Tourist Attractions in Hyderabad

Hyderabad can very well be called a tourists' paradise. The tourist attractions in Hyderabad are worth the visit. There are many places of interest for tourists, in Hyderabad. Not only are the tourist attractions places of historical interest, but also are strikingly picturesque. So if you want to soothe your eyes with the scenic view of an old monument against the backdrop of an evening sky with the flavor of local food tickling your taste buds, come and visit the famous tourist attractions of Hyderabad.


Begin your trip with the historic Charminar that lies right in the heart of Hyderabad. The monument is so famous; it is almost synonymous with Hyderabad. It is best to hire a tourist guide while you visit these places of interest. Not only would you get to know the history behind those monuments, these guides also help one to get around the city with ease. Next, head on to the famous Golconda fort. Yes, the famous Kohinoor diamond was extracted from here. Right next to the fort is the famous Qutub Shahi tomb, which is an amalgamation of Indian and Persian architecture. The Paigah tombs are an exquisite example of delicate artistry on marble.


The Raymond's tomb is built in the memory of a French General, a rare honor in the name of a foreign general in India. Make it a point to visit the Salar Jung museum. It boasts of a single man collection of over 40,000 artifacts from all over the world. The best way to get around to see these places of interest is by hiring local transport, which are easily available in the city.

                  

Charminar in Hyderabad

Location:	Heart of Hyderabad city.
How to Reach:	Hyderabad is well connected with the rest of the country by air, railways and roads. Once in Hyderabad, the local transport like auto-rickshaws and taxis should get you to Charminar.
Main Attractions:	The architecture of Charminar and the Bangle Bazaar flanking the monument on either side.

The elegant structure of the Charminar in Hyderabad is a vivid example of Cazia style of architecture comprising of granite and lime-mortar. Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah built this Islamic architectural splendor in the year 1591. Charminar is the most famous landmark of the city and most tours to Hyderabad include the Charminar as an absolute essential. It is a must see if you are visiting Hyderabad.


The wonderful monument with its four arches is so proportionately planned that when the fort is opened one could catch a glimpse of the bustling Hyderabad city as these Charminar arches were facing the most active royal ancestral streets. At each corner stands a tall minaret, which measures more than 55 meters long and also have a double balcony. The monument has the signature style of Islamic architecture.


A mosque has been built on the western side on the open roof of the Charminar fort. You need to climb an array of 149 steps to reach the top of the fort. Once there, it is easy to feel the calm of the terrace and see life bustling below. In sharp contrast to the active and energetic life in the ground floor, the peaceful solitude in the upper part of the fort is quite relaxing. You can enjoy the passionate beauty of the Hyderabad city from this elevated height. You can get a bird's eye view of the city of Hyderabad from this elevation, which is quite a spectacular sight.

Golconda Fort Hyderabad

Location:	11 kilometers west of Hyderabad.
How to Reach:	Local transport within Hyderabad is easily available and will take you there.
Main attractions:	Touring the fort, spectacular light and sound show every evening.
Built by:	Qutb Shahi Rulers

Golconda Fort in Hyderabad is a majestic monument, which lies on the western outskirts of the city. It speaks of a great cultural heritage of 400 years and is considered as a place that is worth visiting. Golconda was famous for its diamond mines in olden days. The world-renowned 'Kohinoor' diamond is believed to have come from here. The Golconda fort is built on a granite hill 120m high. The fort has 8 gates or Darwazas as they are called in local language. The main gate is called Fateh Darwaza. The hills around the fort lend a very mysterious charm and colossal grandeur to the gigantic fort.


Qutub Shahi kings who reigned during the 16th century built the Golconda fort. There is an interesting story behind the Golconda Fort. The place was originally called as 'Golla Konda' in Telegu, which is the official state language of Hyderabad city. Roughly around 1143 in the rocky hill called 'Mangalavaram', a shepherd boy found an idol, which was given to the then king, Kakatiya who built a mud fort. From 1507, within a span of 62 years the Qutub Shahi rulers transformed the humble mud fort into a marvelous granite wonder. The stunning Golconda Fort lost its entire splendor and luster as the Mughals invaded and plundered this breathtaking wonder into a heap of ruins.


The Golconda Fort reaches to a height of 120 meters with a boundary wall covering a range of 10 kilometers of the outskirts of Hyderabad. The Golconda fort comprises of four small forts within itself. Some of those are heaped with cannons, drawbridges and number of royal living chambers & halls, temples, mosques, stables etc. You have to enter the fort through 'Fateh Darwaza', which is also called the 'Victory gate'. The main attractions of this entrance are the acoustic effects, which is a remarkable feature of the Golconda Fort. It is said that such an articulate construction was used in those ancestral days for security purposes.


