TELANGANA

Is a state in southern India. It has an area of 114,840 km and is the twelfth largest state in India. Most of it was part of the princely state of Hyderabad ruled by the Nizam of Hyderabad during the British Raj, joining the Union of India in 1948. In 1956, the Hyderabad state was dissolved as part of the linguistic reorganisation of states, and the Telugu speaking part of Hyderabad state, known as Telangana, was merged with former Andhra State to form Andhra Pradesh. On 2 June 2014, Telangana was formed as a new 29th state of India, with the city of Hyderabad as its capital Hyderabad will continue to serve as the joint capital city for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for a period of not more than ten years.

Telangana is bordered by the states of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh to the north, Karnataka to the west, and Andhra Pradesh to the south, east and north east.It shares small border with Orissa too.Telangana has an area of 114,840 square kilometres (44,340 sq ml) and a population of 35,286,757 (2011 census).Its major cities include Hyderabad, Warangal, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Ramagundam and Khammam.

HYDERABAD

The capital of Telangana State, Hyderabad founded in the year 1591 by fifth Qutb Shahi Ruler Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah is today the 5th largest city in India, a wonderful combination of glorious heritage, growing modernity, thriving hospitality and delectable cuisine.

Hyderabad was ranked 138th and the best Indian city to live in, according to the Mercer Quality of Living Rankings 2015

Some other Facts about the City of Hyderabad are:

  • Nerve centre of the IT, Biotech and Pharma sectors.
  • Convention Capital of India.
  • 400-year old city with a blend of traditional and modern in perfect harmony.
  • Home to ten Universities and a global top 20 B-school.
  • Home to several reputed companies from India and abroad.
  • Hyderabad international Airport voted one of the best of its kind in the world.

LANGAUGES

Though the official language of Hyderabad is Telugu there are other languages that are spoken in the city including English, Hindu, and Urdu and to a lesser extent others like Tamil, Kannada, etc.

English is used for official and commercial purposes. Most people on the streets understand and converse in English as well as in Hindi.

RELIGION

Hyderabad is a truly cosmopolitan city where people of varied religions and cultures thrive and prosper. Hyderabad’s skyline depicts in all its beauty the distinctive minarets of Mosques, intricate artwork of Hindu Temples, Majestic archs of Churches and the stunning domes & architecture of Sikh Gurudwaras. There are also people belonging to Parsi and other communities in Hyderabad.

CLIMATE

The weather in Hyderabad is generally very pleasant save for pretty hot days in April & May and cold ones in December and January.
The Temperature in Hyderabad generally ranges from 11°C to 42°C.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS :

  • Police 100
  • Fire 101
  • Ambulance 102

The above numbers are usually the same in other cities of India.

HOW TO REACH HYDERABAD? :

Hyderabad is well-connected to major Indian cities and some cities of overseas.

BY AIR :

Hyderabad has one of the finest airports in India, a ultra-modern international airport, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport that offers direct daily flights to 19 Indian cities (on Air Costa, Air India, IndiGo, Jet Airways or SpiceJet), Chicago, London and several Southeast Asian and Gulf destinations

Passengers have the option of modern taxi cabs as well as prepaid autorickshaws, to get to their destination from and to airport. The Cab & Auto fares may vary depending upon to and from which part of Hyderabad city you are coming from.

Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) in association with GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) runs daily direct bus (Garuda) service between Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) and select city areas.

BY RAIL :

The headquarters of South Central Railway, Hyderabad is well connected to and fro all major cities of India. Apart from the major rail station at Secunderabad, there are also two other railway stations at Hyderabad (Nampally) and Kachiguda) areas. The trains leaving from these two stations can be boarded at Secunderabad railway station also.

Some of the popular trains that run daily from Hyderabad rail junctions are Kacheguda Express, Hyderabad Express, Charminar Express, Konark Express, Andhra Pradesh Express and Shatabdi Express, etc.

BY ROAD :

The main Bus Terminal is the 74-platform Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station near Abids area of Hyderabad. In addition, there is the fast expanding Jubilee Bus Station, near Secunderabad Rail Station.

Both stations run bus services to cities and towns in Telangana & Andhra Pradesh states as well to major Indian cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, etc. The buses come in varied categories like Ordinary, AC & Non-AC Sleeper, Deluxe, Super Deluxe, etc, operated by both state and private companies. The fares vary according to the kind of bus.

Private Tourist Agencies also run their own buses to major Indian cities from some selected areas of the city.

TO SEE IN HYDERABAD? :

BIRLA TEMPLE

A Hindu temple of Lord Venkateshwara, built entirely of white marble and sandstone, Birla Mandir, located on Naubad Pahad close to Hussain Sagar Lake, combines the architectural styles of Orissan and South Indian temples.
Some major highlights include:

  • Rajagopuram built in the South Indian style that greets the visitors.
  • Tower over the main shrine of Lord Venkateswara called the ‘Jagadananda Vimanam’, built in the Orissan style.
  • Towers over the shrines of the consorts, built in the South Indian style.
  • Exotic scenes from the great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata finely sculpted in marble.
  • Replica of the Venkateshwara Temple of Tirupati in the inner shrine of the temple.
  • Granite image of the presiding deity, about 11ft tall.
  • Carved lotus that forms an umbrella for the Granite image.

CHARMINAR

A global icon of Hyderabad, listed among the most recognized structures of India, Charminar is situated on the east bank of Musi River. Made of granite, limestone, mortar and pulverized marble, this rich architectural treasure has four imposing arches or minarets.

