best places to visit in Hyderabad

Lack of space for expansion in Golconda fort city made the Sultan called up his best of advisers to search for a new virgin wooded elevated land site near a river void of any man-made structures or monuments In1589, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the ruler of Qutb Shahi dynasty, selected the present site of the city and named it "Bhaganagar" or "Bhāgyanagar"after Bhagamathi, a localnautch (dancing) girl with whom he had fallen in love. She converted to Islam and adopted the title Hyder Mahal. The city was renamed Hyderabad in her honour.Andrew Petersen, a scholar of Islamic architecture, says the city was originally called Baghnagar (city of gardens).

The discovery of an early revenue record, dated in 1626, which mentions the name of the city as Bhaganagar, would substantiate the evidence for earlier name of Hyderabad as Bhagyanagar. A number of Qutb Shahi miniature paintings also mention the name of the city as Bhaganagar.

According to another source, the city was named after Haidar, the son of Quli Qutb Shah. Hyderabad was named as the City of Hyder after the title of the Fourth Caliph Ali. Many people though, commonly believe that the city of "Hyderabad" was named after the people as their residence as "City of the Brave" from the Persian words "Hyder/Haider" (Persian and Urdu meaning lion or brave) and "Abad/Abaad" (Persian and Urdu meaning abode or populated) after surviving the plaque epidemic that ravaged Golkonda.

Hyderabad, the pearl city of India, is the capital of Telagana in Southern India It sits on the banks of the Musi River and on the Deccan Plateau. Hyderabad and Secunderabad are "twin cities" near Hussain Sagar Lake (also known as Tank Bund in local parlance) but both cities have grown so much that now they have become one big metropolis. The city and district of Hyderabad are coterminous. Hyderabad district is entirely contained within the Ranga Reddy (formerly "Hyderabad Rural") district of Telangana. Many of the suburbs of Hyderabad have been merged into the city, now called Greater Hyderabad.

1. Char Minar

Hyderabad’s principal landmark and city symbol was built by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 to commemorate the founding of Hyderabad and the end of epidemics caused by Golconda’s water shortage. The gargantuan four-column, 56m-high structure has four arches facing the cardinal points, with minarets atop each column (hence the name Charminar, 'four minarets'). It's certainly an impressive sight, though the relentless traffic that swirls around the structure, crowds and queues make it somewhat less rewarding to visit.

The Charminar stands at the heart of Hyderabad's main bazaar area (also known as Charminar), a labyrinth of lanes crowded with shops, stalls, markets and shoppers. You can climb to the 1st floor for a view of the district. The 2nd floor, home to Hyderabad’s oldest mosque, and the upper columns, are not open to the public. The structure is illuminated from 7pm to 9pm.

2. Chilkoor Balaji Temple

The temple is also reputed for being the oldest one in Telangana and is believed to have been built half a millennium ago during the time of Madanna and Akkanna, the uncles of Bhakta Ramadas. The architecture of the temple is also extraordinarily pleasing and never fails to fascinate the onlooker.A visit to the Chilkur Balaji Temple is considered to be a substitute for a visit to the Tirupati. This is because of a legend that surrounds the construction of this temple. According to popular belief, the temple was built by a devotee who could not visit the Tirupati Temple due to serious health issues. Lord Venkateshwara was moved by his devotion and instructed the devotee to find his idol in the nearby forest, following which the temple was built.

It may sound strange but there is a popular belief that those who aspire to go abroad should visit the Chilkur Balaji and he will be granted with a visa. Since then he has been popularized as the visa god.

3. Shri Jagannath Temple

Shri Jagannath means the lord of the universe, the supreme solace and a savior for countless devotees across the globe. Since times immemorial, the powerful god’s magnificent and monumental shrine in Orissa draws lakhs of devotees. Jagannath Temple is dedicated to revered God Shri Krishna. Jagan means Universe and Nath is the Lord. He is one of the incarnations of Vishnu. 

