HYDERABAD VACATIONS

Hyderabad

Known as the city of Nizams, Hyderabad is also famous worldwide for its beads and pearl work done efficiently. Hyderabad, the multihued capital of the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh is one of the fastest growing cities in India. Studded with medieval edifices, boulevards and bustling shopping malls, Hyderabad is a combination of both the ancient and the modern. Offering an image of striking contrasts, Hyderabad has secured its position among the most 'happening' places in India. Being an amphitheater for many Indian as well as multinational IT companies, Hyderabad has carved out a respectable place for itself in growing Software industry.

With rich blend of Medieval Indian, Saracenic, Mughal and Colonial architecture, a mixture of the Hindu and Islamic influences, labyrinth of markets and tiny houses, bustling place where narrow ancient lanes embraces broad vehicle-jammed roads, Hyderabad is now becoming every tourists' dream destination.

Tourist Hot Spots

The Charminar
You must have seen the picture of this monument many a times in various mediums, but seeing it from your own eyes would be a mind blowing experience. Charminar or four minarets is a huge monument in square shape rising to a height of 180ft from the ground level. With ornamental brackets and decoration in stucco plaster add graceful elegance to the structure. It has four wide roads radiating in the four cardinal directions. The whole edifice contains numerous small decorative arches arranged both vertically and horizontally.

You must have seen the picture of this monument many a times in various mediums, but seeing it from your own eyes would be a mind blowing experience. Charminar or four minarets is a huge monument in square shape rising to a height of 180ft from the ground level. With ornamental brackets and decoration in stucco plaster add graceful elegance to the structure. It has four wide roads radiating in the four cardinal directions. The whole edifice contains numerous small decorative arches arranged both vertically and horizontally.

The Mecca Masjid
Mecca Masjid is locatd every close to the Charminar. The construction of which was started by Muhammad Qutb Shah in 1617 and completed by Quranzeb in 1693. This massive monument with a huge courtyard can accommodate nearly 10,000 men at prayer at a time.

Hussain Sagar Lake
Contributing immensely to the beauty of Hyderabad is the Hussain Sagar lake. This scenic lakes of Hyderabad offer a fabulous time for holiday makers and water fiends lie between the twin cities of Andhra Pradesh Secunderabad and Hyderabad. The lake was built on a tributary of the Musi river in 1562 by Hussain Shah Wahi during the rule of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah. This is an artificial lake that serves the water needs of the city throughout the year.

Golconda Fort
Lying on the western outskirts about 11km from the state capitla Hyderabad is the Golconda fort, one of the most magnificent fortress complex in India. Originally built in mud, the history of Golconda Fort dates back to the early 13th century, when this part of the country was ruled by the Kakatiyas. Later the fort built in granite, the ruins of which dates from the time of the Qutub Shahi kings, who had ruled this area in the 16th and 17th century.

Shopping in Hyderabad

This is the place where you can buy various items of your choice. Hyderabad is known worldwide for several things, but pearl, bidriware, chuddis (colouful glass bangles) and kat saris are something on which you can bargain.

Pearls: The pearl markets of Hyderabad attracts both the tourists and the specialists. Women tourists never forget to visit the pearls bazaars at Hyderabad. The pearls and pearl jewelry of this place are so irresistible that they prefer to visit the pearl bazaars first before going to visit any other place. You can find pearls in all shapes, sizes and colours (shades) to match your dresses and also your likings.

Bidriware: Hyderabad is also famous for Bidriware, a type of encrusted metalwork where one metal is inlaid or overlaid on another. This is another best buy in Hyderabad.

Saris: A gift you can offer to your mother, sister or spouse. They will really love to possess the traditional saris of Hyderabad in their wardrobes. The Kat saris are the traditional saris of Hyderabad. The other popular variety of saris are from Siddipet, Dharmavaram, Narayanpet and Gadwal. Also typical of the state is Kalmakari-the hand painted fabric, and Nirmal painting, using dyes to create memorable scenes from the Mahabharat and the Ramayana.