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The Charminar: The Charminar, akin to the Statue of Liberty in New York, is Hyderabad’s most famous landmark. Often referred to as the 'Arc of the Triumph' of the East, the Charminar comprises four graceful minarets with its central structure soaring to a height of 180 feet.
King, Qutub Shah in 1591, built this edifice with four minarets or towers. When an epidemic of plague had attacked the kingdom of Golconda, the king is said to have kneeled on the road and prayed to the Lord for mercy. After the disease abated, he decided to build the minarets as a thanksgiving gesture.
It is built of the local granite. The design is based on Shia "tazias" erected in honor of Hussain, the son in law of Prophet Mohammad.
The Charminar was the axis of the planned city of Hyderabad. While the Charminar was being completed, broad roads were laid out in a gridiron pattern. Four symmetric gateways called Kamans also were built. There were also a couple of palaces according to medieval travellers but the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb burnt them down upon the fall of the Qutub Shahis. Some arched and vaulted foundations have been discovered in the area during excavations.
The streets around the Charminar are still lively today, a bit crowded maybe. Centuries old bazaars surrounding the monument throb with the hectic trading of pearls, lac bangles and other accessories fit for a bride.
Mecca Masjid: Just a few steps away from Charminar is the Mecca Masjid, South India's largest mosque. It is said to have bricks brought from Mecca built into the central arch and hence the name. Originally started by Sultan Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah, it was completed by the Mughal emperor Aurangazeb. The largest mosque in the twin cities, it can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers at prayer at any given time. room in the courtyard is believed to house the relic of the Prophet Mohammad.
Laad Bazaar: Right next to Charminar is the Laad Bazaar: verbatim translation means ‘pampering’ bazaar. An Arabian experience in the heart of the old city. With a fabulous range of brocade, velvet and gold embroidered fabrics, sherwanis, traditional khara dupattas and breathtaking display of pearls, lacquer bangles and perfumes, shopping at Laad Bazaar is a sheer delight.
Jama Masjid: The Jama Masjid is the oldest mosque in Hyderabad. Its white towers rise a few metres from the Charminar. Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah built it in the year 1597 after the completion of the Charminar. Within the premises lie the ruins of an old Turkish bath. Formerly, a school and a monastery used to lie within the walls of the mosque, but they no longer exist today. The Jama Masjid is still frequented by a large number of Muslims and remains one of the principal places of worship in the city.
Moula Ali Darga: The long climb up the 400 and more stairs of the Moula Ali Darga takes you to a place of worship built during the period of the Asif Jahis. The row of arches on the hill leading to the top is a wonderful sight. The Moula Ali 'Darga' or mortuary was built in the memory of Hazrat Ali, the son-in-law of prophet Muhammad. Legend has it that Yakoob, a eunuch in the court of Ibrahim Quli went to the hill after he saw Hazrat Ali seated on it. To his surprise, he saw the impression of Hazrat Ali's palm on a stone - the very same he saw in a dream. He had the impression hewn out and installed in a shrine, then built an arch over the spot. Ibrahim Shah later built a mosque beside the darga.
Birla Temple: This temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara is a magnificent structure overlooking the Tank Bund. Entirely built with marble from Rajasthan, the temple stands atop the Kala Pahad, the twin hillock of Naubat Pahad. Its construction style is a rich blend of Khajuraho and Bodh Gaya of North India and Raja Gopuram and Garudalaya of South Indian architecture.
The temple has been built over a span of ten years by the Birla Foundation and is also managed by them wholly.
Birla Planetarium and Science Museum: A few yards away from the temple are - India's most modern planetarium, and the Birla Science Museum -a tribute to the advances made in science and technology since the dawn of civilization.
Falaknuma Palace: One of the finest palaces in Hyderabad, it has often been referred to as the 'Mirror of the Sky’. The monument is situated on a hill 2000 feet high, located 5 kms south of Charminar. Built by Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra, the fifth Paigah Emir, it was purchased by Nizam VI in 1897 to be used as a royal guesthouse and is now the property of Nawab Mukarramjah Bahadur, the grandson of Nizam VII.
An Italian architect designed the palace: its foundation was laid on the 3rd of March 1884, and it took 9 years to complete it. The palace boasts of one of the most lavishly decorated interiors. It houses a large collection of rare treasures collected by the Nizam including paintings, statues, furniture, manuscripts and books. The Jade collection of the Palace is considered to be unique in the world.
Badshahi Ashurkhana (Royal house of mourning): This is one of the oldest imambaras in the country and lies on the Mahboob Shahi road in the old city. Built in the Qutub Shahi style at the end of the 16th century it has some excellent mosaic tiles and wooden columns in the outer chambers.
Salarjung Museum: Salarjung Museum is home to the single largest collection of objects de arte belonging to one man named Salar Jung. In 1912, at the age of 23 he became the prime minister to the Nizam, but resigned two and a half years later. Thereafter, antiques and art were the only passions in his lonely life. Besides of course patronizing poets, artists and sportsmen.
He collected sculptures, wood carvings, religious objects, swords, daggers, armours, manuscripts, furniture, vases, snuff boxes, utensils, archer’s rings, ornaments, pottery, clocks, miniature paintings, portraits, silver, costumes and even toys!!
And they came from all over the world, France, England, Switzerland, Germany, Persia, China, Japan, Burma, and Sri Lanka. The artifacts were originally in Diwan Devdi, his residence. They were shifted to the present building in 1968 and declared an "institution of national importance" by an act of parliament in 1961.
