Excursions in Hyderabad

Traveling with your friends or family or even alone is always fun. It will become even more interesting and enjoyable if you go on excursions from Hyderabad, India. The places to visit around Hyderabad are so numerous and you will find it hard to choose from the list in case you have less time. All the places are definitely worth a visit. So read on about Hyderabad excursions and plan your trip.

Enjoy the art and culture of Rajasthan in your Hyderabad visit. Yes, you read it correct! Wondering how? The Dhola-Ri-Dhani is an ethnic Rajasthani resort where you can view all the art, heritage, culture and cuisines of Rajasthan besides the modern amenities, which any person travelling to a new place will crave for. You can also plan your excursion to the Mir Alam Tank, an artificial lake, where you can enjoy boating after you enjoy the wilderness in the adjacent Nehru Zoological Park. If you want to see magic made real, travel to the glamorously landscaped and immaculately maintained Ramoji Film City, which besides being a world-renowned film production center is also, a popular magnificent tourist hangout.

Your creative soul can definitely feast itself in the ethnic Shilparamam festival in Hyderabad. You can find art in each and every form ranging from the most famous and popular handicrafts, to the folk dances that are confined to a remote village. In Yadagirigutta you can view the Lakshminarasimha shrine and also hear the astonishing legend of the formation of the Lakshminarasimha Temple.

Birla Planetarium Hyderabad

Location:	Naubat Pahad, heart of Hyderabad.
How to Reach:	Local transport within the city.
Main Attraction:	Science Museum and Dinosorium.
Timings:	10:30 am to 3:00 pm.

The Birla Planetarium in Hyderabad is an accolade to the advances made in technology and science since the dawn of human civilization. Late Sri N.T.Rama Rao inaugurated this beautiful dome shaped architectural wonder, on 8th September 1985. The B.M. Birla Planetarium and Science Museum is an absolute visit during your trip to Hyderabad. Kids are sure to enjoy this planetarium and the variety of knowledge it has to offer.

The Planetarium offers daily sky shows (in Telugu and English) reciting various aspects of the enigmatic Cosmos, the mind boggling mysteries of the Universe, the undying comets, the Hubble Space Telescope, Eclipses, the puzzling Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO's) and the very recent clash of the Titans. As the sky show begins, the visitors are virtually transferred into the galaxy as they watch a large canopy of dark sky, full of shining stars looking down upon them. The convincing background sound effect multiplies the feel of being in outer space, which adds to the excitement and exhilaration.

The most recent addition to the Planetarium is the Dinosorium - a new wing which houses, the fossil of 160 million years old "Kotasaurus Yamanpalliensis", excavated in Adilabad district. Apart from this highlight, the Dinosaurium also has a collection of smaller fossils of dinosaur eggs, marine shells and fossilized tree trunks. The place always succeeds in enthralling people with its breathtaking sky shows of mysterious universe. It is the one place in the city, which should not be missed out by children. The Planetarium remains closed on the last Thursday of every month.

Dhola Ri Dhani Hyderabad

Location:	Kompally, Medchal road in Hyderabad.
How to Reach:	Local transport within Hyderabad that is available easily.
Main Attractions:	Ethnic Rajasthani culture.

Dhola-Ri-Dhani, located in Hyderabad offers plays, dances, puppet shows and other variety programmes for the whole family plus has a mini handicrafts market worth meandering through. A tour to the famous Dhola-Ri-Dhani at Hyderabad is an absolute must if you want to see the amalgamation of two entirely different cultures. The imposing entrance opens the doors to the world of Ethnic Rajasthani culture and fantasy, a culmination of the images and dreams of tourists out there to experience the pure magic of Rajasthan in Hyderabad!

Dhola-Ri-Dhani is a classic setting, recreated with rustic ambience and charm of an ethnic Rajasthani village. Camel rides, puppet shows, folk dances keep you thoroughly entertained while authentic Rajasthani cuisine gives you the taste of the northern state of Rajasthan in every sense. Apart from the countryside setting, a large swimming pool, a lake to go boating, an amphitheatre for plays and other entertainment performances, give you a feel of modern ambience. For tourists who want to stay, the place has a resort with lodging facilities and accommodation.

Laad Bazaar Hyderabad

Location:	Right next to Charminar, Hyderabad.
How to Reach:	Hyderabad is well connected by Air, Rail and Roadways.
Main Attraction:	Bangles, Pearls, Semi-Precious Stones.

Laad Bazaar is located in Hyderabad right next to the historic Charminar. Situated on one of the four main roads that shoot out from the Charminar, it is sited in a very old area of Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh.

"Laad" is a term in Hindi and Urdu meaning "to love" or "to pamper" and a more fitting name would be hard to confer upon the bazaar. Another local folklore is that the market's original name was "Lord's Bazaar" and the current name is an altered form of this. There are a number of stores selling articles primarily targeted towards women on this one-kilometer long stretch. A vast and colorful collection of stores selling stuff usually intended for women like gorgeous bangles, semi-precious stones, pearls, saris and other such items are located in the Laad Bazaar.

