|
|
|
|
Birla
Mandir
Overlooking the Tank Bund, the Birla Mandir presents an arresting sight when illuminated
in the evening. This magnificent structure built entirely out of marble from Rajasthan,
stands atop the Kala Pahad, the twin hillock of the Naubat Pahad. Built by Birla
Foundation over a span of ten years, the main temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara.
Tel. 23233259 Timings 7am to 12 noon, 2pm to 9 pm. Photography not allowed.
B.M.Birla Planetarium / Science Museum In the heart of our city lies one of
the most modern planetarium in the country. Sky shows are held daily at different timings in
different languages. Planetarium closed on last Thursday of the month. 11.30
a.m. to 8 p.m. Science Museum closed on last Tuesday of the month. 10.30 a.m.
to 8 p.m. Tel. 23241067 / 23235081
Charminar
Located in the heart of the old city, this magnificent edifice built by Mohd.
Quli Qutb Shah, is the unique symbol of Hyderabad. A small mosque is located
on the roof of the edifice. All around the Charminar is a bustling bazar of
pearl and jewellery shops, perfume and attar dealers. Tel.
24522990 Entry Fee: Rs. 5/-
Chowmohalla Palace, Khilwat Daily 11am - 5pm, except Fri & National
Holidays. Tickets
Domestic Visitor Rs.25/-, International Visitor Rs.150/- Children below 12
Rs.10/-, Camera Rs.50/-, Video Rs.100/- Tel. 24522032
Golconda
Fort Founded originally by the Kakatiyas in the 13th century, the existing structure
was expanded by the Qutb Shahi kings into a massive fort of granite with walls
and ramparts extending some 7 kms in circumference. The fortress city within
the walls was famous for the diamond trade. The Koh-i-noor diamond, the Hope
Diamond and the Orloff Diamond of Catherine the Great are said to have come
from here. Through an amazing feat of acoustics, a hand clap at a certain point
below the dome at the entrance reverberates and can be heard clearly at the
Bala Hissar, the highest point almost a kilometre away. A sound and light show
in the evenings is an added attraction. Tel: 23512401
High Court is a beautiful Mughal-style building laid out along the Musi River
near Afzal Gunj Bridge. Built in 1916 of local pink granite with red sandstone
carved panels and columns at an estimated cost of 2 million rupees, it is perhaps
the most striking work of the British architect Vincent Esch.
Laad Bazar lies to the west of Charminar and has a very special Hyderabadi
ambience. Along the narrow lane, the glistening bangle
shops, the old buildings with wooden jharokas make walking along this alley
a worthwhile experience. South east of Laad Bazar lie the palaces built by different
Nizams including the Chowmahalla Palace.
Shilparamam is a
crafts village set up at Madhapur beyond Jubilee Hills. It
is spread over 30 acres and has annual bazaars where artists and artisans from
all over the country participate. For programme details contact 23100455
 MECCA
MASJID The few bricks from Mecca which are embedded in the walls of this impressive
mosque, gives it its name. Originally started by Sultan Mohammad Quli Qutb Shah,
it was completed by the conqueror Aurangazeb. The largest mosque in the twin
cities, second largest in India and seventh largest in the world, it can accommodate
upto 10,000 worshippers. Its enormous colonnades are carved from single slabs
of granite. Close to the mosque are tombs of the Nizams of the Asaf Jahi dynasty.
RAMOJI FILM CITY For conducted tours to the sprawling complex call
Tel. 23235678 / 66223370 / 08415-246555 / 666 (dail code from Hyd 958415 ). Adults-Rs.300/-Child
Rs.250/- 9 am to 6 p.m.
|
|
|
|
 OSMANIA
UNIVERSITY Dominating the well laid out campus is the imposing Arts College
building showing a blend of Ellora paintings on the first floor and Sarcenic-Moorish
arches on the second floor. The huge gateway has been designed on the patterns
of buildings in Damascus. Various colleges are situated on the campus along with
a picturesque landscaped garden and an auditorium. Tel: 27098048
PAIGAH
TOMBS Situated at Santosh-nagar, these tombs belong to the Paigah nobles (tied
by blood and marriage to the Nizams) and are about 200 years old. These unique
lime and mortar tombs are beautifully carved and have marble inlay work on them.
QUTB
SHAHI TOMBS About a kilometre from the Golconda fort are the tombs of the Qutb
Shahi rulers. The tombs are domed structures built on a square base surrounded
by pointed arches. The galleries of the smaller tombs are of a single storey
while the larger
ones are usually two-storied. In the centre of each tomb is
a sacrophagus which overlies the actual burial vault in a crypt below. The domes
were originally overlaid with blue and green tiles of which now only a few pieces
remain.
9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Closed on Fridays
 RUINS
OF RAYMOND'S TOMB Michel Raymond, a French mercenary, was a military commander
in the service of the IInd Nizam and also his close friend. His tomb lies in Saroornagar off the Vijaywada Road about 3 kms from the Oliphant Bridge, in
east Hyderabad. A commemorative Urs fair is held every year at his tomb which
is 7 mts high, made of black granite bearing the initials JR.
ROCKS Nature Lovers will enjoy the ancient Rock Formations around Hyderabad
-a landscape of stony ridges and hillocks, shaped into picturesque balancing
forms. Geologists date these granite rocks of the Deccan 2,500 million years
back! Certain formations have been put under protection. Contact the Society to Save Rocks (Tel. 23552923) for their monthly rock
walks.
 SALARJUNG
MUSEUM A collection of art objects by Nawab Salar Jung III, this museum houses
magnificent exhibits of European and Indian paintings and statuary. Of special
interest is the Jade Room containing priceless objects which belonged to ancient
Indian rulers like Aurangazeb, Tipu Sultan, Shah Jahan and the Asaf Jahs of
Hyderabad.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Fridays Tel: 24523211
Taramati Baradari Built by Abdullah Qutub Shah as an ode to his favourite courtesan Taramati, it is an emblem of romance and grace of the Middle Ages. It is beleived that Abdullah enjoyed Taramati's song from the Baradari even while at the Golkonda Fort because of the accoustics and structure. Haritha Hotel 2352188400
TANK
BUND Hyderabad's most popular promenade, dams the Hussain Sagar lake with the
monolith Buddha at the centre. It is lined with 33 statues of famous personalities
of the state & the lake is the venue of many a water sporting event. Two
48 seater boats run by A.P.Tourism, Launch and speed boat
trips are also available. For details all 23455315
Jalavihar A water park on the Necklace Road Equipped with a waterslide,
swimming pool & other games. Weekdays 2- 7.30 pm Weekends 11 am - 8 pm For
details call 65581143
|
|
|
|
|
|
Places To See
   In Town
|
|