The latest feature that adds more excitement to the Golconda fort is the Light and Sound show. The amazing light and sound impacts with the narration of the hair raising story of the golconda Fort is sure to amuse all tourists visiting the Hyderabad city.

Osmania University Hyderabad

The last Nizam of Hyderabad, Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan founded the Osmania University. The Osmania University is the seventh oldest establishment of higher studies in India, the third oldest in Southern India and the first one to be set-up in the former princely State of Hyderabad. Throughout it's functioning of almost nine decades, the Osmania University has shown noteworthy growth and sustained an incorporated progress of all faculties. It has made commendable contributions to the academic, social, and economic improvement of not only the region but to the nation as a whole. Its alumni have distinguished themselves nationally and internationally in various spheres of life and are well-known far and wide around the world.


Osmania University has always attracted students from not only India, but also around the world. It offers one of the best MBA programmes and is among the toughest to get through. It is estimated that out of 10,000 candidates, only 60 are able to make it! The university also has attractive courses in Engineering, Arts, Science, Humanities, Information Technology, Commerce and Business among other courses such as Oriental Languages. The department of Geography and Geoinformatics has one of the best faculties in India. It is equipped with the latest laboratories and technology to keep the students updated with latest technical know-how. The Osmania University had the was awarded the five-star status by the National Accreditation and Assessment Council (NAAC) of the University Grants Commission (UGC), Government of India.


Some famous alumnus of this prestigious institution includes former Prime Minister (late) Shri. PV Narasimha Rao, Shri. Y. Venugopal Reddy (Governor, RBI), Barrister and Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi, among others.

Paigah Tombs Hyderabad

Location:	Santoshnagar, 10 kilometers from Hyderabad city center.
How to reach:	Local Transport within Hyderabad city.
Main Attractions:	One of its kind architectural wonder, carvings of marble.

The Paigah Tombs in Hyderabad, India are the tombs of the several generations of the Paigah nobles. The Paigah nobles were very close to the Nizams and so they enjoyed a significant social status. They were given the responsibility of looking after the security and defense of the state. Some of the Paigah nobles who have been laid to rest here are Asman Jah, Viqar-ul-Umara and Shams-ul-Umara.


Abdul Fateh Khan Tegh Jung founded the Paigah nobility and was rendering service to the second Nizam, who ruled between 1760 and 1803. The Nizam bestowed him with the prestigious title of Shams-ul-Umra, meaning "the Sun among the masses". Tegh Jung was buried in 1786 at the foyer of the complex. An iron plaque at the entrance of the complex traces the Paigah lineage and exalts the marble magnificence of the vault. The Paigahs were also great patrons of fine arts, literature and sports and commanded the respect of the rulers and the ordinary people alike.


The Paigah Tombs are unique specimens of extraordinary artistry that is ardently visible in the wonderfully inlaid mosaic work. Local people claim that the geometrical patterns and designs of these stunning tombs are only one of its kind and exclusive and cannot be found anywhere in the world.

Qutub Shahi Tombs Hyderabad

Location:	2 Kilometers from the Golconda Fort.
How to reach:	Local transport which is easily available in Hyderabad.
Main Attractions:	Numerous tombs at one place, Deccan Festival.

Qutub Shahi Tombs are located in the heart of the Hyderabad city. The Qutub Shahi Tombs are quite close to the Golconda Fort, which is a famous landmark of Hyderabad. The Qutub Shahi Tombs are a perfect blend of Indian and Persian architectural forms, constructed in gray granite decorated with exquisite ornamentation. The tombs are domed structures, which are built on an elevated square base surrounded by pointed arches. Each tomb is quadrangular and rises to a height of 9 - 15 meters above the terrace. The smaller tombs are single storied while the larger ones are double storied. The domes were originally covered with blue and green tiles, of which only a few pieces remain now.


The tombs were once furnished with carpets, chandeliers and velvet canopies on silver poles. Qurans or the holy book of the Muslims, were kept on supports and readers recited verses from the sacred book at regular intervals. Golden spires were fixed over the tombs of the Sultans to distinguish their tombs from those of the other members of the noble family.


