Greater Hyderabad

The Happening City

 

Hyderabad is a historic beautiful City in South India. In 2012, the government of India declared Hyderabad as the first "Best heritage city of India".

The city is called “Pearl City” and famous for its twinkling pearls and glass embedded bangles. The city was founded during Qutub Shahi dynasty and was called Bhagyanagar. The present Hyderabad district came into existence in August 1978 with total geographic area of 199.6 square kilometers and covers the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

The District is located at 17 degrees 22 N latitude and 78 degrees 27 longitude and surrounded on all sides by Rangareddy District. The City is situated on the Deccan Plateau at a height of 1788 feet above sea level. The Hyderabad District has been divided into 16 mandals with 4 erstwhile taluks of Charminar, Golconda, Musheerabad and Secunderabad.

The Hyderabad district houses some of the most prestigious industries (besides various public sector undertakings) and is surrounded by several industrial areas. With cosmopolitan culture, the city has congenial and hospitable environment for growth and development.

Hyderabad District, in its present shape, was formed in August 1978, when all its rural areas were included in Ranga Reddy District. The area of Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad (excluding a small part), Secunderabad Cantonment, Lalaguda and Osmania University are included in Hyderabad District. All the 65 revenue villages with its erstwhile taluks of Charminar, Golconda, Musheerabad and Secunderabad have been regrouped into 16 mandals.

Hyderabad being the State Capital is highly developed in all aspects. It is situated at an altitude of 536 metres and offers pleasant weather conditions. The total geographical area of the District is 199.60 square kilometers.

River Musi, a tributary of river Krishna, runs through the city, dividing it into old and new city. Drinking water needs of the city are met by the water from Osman sagar, Mir Alam Tank and from Manjeera River in Medak district. To meet the ever growing requirements of the city, drinking water is supplied from Nagarjuna Sagar.

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation was formed on 16 April 2007 by merging 12 municipalites and 8 gram panchayats with the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad. The municipalities are L. B. Nagar, Gaddi annaram, Uppal Kalan, Malkajgiri, Kapra, Alwal, Qutubullapur, Kukatpally, Serilingampalle, Rajendranagar, Ramachandrapuram and Patancheru. These municipalities are in Rangareddy district and Medak district. The panchayats are Shamshabad, Satamarai, Jallapalli, Mamdipalli, Mankhal, Almasguda, Sardanagar and Ravirala.

The fourth largest state in India is famous for the Nizam Jewels. The main tourist attractions are Hyderabad - The capital city offers an interesting perspective of a cross culture and historical tradition, the charming city of Charminar and many more heritage structures. Lakes, natural rock formations, monuments and modern structures, Charminar - Over 400 years old landmark of Hyderabad, Mecca Masjid Largest in Southern India.  Hussain Sagar picturesque lake unites the twin cities Hyderabad and Secunderabad In the middle of the lake is the ‘Rock of Gibraltar, on which stands the statue of Buddha. Golconda Fort - Golconda is one of the famous Forts in South India.

Major Attractions

Charminar : It is an important landmark that is heart of Hyderabad. Hyderabad is famous for pearls and bangles which are sold in shops around the Charminar.

Char Kaman : The four magnificent arches called Char Kaman near Charminar served as the gateway to the Zilu Khana (ante chamber) of the royal palace.

Mecca Masjid : It is, one of the largest mosques in India, located near Charminar.

Golconda Fort : Another tourist attraction here is the Golconda Fort, a 16th century fortress situated on the western outskirts of Hyderabad city. Known for its collection of diamonds, it is said that the famous Kohinoor originally belonged to Golconda.

Bhakta Ramadas was born in 1620 AD at Nelakondapalli in Andhra Desam. During the reign of Abdul Hasan Tana Shah, (the nawab of the Qutub Shahi Dynasty at Golconda), Gopanna popularly known as Bhakta Ramadas, built a temple at Bhadrachalam for Lord Rama. He collected money for the construction from the citizens, but didn't have enough. So he borrowed from the tax revenue.  The nawab was furious and sentenced Ramadas to 12 years in prison. Even today you can see the prison cell in which Bhakta Ramadas was there at Golconda Fort.

Falaknuma Palace : The last Nizam of Hyderabad built the Falaknuma Palace, which housed the most expensive art objects, tapestries and carpets, in addition to the largest single-man collection of diamonds. Here the Nizam had received their Majesties, the late King George V and King Edward VIII of England.

Husain Sagar Lake : In 1562,Ibrahim Qutb Shah built Husain Sagar Lake, a large artificial lake, 1562 AD and is the connecting point of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. In the lake on an island there is a larger - than - life size statue (Height 17 meters, Weight 320 tonnes) of the Buddha. Boats take tourists across the lake to the island, on which the statue rests.

