Hyderabad Tourism Places: January 2014

Hyderabad is the capital of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located on the banks of the Musi River in the Deccan Plateau in southern India. The city has an area of 650 square kilometres (250 sq mi) and a population of 6.8 million, and the metropolitan area contains 7.7 million residents, making it the fourth most populous city and the sixth most populous urban agglomeration in the country. In 2008, the nominal gross domestic product (GDP) of Hyderabad was US$ 60 billion—ranking 4th in India and 93rd in the world.

Hyderabad was established in 1591 CE by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, whose dynasty lasted until 1658 when Mughal emperor Aurangzeb occupied Golconda Sultanate and the city became part of the Deccan province of the Mughal empire. In 1724 Asif Jah I, a Mughal viceroy, declared his sovereignty and formed the Asif Jahi Dynasty, also known as the Nizams of Hyderabad. The Nizams ruled the princely state of Hyderabad for more than two centuries, under subsidiary alliance with the British Raj. The city remained the princely state's capital from 1769 to 1948—when the Nizam signed an Instrument of Accession with the Indian Union following Operation polo. In 1956, the city was merged with Andhra State. Since 1969 Hyderabad is a major center of the Telangana movement, which demands a separate state for the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh.

Situated on the crossroads of North and South India, Hyderabad is noted for its unique culture. As the former capital of the largest and richest Princely state of India and with the patronage from Nizams, Hyderabad established local traditions in drama, art, theater, literature, architecture and cuisine. The city is a tourist destination and home to many places of interest, including the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage site of Chowmahalla Palace, and other notable landmarks such as the Charminar and Golconda fort. Hyderabad is home to several museums, Bazaars, galleries, libraries, sporting and other cultural institutions.

The city was once a global center of the diamond and pearls trade, for which it is known as City of Pearls. Since 1990s, Hyderabad has emerged as a hub for the information technology, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology industries, alongside traditional and service industries. Hyderabad International Airport was adjudged the world's fifth best airport. Hyderaboad's 13 universities and business schools form a major centre for higher education and research. The city is home to the Telugu film industry known as Tollywood. The city was expanded in 2007 to form the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation. As a growing metropolitan city in a developing country, Hyderabad confronts substantial urban pollution, traffic congestion, overpopulation and other logistic and socio-economic problems.
Tourism in Hyderabad places.Andhra tourism.

Popular Tourist Attractions

Charminar - a major landmark of Hyderabad with four graceful minarets located in the old city. It is built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah as a memorial for plague victims. Charminar in most occasions is used to represent the city and the state and is hailed as a unique Deccan monument. It is in the midst of Charkaman which are four archways leading to roads in all four directions of the Charminar monument.

Mecca Masjid - A Symbolic Mosque, Mecca Masjid was built 400 years back during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Qutub Shah, the 6th Qutub Shahi Sultan of Hyderabad. The three arched facades have been carved from a single piece of granite, which took five years to quarry. More than 8,000 workers were employed to build the mosque. Muhammad Qutub Shah personally laid the foundation stone of the 'mosque'.

Golconda Fort - Once abandoned by Qutub Shahis, Golconda Fort is one of the most magnificent fortress complexes in India. Seated on a hill on one side and spiraling fort on the other, its location and internal design made it one of the strongest forts in India.
Qutb Shahi Tombs - Home to various Tombs dedicated to Rulers of Qutub Shahi dynasty, located at Shaikpet, near Golconda Fort. These are an example of Deccan architecture with large minarets, huge domes, delicate marble designs and multiple inner passages.

Qutub Shahi Tombs - The structure of the tomb of Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth king, represents the first attempt at the building of a tomb on a massive scale. This magnificent tomb which is one of the largest and certainly the finest in the group is 42.5 mts high. The dome is about 18.2 mts high.

Paigah Tombs - These are recently discovered series of muslims with unique geometrical sculptures which were no where found in the world. These are located at Chandrayanagutta. Paigahs were noblemen under the reign of Nizams.

Chowmahalla Palace - It was the seat of Asaf Jahi dynasty, where the Nizam entertained his official guests and royal visitors. Initiated in 1750 by Nizam Salabat Jung and designed along the lines of the Shah's palace in Isfahan, this actually consists of a group of palaces each used as a Durbar Hall. It has now been aesthetically renovated and is also venue for conferences.

Falaknuma Palace - Built by an Italian architect through one of the Paigah nobles, Nawab Viqar al-Umra',complete in Italian marble. Louis XIV-style decor, a Mughal ambience, Italian marble staircases and ornate fountains. It has now been undertaken by Taj group to develop this as Heritage Hotel.

Salar Jung Museum - The museum houses the largest one-man collection of antiques in the world. Collections include The Veiled Rebecca and other huge collection of artifacts dating back to a few centuries. A mere day isn't enough to cover the whole museum. Apart from galleries, there is a reference Library, reading room, publication and education section, chemical conservation lab, sales counter, cafeteria etc

AP State Archaeology Museum - This is an archeological museum located inside Public gardens

Shahi Masjid - Is one of the oldest mosque built by Nizam - I(Nizamul Mulk) which is a part of Public Garden. Very Beautiful building and very peaceful place.

Shah Raju Tomb - One of the asia's biggest tomb located in Hyderabad.

Hussain Sagar is a lake in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India, built by Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali in 1562, during the rule of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah. It was 5.7 square kilometres built on a tributary of the River Musi to meet the water and irrigation needs of the city.

Laad Bazar ( Urdu: لاد بازار‎) or Choodi Bazar ( Urdu: کھودی بازار‎) is a very old market popular for bangles located in Hyderabad. It is located on one of the four main roads that branch out from the historic Charminar.