This temple is a replica of the original Jagannath Temple of Puri. However, this temple is much smaller and its design resembles the one in Puri, Orissa. The Hyderabad version of Puri’s temple was built on 3000-square yard area. It is located adjacent to the Telangana Bhavan in the posh suburbs of Banjara Hills. This temple is so captivating that it is tagged as one of the must-visit places of Hyderabad. The most appealing portion of the temple is its “Shikaram” (the peak or the top). It is about 70 feet in height. Sand stones brought from Orissa have been used in the construction of this temple, and that justifies its red colour and around 60 sculptors were employed to carve this awe-inspiring temple.

The main idols of the temple are Lord Krishna along with his brother BalaRama and sister Subhadra. It also houses five small temples in the premises, that are dedicated to Lord Ganesh (which is to the left of main entrance), Lord Shiva (in the front), Goddess Bhimala ( to the the left on back side), Goddess Lakshmi ( to the right) and two shrines for Navagraha and Shri Hanuman. The temple has three entrances while the main entrance opens right in front of the main temple. One cannot miss noticing the intricately done exterior carving which is considered iconic. The exteriors of the temple are completely made of sand stone while the sanctum sanctorum is done in plain brick wall from the inside. It is considered as one of the modern architectural marvels of Hyderabad city and draws hundreds of visitors every day. It is a place where the city’s Oriya community bond together.

4. Buddha Statue – Pride of Hyderabad

The buddha statue statue at hussain sagar is 58 feet (18 m) and weighs 350 tons. It is built using a single rock, making it the world's tallest monolithic statue of the Buddha. The Chief architect was Ganapathi. 

The work of installing a statue was started during the period when N.T. Rama rao was serving as the chief minister of the then Andhra pradesh. He wanted to install a statue of a great personality after he visited and got inspired by the statue of liberty. He was inspired to build something which would at a single look can represent the prosperity of our culture and the distinction of heritage. No wonder he chose to install a statue of Gauthama buddha. The staue was ready by 1989. 

But in 1990 when the statue was being installed, an accident struck when the statue tipped and fell into the lake due to human error killing 10 engineers working on the project.A two-year salvation mission was performed to pull the statue out of the lake and finally in the year 1992 it was installed at its present place. 

5. Golconda Fort

Hyderabad's most impressive sight, this monumental fort lies on the western edge of town. In the 16th century the Qutb Shahs made Golconda a fortified citadel, built atop a 120m-high granite hill surrounded by mighty ramparts, all ringed by further necklaces of crenellated fortifications, 11km in perimeter. From the summit there are stunning vistas across dusty Deccan foothills and the crumbling outer ramparts, over the domed tombs of Qutb Shahs, past distant shanty towns to the horizon haze of the inner city. 

By the time of the Qutb Shahs, Golconda Fort had already existed for at least three centuries under the Kakatiyas and Bahmani sultanate, and was already famed for its diamonds, which were mostly mined in the Krishna River valley, but cut and traded here. The Qutb Shahs moved to their new city of Hyderabad in 1591, but maintained Golconda as a citadel until the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb took it in 1687 after a year-long siege, ending Qutb Shahi rule. Golconda's massive gates were studded with iron spikes to obstruct war elephants. Within the fort, a series of concealed glazed earthenware pipes ensured a reliable water supply, while the ingenious acoustics guaranteed that even the smallest sound from the entrance would echo across the fort complex.

6.Ramoji Film City

 The city encompasses massive buildings, gardens and other sets suitable for filming movies. Fans of Indian movies will find many locations where scenes from their favourite films were shot. Inside the city are complete facilities for pre-production, production and post-production work on movies. In addition, there are theme parks, rides and other attractions, opportunities for shopping and dining. There are three hotels inside the city catering to various budgets. Visitors can easily spend a weekend or more with their families and not tire of the place.

