Hyderabad, capital city of Indian state Andhra Pradesh is fifth largest metropolitan area of India. The city with about 6.8 million populations is among five most populous cities of country. The city known for its rich history, culture, architecture with numerous monuments, mosques and temples and a rich heritage in art, craft and dance. Hyderabad is regarded as one of developed city of India, a nub of information technology, ITES and biotechnology.
Twin city Secundrabad is a part of Hyderabad separated by a man made Lake Husain Sagar. The city is about 400 tears old is perched on top of Deccan Plateau which is 1776ft above sea level and is spread over an area of 100sq.miles.
City was named after Muhammad Quli who found it. He fell in love with and married Banjara girl named Bhagamathi. Earlier city was named Bhagyanagaram and after marriage when she converted in to Islam she changed her name to Hyder Mahal and city was called Hyderabad.
Hyderabad was founded by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591-92 on the river Musi five miles east of Golconda. Qutb Shahis ruled the Deccan for almost 171 years and contributed in development of literature and culture in city. Under Qutb reign, Hyderabad developed as leading market in world for pearls, diamonds, printed fabric and steel for arms. Aurangzeb captured Deccan and after his sudden death viceroy of Mughal emperor, Mir Quamaruddin became governor of Deccan. In 1724 he declared himself independent from Mughal Empire and became first Nizam. Under his administration Persian, Urdu, Marathi and Telugu languages developed in territory. Hyderabad was ruled by seven Nizam’s who led to cultural and economic growth of city. The Nizams of Hyderabad were one of the wealthiest royal’s of past. Work on Nizam Sagar, Osman Sagar, Himayath Sagar, Nagarjuna Sagar and Tungabadra begun during that time. Hyderabad had its own currency, postal and railway system.
Hyderabad is called Gateway to North or South as it is in middle of country where distinct cultures and traditions meet. Hyderabadis have their own culture which is fusion of Hindu traditions, Islam culture and Telugu people. The traditional clothes for females in Hyderabad are khara duppata and shalwar qamis and for males is sherwani. Hyderabadi cuisine is unmatched in country, a delicious blend of mughal, telangana and Persian cuisine. Some of the most sought after dishes throughout the world are Hyderabadi Biryani, Haleem, Paya, Pheni and Dil Khush. Hyderabad is known as city of pearls, lakes and IT companies. A number of pharmaceuticals companies as Matrix, Dr. Reddy, Hetero, Divis, Vimta and Aurobindo Pharma Limited are housed in city. Since 1990s city grew up as a major set up for call centers and BPOs.
Hyderabad is also known for world class education institutes in city. City has University of Hyderabad and Maulana Azad National Urdu University as central universities along with ICFAI, Indian school of business, BITS, IIIT, IARI and several other institutes.
Hyderabad bus service and rail transportation system makes it easy to travel in city. Hyderabad is also known for several film studios and film festivals. The 10 day Ganesh Chaturthi celebration is major public carnival and Bonalu is also a festival celebrated with great passion.
Attractions of the city :
Ramoji film city is world’s largest film studio complex. A popular tourism and recreation centre with luxury hotels, lavish palaces, Japanese gardens, artificial airports and railway station. Charminar is most important landmark of Hyderabad built by ruler Quli Qutb Shah in honor of his wife. The monument with four graceful minarets is built of granite and lime mortar. The beautiful carvings, moldings and paintings of the monument look spectacular at night in illumination. Golconda fort built by Kakatiyas is located on outskirts of the city. The magnificent fortress complex with sound and light show at evenings attract number of royal and official guests. Mecca Masjid located near Charminar is a stone built mosque. It is one of most beautiful mosque in Andhra Pradesh.
Hussain Sagar is man made lake famous for 18 meter tall Buddha statue on Platform Island in middle of lake and surrounding well maintained parks. Birla Mandir is a white marble Hindu temple on top a hill overlooking city. Falaknuma Palace is a stunning piece of architecture built by Nawab Viqar al-Umra. Oceana Park is spread over 20 acres with number of amusement, water rides and fast food restaurants. Lumbini Park is a favorite for kids with musical fountains, boating, eat out joints and plenty of open space for kids to enjoy. Shilparamam is an arts and crafts village spread over 30 acre of land. Place is known for its annual festivals and bazaars. Snow World is located behind Indra Park which includes Go Kart Kave. It is India’s first snow theme park giving experience of snow fall as in Gulmarg or Switzerland in Hyderabad.
