Located on the Deccan Plateau, Hyderabad, the sixth largest metropolitan city in India is also the capital of Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad was established by Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth ruler of Qutub Shahi Dynasty in the year 1591. It was only a matter of time before the Qutub Shahis were replaced by the Nizams. The city was famed for its riches, beauti-ful palaces, and of course its pearls and diamonds, during the reign of the ‘Nizams’ who ruled for over 200 years.

The city is an incredible mix of ancestral leg-acy and the modern times. Its individual character is defined by an elegant blend of the beau-tiful, ancient palaces and very modern and state-of-the-art offices and buildings. The influence of the IT sector is such on the city that its outskirts are known as ‘Cyberabad’.

Hyderabad is an archipelago of tourist attractions and activities; explore the historic monuments and museums, relax at the serene lakes and parks, relish the scrumptious cuisine and enjoy the shopping ex-perience. Hyderabad tenders a mesmerizing vista of the past, with a blend of rich, cultural and historical custom traversing over 400 vibrant years.

QUICK FACTSArea : 194 sq kms

Altitude : 536 m above sea levelTemperature : Summer-Max: 400C Min: 250C : Winter-Max: 290C Min: 130CAverage annual Precipitation : 79 cmsBest Season : October to February STD Code : 040

Language : Telugu, Urdu, Hindi, English

GETTING TO HYDERABAD

By AirRajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad is located around 25 kms from Hyderabad city. The airport not only connects the city to domestic desti-nations such as Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, New Delhi, Kolkata etc. but also to international destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Dubai, Chicago, Bangkok, Singapore and more.

Aero Express (non-stop Airport Shuttle Service) con-nects many important hubs in and around the city with the Airport. Car rental services as well as radio taxis are also available at the airport.

By Rail

Hyderabad city has three major railway stations that connect the city to the rest of the country.

Nampally Railway Station, the major rail head of the city, comes under the South Central Railways. Secunderabad Railway Station is mainly used as a boarding point for many super-fast and inter-city express trains. The magnificent Kachiguda Railway Station caters to some southern and western bound trains. City buses run for several places that are situ-ated near the railway stations.

Tickets can be booked easily through the Indian Railways website (www.irctc.co.in) and reservation counters all over the city.

By Road

Hyderabad is located at the junction of NH 7 and 9. Buses of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) operate to all centres in the region.

Distances of various cities and villages from Hydera-bad are as follows:

Adilabad 298 kms, Ahmednagar 500 kms, Akola 503 kms, Aurangabad 551 kms, Bellary 388 kms,

Bengaluru 582 kms, Bijapur 387 kms, Chitradurga 521 kms, Gul-barga 221 kms, Guntur 268 kms, Hospet 383 kms, Hubli 527 kms, Karimnagar 172 kms, Machilipatnam 347 kms, Nagpur 493 kms, Nanded 316 kms, Narayanpet 165 kms, Nizamabad 176 kms, Pune 548 kms, Solapur 300 kms, Tirupati 558 kms, Vijayawada 272 kms, Warangal 144 kms.

The Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station, on the Imlibun Island is locally known as the Imlibun Bus Station. Jubilee Bus Station at Secun-derabad runs inter-state buses.

GETTING AROUND Getting around in the city by bus can be the most affordable op-tion. The APSRTC runs point-to-point bus services connecting almost all places within the city. Another option can be the auto-rickshaws that are run by meter and charge per kilometre. You can hail an auto-rickshaw from the airport, bus stands or railway stations. Both self and chauffeur-driven cars are also available on rent as are radio cabs that can be hailed at the airports; they are also available on call.

The MMTS (Multi Modal Transport System) introduced in Hy-derabad connects various parts of the city with Secunderabad, Lingampally and Falaknuma by rail.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Public Garden (Bagh-e-Aam) (Map Grid C3) (Assembly Road, Nampally; :8am-8pm)

Located in the heart of Hyderabad city, this park was constructed in 1846 by the then Nizam’s government. It is the oldest and big-gest park in the city. The must visit attractions here are the Ja-wahar Bal Bhawan (to impart fine arts knowledge to children), Jubilee Hall, State Archaeological Museum, State Legislative Assembly, Telugu Lalita Kala Thoranam (an open-air theatre) and the Indira Gandhi Auditorium. The Government of Andhra Pradesh has recently erected an enormous statue of Mahatma Gandhi here.

Birla Mandir (Map Grid C3) (Adarsh Nagar; : 7am-12noon & 2pm-9pm; : +91-40-23235380/ 23233259)

Built a quarter of a century ago, exclusively with marble pro-cured from Rajasthan, the Birla Temple is devoted to Lord Venkateswara, known as Balaji in the south. The temple, on the Kala Pahad (hill) displays a fusion of South Indian and Rajasthani architecture. The 11 ft colossal figure of Lord Venkateswara in the sanctum sanctorum is sculpted in black granite.