7. Chowmahalla Palace

the magnificent Chowmahalla Palace was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty where the Nizams entertained their official guests and royal visitors. Built over 200 years ago, Chowmahalla Palace is renowned for its unique style and elegance.A synthesis of many architectural styles and influences, the Palace Complex has been meticulously restored.

8.Snow World

On 28 January 2004, the then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Chandrababu Naidu of Inaugurated the facility. Though it was not intended to be open for visitors on that day, some of them ventured into the facility. They experienced giddiness from inhaling excess nitrogen in the air, which is used to produce snow. Two-hundred tonnes of artificial snow was laid on the layered flooring which was specially prepared to avoid seepage or melting. Every day, the top layer of snow is cleaned and an additional two to three tonnes of snow, which is generated within the facility, is used to top the snow spread. The artificial snow is made using a patented technology from Australia. The snow is made from water that is filtered four times so it won't harm children if they consume it. 

The park can accommodate a total of 2,400 visitors in a day. Every visitor gets acclimatised to lower temperatures in a step-wise manner, 20 °C (68 °F), then 0 °C, and then a sub zero temperature. This method is approved internationally. In addition, visitors are given protective clothing and a steaming cup of soup to help them acclimatise to the temperature change. The internal area, also called as the Cryo Zone, maintains a constant temperature of – 5 °C. For 1 hour, a maximum of 300 visitors at a time can explore the different facilities such as kids snow play area, snow wars, snow tube slide, sleigh slide, ice-bumping cars, merry-go-round and an ice skating rink.

9.KBR National Park

Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park otherwise called Chiran Fort Palace is a national park situated in Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The recreation center has an inexact territory of 390-section of land (1.6 km2). The whole park was pronounced as a National park by the Andhra Pradesh state government subsequent to getting endorsement from the focal government in the year 1998. It is found halfway in Jubilee Hills and is portrayed as a wilderness in the midst of the solid wilderness. It has peacocks and different creatures. 

10.Birla Science Museum

The Birla Planetarium and Science Museum in Hyderabad is housed in a dome shaped building that reflects admirable architectural skills. This modern museum is emblematic of the progress made in the field of science and technology by Indians. 

Every day sky shows are held in the Birla Planetarium and Science Museum in Hyderabad both in Telegu and English. These shows are thoroughly enjoyed by children. Several mysteries of the Universe are unraveled before them. They come to know about the Comets, the Cosmos, the Eclipses and several other scientific phenomenons. It serves to educate these young minds who are also familiarized with the Hubble Space telescope and the Unidentified Flying Objects. 

The sound effect of the shows is also startling. One really gets the feeling of being in outer space. It is indeed a very thrilling and exciting experience to be witnessing these special shows at the Birla Planetarium and Science Museum in Hyderabad. The canopy of the star lit sky exhilarates each visitor irrespective of the age group he or she belongs to. Their knowledge also increases manifold. 

The most recent attraction of the Birla Planetarium and Science Museum in Hyderabad is the Dinosaur. The highlight of the Dinosaur is the fossil of the 160 million year old “Kotasaurus Yamanpalliensis” excavated in the Adilabad district which was presented to the Birla Planetarium and Science Museum in Hyderabad by the Geological Survey of India. Among the other exhibits of the Dinosaur at the Birla Planetarium and Science Museum in Hyderabad are smaller fossils of Dinosaur eggs, marine shells and fossilized tree trunks. 

Best places to visit in Assam

A“Peerless” land, as that is what Assam means owing its derivation from a Sanskrit word 'ASOMA', is an entryway to the North East India. It is a region where nature herself has painted the vibrant landscape, hillocks, woods , brooks and streams, flora and fauna and above all the affectionate people. Crafted with much special care, the state of Assam India cast a spell on the travelers exploring the treasures of pleasure on Assam tourism. An abode of one horned rhino, blue rivers and red mountains, aromatic tea gardens make Tourism in Assam a special experience. Assam bears a testimony of rich cultural heritage through its temples, monuments, and torrential Brahmaputra River. It is legendary state in terms of traditions and civilization and hence makes for an amzing experience - in short Assam tourism info gives you best of Assams incredible travel experience

