleasing boat ride round the lake. Regular boats make a 30-minute return trip to Lord Buddha’s statue from both Eat Street and therefore the popular Lumbini Park, situated on the sting of the lake. otherwise you can sit back the lake, colourful sails bobbing on its blue water and watch the town of Hyderabad go past. The lake was built by sufi saint Hussain Shah during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah in 1562 AD. it had been made to satisfy the beverage and irrigation requirements of the town . it had been also the location of the historical treaty between the Mughals and therefore the Golconda rulers, and is usually mentioned as Tank Bund by locals as a bund (dam) was constructed here within the 1990s.

One of the most important mosques within the world, with a capacity to deal with up to 10,000 worshippers at a time, the Mecca Masjid’s construction began under the rule of Sultan Quli Qutub Shah in 1614. But it had been Aurangzeb who completed it in 1693. it’s located on the south-west side of Charminar. Built using local granite, the mosque is 225 ft long, 180 ft wide, and 75 ft high. It derives its name from Mecca’s Grand Mosque after which its design is modelled. The bricks utilized in its construction are believed to possess been brought straight from Mecca. A sacred relic of the Prophet is claimed to be housed at this mosque. An enclosure next to the maid courtyard contains the tombs of several Nizams.

The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam on River Krishna is taken into account to be the most important stone masonry dam within the world. Around 150 km from Hyderabad, with a catchment of two ,15,000 sq km, it’s the foremost widely spread canal system in India. Completed in 1969, the 124-m-high dam is one kilometre long and has 26 crest gates. Its reservoir can store up to 11,472 million cubic meters of water. it’s one among the primary projects built for the aim of generating hydro-electricity after India gained Independence. A lake has been built behind the dam, which is one among the most important man-made lakes within the world. With beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding it, the lake makes for a perfect picnic spot in winter. it’s also a well-liked site for boating. a touch ahead is Nagarjunakonda, alittle hillock and island (from which the dam draws its name) with a Buddhist museum, which has exhibits dating back to the 3rd century. Just 22 km from Nagarjunakonda are the Ethipothala Waterfalls and Srisailam Wildlife Reserve.

A complex of 21 domed granite structures, the Qutub Shahi tombs are known to be one among the oldest monuments in Hyderabad. Boasting an amalgamation of Indian and Persian architectural styles, the tombs are marked with intricate colonnades and delicate lime stucco work. The complex also houses several mosques. Nestled amidst serene landscaped gardens, the tombs are renowned for the very fact that they’re among the few places within the world where a whole dynasty is buried at an equivalent spot. it’s said seven of the eight Qutb Shahi rulers rest here. Among the best tomb is that of Mohammed Quli, the founding father of Hyderabad. It stands on a platform near the sting of the complex, with views of the Golconda Fort, which is simply 2 km away.

Secunderabad is usually recognised because the twin city of Hyderabad. it had been named after Sikandar Jah and lies at a distance of about 7.7 km from Hyderabad. Since it had been developed directly under British rule, the architecture of the many of the buildings has been stamped with British style. Start your tour of the town with Golconda Fort. one among the foremost famous forts in India, it’s situated on a 120-m-high hill, encircled by mighty ramparts and circles of fortifications.
The almost impregnable fort is home to many beautiful palaces and houses the famous Fateh Rahben gun, one among the cannons utilized in the siege of Golconda by Aurangzeb. within the evening, a singular light and sound show takes you back in time when Golconda was filled with life, glory, and grandeur. subsequent stopover are often the Birla Mandir, which is made in white marble brought from Rajasthan. inbuilt 1976, it’s dedicated to Lord Vishnu within the sort of Sri Venkateswara. The temple boasts a mixture of Utkal (Odia) and South Indian sorts of architecture. along side a temple dedicated to Lord Buddha, the Birla Mandir complex also houses shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Hanuman, Lord Brahma and Goddess Lakshmi.Another attraction of the town is that the Ujjaini Mahakali Mandir, which may be a 190-year-old temple dedicated to Goddess Mahakali. The idol of the goddess is seen within the padmasana posture. consistent with a legend, there was a cholera outbreak in 1813 and Suriti Appaiah, a member of a military battalion prayed to Mahakali Devasthanam at Ujjaini, promising to put in an idol of the goddess in Secunderabad if people were saved. This led to the development of the temple. Secunderabad is additionally famous for wedding shopping as there are many shops that sell wedding outfits.