Usually shopkeepers set exaggerated prices, but they do so in expectation of the bargaining known to take place in the bazaar. One can strike a good deal if the art and tactics of bargaining are known, as prices are rather subjective. Usually one reduces about 20-30% of the price tagged by the shopkeeper. He may seem very adamant at first, but if you persuade him a bit, you may get good stuff at decent prices. The most popular items sold over here are the colorful bangles and glistening pearls. It may seem strange at the first glance, but most shops make their customers sit on the floor, which is carpeted from wall to wall. Since the stores are cramped, they utilize every inch of space available.

The Laad Bazaar is located in a small lane that offshoots from the historic monument Charminar. Since the lane is narrow, cabs, cars and autos are not allowed inside. It is best to explore the bazaar on foot. You may also take the manually driven rickshaws available there which is a different experience in itself.

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali Hyderabad

Location:	15 Kilometers from Hyderabad city, in Vanasthalipuram.
How to Reach:	Local transport that is easily available within Hyderabad.
Main Attraction:	Endangered Black Bucks and other animals.

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is situated in Vanasthalipuram, which is around 15 kilometers from the city. Mahavir Harina Vanasthali Wildlife Sanctuary in Hyderabad has been named after the holy Jain saint 'Lord Mahavira'. It was established in 1975 on this renowned saint's 2500th birth anniversary. This sanctuary was once the exciting 'Shikargarh' or hunting ground of one of the Nizam rulers. It has now been converted into a protected national park under the law. The park is in full bloom during monsoons when beautiful flowers of different colors blossom all around. This Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is home to the endangered Black Buck deer. An estimated 400 deer roam around the National Park fearlessly.

The other species of animals apart from the Black Buck that are found over here are cheetahs, wild boar, monitor lizards, mongooses, porcupines and innumerable variety of snakes. Several species of birds like partridges, quails, peacocks, doves, pond herons, egrets, kingfishers, cormorants are also found here in great numbers. One can also find birds of prey like kites, vultures, eagle etc. Over 80 species of migratory birds can be seen basking in the sun. The Short-toed Eagle, which is a rare variety among the bird species, is also found in this area. The national park provides a tour around the park in vans for those who are interested in seeing the wildlife from a nearer distance. The park is open on all days (except Monday), from 9am to 5 pm. There are observation points in the Park for people to view animals at hotspots.

Mir Alam Tank Hyderabad

Location:	16 Kilometers from Hyderabad, near Nehru Zoological Park.
How to Reach:	Easily accessible by local transport available in Hyderabad city.
Main Attractions:	Boating facilities, Zoo nearby.

Mir Alam Tank is a small lake that has been built right next to the Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad. Take a tour to the Mir Alam Tank to feel the peace and tranquility of nature untouched by time. The unique feature of this Tank is that it has 21 in-built small masonry dams, semi-circular in shape.

The Mir Alam Tank is named after Mir Alam, the then Prime Minister of Hyderabad and the builder of the Tank, who ruled for a period of 1804 - 1808. The construction of this tank is really worth appreciating. It is a wonderful paradigm of engineering, comprising of one-mile bund with 21 semi-circular arches put up on it, thus giving the whole scene a majestic look.

Another benefit of planning a tour to the Mir Alam Tank is that you can also visit the Nehru Zoological Park, which is situated right next to it. You can enjoy the flora and fauna of the Zoo along with the calm view of the Tank, thus enjoying your trip to the fullest.

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

Location:	150 Kilometers from Hyderabad, on Krishna River.
How to reach:	Well connected by roads. Hire local transport to reach here.
Main Attractions:	Ethipothala waterfalls, Srisailam Wildlife Reserve, boat ride on Krishna River.

One of the tallest masonry dams of the World, the Nagarjunasagar Dam in Hyderabad supplies water and irrigates over 10 lakh acres of land in Guntur, Prakasam, Nalgonda, Khammam and Krishna districts. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is located on the borders of Guntur and Nalgonda districts. The edifice of this dam was completed in the year 1966. This mighty dam reaches to a staggering height of 124 meters and is 1 kilometer long. It is built across the Krishna River and has one of the largest networks of canal systems.

A Lake emerges from just behind the dam, which is the third largest artificial lake. The Nagarjuna Konda Island surfaces out of this lake. The historical remnant of a Buddhist settlement has been refurbished and it lies on the right bank of the reservoir. One can see pious stupas, viharas, monasteries and a sacrificial altar in the Buddhist abbey. The Lake is situated 4 kilometers away from the dam. There is also an idol of Lord Nagarjuna, positioned on a tower, very near to the dam. The Dam has a beautiful landscape and looks strikingly scenic.

