Hyderabad is the fifth largest city of India and a blend of Hindu as well as Muslim cultures and traditions is found in the city. The city is an old one and was ruled by the Nizams as well as by the Moghul kings. Due to its rich culture and historical values, Hyderabad is visited by many people through out the year. For a tourist, the city of Hyderabad offers a variety of things to see and explore.
Charminar
A 16th century Rectangular Four Arched Monumental Gate, Charminar is often described as ‘The Arch of Triumph of the East’ and stands as the signature of the city of Hyderabad. It’s a magnificent square edifice of granite built on 4 grand arches facing north, south, east and west. Each minaret stands on a lotus-leaf base, a recurrent motif in Shahi buildings. The first floor is used as a school while the second floor houses a mosque. There is a hospital in the southeast of Charminar, while the lines of Laad Bazaar are situated in the west.
Golconda Fort
Situated in the western sector of Hyderabad city is the Golconda Fort about 8.5 km away from the Hussein Sagar Lake. The outer fort consists of 3 square km area and is 4.8 km in length built around an old settlement. It was built on a hill in 1143. During 14th and 17th century, this fort was enlarged and strengthened by the Qutab Shah dynasty and became the capital. The fort contains ruins of palaces, mosques and a hill top pavilion. It also served as the king’s stronghold, administrative center and market place.
Salar Jung Museum
One of the oldest museums in India, Salar Jung Museum is said to be the largest private collection in the world. The museum holds various objects of attraction such as artifacts collected by Nawab Turab Ali Khan popularly known as Salar Jung I, the diwan of the Hyderabad state and his descendants. The museum also houses objects like priceless manuscripts, ancient weapons, costumes and other trivia that make up the personal collection of the owners.
Tank Bund
The Tank Bund is the dam constructed on Hussein Sagar Lake and acts as a link between the two cities of Hyderabad and Sikandarabad. Cool breeze caresses one’s temples and is very welcoming. Thirty three elegant statues of eminent historic personalities like Nannayya, Tikkana, Errana, Rudramma, Molla, Sri Sri, Jashua, Annamayya, Tyagayya, Vemana and Pingali Venkaiah greet one when one over looks the water body. This tank bund was built by Hazrat Hussein Shah and has always been a major tourist attraction. To add more attraction to it, a monolithic statue of Buddha is situated on the heart of the lake making it a very beckoning place to visit.
Macca Masjid
On the southwest of Charminar is located the Macca Masjid. The work on this mosque was initiated by Sultan Qutub Shah and was completed by Moghal ruler Aurangzeb. It is one of the largest mosques in India built by local granite. The arched gallery which is situated at the south end of the mosque houses the tombs of all the Nizams. The building of the mosque is 225 feet long, 180 feet wide and 75 feet high. The mosque can accommodate 10,000 people at one time.
Nizamiya Observatory
The Nizamiya Observatory is situated at Punjgutta and is considered as one of the best conservatories in the country. The Astrolab was presented by Nawab Zafar Jung, a noble man of the Paigh. This observatory was established in 1908. It holds important historical and architectural importance.
Mian Mishk Masjid
Is one of the most interesting mosques within the city. Huge in structure while at the same time delicate, it stands at one end of a square country in an atmosphere of peace. It was built in 1678 and bears the name of its builder Malik Mian Mishk. Malik Mishk held the office of the Secretary, Commander and Keeper of the Royal Key. His grave is situated near the eastern end of the old bridge in a spacious enclosure.
