The capital of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad is an integral part of the famous twin-city pair of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, which are situated on opposite banks of the Hussain Sagar Lake. It is easily accessible from most other cities by air, rail and road. Hyderabad has a romantic story behind its birth. Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth king of Golconda, founded this city of Bhagyanagar in 1591 for the sake of his lover Bhagmathi. Later he renamed the city as Hyderabad. The city retains much of the charm associated with its glorious past, while catapulting itself into the 21st century as India's hottest software centre.
Charminar
A major landmark in the city, the Charminar was built just two years after the founding of Hyderabad. A monument with four graceful minarets, it is often referred to as the Arc de Triomphe of the East. Its central structure soars to a height of 180 feet.
Public Gardens
Hyderabad city boasts of some of the finest gardens in the country. One of the city's finest gardens is located very close to the Hyderabad railway station. This beautifully laid out garden is also home to the State Legislature building, State Archaeological Museum, Jubilee-Hall, Jawahar Bal Bahavan and - an open-air theatre, Telugu Lalitha Kala Thoranam. Birla Mandir, a beautiful marble temple, dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara, is a synthesis of architectural styles of the North and South India. The temple, built on a natural elevation is a blend of the Khajuraho and Bodh Gaya styles. The main deity is nine and half feet high and is made of granite brought from Phirangipuram in Guntur District. You can get a picturesque view of the Hussain Sagar Lake from this vantage point.
Salar Jung Museum
The museum is home to the largest collection of antiques in the world owned by a single person. The museum was named after the Prime Minister of the Nizam, Nawab Mir Tulab Ali Khan who was titled Salar Jung Bahadur in 1853. He used to collect priceless gems of art wherever he travelled. His quest for objects d'art grew into a passion and laid the foundation for this massive collection. The museum exhibits over 47,000 choicest antiques. One of the most famed exhibits is the veiled Rebecca, the translucent white marble statue by Bezoni, an Italian sculptor. Some other valuables include Persian carpets, Chinese porcelain, Japanese lacquer-ware, sculptures, jade, Aurangazeb's sword, daggers belonging to queen Nur Jehan and the Emperors Jehangir and Shah Jahan.
Birla Planetarium
Birla Planetarium is India's most modern Planetarium and the first of its kind in the country. It is equipped with advanced, imported technology, and built on a hill called Naubatpahad.
Hussain Sagar Lake
The huge lake linking the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad was constructed in 1562 A.D. The well laid-out Lumbini park with its musical fountain and 33 statues of historical personages of Andhra Pradesh placed along the sides of the lake add to its charm. A 16-metre tall, 350 tonne monolithic colossus, Buddha Statue, placed on the rock of Gibraltar in the middle of the Lake is truly awe-inspiring.
Other attractions
Hyderabad has many other interesting attractions. The city is home to sprawling 300-acre Nehru Zoological Park - the largest Zoological Park in the country. Close to the city you will find the magnificent 13th Century Golconda Fort, built by Kakatiyas and Osmansagar, a beautiful lake.
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