Hyderabad Introduction

Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh was founded in the late 6'th century by Qutab Shahi dynasty line of Kings known for their beautiful monuments and mosques, Medieval Indian, Saracenic, Mughal and Colonial architecture which, create an architectural richness rarely found in other parts of the country. Hyderabad has the atmosphere of an Arabian Nights fairy tale.

Whimsical palaces, erstwhile stately homes and crowded bazaars filled with shops selling Hyderabadi pearls, incense and copper utensils characterize the city, while in the distance looms Golconda Fort. The city's historical connection traces itself to the rulers or Nizams whose wealth was legendary. Rooms full of jewels and currency notes, a garage full of gleaming Rolls Royce's are all now part of history, but a unique culture lives on, coloring the city with its distinctive char.  

General information

How to reach

Air
Hyderabad is connected by air with most major cities of the country including Bhubaneshwar, Bangalore, Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, Madras, Nagpur and Vishakapatnam.

Rail
Well connected by rail with Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, Madras and other cities in India.

Road
Good motorable roads connect Hyderabad to Aurangabad 548 km, Bangalore 568 km, Bombay 735 km, Madras 704 km, Tirupati 651 km, Panaji 698 km etc.

In and around

Hussain Sagar
Lake bund which connects the two townships and which has become a favorite evening promenade. 

Charminar
Built in 1591, is one of the landmarks of the city. It rises to four stories and has space for a mosque on its topmost floor. Built in typical Qutb-Shahi style, with carefully finished stucco ornamentation and style minars. 

Mecca masjid
reputed to be among the largest in the world. Its construction proceeded in stages over almost whole of the 17th century. Begun in 1614 by Auli Qutab Shah but was completed by Aurangzeb in 1687. 

Golconda Fort
The capital of the Qutb Shahi Sultans in the 16th centaury, is rich in historical monuments, which include the famous Golconda fort. The main citadel is situated on a hill and is surrounded by walls of solid stone. The outer wall, surrounding the whole township is about 8 miles long and is also strongly fortified. 

Salar Jung Museum
Now given the status of a national Museum and housed in a new building. It has a unique collection of miniature paintings and illuminated manuscripts of the Koran and other works, among numerous other interesting exhibits. 

Bharamarambha Mallikarjuna Swamy temple
On a 457 mt. high has one of the twelve Jyothir lingas. It is the seat of one of the 18 leading Saktis Mahakali in her manifestation as Bharamarambha. The temple sculptures narrate in stone, episodes from the great Hindu epics - Ramayana & Mahabharata