Besides the lake, there are other attractions around the Dam like Ethipothala waterfalls, and the densely forested Srisailam Wildlife Reserve. There is also an exquisite museum, located near the dam that can be reached by boat.

Ramoji Film City Hyderabad

Location:	35 Kilometers from Hyderabad, towards Vijayawada, on NH-9.
How to Reach:	Local transport from Hyderabad. Once there, special buses take you on a tour inside the studios.
Main Attraction:	Extensive film studios and glamorous sets.

The Ramoji Film City is located about 35 kilometers from the Hyderabad city. A tour to the Ramoji Film Studio will tell you why is it acknowledged by the Guinness Book of World Records as one of the largest film studios in the world. The studio lives upto its name of a "city" as it is spread over a vast area of around 2500 acres. You feel as if you have entered a new city all together with hills, gardens, lakes, and at the same time flanked with spotless modern buildings.

The Ramoji Film City doubles both as a tourist attraction and major film-making facility. The city looks like the product of an alliance between the famous magician P.C. Sorkar and Vishwakarma, the God of Architecture and Engineering. It is India's answer to the Universal Studios in Hollywood, in every aspect. It is a place where realism obtains all the traits of enchantment and inconceivable. Today, it is the filmmakers' first choice as it is a single-window, press-button facility that opens up an unlimited arena of creativity for every major and minor aspect of film production.

As some famous directors and producers put it, "The Film City has all facilities at one place with latest technology and advanced equipment." The studio's brochure highlights its dictum as "Make the Magic Happen". The magic however happens impulsively without human intrusion as though it is the key ingredient of the entire project. Yet, everything in the studio is real, whether it is the 50 studio floors, outdoor locations, high-tech laboratories, state-of-the-art technology and the lush green landscape and scenery.

Shilparamam in Hyderabad

Location:	Located at a place called Madhapur, 25 kilometers from Hyderabad.
How to Reach:	Easily reachable by local transport.
Main Attractions:	Unique traditional handicrafts.

Shilparamam at Hyderabad is an arts and crafts village exhibiting various art forms and handicrafts of diverse artists from all over the State. You can buy absolutely traditional souvenirs for yourself and your friends when you tour Shilparamam. Shilparamam hosts a multitude of ethnic art and crafts from all over the country. The yearly All-India Festival of Arts and Crafts held here in February highlights the cultural and creative traditions from every corner of the country and provides a unique occasion to take home a piece of Indian art. Interested buyers can come and pick up objects of art directly from the artisans without having to deal with the middlemen.

Exhibition of art does not limit itself to the artifacts, but all forms of creativity. There is an open amphitheater where both experienced and amateur rural artists, musicians and dancers demonstrate their wide array of skills. The artists display their talents ranging from classical music, versatility in instrumental music, folk dances, classical dances and theatrical performances. The theatrical performances are not only in regional languages but also international languages including English, French, etc.

Every season at Shilparamam brings with it the atmosphere of festivity and an occasion to celebrate. Here, Indian festivals are celebrated in the most conventional way and these festivals bring together talented people from all over the globe. As you go further inside, you can enjoy boating facility in a small artificial lake. The lake offers both peddling and rowing boats. Shilparamam is the perfect place to take a day off from your busy city life.

Yadagirigutta Temple Nalgonda

Location:	69 Kilometers from Hyderabad, near Warangal.
How to Reach:	Well-connected through a wide network of roads and railways. Hire local transport from Hyderabad and Secunderabad to reach the place.
Main Attraction:	Lakshminarasimha Idol.

The place was named Yadagirigutta after a hermit called Yadavarishi who religiously meditated to be blessed by Lord Narasimha, who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Temple of Yadagirigutta is situated at a height of 300 feet on a hill, in Nalogonda district of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is famous and attracts a huge number of local devotees and outsiders.

It is said that Lord Narasimha was satisfied with the hermit's devotion and materialized in five different forms. The five different forms are Jwala, Yogananda, Lakshminarasimha, Gandabherunda and Ugra. As legend goes, the first form of Narasimha was so fiery that the yogi wanted him to appear him in a peaceful form. He then appeared in the form of Yoganarasimha, but the yogi is still not satisfied and he wanted to see him with his counterpart i.e. Goddess Lakshmi. So Narasimha appeared with goddess Lakshmi on his lap. It is said that these three Narasimha forms were so fiery that the hermit could not endure it. Hence, they are worshipped inside the cave.

These five forms of Narasimha have now been sculpted into idols and worshipped in a place within the temple, which is known as Panchanarasimha Kshetram. The principal shrine of Yadagirigutta temple is the Lakshminarasimha who is believed to be the healer of incurable diseases, witchcraft, black magic and the harmful influence of planets. Locals believe that worshipping here for a time period of 40 days would alleviate devotees of incurable diseases.