Hyderabad

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Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh was founded in the late 16th century by the Qutab Shahi Dynasty. Hyderabad is a city of oriental glory, reminiscent of the great days of the Indo-Muslim culture. It was till recently the seat of the fabled Nizams. Today, together with adjoining Secunderabad, it is one of India's largest cities. Medieval Indian, Saracenic, Mughual and Colonial architecture create an exuberance and richness here, rarely found in other parts of the country.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

Area : 259 Sq.Km. Altitude : 536 Metres.

Temperature : Summer Max: 40 Deg.C. Min: 22 Deg.C.

Winter Max: 22 Deg.C. Min: 13.8 Deg.C.

Rainfall : 89 Cm. (June to September) STD Code : 040.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Birla Mandir; Charminar; Hussain Sagar - boating, yachting and canoeing facilities  are available ; Indira Park; Jawahar Bal Bhavan; Mahakali Temple; Mecca Masjid; Mir Alam Tank ; Naubat Pahad & Kala Pahad ; Nehru Zoological Park - one of the largest Zoos in Asia. Timings : 0700 hrs. to 1700 hrs. (Closed on Mon). Entry Fee :Rs. 2/-; Osmania University; Public Gardens ; Purani Haveli - Prior permission required for a visit ; Ramoji Film City, Tel: 3235777. (Entry Fee : Mon to Fri : Rs.150/-(Adult), Rs.100/- (Child), Sat., Sun. & Hol : Rs.200/- (Adult), Rs.150/- (Child)). Tank Bund Road.

MUSEUMS, ART GALLERIES & PLANETARIUM

State Archaeological Museum : Timings : 1030 hrs. to 1700 hrs. (closed on Mon and govt holidays.) Entry Fee: Rs. 5.00 (A), Rs.2/- (C); Salar Jung Museum: Timings: 1000 to 1700 hrs. (Closed on Fri. and Govt. Hol.) Entry Fee: Rs. 5/- (Adult), Rs. 2/- (Child);

Birla Planetarium : The most modern planetarium and the first of its kind in the country. Timings :1130 hrs., 1600 hrs. and 1800 hrs.(English), 1930 hrs.(Hindi) ,1215 hrs., 1500 hrs. and 2015 hrs.(Telugu). Charges per Show : Rs. 10/-

EXCURSIONS

Falakunama Palace (12 Km.): One of the major palaces of the old city, Falakunama is a private palace of the Nizam and is not normally open to visitors. Prior permission is required for a visit to the palace;

Raymond's Tomb (14 Km.): A simple tomb of a French soldier;

Golconda Fort (13 Km.): This legendary fort, once famous for its diamond market, was the capital of the Qutub Shahi Kings who ruled the surrounding territories. Now partly in ruins, it was a massive structure with a walled enclosure with eight gates.The most remarkable feature of the fort are its acoustics, whereby a clapping of hands at the entry gate can be heard at the top of the fort some 61 metres high. Entrance Fee: Rs.5/-(Indian Citizens) USD 2 or Rs.100/- (Foreigners). A sound and light show, organised by the APTDC is held at the fort every evening. Timings : English :(Daily) Nov- Feb :1830-1930 hrs & March - Oct : 1900 –2000 hrs. Telugu (Tue,Thu,Sat) & Hindi (Mon, Fri, Sun) Nov-Feb ; 1945 to 2045 hrs & Mar-Oct : 2015 -2115hrs. Entry Ticket : Rs.25/- (Adult) Rs.15/-(Child);

Shilparamam Crafts Village (14 Km.): A crafts village set amidst lovely rocks, rippling water falls and gorgeous lawns, village plays host to the myrid traditions of arts & crafts of India. The annual All India Festival of Arts & Crafts is held every year in March.

Qutab Shahi Tombs (14 Km.): About a kilometre from the Golconda Fort are the tombs of the Qutab Shahi rulers, surrounded by gardens and orchards. Timings : 0930 hrs. to 1630 hrs. (Closed on Fridays);

Vanasthalipuram Deer Park (17 Km.): A 300 acre Deer Park, it shelters wildlife such as the spotted deer, black buck, chinkara, wild boar, python and a large variety of birds;

Osmansagar (22.5 Km.): A beautiful lake formed by damming the river Musi. Popularly known as Gandipet, it is an excellent picnic spot. Accom : Sagar Mahal Guest House (APTDC). Dbl. room :Rs. 200/- to Rs. 250/-;

Himayatsagar (23.5 Km.): Named after the eldest son of the Nizam, this is a large lake covering an area of 85 Sq.Km. and is now a lovely picnic spot;

Shamirpet (24 Km.): Shamirpet is an enchanting holiday resort. A serene man made lake and the Jawahar Deer Park, housing Black Buck and Chital is a must for those who appreciate the wilder side of life;

Pochampalli (45 Km.): A small town, situated on the Hyderabad -Vijayawada road, famous for its 'ikat' fabrics and handwoven, printed sarees in silk and cotton;