Raymond’s Tomb: On a hillock east of Hyderabad stands an obelisk of polished black granite, conical in shape, about 60 m. long, 30 m. wide and 10 in. high, is the tombstone of Michel Joachin Marie Raymond. Raymond was a French mercenary, a military commander and a close friend of the second Asif Jah, Nizam Ali Khan. He was designated Amir-I-Jinsi or Controller of Ordinance by the Nizam. He undertook the construction of the Gun foundries in Hyderabad. In time, he came to be loved by the local folk and was known for his loyalty and resolution. He was popular among the Hindus and Muslims alike; the Hindus called him Musa Ram, to the Muslims he was Musa Rahim
His tomb is held in great veneration. Less than a kilometer from here is a French garden where Raymond and his men were stationed. Traces of the military barracks may also still be seen here
The Qutub Shahi Tombs: The tombs of the seven Qutub Shahi rulers lie in the Ibrahim Bagh, very close to the Golconda Fort. The tombs are of two types; the small single galleried tombs and the large twin storied ones. In the center of each tomb is a sarcophagus that overlies the actual burial vault in a crypt below. The domes were originally overlaid with blue and green tiles, of which only a few pieces now remain.
The tombs are domed structures built on a square base surrounded by pointed arches. The tombs form a large cluster and stand on a raised platform. They display a distinctive style, a mixture of Persian, Pathan and Hindu forms. The tombs are graceful structures with intricately carved stonework and are surrounded by landscaped gardens.
The tombs were once furnished with carpets, chandeliers and velvet canopies on silver poles. Qurans were kept on supports and readers recited verses from the holy book at regular intervals. Golden spires were fitted over the tombs of the Sultans to distinguish their tombs from those of other members of the royal family.
During the Qutub Shahi period, these tombs were held in such great veneration that criminals who took refuge there were granted pardon. But after their reign, the tombs were neglected, till Sir Salar Jung III ordered their restoration in the early 19th century. A pretty garden was laid out, and a compound wall built. All, except the last of the Qutub Shahi monarchs lie buried here.
Sultan Muhammad Quli's mausoleum is, by far, the grandest of the Qutub Shahi tombs. Built in 1602 A.D., the tomb is situated on a terrace 65 m square and 4 m high. A flight of steps leads to the mausoleum proper, which is 22 m square on the outside and 11 m square on the inside. There are entrances on the southern and eastern sides. The tomb itself is situated in a vault below the terrace. Inscriptions in Persian and the Naskh scripts decorate the tomb.
Paigah Tombs: Built with lime and mortar in the unique Indo Saracenic architecture and delightfully decorated with marble inlay work, the Paigah Tombs, situated at Santoshnagar, about 10 km from Charminar, are living testimony to the majesty of the past.
The Paigahs were the only noble family of Hyderabad to be permitted by the Sultans to maintain a private army.
St Joseph’s Cathedral: The Cathedral of Saint Joseph is located in the Gun foundry area and is perhaps the most beautiful in the twin cities. It was built around 1860 A.D. and its architecture has a distinctive Italian touch. The towering central monument can hold a congregation of 500 people at a time. The mammoth bell atop the structure is rung to indicate the hours. In the main alcove inside the cathedral is an imitation of the famous 'Pieta' by Michelangelo.
Tank Bund: The Tank Bund is the dam on the Hussain Sagar Lake. It is Hyderabad’s most popular promenade. The lake unites the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. It is lined with 33 statues of famous personalities who have done their motherland proud. The Department of culture in the evenings conducts every Sunday cultural programmes and admission is free for the public. This lake is the venue of many national and international water-sporting events.
In the midst of the lake on the "Rock of Gibraltar" rises the statue of the Buddha like a colossus. It is a large monolithic statue (carved out of a single rock) measuring 18 meters in height and an awesome 350 tonnes.
Beside this lake is the "Lumbini Park" developed with musical fountains. On the other side of this lake is the Necklace Road, that winds like a necklace. Dotting the lake on all sides are parks shimmering with greenery and bustling with life under the glitter and glory of city lights.
Himayat Sagar: This lake lies parallel to the Osman Sagar and is slightly smaller. It is named after the youngest son of the seventh Nizam, Himayat Ali Khan. It has lovely lush green lawns ideal for a day in the sun.
Cottages in the tourist complex of A.P. Tourism are available.
Indira Park: In the heart of the city on the lower Tank Bund road beside the Hussain Sagar is this large park named after Indira Gandhi. It covers what looks like an endless area of trees, ponds and groves. Boat rides are offered at the small lake located in the center of the park. Several small kiosks offer cool drinks and snacks.
Public Gardens: One of the several gardens of Hyderabad. Located in the center of the city, Public Gardens is also home to the State Archeological Museum, Jawahar Bal Bhavan and Lalitha Kala Thoranam, an open-air theatre that hosted the prestigious International Film Festival twice. A Children's train that chughs around this beautiful garden is an added attraction.
Beside this garden the beautiful white structure is the Andhra Pradesh Assembly building with green lawns. In 1985 a New Legislative Assembly hall was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India Late Sri. Rajiv Gandhi.
Nehru Zoological Park: The largest zoo in India is located about 8 km to the south of Charminar. Over 250 species of animals and birds reside in a lush green park sprawling over 300 acres. Animals can be seen in their natural habitat. The Lion Safari Park, Museum of Natural History and the children's train are added attractions.
Shilparamam: A Crafts Village set amidst lovely rocks, rippling water falls and gorgeous lawns, about 14 km from Hyderabad. Shilparamam plays host to the myriad traditions of arts and crafts of India. The annual All India Festival of Arts & Crafts is held here in the month of February and brings into limelight the cultural and artistic traditions from every nook and corner of the country.
The Deccan Rocks: The Deccan Rocks, 2500 million year old formations that border the Hyderabad horizon. These naturally sculpted gray granite rocks of the Deccan plateau are the only one of the Deccan Shield area in Asia. The rock, part of the Deccan Shield, at Durgam Cheruvu at Jubilee Hills is a panoramic treat.
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