Necklace Road : The name comes from the fact that the whole road, along with Hyderabad’s Tank Bund, resembles a beautiful necklace when seen from the sky. This long stretch of road connects NTR Gardens and Lumbini Park in Hyderabad to Sanjeevaiah Park in Secunderabad. This is how the whole thing is connected: the road from Sanjeevaiah Park connects to the Tank Bund Road which, in turn, is connected to the NTR Gardens, forming a circle. The lake and its environs have several parks and scenic spots. The broad road on the tank-bund is lined with lawns and several statues of famous Telugu personalities. The entire area is complete with beautiful lawns, restaurants, recreational facilities and good views of the city of Hyderabad. People's plaza, located at this place is a recreational area which is busy all throughout the year with exhibitions, music shows, sports and games etc. Few well known restaurants, Jalavihar, NTR Gardens,  Lumbini Park located in the Buddha Purnima project, musical fountain are good places to visit.

Hussain Sagar lake in Hyderabad is also known for India's largest national flag on the tallest flag-post. A 301 feet tall pole at Batukamma Ghat on the banks of the lake 

Annual Events at Hussainsagar

1) Coracle Regatta Race 
2) Sailing Championship
3) Rowing Championship

Organised by The Yacht Club of Hyderabad, Rowing Academy Hussainsagar in association with The Rowing Federation of India (RFI) are seasonal tourist attractions.

Salar Jung Museum : It is one of the most visited places in the city. With a collection of fine art, tapestries, jade artifacts, weaponry and sculpture, it is worth seeing. Salar Jung Museum Hyderabad features among best 25 “must-visit” place by travellers in a survey along with four other museums in India - Bagore Ki Haveli (Udaipur), Victoria Memorial Hall (Kolkata), and Jaisalmer War Museum (Jaisalmer).

Nehru Zoological Park : It is a sprawling zoo, which follows the open plan model and ensures the animals are seen in naturalistic surroundings. The crocodile hatchery and lion safari are prime attractions.

Medak Church : It is located in medak town, Greater Hyderabad. It is the single largest diocese in Asia and the second largest in the world after the Vatican. Medak Church one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in India. The Medak church, truly a priceless heritage.

Durgam Cheruvu : It is situated close to Shilparamam Crafts Village and Hitech City, behind Jubilee Hills. AP Tourism organises boating in Durgam Cheruvu lake which is surrounded by hills of the Deccan Plateau.

Gandipet Lake : It is located at a distance of 20 km. from Hyderabad and also called as Osman Sagar has well laid out lush green gardens and a swimming pool and is a very popular picnic spot for the city crowd.

Shameerpet : It is about 24kms away from the city, towards the north of Secunderabad has a deer park and a lake with cottages around the place.

Dhola-ri-Dhani : It is on Medchal Road opens the doors to the world of ethnic Rajasthani resort of culture where the visitors can experience the true Rajasthani life style and enjoy the art-forms.

Shilparamam : It is located at Madhapur showcasing the various art forms and handicrafts of various artists from all over the India.

Numaish means Exhibition : The Numaish was started by the Nizams of Hyderabad. Also known as the All India Industrial Exhibition, the annual consumer fair is held since 1938. It is organised for 46 days at a stretch at its 23 acres permanent venue, Nampally Exhibition Grounds making it the only one of its kind, in the world. The Numaish fair is one of the most eagerly awaited events in Greater Hyderabad held from January – February every year. It has become customary for every Hyderabadi to visit the exhibition, with family members and friends. It features joy rides, eateries and other entertainment options for the visitors.

Birla Mandir : It is on the Naubath Pahad is a magnificent Hindu temple of Lord Venkateshwara, entirely built in white marble. Birla Planetarium is situated on a hill near the Birla Temple and offers educational shows related to space as well offers a fine view of the city.

Snow World : Snow World is a snow theme park, situated near to Hussain Sagar Tank Bund and Indra park. This, India’s first and World’s best snow theme park that helps to experience snow fall and polar climate just like a polar region.

Chowmahalla Palace : Hyderabad is a city with a history that reads like a love story and a past that sounds like a fairy tale. The rules of the Nizams fill the pages of history with a legendary patronage of arts, architecture and science. Testimonies to the sensitivity are the various exquisite monuments of Hyderabad. One such monument is the Chowmahalla Palace. (Chow means four. and Mahal means Palace.)

Ramoji film city : The largest film studio complex in the world as certified by Guinness World Records, provides comprehensive and advanced film production facilities with dedicated professionalism. Filmmakers can walk-in with a script and walk-out with a film.

Resorts and Theme Parks : There are several resorts and theme parks in and around Greater Hyderabad.