Kolanupak (60 Km.): A Jain shrine with statues of ten Jain Tirthankaras, all seated in yogic postures. The statue of Mahavira in blue green jade, is especially beautiful;

Ananthagiri Hills (64 Km.): A tiny hill resort with a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients;

Yadagirigutta (69 Km.): It is the state's second most famous Vaishnavaite shrine. Here, three of the nine forms of Lord Narasimha (Vishnu) are manifested;

Medak (77 Km.): Medak is well known for its church, one of the largest in the country. It is built in Gothic style with gloriously coloured stained glass windows;

Bidar (130 Km.): An ancient fort town in Karnataka with excellent tombs of the Bahmani and Barid Shahi Kings;

Nagarjunakonda (146 Km.): Nagarjundakonda or Nagarjuna Hill is situated in the midst of the Nagarjunasagar reservoir. Excavations carried out in this valley have unearthed the Maha Chaitya, viharas and monasteries on one side and Hindu temples and an Ashwamedha sacrificial altar on the other side. Palaeolithic and neolithic implements of pre-historic man in this part of the country, have also been found. Entrance Fee: Rs.5/-(Indians), USD 2 or Rs.100/- (Foreigners) ;

Nagarjunasagar (149 Km.): The multi-purpose Nagarjunasagar project is named after the famous Buddhist scholar Nagarjunacharya who lived in this area in the 2nd cent AD;

Warangal (157 Km.): Known for its beautiful lakes, temples and rich flora and fauna;

TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION

Air : Hyderabad is well connected by air with major cities.

Fare : Mumbai - Hyderabad : Rs.4140/- (Y).

Rail : Hyderabad is well connected by rail with all major cities and towns.

Fare:Mumbai-Hyderabad : IInd A/c: Rs.1260/- ; IInd class:Rs.297/-

Road : Hyderabad is well connected by road with Amaravati 331 Km., Aurangabad

545 Km., Badami 567 Km., Bangalore 570 Km., Bhadrachalam 320 Km.,

Bidar 130 Km.,Bijapur 404 km., Chennai 704 Km., Horsley Hills 557 km.,

Kolkata 1588 km., Lepakshi 479 Km., Mumbai 735 Km., Sri Sailam 232

Km., Tirupati 651 Km., Vijayawada, 274 Km. Visakhapatnam 637 Km. &

Warangal 141 Km.

CONDUCTED TOURS

(By APTDC Ltd., from the Yatri Niwas, Secunderabad)

Tour Timings Fare

1. City Tour 0800 to 1745 hrs. Rs.150/-(Adult)

Covers Qutab Shahi Tombs, (Daily) Rs.120/-(Child)

Golconda Fort, Salarjung Museum, (Fare includes entry tickets of Salarjung

Zoological Park, Osmansagar, Char Museum & Zoo Park, Entry fee extra for

Minar, Mecca Masjid & Birla Mandir. Foreign Tourists at Salarjung Museum &

Golconda Fort).

2. Golconda Fort 1600 to2100 hrs. Rs.120/-(Adult)

Hi-Tech City (Drive around), Shilparamam (Daily) Rs.100/-(Child)

Sound & Light Show at Golconda Fort

3. Ramoji Film City Tour 0745 to 1800 hrs Rs.400/-(Adult)

Covers Sanghi Temple, Ramoji Film (Daily) Rs.300/-(Child)

City, Pochampally. (includes entry fee for Film City).

4. 2 Days Mantralayam Tour Dep. 0900 Rs. 525/-(Adult)

(Every Sat. & Wed) Arr.2000 hrs(2nd Day) Rs. 420/-(Child)

5.Srisailam Tour (Daily) Dep 0900 Rs.450/-(Adult)

(includes Accommodation) Arr. 2030 hrs(2nd Day) Rs.360/-(Child)

6.Tirupati Tour (Daily) Dep 0600 Rs.950/-(Adult)

(includes accom, Spl. Darshan, Arr. 1900 hrs.(4th Day) Rs.760/-(Child)

Sightseeing)

7.Nagarjunasagar Tour 0700 to 2130 hrs Rs.250/-(Adult)

Covers Nagarjunsagar Dam, Right (Daily) Rs.200/-(Child)

Canal, Nagarjuna Konda Museum,

Ethipothala Water Falls.

ACCOMMODATION

(*Hotels approved by the Dept. of Tourism, Govt. of India. )

Single Double

*TheTaj Krishna*****Dlx Rs.4300/- Rs.5300/-

Road No. 1, Banjara Hills, Tel: 6664242

*Welcomgroup Grand Kakatiya Rs.4000/- Rs.4500/-

Hotel & Towers*****Dlx, Begumpet, Tel : 3400132

*Ramada Hotel Manohar***** Begumpet, Tel: 7903333 Rs.2200/- Rs.3300/-

*Taj Banjara*****, Banjara Hills, Tel: 6669999 Rs.2900/- Rs. 3400/-

*Taj Residency*****, Banjara Hills, Tel: 3393939 Rs.3100/- Rs.3600/-

*Hotel Viceroy*****, Tank Bund Rd, Tel: 7538383 Rs.2500-3600/- Rs.2900-4000/-

*Hotel Amrutha Castle Best Western**** Rs.1600/- Rs.2000/-

Opp. Secretariat, Tel: 3299899.

