Hyderabad, the capital of the Andhra Pradesh, situated on the banks on the river Musi, is known as the Istambul of India. The history of city dates back to the time of the Kakatiya rulers of Warangal (13th century). In the 14th century the Qutab Shahi dynasty laid the foundation of Hyderabad city. Later, the Nizams proclaimed their Independence from the Mughals. Mohammed Qutllb Shah, the fifth king of Golconda fell in love with Bhagmathi and founded the city of Bhagyanagra in 1591. Later he renamed the city as Hyderabad. The last Nizam was considered to be the richest mail in India.

Place to See in Hydrabad :

CharMinar : It is the principal landmark of Hyderabad. In 1591, Mohamed Quli Qutub Shah built Charminar to commemorate the end of a devastating epidemic. Charminar, which means four towers, stands 56m high and 30m wide creating four arches facing each of cardinal points. The lower area of the Charminar is open daily 9am to 4.30pm. The structure is illuminated during the night from 7pm to 9pm.

Mecca Masjid : One of the largest mosques in the world, it can accommodate up to 10,000 worshipers. Mecca Masjid is situated adjacent to the Charminar. Mohamed Quli Qutub Shah built the mosque. Construction began in 1614 and Aurangazeb completed it in 1687. The name of Mecca Masjid was given to the mosque since many bricks embedded above the gate are made from the soil brought from Mecca. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the Masjid. But one can definitely appreciate the architectural features of the mosque from outside.

Laad Bazar : Situated on the right side of Charminar, Laad Bazar is one of the oldest shopping centers of the city. The Bazar is famous for bridal ware, henna, cosmetics, bangles etc. You will find almost everything in the Bazar.

Golconda Fort : The name originates from the Telugu words `Golla and Konda` Sheperd`s hill after the neighboring Wrangell. A clap under the canopy of the Fateh Darwaza can be heard the far away summit palace. Famous KOHINOOR DIAMOND of the British Crown was mined from this area. Famous features of Golconda Fort include its system of acoustic palaces, water supply system and the famous Rahban cannon - one of those used during the last seize of Golconda to whom the fort ultimately fell.

Salar Jung Museum : A major attraction for art lovers, Salar Jung Museum was put together by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan (Salar Jung III), the Prime Minister of Nizam Osman Ali Khan. One of the largest private collections in the world that covers exhibits from every part of the world, the museum has over 35,000 items comprising of wood carvings, sculptures, Persian miniature paintings, weaponry and a library of 50000 books. The museum is located near the Musi River Bridge. The museum is open every day from 10 AM to 5 PM except Fridays.

Birla Madir : As the name indicates, Birla Trust in 1976 constructed the temple. Built with white Rajastani marble, the temple is located on Kalabahad, one of the twin rocky hills overlooking the south end of Hussain Sagar. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple is a replica of Venkateshwara temple at Tirupati. The temple is open to all from 7-12 AM and again from 3-9 PM.

Falaknuma Palce : Built by Nawab Vicar-ul-Umra in 1892, and later purchased by Nizam Mahboob Ali Khan, Falaknuma palace is Hyderabad`s most famous and magnificent palace. The palace is on top of a hill 2000 feet high on the southern fringes of the city. The palace was designed by an Italian architect and constructed with carefully chosen imported material. The palace has a large collection of paintings, statues, and English furniture. It also has a collection of books, manuscripts and jade. Since it is the private property of the Nizam`s family, one has to obtain special permission to see it. With Urdu as the medium as the medium of instruction, Osmaniya University has one of the largest campuses in India. It was founded in 1919. The building for Arts College was designed by Nawab Zai Yar Jung, Nizam`s architect, after studying several European Universities. Most of other Faculty buildings in the Campus all have the same line as the Arts College that blends European and Indian styles. The buildings, the botanical gardens and the landscaped gardens - all are worth and rewarding to visit.

Shopping in Hydrabad :

Hyderabad was a major trading center for many centuries. You can buy almost anything like antiques, jewelry, handicrafts, leather goods, pearls, semiprecious stones, dresses etc. from Hyderabad.Various art forms and traditional crafts from Ikat weaving to puppetry are special to Andra`s Tradition. Collection of such traditional arts and crafts is available in many emporia, Government and private.

How to Reach at Hydrabad :

By Air : Indian airlines, East West airlines, Jet airways, Modiluft, Sahara Air, Vayudoot etc are operating flights in and out of Hyderabad.

By Rail : The Indian railway, the world`s largest railway under a single management, today is divided into nine zones. Secunderabad, the twin-city of Hyderabad, is the headquarters of the South Central Zone. All major trains stops or departs from here. Hyderabad is the major point of arrival or departure.

By Road : The Andra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) connects hyderabad to every city, town and all except very small villages in the state. Express and luxury coaches are available for inter-city and interstate services. The APSRTC city control is at Ranigunj Depot at Secunderabad. Several private travel services those run by tour operators/travel agents are also available. Chauffeur driven private cars and taxis for long distance travel are available in Hyderabad, operated by Andra Pradesh Travel and Tourism Development Corporation (APTTDC) and private operators.