Hyderabad Introduction
The capital of the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad is a blend of the fairy tale and earthy, a pot pouri of old and new. The city is a prime example of the amenable blend of Hindu and Muslim culture that India has witnessed over the centuries. The city is situated on the bank of the river Musi. It is surrounded by huge prehistoric rock formations like petrified, gray elephants.
Hyderabad is the fifth largest city in India. This city was founded by Muhammad Quli, the fourth of the Qutub Shahi Kings in 1590.
Even though Hyderabad has a predominantly Hindu population, it was ruled by a line of rich and powerful Muslim rulers, the Nizams, who along with their courtiers left a lasting influence on the language, culture, cuisine and customs of the state.
One can see their influence in the old city of Hyderabad. Secunderabad, the twin of Hyderabad nestles on the vast Hussain Sagar Lake. It houses the government and commercial offices and it is the present centre of expansion.
Known as the Hi-tech city, Hyderabad is second cyber city after Banglore. The older part of the city still influenced with tradition and Islamic culture.
Sightseeing in Hyderabad
Charminar: Charminar is a small mosque, situated at the very centre of the old city. This is the striking gateway of the city and built by the Mohammad Quli Shah in 1591. One can enjoy the breathtaking view of the city from the top of the 54 m high minarets.
Hussain Sagar Lake: this beautiful lake separates Hyderabad and Secunderabad. One can take a boat ride from the boarding Lumbini Park. The main attraction of the lake is 17.5 m high statue of Buddha, which is located at the centre of the lake. This statue was installed in the lake in 1994.
Birla Mandir: Built in white marble, this modern temple is mixtures of architectural styles.
Mecca Masjid: This famous mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world. The mosque has a few bricks from the holy shrine of Mecca embedded in it. This is the reason why this mosque is called Mecca Masjid
Golconda Fort: Situated at the distance of 11 km from Hyderabad, Golconda is famous for its legendary diamond mines that made the rulers of Hyderabad rich and powerful. The Qutub Shahi Kings built the Golconda Fort, along with palaces, mosques and gardens. The fort has many decorated gates, namely Fateh Darwaja, Habshi Kaman Gate, and Bala Hisar Gate. The most important part of the fort is the Rani Mahal. The wall of the Rani Mahal was decorated with rubies and diamonds
.Apart from above mention sights there are many other sights in Hyderabad which are worth seeing. Such as; the Residency, churches and mosques of Secunderabad, Qutub Shahi Tombs, Nagarjunakonda, Lepakshi Temples, Salar Jung Museum, Nizam’s Museum and many more.
Hyderabad Fair & Festivals
Deccan Festivals: - The Deccan festival highlights Hyderabad's arts, crafts, culture and cusine. This festival also includes a Pearls and Bangles fair and a food fair. Cultural programs, food stalls arts and craft shops etc. are also organized.
Lumbini Festival: - This festival is organized to celebrate the Buddhist Heritage of Andra Pradesh. The festival is celebrated in Nagarjunasagar and Hyderabad for three days from 2nd Friday of December every year.
Makara Sankranti: - In January, Sankranti also known as the harvest festival, marks the entry of the sun into the northern hemisphere. The day, held auspicious by Hindus, is marked by worship of the Sun God and kite flying. Houses are decorated with rangolis. Seasonal celebrations, temple festivals, tribal traditions are joyful occasions. Makara Sankranti, a 3-day festival in mid January, marks the reaping of a harvest. It is also the festival of kites.
Ugadi :- This native New Year comes soon after the celebration of 'holy' in April-May. Spring is considered as the first season of this native New Year of Andra
Moharrum: - Moharrum is celebrated in Hyderabad; Muslims also celebrate Milad-un-Nabi with assemblies held Mecca Masjid and at Dar-us-Salaam. Traditionally, the Muharram period lasts over a month and is observed by Muslims and Hindus with temperance. On the 8th and 10th days of Muharram, people of all religions pay respect at Chote Hazrat ki Dargah, inside Devan Devadi, in Hyderabad. Muharram of Hyderabad is considered as popular as the morning of Benaras, the evening of Oudh the Dasara of Mysore.
Hyderabad Best Season
Best Season to visit Hyderabad is in the month of September and Februrary.
How to arrive in Hyderabad
In terms of connectivity Hyderabad is well connected with the major cities of India by air, train, and roads. Hyderabad airport is well connected with the all the Indian cities. It is also connected with some of international flights. The city has mainly two railway stations; Hyderabad and Secunderabad. |
