Only a handful of cities in India let you experience the unique amalgamation of the past and the present. Moreover, even lesser cities let you catch a whiff of the future as well. Hyderabad, the city of Nizams, is perhaps the most prime example of such cities. It is ripe with culture, oozing with legacy, and marching towards a future which stands in stark contrast with its glorious past. Its vast history stretches from the days of monarchs dating back to 624 CE to a bubbling 21st century IT industry which is spreading its wings in the city.
They call it the City of Nizams but it is also widely recognized as the City of Pearls. In addition to this, Hyderabad is also the land of authentic Mughal cuisine. It has seen kings and kingdoms; hosted an avalanche of culture and literature; cradled architectural marvels; and has grown over the centuries into a dynamic and visually breathtaking setup. We take a look at 8 things and places which are most essential to the Hyderabad experience.
Charminar
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The iconic Charminar Masjid is perhaps one of the most recognized structures in India. It was built in 1591 CE and is located on the banks of River Musi. There are various theories surrounding the purpose for which the monument was built. But it is widely accepted that the Charminar was built to commemorate the eradication of plague. It continues to attract tourists from around the world.
Ramoji Film City
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The Ramoji Film City is spread over an area of 1666 acres and is considered to be one of the best film cities in the world. Countless films have been shot at the Ramoji Film City along with hundreds of TVCs as well as soap operas. The widely popular and visited film city was setup in 1996 by the Ramoji group. It also has its own amusement park.
Necklace Road
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Necklace Road in Hyderabad is a boulevard comprising of beautiful lawns, outlets for recreation, restaurants, and stunning views of the City of Nizams. The road has been named ‘Necklace Road’ because it resembles a necklace when seen from the sky. It is the perfect spot to relax when you’re not out there getting a piece of the busy city.
Golconda Fort
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The marvelous Golconda Fort is one of best forts in India. It is located at a distance of about 11 km from Hyderabad. The famous Kohinoor Diamond was once stored in one of the vaults of the Golconda Fort. The region, in general, is known for producing some of the world’s most famous gems. The fort in itself is a big establishment and houses four different forts with a 10 km long outer wall. It is also popular for its amazing acoustic effect which allows the sound of a clap to travel up to a kilometer.
Birla Mandir
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The famous Birla Mandir is an amazing structure with a blend of Dravidian, Rajasthani, and Utkala architecture. It took 10 years to build the Hindu temple which is extremely huge in size. The temple houses the idol of Lord Venkateswara and was built by the Birla foundation.
Nehru Zoological Park
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The Nehru Zoological Park was built in 1959 and is spread over an area of 300 acres. It is an extremely popular tourist spot in Hyderabad and houses almost 100 species of fauna. The Zoo is vast in size and hence difficult to visit on foot. One can avail electronic cars which ride you throughout the zoo. Simply speaking, it is a fun hangout spot to visit with family and friends.
Hussain Sagar Lake
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Hussain Sagar Lake is a manmade lake built by Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali in 1562. It spreads across 5.7 square kilometers and River Musi feeds the lake. The maximum depth of the lake is 32 feet and an 18 meter high statue of Guatam Buddha stands tall at the center of the lake. The surrounding area is home to several tourist attractions like the Lumbini Park, Prasad’s IMAX, NTR gardens, and more.
Chowmahalla Palace
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The Chowmahalla Palace was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty and was once the residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad. The palace was presented with the prestigious UNESCO Asia Pacific Merit award in March, 2010. Chowmahalla Palace contains two courtyards which have beautiful palaces, the grand Khilwat, gardens, and fountains.