Which face the four main directions with a row of small vaulted niches, ornament each of the four arches.

Charminar is square in shape, each side measuring 100 feet, with a central pointed high arch at the center. The minarets, their domed finials rising from their lotus-leaves cushion, rise to 180 feet from the ground. Each minaret is crowned by a bulbous dome with dainty petal-like designs at the base. There are 149 winding steps to reach the upper floor.

Charminar structure is also known for its profusion of stucco decorations and the arrangement of its balustrades and balconies. The whole structure contains various small and ornamental arches arranged in vertical and horizontal fashion.

CHOWMOHALLA PALACE

Originally covered 45 acres, the majestic Chowmohalla Palace today covers only 12 acres. A palace of the Nizams of the then Hyderabad state, Chowmohalla Palace was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty and the official residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad while they ruled their state. Today, the palace remains the property of Barkat Ali Khan Mukarram Jah, heir of the Nizams.

A magnificent Palace, Chowmohalla Palace is unique for its style and elegance that combines in itself the synthesis of many architectural styles and influences. The palace has two courtyards, elegant palaces, the grand Khilawat (the Darbar Hall), fountains and gardens.

GOLCONDA FORT

Built by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah in 1525, the Golconda Fort depicts the opulent nawabi culture of the time. Popularly called as “Shepherd’s Hill” or “Golla Konda” in Telugu, Golconda Fort was the capital of the medieval sultanate of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty (1518–1687) and is situated 11 kilometres west of Hyderabad City.

Some important highlights of this Fort are:

  • Magical Acoustic System.
  • Secret underground tunnel that leads from the “Durbar Hall” and ends in one of the palaces at the foot of the hills.
  • Ingenious water supply system.
  • Tombs of the Qutub Shahi kings with Islamic architecture.
  • Two individual pavilions on the outer side of Golkonda.
  • Kala Mandir.
  • Beautiful Palaces & Gardens and numerous exquisitely carved stones.
  • Famous “Rahban” cannon, etc.

H.E.H. NIZAM MUSEUM

The Highness The Nizam’s Museum, located in the stately Purani Haveli, has a fascinating collection of articles including gifts, souvenirs and mementos, presented to the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan.

Some major highlights include:

  • Models made of Silver of all the landmark buildings in Hyderabad.
  • Citations in Urdu about H.E.H. Mir Osman Ali Khan.
  • Golden wooden throne.
  • Gold tiffin box inlaid with diamonds.
  • Miniature replica of the Jubilee Hall.
  • Glass Inlay Painting of Mir Osman Ali Khan.
  • Wooden writing box studded with mother-of-pearl diamond.
  • Gold-studded Daggers, Caskets & Silver Ittardans (perfume containers).
  • Silver coffee cups studded with diamonds.
  • Silver filigree elephant with mahout.
  • 1930 Rolls Royce, Packard & Jaguar Mark V vintage cars, etc.

LAAD BAZAAR

A old market popular for Bangles, located on one of the four main roads that branch out from the historic Charminar, Laad Bazaar is popular for bangles including lacquer bangles studded with stones, semi-precious stones, pearls, jewellery, saris and hand-woven materials of silk and also cotton, brocade, velvet & gold embroidered fabrics and Dhupattas.

Laad Bazaar also houses shops that sell Perfumes, products such as silverware, Kalamkari Paintings, Bidriware, etc. There are also shops laden with zari borders and laces, mehendi, surma and sequins and glitter. ‘Parandi’ or tassle ended strands that are worn with the plait. Carts selling combs and nail enamels, hairclips and even pyjama drawstrings can also be found in Laad Bazaar.

LUMBINI PARK

A small public urban park of 7.5 acres adjacent to Hussain Sagar, Lumbini Park attracts many visitors throughout the year. Maintained by the Buddha Purnima Project Authority, the main attractions include a colourful floral clock, waterfalls and fountains, and a spectacular musical dancing fountain and water cascade.

NEHRU ZOOLOGICAL PARK

ocated near Mir Alam Tank, Nehru Zoological Park houses nearly 100 species of birds, animals and reptiles including indigenous animals like the Indian Rhino, Asiatic Lion, Bengal Tiger, Panther, Indian Elephant, Pythons, Deers & Antelopes, and many varieties of birds.

In addition, the 600-acre (240 ha) Mir Alam Tank with its unique multiple arched bund (embankment), attracts hundreds of migratory birds.

A major highlight of the Zoo is the nocturnal house that artificially reverses night and day for the animals so that nocturnal animals are active while visitors are at the zoo. This exhibit includes Fruit Bats, Slender Loris, Civets, Leopard Cats, Barn Owls, etc. There is also an aquarium, dino park, butterfly park and tortoise house.

The zoo also runs multiple safari trips each day through the safari area where animals such as Asiatic lion, Bengal tiger, sloth bear etc. are housed. The zoo also has special educational shows and feeding sessions scheduled each day. Other attractions include a natural history museum and a train ride around the Zoo area.

NTR GARDENS

A small public, urban park of 36 acres adjacent to Hussain Sagar Lake, NTR Gardens is close to other tourist attractions such as Lumbini Park and Necklace Road and Birla Mandir. Maintained by the Buddha Purnima Project Authority, NTR Gardens attractions includes boat ride, Japanese garden, machan tree, Children’s playing area and a variety of eat out joints.

There is also a car cafe and fruit restaurant which is a 2000-square-metre restaurant circumvented by three petal-shaped ponds.