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Charminar

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

Golconda Fort is a standing testimony to the 500 years of the glorious past of Hyderabad. This imposing structure was constructed in the 16th century by various Qutub Shahi kings. Located at a distance of 11 km to the west of the city, the fort stands perched on a 120 meter high granite hill. In the earlier times, Golconda Fort was renowned for its diamond mines. The colossal fort stands surrounded by the hills, which further add to its mysterious appeal and grandeur.

It is believed Golkunda Fort was erected out of mud by Kakatiya rulers in the 12th century. Later in the 16th century, Qutub Shahi rulers took the initiative to transform the mud structure into a granite wonder. Golconda Fort actually embraces small four forts in it. Elevated to the height of 120 meters, the Fort has a fortification of 10 kilometers. It is accessible through all of its eight 'darwazas' (gates), though Fateh Darwaza (Victory Gate) is the major one.

Golconda Fort still has royal living chambers, halls, temples, mosques, stables etc. Victory Gate is known for its acoustic effects that is a notable feature of the fort. Such articulate style of construction is certainly a commendable job to be done by the architects of those times. The entrance from the Victory Gate has huge iron spikes that were installed to prevent elephants during the wars. Bala Hissar Gate is another gate that is embellished with scrollwork and carvings.

Unfortunately, the spectacular Golconda Fort lost its entire grandeur and gleam when the Mughals attacked and ransacked this wonder. Owing to the tourist influx in Andhra Pradesh, Golconda Fort has been restored with its parks and illumination. Nowadays, a Light and Sound show, narrating its chronicle, allures people to this gigantic fort. Golconda Fort is undoubtedly an architectural wonder that must not be missed on your trip to Andhra Pradesh.

Hussain Sagar Lake

The Hussain Sagar Lake in Hyderabad is an enchanting lake and is the largest man-made Lake in Asia. Hussain Sagar Lake always attracts visitors throughout the year who become mesmerized by its radiant calm blue water. It was built by Ibrahim Qutub Shah in 1562, on the tributary of the River Musi. Hyderabad and Secunderabad are the two cities that are connected to each other by the Hussain Sagar Lake. They are popularly known as twin cities.

The place where the Hussain Sagar Lake is located is called 'Tank Bund'. It is an abridged version of its actual area, and has attained lovely trimmings and environs that augment its appeal to tourists as well as the residents of the twin cities. The Lake doubles up as an important landmark as well as picnic and recreation spot. The Lake is bordered by four major spans of greenery, Indira Park in the east, Sanjeevaiah Park in the north, Lumbini Park in the south and a green belt stretch squeezed in between the Raj Bhavan road and the Necklace Road. Indira Park, named after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, is the oldest of these four parks and is also a favorite site among the residents of the city.

Nehru Zoological Park

It is spread over 1.2 sq. kms of landscaped gardens and houses about 3000 animals. Apart from the animals, a nocturnal zoo, the pre-historic dinosaur park, a natural history museum, parks, a mini-train and animal rides make the place ideal for a picnic. The nocturnal animals and the reptiles form a particularly interesting part of the whole.
The Nehru Zoological Park which was declared open to the public on 6th October 1963 has bred some notable exotic and indigenous animals and birds like the Indian Rhino, Asiatic Lion, Tiger, Panther, Giraffe and Gaur etc., a number of Deer and Antelopes. in fact, animals bred in the Zoo have been distributed to various Deer parks and also sanctuaries for restoring the depleted animals.

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