Travel Guide Hyderabad, India

Hyderabad, also commonly known as City of Nizams is the capital of Andhra Pradesh, which is the fifth largest metropolitan city in India. Of course that is not surprising considering the fact that this city is unique and has a character of its own, which is quite evident when you look at the astonishing blend of ancient, beautifully crafted buildings standing next to equally enthralling state-of-the-art offices and sky scrapers. The IT sector has made such a huge impact on the otherwise historical and ancestral city that sometimes it is referred to as Cyberabad.

Hyderabad was named after a queen, Hyder Mahal, so Hyderabad literally means the City of Hyder. Lying next to the city, divided by a man-made lake called Hussain Sagar Lake, is Hyderabad's co-sister city, Secunderabad.


Places to Visit and Tourist Attractions

Hyderabad, with all its glorious temples and gardens and buildings, may as well be called a tourists paradise. And that's what it is if you're looking for a place that not only has the tinge history and culture, but is set against the most picturesque and glorious backdrop, Hyderabad is the place to go.      World Tours and Resorts

In the heart of Hyderabad is the Charminar. A monument that is almost synonymous with Hyderabad it is that famous. The best idea is to hire a tour guide while exploring this city, not only will you not get lost and get to savor all the famous attractions of the city, but you will also get a taste of the history behind the buildings and monuments.

Next in line is the Golconda Fort, from where the famous Kohinoor diamond was extracted. One can very well imagine what it would be like to visit the place where one of the largest diamonds of the world came from. It's a heady feeling in itself. Standing tall right next to the fort is the Qutub Shahi tomb which is a combination of Indian and Persian architecture, a beautiful tomb. The Paigh tombs such as these are a beautiful example of delicate and finesse work of art on marble.

Next on the list is Raymond's tomb, built in the memory of a French General which is a very rare honor. The Salar Jung museum is again, a rarity as it is a single man's collection of over  40,000 artifacts from all over the world.

Of course tourist attractions aren't all about history and culture, nature also plays an important role in the beauty of a place and how it attracts other people. Hyderabad is famous for its gorgeous lakes, which the local people boast about and through various activities such as boating, Para gliding, water scooters etc, for tourists at a very normal price range. Along with such sports, you get to see other treasures of nature such as birds which migrate to the lake every year and are a sight to see. One of the lakes is Gandhipet Lake, also called Osman Sagar, which is about 46 square kilometers, surrounded by lush green trees and vegetation. The Hussain Sagar Lake is another one of Hyderabad's finest with different statues of celebrities here and there along with a breathtaking statue of Buddha, towering out of the water.

The Shamirpet Lake is a beautiful sight with flocks of deer quenching their thirst in the pristine waters. They are friendly enough to have a bite to eat from your hands. If ancient, historical and yet beautiful monuments, as well as lakes of pristine blue waters weren't enough, Hyderabad is also known best for its evergreen and beautiful gardens and parks.

Indira Park which is near Hussain Sagar Lake is a treat, as the cool breeze refreshes you no end. If you're in the mood for some music and need to relax, visit the Lumbini park to view charming musical fountains, that are the most beautiful and haunting fountains, fit to relax you and wash away any tiredness of the day. The Public gardens are somewhere where one can go to enjoy simple nature and visit the heritage buildings which are a symbol of cultural and political heritage to Hyderabad.

In the Sanjeevaiah Park, plant lovers will be able to find some very rare species of roses. The sights and smells of which are most soothing and calming to the body and mind. These parks are the ideal places for tourists to relax after a long day of touring and sight seeing, somewhere the children can run around and play and indulge in activities while the elders sit around, sampling some of the delicacies of Hyderabad, enjoying the smells of roses, the greenery and the fountains.

If all this is not enough, to treat the children, take them to the Nehru Zoological Park, which has a Lion park safari, to give the children a taste of danger and excitement. You get the chance too catch the King of the jungle, laze around in the sun and watch over their young.

Your trip won't be completed if you don't try out some of the famous delicacies of Hyderabad; world renown for their spicy content, taste bud tantalizing deliciousness, the food is a must-try. The food is exotic and is a combination of Mughal cuisine and of course the traditional Hyderabadi style. Of course the food is predominantly vegetarian, as Hindus don't eat meat. People along the coast eat fish and prawns. Right treat for your taste buds.

Hyderabad is indeed a tourists' paradise and it would be a shame and an opportunity missed if one visits India and skirts past this magnificent city. If not for the culture, go for the sheer enjoyment of saying I've been to Hyderabad and I enjoyed every culture-enriched, body-soothing taste bud-tantalizing minute of it