Perched on Top of the Deccan Plateau, Hyderabad

One of the major metropolitan areas in India, Hyderabad has a history of over 400 years. The capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad is the fifth largest city in India, with an ancient civilization and culture. The twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderbad are separated by the lake known as Husain Sagar, constructed in 1562 A.D.
Perched on the top of the Deccan Plateau, Hyderabad is noted for its natural beauty. You can see the various mosques and minarets. The bazaars are complete with artifacts. Bridges, hills, and lakes abound in the city spread over an area of 100 square miles. The various palaces, other buildings, gardens, and streets have a history and an architectural individuality of their own.

Hyderabad, under the Nizams, was the largest princely state in India. Area wise it was as big as England and Scotland put together. The State had its own currency, mint, railways, and postal system. There was no income tax.

Quick Tips:

During our recent short visit, we could only spend a day and a half in Hyderabad. The Tank Bund, the dam to the Hussain Sagar and the link between the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, has always been a major tourist attraction. The monolithic statue of the Buddha installed in the heart of the lake is a marvel. Thirty-three statues of eminent historic personalities line the bank overlooking the lake.

Necklace road is a long stretch of road and is called so because it adorns the Hussain Sagar Lake like a necklace. The road sees a lot of activity through various major events and has become a center of attraction for cultural programs. The drive on this road from the Secunderabad at night is lovely.

Best Way To Get Around:

Hyderabad is well connected both within India and also to the world by air, roads, and train services. Regular flights, especially from Gulf States, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, connect to Hyderabad. Volvo buses connect with other cities in Andhra Pradesh.

Local travel is by taxis and auto-rickshaws.

Sites in Hyderabad

Salarjung Musuem
Salarjung Musuem has the largest private collection of articles in the world. The museum has various artifacts collected by Nawab Turab Ali Khan, popularly known as Salar Jung I, the diwan of the Hyderabad State, and his descendants, and definitely is a major attraction in Hyderabad.

Salar Jung III alias Mir Yousuf Ali Khan’s collection forms the major chunk of the art pieces on display. The popular ones among these rare pieces of art are the Veiled Rebecca (a statue bought in 1876 in Rome), Venice (a painting by Marc Aldine of 19th century Italy), Indian paintings, arms and attires of the Mughal emperors, and some clocks. Don’t miss out on the 19th century British Musical Clock—a toy soldier popping out to ring the bell is a really cute sight. The Jade Room comprising jade objects is of special interest. You need to spend an entire day here to see all the exhibits.

NTR Garden
One of the most recent and glamorous attractions of Hyderabad is the NTR Garden, which is located at Hussain Sager Lake. The sprawling NTR Gardens, set up in an area of 36 acres, offer a serene atmosphere and yet provide recreation facilities such as a machan tree, Japanese bonsai garden, car café, souvenir shops, Thrillium and Children's playing area, and a lot more. It is a memorial to the late N T Rama Rao, one of the most charismatic chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh. A toy train takes the visitors around the garden.

Eating out in Hyderabad

Hyderabadi cuisine has, like its culture, stood high and unmatched by any other state in India. In fact Hyderabad was known for the spectacular way its aristocracy entertained. The famous dishes of Hyderabad like Biryani (lamb and rice dish), Mirchi Ka Salaan (chilli curry), Murghi Korma (chicken curry), Haleem (Hyderabadi porridge—a local favourite), Sheer Korma (vermicelli pudding—another celebration special), and Qubani Ka Meetha (apricot pudding—a favorite at weddings) are worth the try and many cities in India regularly offer these dishes, especially the Biryanis and Korma at the outlets known as Hyderabad Biryani House.