Birla MandirFalaknuma Palace (Map Grid C5)

This magnificent palace was established in 1892 by the Paigah nobleman Nawab Vicar Ul Umra. Literally the ‘mirror of the sky’, it rises over old Hyderabad. The extravagant structure was de-signed by an Italian architect in the form of a Scorpion with two grasping claws; the palace has stained glass windows, elaborate fountains and marble staircases. The library here is similar to the one at Windsor Castle.

Charminar (Map Grid C4) (Hyderabad Old City; : 9am-5.30pm; Indian/ Foreigner: `5/ 100; Video: `25; : +91-40-24522990)

This dazzling structure was constructed by Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah in 1591. It was at the heart of Hyderabad city when the same was founded. A square structure with four minarets in the corners, each of which has four storeys, they look like ex-quisitely sculpted rings encompassing the minarets. While they project to a height of 24 m from the roof of the structure, they soar 48.7 m when measured from the ground.

A magnificent mosque on the roof is the oldest in Hyderabad with the prayer hall atop the monument. The remaining roof was used to hold court hearings under the Qutub Shahis. A magnifi-cent view of this historic city from the lovely balconies of the first floor is enticing.

Mecca Masjid (Map Grid C4) (Near Charminar; : 8am-12pm, 3pm-8pm; : +91-40-24524023)

Built in 1693 the Mecca Masjid is the biggest mosque in the city of Hyderabad. It derives its name from the holy mosque at Mec-ca on which it is modelled. Among the largest mosques in the country, it can contain 10,000 people at any given time.

Mecca MasjidChow-Mahalla Palace (Map Grid C4) (Motigalli; : 10am-5pm; Closed on Friday & National Holidays; Entry fee: Indian/ Foreigner `30/ 150; :+91-40-24522032)

This palace of exceptional style and grace is famed for being the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty. Dating back over 200 years, Chow-Mahalla Palace is open to distinguished individuals and corporates for hosting various events. Literally, the four palaces, it comprises of Afzal Mahal, Mahtab Mahal, Tahriyat Mahal and Aftab Mahal.

Chow-Mahalla PalaceGolconda Fort (Map Grid A4) (Golconda; : 9am-5:00pm; Indian For-eigner: `10/ 100; Show : 6.30am-7.30pm; VIP/ Non Executive: `100/ 50; : +91-40-23513984)

Literally ‘shepherd’s hill’, the Golconda Fort is over 800 years old. It was built and added on to by three dynasties that ruled the land then; the Kakatiyas, the Bahamanis and finally the Qutub Shahis. The 10-mile long boundary wall encloses the fort in a security cover.

The impregnable fort reflects the fused influence of Hindu and Muslim dynasties in its structures and carvings. The fort, with 50 to 60 feet high walls and 17 to 34 feet wide moats was once the home of the famous Kohinoor Diamond. Do not miss the Sound and Light show here.

Golconda FortHussain Sagar Lake (Map Grid C3) (Necklace Road; : Sunrise to Sun-set; Boating fee: Adult/ Child `30/ 20)

Originally constructed to meet the water needs of the city, this lake stretching 24 kms in length was constructed by Hazrat Hus-sain Shah Wali in 1562. One of the largest artificial lakes it links Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Famed as Tank Bund, it has a famous gigantic statue of Lord Buddha at its centre on an island. Around the statue is an embellished garden popularly known as 'Lumbini Park'. Marvel at the Floral Clock and enjoy the musical water fountain here. The jetty adjacent to the park gives you ac-cess to various types of boats for a joyride on the choppy waters of the lake.

Hussain Sagar LakeNehru Zoological Park (Map Grid C4) (Bahadurpura; : 10am-5pm; Adult/ Child `20/ 10; Closed on Monday & National Holidays; : +91-40-24477355)

The Hyderabad Zoo, officially the Nehru Zoological Park, was set up in the year 1959 and pronounced open to the public in 1963. Sprawling over 380 acres, the zoo houses unusual and indig-enous animals and birds along with the 200 year old Mir Alam Tank.

Sanghi Temple (Map Grid E4) (Sanghi Nagar; : 5am-12noon, 4pm-9pm)

Located in the quaint Sanghi Nagar, an industrial town, the Sang-hi Temple complex is built on a hillock. A massive maha dwaram (ornamental gateway) followed by a long flight of stairs reaches the entrance.

Sanghi TempleShilparamam (Map Grid C3) (: 10.30am-9.30pm; Entry fee: `25; : +91-40-23100455/ 64518164)

This arts and crafts village in Hyderabad sprawls over 65 acres and exhibits the diverse kinds of handicrafts in India. The an-nual bazaars are a shopper’s paradise with numerous artists and craftsmen from across the nation exhibiting their talent.

