Places to visit in Hyderabad

My visit in the month of February was to the city fondly called as the city of Nizams – Hyderabad in the state of Telangana.
Hyderabad until 2014 was the capital of the state Andhra Pradesh, but with the division of Telangana State from Andhra, Hyderabad was re-designated as the joint capital of both the states – Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Telangana is a state in South-Central of India and Hyderabad being the biggest and populous city of it.
Hyderabad is located on the Deccan plateau on the banks of river Musi.

Hyderabad has many epithets named to it – City of Pearls, City of Nawabs, City of Biryani, HITEC City.
Owing to the fast and favourable growth of IT sector in the city, it is also known as Cyberabad.

The sultan of Qutb Shahi dynasty, Qulī Quṭb Shah, in 1463 established the kingdom of Golconda, the then capital, which is 8Kms. away from the old city of Hyderabad.
Owing to the shortage of water in 1591, the Qutb Shahi ruler, Muḥammad Qulī Quṭb Shah, the grandson of Qulī Quṭb Shah built a new city, Hyderabad and moved the capital from Golconda fort to Hyderabad.

The city of Hyderabad has historical monuments with the richest of the architecture and grandeur.
This city has many places worth a visit.

Charminar
Located in the heart of the old city, Charminar was built by the fifth Qutb Shahi ruler, Muḥammad Qulī Quṭb Shah in 1591.
The monument has 4 ornate minarets attached and supported by four grand arches. These minarets are 53 metres high.
The top floor of the Charminar has a mosque which exists approximately 400 years.
Charminar is one of the recognized structures in India and also a globally known landmark of Hyderabad.
Surrounding Charminar is a local market popular for bangles, bags, footwear etc.
While roaming around the local market it is strongly advised to beware of the pickpocketers.
Mecca Masjid
This mosque is situated adjacent to Charminar. It is one of the largest mosques in India.
Mecca Masjid was built during the reign of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of Qutb Shahi dynasty.
The bricks used for the mosque were made from the soil brought from Mecca, the holy site of Islam. Hence, the name Mecca Masjid.
Chowmahalla Palace
The palace of Nizams, it was the seat of Asaf Jahi dynasty and was the official residence of the Nizams while they ruled the state.
The Nizams held their darbar and hosted religious and symbolic ceremonies.
Built over 200 years ago, his palace is renowned for its unique architecture and elegance.
Golconda Fort
Golconda fort initially was a mud fort built by Kakatiyas in the 13th century. The existing structure was then expanded by the kings of Qutb Shahi dynasty.
Because of the vicinity of diamond mines, especially Kollur Mine, Golconda flourished as a trade centre of large diamonds, known as the Golconda Diamonds. The region has produced some of the world’s most famous diamonds, including the colourless Koh-i-Noor (now owned by the United Kingdom).
Salarjung Museum
An art museum located on the southern bank of Musi river is one of the three national museums of India. It is one of the largest museums in the world and displays around 35000 antique and art objects by Nawab Salar Jung III.
It has a collection of sculptures, paintings, carvings, textiles, ceramics, furniture etc. from Japan, China, Burma, Nepal, India, Persia, Egypt, Europe etc.
Nehru Zoological Park
It is a zoo set up in 1959 and spread across 300 acres of land. This Zoo is home to many animals, birds, aquatic animals, butterflies etc.
Lion Safari is one of the attractions in the zoo. It is closed on Monday.
NTR Garden
It is a garden adjacent to lake Hussain Sagar spread across 36 acres.
It is built in the memory of former and popular chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, late Mr N T Ramarao.
The garden has been created in such a way that it offers breathtaking natural surroundings along with ample entertaining activities.
The massive entrance has sculptures of Nandi Bulls.
Buddha Statue
Buddha statue located in the middle of the lake Hussain Sagar is the tallest statue of Gautam Buddha erected on Gibraltar rock.
Ferries are arranged for the people who wish to visit the statue.
Lumbini Park
It is an amusement park developed by the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority in the year 1994. It is situated adjacent to the lake Hussain Sagar and Buddha Statue.
This park hosts a musical fountain and a laser show between 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm.
One of the main attractions of Lumbini Park is the giant clock at the entrance of the park which has been designed using various kinds of colourful flowering plants.
Birla Temple
The temple is located on the top of the hillock, Naubat Pahad, of 280 feet. The temple is said to be built over the span of 10 years and was built out of white marble which was brought from Rajasthan.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara of Tirumala Tirupati Temple.
The statue of Lord Venkateshwara is about 11 feet in height with a carved lotus canopy above, adding on to the entrancing beauty of the deity.
Ramoji Film City
It is certified as the world’s largest film city complex by Guinness World Record and spans across 2000 acres of land. It is a thematic destination with cine-magic. Breath-taking avenues, landscapes, special engagement with the magical cinematic experience are a few insights which the film city offers.
Sudha Cars museum
It is an interesting and unique place; it is a handmade car museum.
This museum displays around 150 different creations.
It is established by K Sudhakar, who holds a Guinness World Record for creating the largest tricycle in the world, which is about 41 feet and seven inches tall. He also has designed India’s smallest train with a seating capacity for 10 people. It is only 19 foot long. This creation was completed in just 20 days.
Snow World
It is an amusement park spanning across an area of 2 acres.
It is recognized as the first snow-themed park in the country. It is developed and conceptualized by Ocean Park Multi-Tech Limited. It is situated at Lower Tank Bund Road behind the Indira park and close to Hussain Sagar lake.

This city has diverse tourist places varying from traditional architecture to modern designs.
No doubt millions of tourist visit this city every year.