The fifth largest metropolis in India, Hyderabad, is the state capital of Andhra Pradesh. It is a proud city that narrates the colourful stories of its splendid palaces, the great Nizams with many wives and the labyrinthine lanes. The city's legends have inspired many books and movies. The Hyderabadi culture is a perfect blend of the North and the South. The city is famous world wide for its museums, monuments, food and of course pearls.

See & Do

The city of Hyderabad offer an enriching experience to the visitors. It is a perfect amalgamation of nostalgia of the past and excitement of the future. It presents itself as a collage of cultural fervour and activity. Visiting the city is a personal experience in itself.

Historical Places
Charminar - Built by Mohammed Qutub Shah in 1591, the Charminar is an imposing structure with four tapering minarets. The structure is embellished with stucco decoration typical of the Qutub Shahi style.

Golconda - It is regarded as one of the best forts in India. This fort was built by the Kakatiya kings. This massive fort is 11 km in perimeter and its walls are 15 to 18 ft high. The whole fort is built in granite and is flanked by 70 ramparts and 8 huge gates. The fort looks stunning during sunrise and sunset.

Salarjung Museum - This museum houses one of the largest collections of paintings, miniatures, furniture and sculptures procurred by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan from the Far East, India, West Asia, Africa and Europe.

Falaknuma - It is by far the grandest of Hyderabad's palaces. It was bilt by Nawab Viqar -ul- Umarar in the late 19th century. This palace is being converted in to a poshed hotel.

Worship Places
Birla Mandir - This temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara. It stands on the hilltop of Kalapahad and is completely carved out of white marble.

Mecca Masjid - Built by Sultan Mohammed Qutub Shah, this masjid is located to the south- west of Charminar.It has a rectangular hall and a high roof supported by 15 arches.

Jama Masjid - This is the oldest mosque in Hyderabad. It was built by Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah in the year 1597.

Lakes
Hussain Sagar - Hussain Sagar is a large lake in the midst of the city and was constructed in 1562 A.D.

Himayat Sagar - It is named after the youngest son of the seventh Nizam, Himayat Ali Khan. The grassy area adjoining the lake is an ideal picnic spot

Parks
Lumbini - Situated on the banks of the Hussain Sagar, the Lumbini Park offers great view of the lake, especially after sundown. A musical fountain show can also be enjoyed here.

Indira Park - This park is named after Indira Gandhi and lies on the lower Tank Bund road beside the Hussain Sagar.

Nehru Zoological Park - Nehru Zoological park is one of the biggest zoos in Asia with over 250 species. 2450 animals and birds are kept in natural environment.

Discerning Shoppers

In the bazaars of Hyderabad one can find a huge bag of things for carrying back to one's place.

Begum Bazaar - - This bazaar is located two kilometres from the Naya Pul bridge in the old city. It is the largest market in the city that houses old commodities of all sizes , shapes and brands.

Laad Bazzar - It is a gali near Charminar famous for colourful bangles made of lac, glass and metal. It's shops offer an assortment of henna, bridal wear and cosmetics.

Sultan Bazaar - This bazaar is the most busy commercial centre in the city and the best buys here include women's wear, slippers & shoes, bangles and other trinkets.

General Bazaar - This is the second largest whole sale market after Begum Bazaar in the city and provides commodities like bangles and kids articles at affordable prices.

Eating Joints

Its not only Biryani that describes Hyderabad's cuisine. The subtleties of its cuisine go far beyond the biryani as it masters in Mughlai cuisine of the North with tinge of spices of the South. Halem, dum ka murg, mirchi ka salan, bagharay baigan and pathar ka gosht are some of the Hyderabadi favourites.

Restaurants

• Madina & Shadab
• Cafe Bahar
• Lucky Hotel
• Y2K Tandoori @ Chicken.com
• Banjara Darbar
• Hyderabad House
• Paradise
• Dum Pukht
• Firdaus
• Rajdoot

Mercury Meter

During the greater part of the year Hyderabad experiences hot steppe type of climate. Telangana is the hottest part of the state during summer and coolest in winter. In April and May temperatures may go up to 40 degree centigrade but during the rest of the year the climate is temperate and during December and January it is usually cool.