Hyderabad, the fifth largest metropolis of India, is the state capital of Andhra Pradesh, known for its rich history and culture with monuments, mosques, temples, a rich and varied heritage in arts, crafts and dance.
It is rare to come across a place that welc omes the 21st century with an 'adaab'. Hyderabad is one such place. There is so much here to awe the senses. From the magnificent food to the majestic monuments, from its terrific landscapes to a populace steeped in respect and tradition. Consisting of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, Hyderabad is also the capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh. Once the largest princely state in India, Hyderabad had its own flag, currency, railway, and postal system, before being incorporated into the Indian nation.
With a rich history, Hyderabad boasts of so me fine examples of Qutub Shahi architecture - the Jami Masjid, the Mecca Masjid, Toli Masjid and of course, the impressive symbol of Hyderabad, the Charminar.
A unique feature of the city is that it is the only city in the south, where the major language spoken is Urdu.
Home to the Nizams, reportedly, the world's richest royals, Hyderabad is also home to famous folk arts like shadow puppetry and kuchipudi.
Nizams of Hyderabad:
In 1724 Nizam-ul-Mulk Asif Jah I founded the Asif Jahi Dynasty and seven generations of the family ruled the Deccan for 224 years up to 1948. During this period several buildings of archaeological and public importance were built. Notable among them are: Purani Haveli, Chow Mahalla Palace, Osmania University, Jubilee Hall, Assembly Building, Asifia Library, Osmania Hospital, High Court, and all the buildings in the Public Garden.
I Nizam-ul-Mulk 1724 - 1748
II Nizam Ali Khan 1762 - 1803
III Sikander Jah 1803 - 1829
IV Nasir-ud-Dowla 1829 - 1857
V Afzal-ud-Dowla 1857 - 1869
VI Mahboob Ali Pasha 1869 - 1911
VII Mir Osman Ali Khan 1911 - 1948
General Info about city:
Area : 260 Sq. Km
Population : Approx 7 million
Growth Rate :9.5%
Land Use :Urban 93% [including industrial]; Agriculture 1.7%; Water Spread 5.3%
Altitude :536 metres above sea level
Languages : Urdu, Telgu, Hindi, English
Industries : Cotton and silk textiles, cigarettes, paper, pottery, glassware and more recently information technology and call centres.
Character :The area exhibits undulating topography with number of tanks and hill ranges. The elevation ranging between 500 to 600m. While Banjara, Jubilee, Golconda, Nawabat Pahad, Tirumalagiri and Moula Ali are prominent hill ranges, Hussain Sagar and Mir Alam are prominent tanks located within the city. Hussain Sagar located in the heart of the city bifurcates it into Secunderabad and Hyderabad. The Musi river passing through the middle of Hyderabad city flows in an easterly direction.
Weather : Summer temperatures range from a mean maximum of 40 deg centigrade to a mean minimum of 30 deg centigrade. Winter temperatures range from 22 deg centigrade. to 14 deg centrigrade. The monsoon season normally occurs from June to December. Registers rainfall of about 89 cms.
Best times to visit : Though the climate is suitable for visit anytime of the year, the best season is between October-February. Just avoid June when it is too hot to sightsee.
CharminarThe principle landmark of Hyderabad is the Charminar (four towers), the massive arch built by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah in 1591 to commemorate the end of a devastating epidemic of the plague. There is a small mosque on the second floor, which is the oldest in Hyderabad. In the south-east corner is a small Hindu shrine honoring Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. Each evening, the arch is illuminated and is a sight worth seeing.
Salar Jung Museum
One of Hyderabad's prime attractions is the Salar Jung Museum, the world's largest collection by a single individual, Sir Yusaf Ali Salar Jung III. The 36 rooms, house around 35,000 exhibits from all over the world including sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, unusual collections of jade, marble statues, rare manuscripts, Persian miniature paintings, Chinese porcelain and other objects d'art. The collected items in the museum could be far better classified because a lot of the really good pieces of art need to be hunted for. Whatever the inevitable drawbacks of a one man collection, a must visit. The museum is closed on Fridays.
Mecca Masjid
One of the largest mosques in the world, the Mecca Masjid is said to accommodate upto 10,000 worshippers. The foundation of the mosque was laid during the reign of Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah in 1614, but was completed only in 1687, when the Golconda Kingdom was annexed by Emperor Aurangzeb.
Nehru Zoological Park
Hyderabad also boasts of one of the largest zoos in India, the Nehru Zoological Park. It is spread over 1.2 sq. kms of landscaped gardens and houses about 3000 animals. There's a prehistoric animal section, a toy train ride around the park, a lion safari and a nocturnal section.
 The Birla Mandir (Naubat Prahad)
The Birla Mandir stands on a hill overlooking the south end of Hussain Sagar. It is a splendid temple built entirely out of white marble. The Birla Planetarium is also quite a crowd-puller.
Golconda Fort
A short distance away from the city, looms one of the most magnificent fortresses in India, the Golconda Fort. The fort dates back to the time of the Qutub Shahi kings, though its origin has been traced to earlier periods, to the reign of the Yadavas and later the Kakatiyas. The fortress is built on a granite hill 120 metres high. Its gates are studded with menacing iron spikes, intended to discourage elephants from battering them down.
What is unique about this fort is its system of acoustics. The sound of hands clapped at the entry gate can be heard quite clearly at the top of the hill, at a height of 61m. The stately tombs of the Qutub Shahi rulers lie just outside the outer wall of the Golconda fort. They lie amidst beautifully kept gardens and a number of them have intricately carved stonework.
Special Festivals:
Hyderabad has a rich cultural heritage, which encloses within itself an amalgam of various religious and cultural communities. While many of these are common with the rest of the country, some are celebrated with a distinct touch that carries the flavor of the city. One has to remember that Hyderabad is a predominantly Islamic state and therefore, it stands to reason that the festivals that stand out will be those of the Muslims. But then again, like the rest of India, there are festivals that are celebrated by all, regardless of one's own religion.
Til Sankranti:
In January, Til Sankranti marks the entry of the sun into the northern hemisphere. The day, held auspicious by Hindus is marked by worship of the Sun God. Houses are decorated with rangolis. This festival is also known as the harvest festival.
Ugadi:
Ugadi (March/April) is the Telugu New Year. On this day, houses are cleaned, painted and a 'toran' or string of mango leaves is strung up in front of each house.
Muharram:
Muharram (June-July), the day of martyrdom of the grandsons of Prophet Mohammad is celebrated with piety. Traditionally, the Muharram period lasts over a month and is observed by Muslims and Hindus with temperance. On the 8th and 10th days of Muharram, people of all religions pay respect at Chote Hazrat ki Dargah, inside Devan Devadi, in Hyderabad.
Bathkamma:
Bathkamma (October/November) is special to the Telangana region. In the month-long festival, Goddess Bathkamma's idol is worshipped and taken to rivers and lakes and floated in the evening.
How to get there 
By Road : Hyderabad is well connected with almost every major South Indian city.
By Air : Hyderabad is extremely well connected by air with major cities in India and is served by Indian Airlines, Jet airways and Sahara Airlines with frequent flights. Hyderabad is now an International Airport as well and is currently served by Qatar Airways, Emirates, Malaysian Airlines, Indian Airlines, Air India and a few other International Airlines.
By Rail : Hyderabad is well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and to almost all other cities in Southern India by a network of Super fast trains.
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