HYDERABAD

HYDERABAD



An acute shortage of water at the Golkonda Fort in the late 16th century compelled Mohammad Quli of the Qutub Sahi dynasty to establish a new city on the banks of the River Musi. Thus, Hyderabad was born. Mughal emperor Aurangzeb conquered Hyderabad in 1687 AD and appointed administrative viceroys. However, in 1724 AD, Asaf Jaah, the then viceroy, took advantage of the waning Mughal power and declared it an independent state. Hence, began the rule of the Nizams of Hyderabad, who took the art and culture of the place to magnificent heights. Hyderabad abounds in rare gems and minerals and is nicknamed the ‘City of Pearls’. Capital of the state of the present state of Andhra Pradesh, it is also known as the ‘City of Minars’. Major attractions of the place include Charminar Tower, Tombs of Qutub Sahi kings, Salar Jung Museum, Laad Bazar, Mecca Masjid, Golkonda Fort, Hussain Sagar and the sister city of Secenderabad.

Charminar Tower is the landmark of Hyderabad, which consists of four pillars with minarets on top. Near the Charminar Tower is the Mecca Masjid, one of the largest mosques of the world. Near to it is the Salar Jung Museum, probably the biggest repository of personal collections in the world. Salar Jung the 3rd was the prime minister of the seventh Nizam. This museum is a wonderland in itself. The collection came from every corner of the world. It includes paintings, old religious manuscripts, sculptures and what not.

The Kakatiya ruler, Ganpati, built the Golkonda Fort, which stands about 10kms east of the city. It is a great depiction of history of that time. The Tombs of the Qutub Sahi dynasty near the Golkonda Fort, landscaped by beautiful gardens, is also good place to visit. The Osman Sagar and the Himayat Sagar are two large reservoirs created by damming the Musi and the Isi rivers respectively. The Buddha Purnima Complex consisting of Lumbini Park and the Hussain Sagar reservoir, which holds the second highest monolithic statue of Buddha, is another interesting destination. One can also visit the sister city of Secenderabad, 10kms away from here.

Accessibility: Hyderabad is very well connected by air, rail and road.

Accommodation: There are umpteen standard and luxury Hotels in Hyderabad.

Season: Throughout the year.

Location: Andhra Pradesh, India

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