Hyderabad Botanical Gardens : Hyderabad Botanical Gardens is the first Botanical Garden in Kotaguda Reserve Forest near the Hi-tech city, Madhapur. Lumbini Park situated near the Hussain Sagar, also popularly known as Tank Bund. The Public Gardens are one of the largest gardens in the city. One of the most recent and glamorous attractions of Hyderabad, NTR gardens spread over 34 acres is absolutely unique with large-scale use of fibreglass in the form of insects and fruits. Sanjeevaiah Park is a major recreation centre located next to Hussain Sagar, at the end of Necklace Road, in Hyderabad. Indira Park is a recreation park for children, situated near lower Tank Bund. Kasu Brahmanda Reddy National Park is a nature park situated near Jubilee Hills.

Entertainment Venues : The Alleygator has emerged as a favourite fun centre for the young as well as old people with four lines of bowling alleys, six pool tables, and video games. Runway9 - Go Karting is the happening place for go-karting. Ocean Park is a one of its kind water theme amusement park modelled on International standards. Other attractions in Hyderabad are Ramoji film city, an amazing place which gives a choice of numerous flexible locations, which are as varied as a picturesque Indian village or a street in Switzerland.

Multiplex and Malls : There are several Malls and Multiplexes in Greater Hyderabad. They are the one stop location where you can do shopping for the entire family, enjoy your favourite food, choose the best movie from multiple screens and watch a movie.

Hotels and Restaurants : There are lots of hotels and restaurants in the city from single star to seven stars various options are available where one can choose the best that suits their budget. From budget hotels to luxury living all are available in this city. Many online sites have interesting offers for the tourists willing to come to Greater Hyderabad. One suggestion read the Terms and Conditions carefully before booking online.

Street and Junk Food : If you are a foodie then you are at the right place. You have certain selected centres in the city where junk food is available in abundance at reasonable price. This can be a real test for your appetite. Go East or West Mineral Water is the Best. For the right suggestions get in touch with the local people who will guide you based on your taste.

Hyderabadi Biryani : Greater Hyderabad is the birth place for the world famous Hyderabadi Biryani, it is a popular variety of Biryani. The Hyderabadi Biryani is so named as it is seen mainly in the city of Hyderabad, India. 

Hyderabad Biryani is the unique blend of Andhra and Mughlai Cuisines that was invented in the kitchen of the Nizams. Like other biryanis, it is made using Basmati rice which was only found in the Indian subcontinent. The spices and other ingredients remain the same however; the method of preparation is different and involves more time.

It is usually accompanied with Dahi ki Chutney, Raita (a yogurt dish) or Mirchi ka Salan. Generally the non-vegetarian version is quite famous. However, there is also a vegetarian version of the Hyderabadi Biryani in which the place of the meat is taken by a mixture of vegetables such as carrots, peas, cauliflower and potato. The vegetarian version is called 'tarkari' biryani.

Hyderabadi Haleem : It is a special attraction during the holy month of Ramadan / Ramazān. For ages this dish is made of wheat, barley, meat (usually beef or mutton, but sometimes chicken or minced meat), lentils and spices. This dish is traditionally cooked in large, wood - fired cauldrons for seven to eight hours, which results in a paste - like consistency, blending the flavours of spices, meat, barley and wheat.

The Hyderabadi haleem is made of Chicken or Lamb so that all the non - vegetarians can enjoy the dish. During Nizam times it used to take nearly a week to make a perfect dish of haleem. A vegetarian version of haleem in which dry fruits and vegetables are used, is also prepared during the festival time.


Haleem is also a traditional starter at Muslim weddings and other celebrations in Hyderabad. In September 2010, Hyderabadi Haleem was given geographical indication (GI) status.

Hyderabadi Chai : In general Hyderabadi's have a cup of tea after having Hyderabadi Biryani. There are several centres that serve tea (Irani Chai) in every nook and corner of the city.  These centres also serve food along with tea at reasonable price. These centres act as food points for common man in the city.

Medical Facilities : Greater Hyderabad is one of the hot destinations in India for Medical Tourism. You have micro, small, medium, multi and super speciality hospitals in the city. You can also find several Homeopathy, Ayurveda and Unani health centres in and around Greater Hyderabad.

City Culture : On par with all the metropolitan cities in India even Hyderabad has a mixed culture where you can find people from all over India. Various festivals that are celebrated in India are celebrated in Hyderabad also. You can see a wide variety of food that is available because of their presence.

Unity in Diversity : Greater Hyderabad stands as a live example where we can say that there is Unity in Diversity. People belonging to different religions, castes and creeds, speaking different languages, having different cultures, different modes of living, different clothing, different feeding habits, worshiping different gods and deity live together in peace and harmony.