Enchanting minarets at the corners surround the Qutub Shahi Tombs. This magnificent tomb is one of the largest monuments in Hyderabad reaching upto a height of 42 meters with a large dome adorning the top. The architect has prudently designed it on a double terrace, elevating it to a height of 6 meters from the ground level of the terrace. These mausoleums of the Golconda Sultans are truly splendid monuments that have stood the trial of time and braved the natural elements. During the Qutub Shahi period, these tombs were held at such high esteem that criminals who took refuge there were pardoned and let off. But after their rule, the tombs were uncared for. Later, Sir Salar Jung III ordered their renovation and refurbishment in the early 19th century.


Said in simple words, these monuments are a work of splendid beauty and artistry. The numerous tombs of the members of the royal family, laid beautifully on the sprawling gardens are worth the visit. Not only are they architecturally impressive, they also make a good picnic spot. Another attraction of these tombs is that every year the State Government authorities conduct a 'Deccan Festival', which is exclusive to the city of Hyderabad with these tombs as the backdrop as they speak volumes about the history of the city of Hyderabad. One can spot many renowned artists showcasing their talents in various fields like music, dance and theater.

Raymond Tomb Hyderabad

Location:	Saroor nagar, 10 kilometers from Hyderabad city.
How to reach:	Easily reachable from Hyderabad with the help of local transport.
Main Attraction:	The French Garden in vicinity.

Raymond's Tomb was built in the memory of the brave French General Michel Joachim Marie Raymond (1755 - 1798 AD). He joined as an ordinary soldier in the service of the ruling Nizam of Hyderabad. He rapidly worked his way up and soon commanded the position of an army General. Not only was he respected in the army, he was also popular among the ordinary public. He was fondly known as Musa Ram among the Hindus and Musa Rahim among the Muslims.


Raymond's Tomb is situated in Saroornagar, which lies 10 kilometers from Hyderabad city center towards the east. One can make use of the local transport, which is easily available round the clock in the city of Hyderabad. The tomb is open on all days except Friday. The timings are from 9:30 am to 4:30pm. The tomb is a symbol of great respect and till date people from all over the city pay respect on the death anniversary of the late army general by lighting incense sticks near the tomb.


The Raymond's tomb is a conical structure that is made up of black granite slabs. It is 60 meters long, 30 meters wide and 10 meters high. While touring the tomb, you can also head off to the French Garden, which is located nearby. It is a beautifully laid out lawn with velvety green grass and lovely flowers. You can also spot military barracks of the army that were once bustling under the command of the valiant general Raymond.

Salar Jung Museum Hyderabad

Location:	Banks of the Musi River, Hyderabad.
How to reach:	Easily accessible from Hyderabad with the help of local transport.
Main Attractions:	Artifacts from all over the world that include a musical clock, the Veiled Rebecca, rare scriptures and manuscripts.

The Salar Jung museum in Hyderabad is one of the oldest museums in the city. It is the only museum that has the largest compilation of personally collected artifacts from all around the world. This museum has the greatest collection of rare antiques and knick-knacks from all over the world. One needs to devote an entire day for touring the museum itself.


Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, commonly known as Salar Jung III, did the major collections. However it was started by his father Nawab Mir Laiq Ali Khan also known as Salar Jung II and his grand father Nawab Mir Turab Ali Khan i.e. Salar Jung I. The museum boasts of a collection of 40,000 items, which have been accumulated from every possible place in the world. The former Prime Minister of India, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru declared this spectacular collection open for public display. Later a board of trustees was appointed to look after this legendary museum.


The portraits of the Salar Jung, the Nizams of the Hyderabad city can be found in the Founder's Gallery. The Indian art is exhibited in an assortment of stone sculptures, bronze images, painted textiles, wooden carvings, miniature paintings, modern art, ivory carvings, jade carvings, metal-ware, manuscripts, arms & armor etc. One can also find Middle Eastern Art in the collection of carpets, paper (manuscripts), glass, metal-ware, furniture, lacquer etc. These have been collected from Persia, Arabia, Syria, and Egypt. The Museum is also horded with porcelain, bronze, enamel, lacquerware, embroidery and paintings, which have been skillfully done in China, Japan, Tibet, Nepal and Thailand.


The European chamber of artifacts in the Salar Jung Museum comprises of oil and water paintings. These paintings originate from countries like England, France, Italy and Germany. A well-preserved library within the museum provides a rare treat to all book lovers. The main attractions of the museum are the statue of Veiled Rebecca, crafted knives of Mughal Emperor Jehangir and Queen Noor Jehan, famous European paintings like Venice, etc. A huge clock in which a tiny soldier comes out to strike the gong should not be missed and is a special attraction of the Salar Jung Museum.