1.Jorhat

The Cinnamora Tea Estate is the first tea garden of Assam which is famous for its tea. The Cinnamora tea estate started functioning in the year 1850. The tea estate was set up by Maniram Dewan. Maniram Dewan worked as a sirastadar of an assistant commissioner attached under the British government posted at Jorhat. The Cinnamora tea estate is located within 10 km from the Jorhat city centre. The picturesque tea garden is ravishing green during the peak harvest seasons. It is a treat to walk on the narrow lanes bounded by short tea bushes. If you want to learn how tea is harvested, the Cinnamora Tea Estate is one of the ideal places to learn it. With happy and welcoming tea workers, talking to them and learning more isn’t difficult. To reach the tea garden, tourists can hire cabs from Jorhat city centre or even take the public transport buses available at regular intervals. 

2.Sualkuchi

Sualkuchi is a small sleepy village that displays the culture and traditions of Assam in its best form. The weaving village is however, best known for its skills and craftsmanship for producing one of the best kinds of silk in the state and thus earning its self a nickname of 'Manchester of East'.

One can witness the ethnicity and rustic view of the village in form of the bamboo houses and walls covered with mud in order to maintain cool in summers and warmth in winters. Also rich in flora and fauna, Sualkuchi is an ecologically diverse area inhabiting not only the local exotic animals and birds but also varied species of migratory birds. Dotted with temples, namghars and monasteries at every step, the village is a wholesome package for tourists. Silkwork is yet another feather in Sualkuchi's hat. Some very fascinating and intricate designs are developed on the naturally golden Muga silk in the karkhanas or workshops that can be found beside almost every house. The village of Sualkuchi situated on the northern banks of River Brahmaputra with sprawling green hills all around is a beautiful place to visit, exhibiting a charm that will leave you completely awe-inspired.

3.Tezpur

The legend revolves around Banasura, the great Asura king (devotee of Shiva), his beautiful daughter Usha and her friend Chitralekha. The ancient Sonitpur was the capital of the Asura dynasty. The princess saw a handsome prince in her dreams and fell in love with him. Chitralekha, a talented artist, not only painted his portrait from Usha's description but also recognized him to be Aniruddha, the grandson of Lord Krishna and ruler of Dwarka. Using her magical powers, Chitralekha spirited Aniruddha away to the princess' boudoir where the two married each other according to Gandharva rites, without the knowledge of the king. When Banasura learnt of the clandestine romance, he imprisoned Aniruddha, which led to the arrival of Lord Krishna to Sonitpur to rescue his grandson. A fierce battle followed and the entire city was drenched in human blood, hence the name Sonitpur. In the battle of Hari (Lord Krishna) and Hara (Lord Shiva in the form of Banasura), Bana was defeated and the lovers were united forever.

Situated on the banks of river Brahmaputra, Tezpur town known for its natural beauty and fascinating archaeological ruins, it is the headquarters of district Sonitpur. Undulating green valleys surrounded by the lofty hills and snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, and lush tea gardens render Tezpur a tourist's delight

4. Sivasagar

An important landmark in Sibsagar town is the 200 old Sibsagar tank. This tank is situated in the center of the town. On its banks are three major temples, namely the Shiva Dol, the Vishnu Dol and the Devi Dol, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Durga, repsectively. Apart from this, the major attractions within the town are Rang Ghar, Kareng Ghar, Tolatol Ghar, Gaurisagar Tank, Gargaon Palace and Charaideo. On a vacation to Assam, do make sure to plan a short trip to the town of Sibsagar as well

5.North Cachar Hills

Also known as Dima Hasao district of Assam, the place inhabits minor and major tribes like Dimasa kachauris, Zeme Nagas, The Hmars and The Kukis with a minimum population in terms of space covered. Anyone who is visiting these hills can experience Nature even with their eyes closed. 