*Hotel Bhaskar Palace****, Banjara Hills, Tel: 3301523. Rs.1140-2350/-

*Green Park****, Begumpet, Tel: 3757575, Rs.2200/- Rs.2650/-

*Hotel Golconda****, Masab Tank, Tel: 3320202 Rs. 1800/- Rs. 2100/-

*Ritz Hotel****, Hill Fort Palace, Tel: 3233572-4 Rs. 1000/- Rs.1200/-

*Ashoka Hotel***, Lakdi-ka-Pul, Tel: 3230105 Rs.450-620/- Rs.540-690/-

*Hotel Asrani International*** Rs.1100/- Rs.1400/-

179, M.G. Road, Secunderabad, Tel: 7842267

*Hotel Basera***, Sarojini Devi Rd, Tel: 7703200. Rs. 1200/- Rs. 1450/-

*Blue Moon Hotel***, Rajbhavan Rd, Tel: 3312815 Rs.575-675/- Rs.650-750/-

*The Central Court***, Lakdi Ka Pul, Tel: 3233262 Rs.1400/- Rs.1750/-

*Hotel Deccan Continental*** Rs.900/- Rs.1100/-

Sir Ronald Ross Rd, Secunderabad, Tel:7840981

*Minerva Hotel***, Himayatnagar, Tel: 3220448 Rs. 800/- Rs. 800/-

*Quality Inn Residency***, Tel:3204060 Rs.1595-1995/- Rs.1995-2450/-

*Hotel Jaya International**, Abids Road, Tel: 4752929 Rs.450-600/- Rs.550-750/-

*Hotel Nagarjuna**, Basheerbagh, Tel: 3220201 Rs.250-350/- Rs.350-450/-

*Hotel Rajdhani*, Sidiamber Bazar,Tel: 4740650 Rs. 565/- Rs.675/-

Other Hotels

Hotel Ambassador, S.D.Rd, Tel: 7843760 (A/c Dbl Rs.650/-, Non A/c Dbl Rs.500/-)

Hotel Ayodhya, Lakdi-ka-Pul, Tel: 3393420 (Non A/c Sgl Rs.110/-, Dbl Rs.160/-);

Hotel Heritage, Parklane Rd., Tel: 7845020 (Sgl Rs.675/- Dbl Rs.790/-);

Hotel Karan, S.D.Road, Tel: 7840191, (A/c Sgl Rs.721/, Dbl Rs.875);

Hotel Krystal, Lake Hills Rd, Tel: 3229874, (A/c Dbl Rs.800/-, Non A/c Dbl Rs.500/-); Hotel Parklane(P) Ltd., Parklane Road, Tel: 7840466 (A/c Sgl Rs.590/- Dbl Rs.700/-);

Hotel Rajmata, Opp, Nampally Rly Stn.,Tel : 3201000 (Rs.590/-);

The Royal Hotel, Nampally, Tel: 3201020 (Sgl Rs.100/-, Dbl Rs.150/-);

Taj Mahal Hotel, Abid Road, Tel: 4758221, (A/c Dbl Rs.700/-, Non A/c Rs.450/-).

The tariff of the following hotels ranges from Rs. 300/- to Rs. 550/- for a single room and from Rs. 500/- to Rs. 700/- for a double room.

Hotel Apsara, Stn Rd., Tel: 4602663; Hotel Dwarka, Rajbhawan Rd., Tel: 3237921; Hotel Emerald, Abids, Tel: 3202841; Hotel Harsha, Nampally, Tel: 3201188; Hotel Krishna, Lakdi-ka-Pul, Tel: 3230151; Hotel Lavina, K.J. Market, Tel: 4610380; Hotel Manzil, Somajguda, Tel: 3310915; Hotel Sabharwal, Abids, Tel: 4752924; Hotel Samrat, Bala Nagar, Tel: 3374581; Hotel Siddharth, Troop Bazar, Tel: 4740222

Other Accommodation

Yatrinivas,(APTTDC), Sardar Patel Road, Tel:7816881/7867283 (A/c Sgl Rs.500/-, Dbl Rs.750/-, Non A/c Sgl Rs.400/-, Dbl Rs.525/-).

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES

Govt.of India Tourist Office, 3-6-369/A-30 Sandozi Bldg., 26 Himayat Nagar,

Hyderabad, Tel: 7630037, 7608338.

APTDC, Near Lumbini Park, Tank Bund Road, Hyderabad, Tel: 3453036, Fax:

3453086. E-mail:aptdc@satyam.net.in. Website:www.aptourism.com.

APTDC (TRC) Yatrinivas, S.P. Road, Secunderabad, Tel: 7893100, 7816375.