Charminar

Charminar, the edifice of four minarets, is the legendary masterpiece of the Qutb Shahis. The awesome rectangular structure was built upon four grand arches by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 to commemorate the end of the plague.

The plan is a square, each side 20 meters long, while the four arches are 11 meters wide and rise 20 meters from the plinth. The four storied minarets rise 20 meters from the roof of the massive monument and measures 24 meters from the plinth. The western section of the roof contains a mosque with 45 prayer spaces with a large open space in front to accommodate more for Friday prayers. To the east of this space is a veranda with a large open arch in the centre, flanked by smaller ones both side.

Golconda Fort

Founded originally by the Kakatiyas in the 13th century, the existing structure was expanded by the Qutb Shahi kings into a massive fort of granite with walls and ramparts extending some 7kms in circumference. The fortress city within the walls was famous for the diamond trade and the Koh-i-noor diamond is said to have come from here.

Mecca Masjid

This is the biggest mosque in Hyderabad and lies 100 yards south-west of Charminar. The name is derived from the Grand Mosque at Mecca on which it is patterned. The hall is 67 meters by 54 meters and 23 meters high. The roof is supported by 15 arches, five on each of the three sides. The western side is blocked by a high wall to provide the Mehrab. At each end are two huge octagonal columns made out of a single piece of granite each topped by an arched gallery that is crowned by a dome. The mosque is one of the largest in India and can accommodate ten thousand people at a time.

Qutab Shahi Tombs

The tombs erected in the memory of the departed kings of Golconda are truly magnificent monuments that have stood the test of time and the vagaries of nature. They stand a kilometre north of Golconda fort's Banjara Darwaza.

Faluknama Palace

Built by one of the Paigh nobles Sir Vicar ul Umra, and later bought by the Nizam, the Falaknuma Palace (meaning "Mirror in the Sky") is 5km south of the Charminar. This palace was designed by an Italian architect and houses some rare treasures collected by the Nizam.

Salarjung Museum

A collection of art objects by Nawab Salar Jung III, this museum houses magnificent exhibits of European and Indian paintings and statuary. Of special interest is the Jade Room containing priceless objects which belonged to ancient Indian rulers like Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan.

Birla Mandir

Overlooking the Tank Bund, the Birla Mandir presents an arresting sight when illuminated in the evening. This magnificent structure built entirely out of marble from Rajasthan, stands atop the Kala Pahad, the twin hillock of the Naubat Pahad. Built by a Birla Foundation over a span of ten years, the main temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara.

Tank Bund

Hyderabad's most popular promenade, the Tank Bund dams the Hussain Sagar lake. It is lined with 33 statues of famous personalities of the state. Recently installed is the monolith of Buddha at the centre of the lake. This lake is the venue of many water sport events.

Birla Planatarium

In the heart of the city is the B.M. Birla Planetarium, one of the newest and the most modern in India. It is being developed into a centre for the study of astronomy.

Nehru Zoological Park

This zoo spreads over 300 acres and is one of the largest in Asia. Over 3000 different species of birds and animals can be seen here. It has a unique nocturnal zoo which houses animals not normally seen during the day. The Natural History Museum has rare and interesting exhibits. Large recreational parks, gardens, a mini train and animal rides, make it an ideal spot for a picnic.

Public Gardens

Originally called the Bagh-e-aam, it consists of well laid out gardens. It also houses the imposing State Legislative Assembly building, the Jubilee Hall, the Jawahar Bal Bhavan, the Health Museum and the State Archaeological Museum.

Lad Bazaar

The street leading from Charminar to the square on the west called the Chowk, is known as Lad Bazaar. It is a shopping centre of the old city specialising in bridal ware. Here you will find the famous glass bangles of Hyderabad. Midway to the Chowk on the left, you will marvel at the splendid pink gates and semi-circular outer walls of the Nizam's Jillukhana (Parade Grounds) built in the French-Islamic style during Nizam VI reign. The troops were quartered here and the large gateway facilitated the easy movement of elephants.