Sipping a cup of tea while watching birds at Jatinga, a district in Dima Hasao; enjoying a long walk in the ‘Scotland of Assam' (Haflong) and shop local handloom at Haflong bazar would combine a trip to North Cachar Hills. With all that, swing in the clouds above your head. One can reach this place from nearest Silchar airport from where a rough 140 km road drive will land you finally on these thrilling hills and you will be in one of the best places to visit in Assam.

6.Majuli

The biggest river island in the world, Majuli is located on the river Brahmaputra in Assam and is formed by Brahmaputra in the south and the Kherkutia Xuti joined by the river Subansiri in the north. Making you feel at peace with nature, it is home to many migratory birds. Located 1100 km away from the mouth of the Brahmaputra, Majuli had an area of 1256 sq km in 1991 but due to soil erosion, it has now reduced to 875 sq km.

Majuli has been the cultural capital of the Assamese civilization since the 16th century and its main village, Naghmar, hosts all the important events, festivals and prayers. A good learning center for neo-Vaishnavite philosophy, there are 22 Vaishnava Satras in the city, the first of which was established in the 15th century by Sankaradeva, the father of Assamese culture. These attract a lot of tourists.

7. Umananda Island

Northeast India is a favourite among tourists, with its abundance of natural resources making it a place of immense beauty. Among the Northeast's many beautiful locations is the world's smallest inhabited river island, Umananda Island, in Assam.

Lord Shiva created this island for his wife Parvati’s happiness. Another name given to the island is Bhasmachal and there is an interesting story behind it. Apparently, the God of Love as per Indian mythology, Kamdev, was burnt to ashes here after interrupting Shiva who was in deep meditation.

Also known as Peacock Island due to its resemblance to peacock feathers, one historically prominent place here is Umananda temple. This temple was built in 1964 by Ahom King Gadadhar Singha and attracts thousands of devotees. The devotees come to this sacred shrine to offer prayers and seek blessings from Shiva.

8. Manas National Park

A famous wildlife zone and one of the exhilarating places to visit in Assam can bring you directly to Manas National park. A world heritage site declared by UNESCO, an elephant reserve, a Biosphere Reserve and a Project Tiger reserve is all the highlighted tags that these park posses. This place is known as home for rare and endangered endemic wildlife such as the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur, and pygmy hog. 

If one wants to achieve golden moments within the thickly dense forests and enjoy the ripples of river water, a combination of tropical, deciduous trees with the flow of Manas river can totally cheer the mood up. Visit here and bring your wild side out in the laps of Natural beauty. Moreover, it is easily connected from the city of Guwahati by road as well as a rail as it lies 137 km Northwest to the city.

9.Guwahati

Guwahati is a sprawling city beside the Brahmaputra River in the northeast Indian state of Assam. It’s known for holy sites like the hilltop Kamakhya Temple, featuring shrines to the Hindu deities Shiva and Vishnu. To the east, 18th-century Navagraha Temple is an astronomical center with planetary shrines. Umananda Temple, dedicated to Shiva and covered with engravings, stands on Peacock Island in the river.

10.Dibrugarh

Another industrial town in North East corner of the state, on the banks of river Brahmaputra, is Dibrugarh and it attracts many people because of its own charm and hence, becomes one of the ultimate tourist places in Assam. The surrounding areas of this town are Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Siva Sagar which have got tea producing estates. So, this region is one of the highest tea producing districts in India and its lush green serene beauty attracts thousands of visitors not just to soothe their eyes but also to satiate their taste of tea. 

The region has amazing wildlife sanctuaries and forests including Jokai Botanical Garden cum Germplasm Center, Jeypore Rainforest, Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuaries. It also hosts grand temple of Radha Krishna and a Buddhist vihara. Not only this, Vaishnavite culture speaks boldly in this region with monasteries or ‘satras' like Dehing Namti, Dinjoy, Grapara, Dehing etc. A blend of culture, religious and wildlife for which Assam is happy to welcome people, is seen in Dibrugarh as well.