The Charminar
The Charminar, also known as built in 1591 CE, is a monument andmosque located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. [1] The landmark has become a global icon of Hyderabad, listed among the most recognized structures of India.[2] The Charminar is situated on the east BANK ofMusi river.[3] To the west lies the Laad Bazaar, and to the southwest lies the RICHLY ornamented granite Makkah Masjid.[4]
The English name is a translation and combination of the Urdu wordsChār and Minar, translating to "Four Towers"; the eponymous towers are ornate minarets attached and supported by four grand arches
A thriving market still lies around the Charminar attracting people and merchandise of every description. Hyderabad is famous for pearls, which are sold in shops around the Charminar. Near the Charminar stand four magnificent arches called Char Kaman, which served as the gateway to the Zilu Khana (ante chamber) of the royal palace and are named Machli Kaman, Kali Kaman, Sher Gil Ki Kaman and Char Minar ki Kaman. The Char-su-ka-hauz, a cistern with a fountain in the center of the arches is now called Gulzar Hauz. The royal residential palaces stood around the Charminar. Of the Qutb Shahi royal palaces in Hyderabad nothing of importance has survived; not even the Qutb Mandir, the pleasure of which admitted only Muhammad Quli and his female companions. The gardens have simply vanished. The mosques have been however spared.
The Mecca Masjid
Charminar stands the Mecca Masjid, begun by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1617 and completed by Quranzeb in 1694. It is a grand edifice with a huge courtyard enough to ACCOMMODATE 10,000 worshipers at a time. Tavernier has provided a graphic description of the mammoth boulders cut to size and carted for use in the building of the mosque. The minarets look rather stunted in comparison with the grandeur of the whole massive structure. But it looks more Mughal then Qutb Shahi in its perfect granite finish and vast courtyard. A particular stone brick in the mihrab is believed to have been brought from Mecca. Other Mosques - The other two mosques--the Jami Masjid and the Toli Masjid-are small and modest structures. One can also visit the beautiful Charminar, which is another historical monument in Hyderabad located only 100 meters from the Mecca Masjid. Chowmahalla Palace is also situated nearby, which belonged to the Nizams of Hyderabad. Laad Bazaar or ‘Choodi’ (Bangles) Bazaar is a popular market where you can buy different types of bangles.
The Birla Mandir
Birla Mandir is a Hindu temple, built on a 280 feet (85 m) high hillock called Naubath Pahad on a 13 acres (53,000 m2) plot. The construction took 10 years and was constructed in 1976 by Swami Ranganathananda of Ramakrishna Mission. The temple was constructed by Birla Foundation, which has also constructed several similar temples across India, all of which are known as Birla Mandir. Birla Mandir Temple is central to spirituality in Hyderabad and is famous for its impressive architecture. The building is made of 2,000 tons of pure white marble. It contains several shrines devoted to Hindu and Buddhist deities. The traditional site also embraces modernity with light displays at night. Visit the Birla Science Museum and Birla Planetarium next door. The Birla Mandir is a splendid structure that is built of marble. It is a unique combination of both the Oriya and South Indian style of temple architecture. In keeping with the South Indian style, there is a Rajagopuram to greet you as soon as you enter the temple.
Golconda Fort
Golconda is one of the famous forts of India. The name originates from the Telugu words “GollaKonda” meaning “Shepherd’s Hill”. The origins of the fort can be traced back to the Yadav dynasty of Deogiri and the Kakatiyas of Warangal. Golconda was originally a mud fort, which passed to the Bahmani dynasty and later to the Qutb Shahis, who held it from 1518 to 1687 A.D. The first three Qutb Shahi kings rebuilt Golconda, over a span of 62 years.
Today, even after almost 800 years, the fort still stands as one of Hyderabad’s greatest architectural wonders. One of it’s gratest engineering marvels is the fantastic acoustic effects: one handclap at a certain point below the entrance dome can be heard at the highest point of the pavilion almost a kilometer away. This was said to be used for warning the royals in case of an attack
Qutb Shahi Tombs
The tombs of the legendary Qutb Shahi kings lie about a kilometer away from Banjara Darwazaof the Golconda Fort. Planned and built by the Qutb Shahis themselves, these tombs are said to be the oldest historical monuments in Hyderabad. They form a large group and stand on a raised platform. The tombs are built in Persian, Pathan and Hindu architectural styles using grey granite.
