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Andhra Pradesh spells magic. For it
combines the old with the new, retaining its old culture and hospitality
while driving itself to conquer new frontiers, particularly in the realm of
information technology as well as tourism. Over the past few years, Andhra
Pradesh tourism has emerged as a frontrunner in regards to the creation of
new tourist attractions and infrastructure.
Out of all the states
of erstwhile Deccan - Bijapur, Berar, Bidar and Golconda - Golconda was by
far the most powerful. Ruled by the Qutub Shahis, the capital Bhagyanagar
was named after a royal beloved Bhagmati, who later as the wife of Quli
Qutub Shah became Hyder Mahal and thus was born Hyderabad.
What
started as a strong outpost of the Kakatiyas of Warangal has not turned into
a fascinating city. Eight hundred years ago when they made the mud-walled
fort on top a hillock that commanded the surroundings, they had little idea
that one day it will form the nucleus of a great kingdom and city. Nor,
perhaps, did Mohammed Quils Qutb Shah, fifth in line of Qutb Shahi rulers,
know it when he fell in love with a village maiden that he was indeed laying
the foundations of a unique culture.
Hyderabad, often called the
gateway to the South, blends the north and south, blends the north and south
Indian identities. Yet, from both it has developed a distinct personality of
its own. Its language has melody, its riches were known throughout the
world, its style was envied by many. the past still lingers in its present
making it a delightful city with a lot to offer: history, culture,
entertainment, crafts and above all a great holiday.
CITY
SIGHTS
Char Minar
The most important landmark of
the city, it was built, as the legend goes, by Mohammed Quli Qutab Shah in
honour of his Hindu wife, Bhagmati, in 1591 AD. The 53 mts. tall structure
now forms the centrepiece of the old city and is surrounded by crowded
bazaars.
Mecca Masjid
Close to the Char Minar is the
largest mosque of South India, the Mecca Masjid, with lofty colonnades and
entrance arches made of single slabs of granite. The mosque was begun by
Abdullah Qutb Shah in 1614 AD and completed by Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb in
1687.
Jami Masjid
Also near the Char Minar is the
oldest mosque in Hyderabad (1597 AD)
Sri Venkateswara Temple
Popularly called the Birla Minder, the white marble temple dedicated to Lord
Venkateswara stands on one of the two hillocks, Naubat Pahad and Kala Pahad.
The temple presents a beautiful sight at night when it is illuminated,
standing against the dark sky.
Birla Observatory and
Planetarium
It occupies the other hillock, the Naubat Pahad, from
where, in the times of the Nawabs, royal edicts were read out.
Hussain
Sagar
The largest of the lakes of Hyderabad and around which the
city is spread, it was built by Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah.
Nehru
Zoological Park
A very fine zoo spread over 320 acres and housing
over 3000 animals and birds. The other attractions of the place are a lion
safari park, a natural history museum, a pre-historic animal park and a
children's park with facilities of a mini-train. (Closed on Monday)
Golconda Fort
Standing atop an isolation hill on the outskirts
of the city, the fort is known for its acoustic effects in built in the
architectural design. The original fort was built by the Kakatiyas of
Warangal, some eight hundred years ago. The Qutb Shahi rulers of hyderabad
adopted for fort and converted the mud structure into solid battlements and
palaces with stone.
Qutb Shah Tombs
This cluster of
graceful structures is the last resting place of the Qutb Shahi dynasty.
Surrounded by well maintained gardens, the tombs are remarkable in their
uniformity of design, each crowned by an onion-shaped dome?
SHOPPING
To leave Hyderabad without a material
remembrance is nearly impossible, for the city has so much to offer. Pearls
and diamonds are what the nobles in the mediaeval times sought here. The
famed Kohinoor was mooned in these lands and it now adorns the British
Crown. Cultured pearls in strings or set in jewellery is still a flourishing
industry that employs a large number of craftsmen.
Birdiware-black metal inlaid with silver, Pochampalli sarees and fabric,
handwoven in silks and cottons, glass bangles, are some of the other
handicrafts and perfumes that have made Hyderabad a shopper's delight. And
if one is looking for variety and bargains then the lanes of the old city
around Char Minar are the best place.
ACCESS
By Air: The twin cities of Hyderabad and Secundrabad are linked by air
services to most important centres of India.
By Rail:
Hyderabad & Secunderabad are well covered on the extensive network of
Indian Railways. Both the broad-gauge and metre-gauge services connect the
two cities with all parts of the country with some of the fastest trains in
operation in India.
BY Road: Hyderabad is very well
linked to all major centres of the region by regular bus services of Andhra
Pradesh State Road.
HOTELS IN ANDHRA PRADESH - HYDERABAD
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Hotel
Taj Residency
Road No. 1 Banjara Hills
City : Hyderabad
PinCode : 500 034
State : Andhra Pradesh |
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( Click View Details )
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Hotel
Amrutha Castle
Marine Hill
City : Port Blair
PinCode : 744 101
State : Andaman & Nicobar |
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( Click View Details )
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Aditya
Park Inn
Aditya Trade Centre
Ameerpet
City : Hyderabad
PinCode : 50 038
State : Andhra Pradesh |
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( Click View Details )
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AA Recreation Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd.
212 A, Suneja
Tower-II,
Disitrict Center, Janak Puri.
New Delhi-110058
Ph:
91-11-25513040, 25516334, 25506501
Fax: 91-11-25536625
Email: aartt@toursoperatorindia.com
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