Pochampally (Map Grid C3) (Bhoodan Pochampally Tourism Development Committee : +91-8685-222685, Weaver Co-operative Society :+91-8685-222628)

Pochampally is a well known silk weaving centre in Andhra Pradesh, reputed for ‘ikkat’ tie-and-dye weaving that creates multi-hued designs in silk or cotton for saris, garments and ac-cessories. Tourists can take part in demonstration of the sari weaving and exhibition.

Osmania University (Map Grid E3) (:10.30am-5pm)

A perfect example of the Indo-Saracenic architecture with mas-sive Moorish arches, the main block of Osmania University is incredible. Established in 1918 and counted among the leading centres for higher education in India, it was named after Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan.

Osmania UniversityNTR Garden (Map Grid C3) (: 2.30pm-10pm; Entry fee: `20)

Set on 36 acres of lush landscapes overlooking the Hussain Sagar Lake, this is a memorial to NT Rama Rao, a superstar of Telugu cinema who later went on to become the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh. The machan (tree house), Japanese garden, car cafe, souvenir shops, fruits restaurant and children’s playing area are a part of this park.

NTR GardenHyderabad Botanical Garden (Map Grid E3) (: 9am-5pm; Entry fee: Adults/ Child `15/ 5, Camera/ Video `10/ 50; : +91-40-20044278)

Spread across 120 acres, this park, which is under development, is divided into 19 sectors. The botanical garden offers a breath-taking experience to visitors.

Paigah Tombs (Map Grid D5) (Pisalbanda)

The mausoleums of the Paigah nobles are architectural marvels. They display a mix of Islamic and Rajputana styles with traces of Greek, Persian and Turkish designs. These structures covering an area of about 30 acres have magnificently embellished mo-saic work that has often been compared those in the Taj Mahal.

Ramoji Film City (Map Grid E4) (R R District; : 9am-2pm; Entry fee: without food/ with food `600/ 800; : +91-40-32577654/ 23412262)

Ramoji Film City is the world’s largest incorporated film studio campus covering 2,000 acres of land. The natural and simulated attractions here offer all resources related to film-making and also serve as a tourist attraction with its amusement park. It is located around 25 kms east of Hussain Sagar Lake.

Ramoji Film City FEW WORDS FROM INDIAN LEXICON

English to Hindi/ TeluguAddress : Pata/ ChirunaamaAnswer : Jawab/ JawabuArrival : Pahunchna/ Aagamamu,CheradamuBaggage : Saaman/ SaamanuDirections : Dishayen/ VaipuFestival : Tyohar/ PandagaFood : Khana/ BhojanamFriend : Dost/ SnehithuduFruit : Phal/ PanduGift : Upahar/ BahumaanamHungry : Bhukha/ AaakaliHurry up : Jaldi Karo/ ThvaragaaWater : Pani/ NeeruPrice : Mulya/ DharaPurchase : Kharidna/ KonadamuQuestion : Sawal/ PrashnaaSafe : Surakshit/ JaagrathagaShop : Dukaan/ Kottu/ DukanamuThank You : Dhanyavad/ Dhanyavaadamulu, : KrutagnyathaluToilet : Jan Suvidha/ ShouchivaalayamVegetable : Sabzi/ KoorakaayaluYour : Tumhara/ Meedee

CONVERSATIONAL PHRASESEnglish to TeluguAt the Airport : Airport daggara

Where is the exit? : Bayitiki velle dhaari ekkada?

How far is the hotel? : Hotel entha dhooramu?

What is the rent? : Kiraayee entha?

Please call Taxi : Dayachesi Taxi ni pilavandi

Please stop here : Dayachesi ikkada aagandi

Place worth visiting : Chooda dagga sthalam

Want city guide map : Nagara patam kaavali

Show me the way : Naaku dhaari choopinchandi

Please do booking : Dayachesi booking cheyyandiWhich is the main : Mukhyamayana bazaar ekkada?shopping centre?I want to send an e-mail : Nenu e-mail pampinchaaliIt is hot/ cold today : Eee roju vediga/ chaligaa undi.

ACCOMMODATION

Wide range of hotels in all categories are available. Contact nearest tourist office or www.incredibleindia.org

FAIRS & FESTIVALSSankranti (January)

The harvest festival is celebrated by cooking Pongal, a sweet-dish made of rice and jaggery. It is also celebrated as the joyous kite festival when vibrant kites are all over in the sky.

All India Industrial Exhibitions (1 January-10 February)

Started in 1938, this show is coordinated by the Exhibitions So-ciety at Nampally Ground. With over 2,600 stalls and 25 lakh visi-tors, it is one of the most esteemed events of the city.

