Hyderabad - 'New Delhi of Deccan'
Hyderabad is one of major metropolitan cities of India. It is among the top IT cities of India including Bangalore, Chandigarh. The city is famous for its historic culture and legacy left by Nizams. In my article, I had discussed about best places in Hyderabad.
Hyderabad, the capital of newly formed state Telangana is major center for Technology Industry. Many reputed IT Industries had setup their R&D center in this city. Having population of about 6.7 million, and metropolitan population of about 7.75 million the city ranks 4th in terms of most populous city. Musi river flows near Hyderabad. Because of its booming IT Industry, it is also sometimes called "Cyberabad" or Hi-Tech city.Origin of Name
Hyderabad means "Haydar's city" or "lion city". Here 'Hyder' means lion and 'bad' means city. It was named to honor 'Caliph Ali Ibn Abi Talib' who was also famous by the name Hydar because of his lion-like battles in wars.History
The modern Hyderabad was previously known as Golkonda (meaning "Shepherd's hill") and was ruled by Chalukya Dynasty rulers from 624 CE to 1075 CE. During the fall of Chalukya Dynasty in 11th century, the throne came under Kakatiya Dynasty which lasted upto 1310 when Khilji dynasty took the control. It was the time when Alauddin Khilji took the Koh-i-Noor diamond (extracted from Kollur Mines) to Delhi. Soon after Qutab Shahi dynasty was established 1518 who re-built the destroyed Golconda and named it "Muhammad Nagar". Hyderabad was formal capital of Nizams in 1769. When India gained Independence, the Nizams declared to be remain independent and denied to be part of Indian union. Then Indian Army initiated a operation code-named Operation Polo that made Nizam VII to surrender.Points of Interest
Hyderabad is located in the northern part of Deccan plateau on the bank of Musi river. There are many source of attractions here. Some are natural while some are renovated and developed by Government.Charminar
Charminar is one of the best places in Hyderabad for those who planning to visit Hyderabad. Located in the old city, this monument was bult by Muhammed Quli Qutb Shah as a memorial for plague victims.Golconda Fort
This fort was built by Kakatiya dynasty which was used for defensing from Western powers. The fort was once abandoned by Qutab Shahis. It is considered as one of the strongest forts in India.Qutab Shahi Tombs
These tombs are located near Golconda Fort. A perfect example of Deccan architecture with large minarets, huge domes, etc.Paigah Tombs
Paigah Tombs one among the best places in Hyderabad.Also referred as Maqhbara Shams al-Umara are the tombs that belongs to Paigah family. These Paigah were fierce loyalists of the Nizams. They are spread over an area of about 30-40 acres.Birla Mandir
Birla Mandir is a hindu temple. It is built on a 280 feet high hillock called Naubath Pahad. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara of Tirumala Tirupati Temple.Salar Jung Museum
Another place to visit in Hyderabad is Salar Jung Museum. The musueum is nationwide famous as a art museum. Located in the southern bank of Musi river, this museum stores exquisite artefacts.Hussain Sagar Lake
It is a heart shaped lake in Hyderabad city built by Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah in the year 1563. Lord Buddha Statue is placed in the Hussain Sagar. It is the world's largest monolith of Gautam Buddha.Osman Sagar or Gandipet Lake
A reservoir of about 29 km square was created by damming Musi river in 1920 to provide additional source of drinking water for Hyderabad. In 1908, devastating flood was caused by Musi river killing 50,000 people. Hence, this decision was taken to build Osman Sagar lake.Himayat Sagar
This is another artificial lake built parallely to Osman Sagar Lake. It is about 20 km from Hyderabad city.NTR Gardens
Spread over 36 acres, these gardens are adjacent to Hussain Sagar lake. This park was built in the memory of late Shri NT Rama Rao who was former Chief minister of Andhra Pradesh.Nehru Zoological Park
Nehru Zoological Park is among the most visited attraction in Hyderabad. The zoo is spread over a wide area of 380 acres having about 100 species of birds, animals, reptiles, etc.
Image Source: AuthorRamoji Film City
Ramoji Film city is one of the famous places in Hyderabad and it is spread over 2000 acres is largest integrated film city in the world. It contains natural and artificial attractions including amusement park. Located at about 30 kms from the Hyderabad city, it attracts many visitors from all parts of the country.
Image Source: AuthorIdeal Time to Visit
Hyderabad can be visited between October and February during Winter season. The temperature here varies from 29 degree to 14 degree celsius during Winters.What to eat and buy
Hyderabad was mostly ruled by Nizams and Tughlaqs, so non-veg food is found in abundance here. Biryani is famous item here. You can find different types of Biryani dishes here.
Here, glass bangles can be bought from Markets like Laad bazaar which is famous for its glass and ceramic products.Where to stay
Hyderabad has a large variety of hotels and rooms for pleasant stay. About 1000+ hotels are established in Hyderabad. Here, Vivanta by Taj Begumpet, Trident Hyderabad, Ramoji Film City Hotel Tara, Taj Falaknuma Palace, Mercure Hyderabad KCP, Lemon Tree Hotel Gachibowli, Park Hyatt Hyderabad, ITC Kakatiya, Novotel Hyderabad Airport, Red Fox Hotel Hyderabad, Hotel Avasa, The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, Marigold By Greenpark are among top hotels to stay in Hyderabad. How to reach
Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS) is chief bus station that operates TSRTC buses to nearby cities of Hyderabad.
Hyderabad has three major railway stations in the city to handle the railway traffic. Secunderabad Junction (SC), Hyderabad Deccan (HYB), Kacheguda (KCG) are the three major railway stations of Hyderabad city. These railway stations are connected to major cities of India.
Rajiv Gandhi Hyderabad International Airport is established 20 kms away from the city having direct flights to major cities.
Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) is under construction which is about to completed in the end of 2017. This will balance the increasing load on other traffic modes.
