Hyderabad lies in the state of Andra Pradesh, 300 miles north of Bangalore. It is currently undergoing a huge amount of change with massive investment in new infrastructure, including a new international airport and improved road network. As a result it should make travelling to this area much easier.
The city itself is trying to “clean up its act” with better regulated traffic, improved street cleaning creating a healthier environment. The city’s food, culture and architecture are strongly influenced by its Muslim roots seen in the older quarters. Contrasting this, is the IT and outsourcing industries which are bringing prosperity and modernity into the city.
Historically Hyderabad was the biggest and richest princely state in India. Its rulers were the pleasure seeking Nizams whose wealth was generated from the emeralds and diamonds mined at Golconda, which is famous as the source of the Koh-I-Nor diamond. The last Nizam resisted joining the Indian Union after Independence in 1947 but was eventually forced to do so after riots broke out.
The old city has most of the areas of interest and can be seen easily on foot or auto rickshaw ride. Best visited October to March. The summer gets very hot. Allow two days to see the sites at leisure.
Due to the strong Muslim influence many sights and some shops are closed on a Friday.
Places of Interest:
CHARMINAR
At the heart of the Muslim-dominated Old City lies the Charminar (Four Towers), Hyderabad’s famous landmark. Grand arches frame its four sides and on its top floor is the city’s oldest mosque. The minarets soar 177ft high above the Hindu temple at its base. It is the hub of the busy commercial area, where mosques and palaces are surrounded by colourful, lively bazaars selling everything from pearls to bangles to mangoes. You can climb the steep spiral staircase to reach the open veranda which gives good views of the streets below. Take care!
GOLCONDA FORT
The ruins of what was once the state capital, the predecessor of Hyderabad. It was, in its heyday, the centre of the world trade in diamonds. The history behind the fort is very interesting and there is a light and sound show every evening which lasts for one hour and is worth listening to.
HUSSAIN SAGAR LAKE
The lake offers a relaxing place to promenade and people watch. At the centre of the lake is a rock on which stands a 56ft high monolithic Buddha weighing 350 tonnes. It sank to the bottom of the lake in 1986 when the ferry transporting it capsized. Seven years later it was salvaged, intact, and mounted on the rock.
MECCA MASJID
India’s second biggest mosque after Delhi. It can hold up to 10 000 worshippers at Friday prayers, when it is closed to non Muslims.
QUTB SHAHI TOMBS
This royal necropolis is laid out in beautifully maintained gardens with water channels, pools and shaded paths, making a pleasant place for a stroll. Closed Friday.
SALAR JUNG MUSEUM
There are 35,000 items in what is regarded as one of the largest private collections in the world. It belonged to Salarjung III, whose family were important members of Hyderabad society with five of its family members serving as prime ministers to the Nizam. Items include European glass, Chinese jade, jewelled weapons and miniatures. No cameras are allowed. Closed Friday.
SHILAPARAMAM
Designed to revive traditional Indian village handicrafts. It has shops, a village theatre and an auditorium for cultural festivals and concerts.