Shilpa Kala Vedika : This auditorium and convention centre is on a 60,000 sq ft area, built in 5 acres of land, with a seating capacity of 2,500 people. It is a state-of-the-art facility comprising a press room, cafeteria, modern multi-media projection system, luxurious green rooms, good acoustics and exquisite ethnic decor. Silpa means sculpture, kala means art, and vedika means platform. Another auditorium that we can talk about is Ravindra Bharathi one of the oldest and best in the city.

Schools, Colleges and Universities : Greater Hyderabad is a great place for education and learning. This city has one of the best institutions in the world. We have some well known national and international educational institutions along with few universities in Hyderabad. It is said that more than 50% of people who are willing to go abroad from south India visit Hyderabad to update themselves.

Hitech City : Hyderabad Information Technology Engineering Consultancy City (HITEC City), is a major technology township which is at the centre of the information technology industry in Greater Hyderabad. HITEC City is spread across 151 acres and is the initial inspiration of software revolution in South India. Many national, International and multinational companies are seen here.

HITEX : Hyderabad International Trade Expositions Ltd (HITEX). It is India's most modern exhibitions venue, set to open up exciting opportunities in the global arena. This magnificent facility spread over nearly 100 acres is the star attraction of Hyderabad, a city that is already a sought after destination. The Centre has been designed to enhance functionality and flexibility in providing state-of-the-art infrastructure for organisers of international exhibitions, conventions, trade shows and corporate events.

Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium : Formerly known as Visaka International Cricket Stadium Ground, is the principal cricket stadium in Greater Hyderabad, and is the home ground of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA). It is located in Uppal, an eastern suburb of the city. It has a capacity to accommodate thousands of spectators and extends across 16 acres of land. Previously the Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium (LB Stadium) was quite popular for the cricketing events. Presently the LB Stadium is used for various other events.

Tollywood and CCL : Hyderabad is the hub for the Telugu film industry popularly known as Tollywood. This industry is one of the largest producer of films in the world. The Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) is a non-professional men's cricket league in India, contested by 8 teams consisting of film actors from 8 major regional film industries of Indian cinema. Tollywood plays an important role in organising the CCL event every year in a particular season in Greater Hyderabad.

Sportspersons : Greater Hyderabad is the home for many national and international sports personalities. To name a few Mohammad Azharuddin, VVS Laxman, Saina Nehwal, Pullela Gopichand, P. V. Sindhu, Srikanth Kidambi,  Sania Mirza are from Hyderabad.

Industrialists and Industrial Development Area : Greater Hyderabad is the hub for emerging and famous Industrialists. There are several industrial development areas (IDA) in and around Greater Hyderabad. These IDA’s provide a good platform to young entrepreneurs to start their manufacturing units and also provide employment to many people.

Sudha Cars Museum : Mr. K. Sudhakar, a Guinness World Record Holder is the brainchild behind Sudha Cars Museum. It is the first and only handmade Wacky Car museum in the World. He has got a world record for making the Largest Tricycle. The museum is the hub for interesting, unique and creative car models.

Local Transport : You will not find any difficulty while in Hyderabad city for travelling from place to place. Several modes of transport are available in the city. Right from a city bus to a cab all the services are available. You have to just choose the best based on your budget. Yes the traffic is terrific during peak hours. It is better to plan your trips in the non-rush hours. Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) and Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS) are brought into the service to reduce the traffic conjunction in the city. TS Tourism Development Corporation and other private travels offer the local city tour packages at attractive prices.

Connectivity : Greater Hyderabad is well connected with rest of India with rail, road and air (with prominent airline companies covering the major cities across the globe). However it is always better to plan your visits well in advance to have a control over your travel budget. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad has become popular in a short span of time. It is one of the best in India and uses the latest technology that helps the aeroplanes in safe landing and take-off.

Child, Woman and Elders Homes : There are many orphanages and several homes for elderly  people in the city. If you are interested in social service, yes you are at the right place. There are many active social service organisations in and around Greater Hyderabad.

Night Life : Greater Hyderabad is also known for its colourful and amazing night life. There are many pubs, discothèques, nightclubs, bar and restaurants that serve liquor, food and midnight Hyderabadi Biryani till late night. A word of caution, don’t drive after a late night party. The city police patrol may test you.

Good, Bad and Ugly : Yes as good, bad and ugly exist everywhere even Grater Hyderabad is not an exception. The city crime rate is moderate and is safe for travellers and tourists. However, it is always better to be in safe zones by being alert, taking care of your valuables and belongings. In case of any theft during the city visit contact the nearest police station. There is a mild presence of anti - social - elements in the city however the Hyderabadi city police are always on strict vigil.

Some Useful Links :

Hyderabad City Tour

Incredible India

Keywords: India Travel and Tourism, Telangana Tourism, Tourist Places in Hyderabad, TS.