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DESTINATION GUIDE INDIA - HYDERABAD

ABOUT HYDERABAD

Hyderabad can very well be called a tourists' paradise. The tourist attractions in Hyderabad are worth the visit. There are many places of interest for tourists, in Hyderabad. Not only are the tourist attractions places of historical interest, but also are strikingly picturesque. So if you want to soothe your eyes with the scenic view of an old monument against the backdrop of an evening sky with the flavor of local food tickling your taste buds, come and visit the famous tourist attractions of Hyderabad.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS ND PLACES - HYDERABAD

The Charminar

Charminar, the hub of the city, has four wide roads radiating in the four cardinal directions. The four minarets command the landscape for miles.

The structure is square, each side measuring 100 feet, with a central pointed high arch at the center. The whole edifice contains numerous small decorative arches arranged both vertically and horizontally. The prominently projected cornice on the first floor upholds a series of six arches and capitals on each façade, rising to the double-story gallery of the minarets. The projected canopy, ornamental brackets and decoration in stucco plaster add graceful elegance to the structure. On the upper courtyard, a screen of arches topped by a row of square jall or water screens lends a fragile charm to the sturdy appearance of Charminar. This courtyard was used as a school and for prayers at the mosque. The minarets, their domed finials rising from their lotus-leaves cushion, rise to 180 feet from the ground. An interesting 17th-century description of the monument comes from Thevenot: "That which is called the four towers, is a square building, of which each face is ten fathom broad and about seven high. It is opened on the four sides by four arches…".

Golconda Fort

Golconda Fort in Hyderabad is a majestic monument, which lies on the western outskirts of the city. It speaks of a great cultural heritage of 400 years and is considered as a place that is worth visiting. Golconda was famous for its diamond mines in olden days. The world-renowned 'Kohinoor' diamond is believed to have come from here. The Golconda fort is built on a granite hill 120m high. The fort has 8 gates or Darwazas as they are called in local language. The main gate is called Fateh Darwaza. The hills around the fort lend a very mysterious charm and colossal grandeur to the gigantic fort.

Qutub Shahi Tombs

Qutub Shahi Tombs are located in the heart of the Hyderabad city. The Qutub Shahi Tombs are quite close to the Golconda Fort, which is a famous landmark of Hyderabad. The Qutub Shahi Tombs are a perfect blend of Indian and Persian architectural forms, constructed in gray granite decorated with exquisite ornamentation. The tombs are domed structures, which are built on an elevated square base surrounded by pointed arches. Each tomb is quadrangular and rises to a height of 9 - 15 meters above the terrace. The smaller tombs are single storied while the larger ones are double storied. The domes were originally covered with blue and green tiles, of which only a few pieces remain now.

The tombs were once furnished with carpets, chandeliers and velvet canopies on silver poles. Qurans or the holy book of the Muslims, were kept on supports and readers recited verses from the sacred book at regular intervals. Golden spires were fixed over the tombs of the Sultans to distinguish their tombs from those of the other members of the noble family.

Salar Jung Museum

The Salar Jung museum in Hyderabad is one of the oldest museums in the city. It is the only museum that has the largest compilation of personally collected artifacts from all around the world. This museum has the greatest collection of rare antiques and knick-knacks from all over the world. One needs to devote an entire day for touring the museum itself.

Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, commonly known as Salar Jung III, did the major collections. However it was started by his father Nawab Mir Laiq Ali Khan also known as Salar Jung II and his grand father Nawab Mir Turab Ali Khan i.e. Salar Jung I. The museum boasts of a collection of 40,000 items, which have been accumulated from every possible place in the world. The former Prime Minister of India, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru declared this spectacular collection open for public display. Later a board of trustees was appointed to look after this legendary museum.

HOW TO REACH - HYDERABAD

» By Air - Hyderabad is well connected to national and international destinations with both national and international air carriers. 

» By Rail - The Indian Railway, the world's largest railway under a single management, is divided into nine zones. Hyderabad railway station is well connected to all the major Indian cities with a number of daily express trains from Hyderabad to the other cities of India.

» By Road - Hyderabad has a large bus terminus and is well connected to other cities in the state by a network of highways.