Salar Jung Museum
This museum houses one of the biggest one-man collections of antiques of the world by MirYousuf Ali Khan, Salar Jung III. The OBJECTS d’art include Persian carpets, Moghalminiatures, Chinese porcelain, Japanese lacquerware, famous statues including the Veiled Rebecca and Marguerite and Mephistopheles, a superb collection of jade, daggers belonging to Queen Noor Jahan and the Emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb’s sword and many other fabulous items.
Salar Jung Museum
This museum houses one of the biggest one-man collections of antiques of the world by MirYousuf Ali Khan, Salar Jung III. The OBJECTS d’art include Persian carpets, Moghalminiatures, Chinese porcelain, Japanese lacquerware, famous statues including the Veiled Rebecca and Marguerite and Mephistopheles, a superb collection of jade, daggers belonging to Queen Noor Jahan and the Emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb’s sword and many other fabulous items.
The Nizam‘s Silver Jubilee Museum
The stately Purani Haveli, the palace acquired around the year 1750 by the second Nizam, is now converted into a museum with a fascinating collection. The museum exhibits the gifts and mementos presented to the last Nizam on the occasion of the silver jubilee celebrations in 1937. A 1930 Rolls Royce, Packard and a Mark V Jaguar are among the vintage cars displayed. There is an interesting collection of models made in silver of all the prominent buildings of the city and citations in Urdu about H.E.H. Mir Osman Ali Khan, GOLD burnished wooden throne used for the silver jubilee celebrations, gold tiffin box inlaid with diamonds, and a gold model of Jubilee Pavilion.
Aalankrita-the Ethnic Gateway
Spread over an area of 10 acres, Aalankrita blends the convenience of a 4-star resort, the ambience of a heritage Aalankrita - the ethnic gateway site and the ethnicity of the times gone by. Located about 16 km from Secunderabad, the facilities here include an air-conditioned conference hall, Restaurant, Meditation Centre, a covered swimming pool for day and night use, dancing floor, air-conditioned cottages, an antique shop, exhibition hall, walkways and a sprawling open air theatre that can accommodate about 3000 people.
Dream Valley Resorts
Nestled amidst lush green environs and located at Gandipet, DREAM VALLEY RESORTS is a water theme
park with waterslide.
Hitec City
One of the modern monuments of trade and technology, it embodies the newfound attitude of Hyderabad and today finds a place of pride.
Lumbini Park
This beautiful entertainment park is situated on the shore of Hussainsagar lake. The landscaping here is a visual treat. A musically synchronized water fountain
Ocean Park
Ocean Park is an excellent Water Theme Amusement Park modelled on International Standards.
Public Gardens
Hyderabad has several beautiful gardens, one of the most popular being the Public Gardens, which also encloses the State Legislature,
Ramoji Film City
A dream world created for the celluloid on a sprawling 1000 acres, with every imaginable set and location.
NTR Gardens
A leisure and entertainment center adjoining the Hussainsagar lake, the NTR Gardens house a memorial (Samadhi) of Late N.T. Rama Rao, one of the most charismatic
The Birla Planetarium & Science Museum
Birla Planetarium is India's most modern planetarium and first of its kind in the country. It is equipped with advanced TECHNOLOGY from Japan and is built on Naubat Pahad adjacent
Shilparamam-The Crafts Village
Shilparamam is an arts and crafts village showcasing various art forms and handicrafts of various artists from all over the State. Shilparamam plays host to myrid traditions of arts and crafts of the country.
Celebrity Club
Located on the outskirts of Hyderabad, Celebrity Club is a family entertainment center offering Luxury cottages with landscaped gardens. The facilities include Barbeque, Bar, Restaurant, swimming pool, golf course, horse rifding and video games arcade.
Pragati Green Meadows & Resorts
Spread over 26 acres and an hour drive from Hyderabad, Pragati Resorts offers facilities like swimming, boating, children park, coffee and snack bar, restaurant, conference hall, uniquely designed cottages for overnight stay.
Dhola-ri-Dhani
This is a typical setting recreated with the entire rustic ambience and charm of an ethnic Rajasthani village, situated at Kompally on Medchal Road. Camel rides, puppet shows, folk dances, authentic