All India Industrial ExhibitionsUgadi (March-April)

The Telugu New Year day, Ugadi is specially associated with pacchadi or ‘chutney’ in Telugu. Every member of the family eats the chutney after being served to the deity. It is made of delicate flowers of neem, jaggery and new tamarind. People wear new clothes to welcome the New Year and at dusk entertaining com-petitions like bullock-cart races, heavy weight lifting etc. are held.

Vinayak Chaturthi (September)

The 11 day festival marks the celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesh. It concludes with Ganesh idols being immersed in the Hussain Sagar Lake.

Vinayak ChaturthiDiwali (October-November)

Diwali or Deepavali is celebrated across the country with a lot of gusto and enthusiasm. Referred to as the ‘festival of lights’, it is the day when people of Hyderabad worship Lakshmi, the god-dess of wealth.

All India Crafts Mela (15 December-31 December)

Organised by Shilparamam, this event is for the rural artisans to exhibit and sell their products. An array of cultural programmes and around 650 stalls from 25 states are put up in the mela.

Moharram

Moharram is observed with much fervour in Hyderabad and commemorates the start of the Muslim New Year. It is observed primarily by the Shia community as a tribute to the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammad’s grandson, Imam Hussain, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.

SHOPPER’S PARADISEBegum Bazaar (Map Grid C4)

Begum (Queen) Bazaar is the biggest market in Hyderabad. This is considered the best place for bargaining and wholesale pur-chasing.

City Centre Mall (Map Grid C3) (Rd No.1, Banjara Hills)

GVK One Mall (Map Grid C3) (Rd No.1, Banjara Hills)

Hyderabad Central Mall (Map Grid C3)

Inorbit Mall (Map Grid A3)

Inorbit Mall is the largest mall in Hyderabad with a floor area of approximately 8,00,000 sq ft.

Laad Bazaar (Map Grid C4)

Known for the colourful bangles often studded with imitation diamonds, the Laad Bazaar is situated on the road leading to the Charminar.

Lepakshi Handicrafts (Map Grid D3) (Gun Foundry, Abids; : +91-40-23235028/ 23212902)

Prasad’s Imax (Map Grid C3) (Necklace Road)

Sultan Bazaar (Map Grid D4)

One of the oldest bazaars, Sultan Bazaar is situated midway be-tween the commercial areas of Abids and Koti. It has more than 100 shops selling various kinds of textiles, fashionable jeans and other funky fashion accessories.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRESIndia Tourism, Hyderabad (Govt. of India) Ground Floor, Balayogi Paryatak Bhawan, 6-3-870, Green Lands, Begumpet, Hyderabad-500016 : +91-40-23409199 Fax: +91-40-23409299E-mail: ithyd-tour@nic.in Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Central Reservation Office, NSF Shakar Bhawan, Opp. Police Control Room, Basheerbagh, Hyderabad: +91-40-66746370/ 66745986/ 2398456/ 57 (M): 0984854037

LIST OF MUSEUMSAP State Museum (Map Grid C3) (Entry fee: Adult/ Child ` 10/ 5)

Public Gardens, Nampally : +91-40-23232267 Timings: 10.30am-5.00pm Closed: Friday & National Holidays

Salarjung Museum (Map Grid C4) (Entry fee: Adult/ Child `65/ 15)

22-7-268, New Buildings, Near Estate Talkies, Afzal-gunj : +91-40-24523211/ 24523212 Timings: 10am-5pm Closed: Friday & National Holidays

Salarjung MuseumThe Nizam’s Museum (Map Grid D4) (Entry fee: Adult/ Child `70/ 15)

Old City, Purani Haveli : +91-40-24521029 Timings: 10am-5pm Closed: Friday & National Holidays

The Birla Science Museum (Map Grid C3) (Entry fee: `15)

Opposite Birla Mandir, Adarshnagar : +91-40-23235081Timings: 10.30 am-8.00 pm Closed: last Thursday of every month & National Holidays

Sudhakar Car Museum (Map Grid C4)

Saifabad, Adarsh Nagar, Near Birla Temple, Hill Fort : +91-40-24463376 Timings: 9.30am-6.30pm

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Ambulance 108

Police 100

Fire Brigade 101

Railway Station 131/ 135/ Enquiry -General/ 1333 (Telugu)/ Reservations 1332 (Hindi)

Airport Enquiry +91-40- 66600000/ 66609156/ 66606051/ 66546370

24x7 AP Tourist Info Centre +91-40-23450444

Apollo Hospital +91-40-23607777

Osmania General Hospital +91-40-24600121

ESI, Erragadda +91-40-23700531

Yellow Taxi +91-40-44004400

Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station +91-40-24614406/ 08

Foreigner’s Regional Regn. Off. +91-40-24251317/ 23230138

Note: Due to space constraint, all places of interest could not be included here. For more information, contact nearest India Tour-

ism Office.Or visit www.incredibleindia.org

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