ABOUT HYDERABAD
Hyderabad is the capital city of the Indian State of Andhra Pradesh. It has been classified as an A-1 status city joining the list of other A-1 cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore.

Hyderabad is known for its rich history, culture and architecture representing its unique character as a meeting point for North and South India, and also its multilingual culture, both geographically, culturally and intellectually. Also known as The City of Nizams and The City of Pearls, Hyderabad is today one of the fast developing cities in the country and a modern hub of Information Technology, ITES, and Biotechnology.

Hyderabad has become a preferred conference venue in India as well as the world, with many conferences and meetings taking place in the city. The city is home to the world's largest film studio, the Ramoji Film City as well as the second largest film industry in the country, the Telugu Film Industry known popularly as Tollywood. The city is also known to be a sporting destination with many national and international games conducted here. The people here are called Hyderabadis. The city is regarded as a blend of traditionality with modernity.

Geography and Climate

Situated on the Deccan Plateau, Hyderabad has an average elevation of about 500 metres above sea level (1640 ft). Most of the area has a rocky terrain and some areas are hilly. There is a lot of cultivation in the surrounding areas with paddy fields and other crops which are grown.

Hyderabad has a tropical wet and dry climate with hot summers from late February to early June, the monsoon season from late June to early October and a warm winter from late October to early February. Hyderabad gets about 32 inches (about 810 mm) of rain every year, almost all of it concentrated in the monsoon months. The highest temperature ever recorded was 46 o C (115 F) while the lowest recorded temperature was 10 o C (50 F).

Transport

Road

The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation runs a fleet of 19,000 buses, the largest in the world. Hyderabad has the third largest bus station facility in Asia, with 72 platforms for 89 buses to load passengers at a time. Officially named as the Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station, it is locally known as the Imlibun Bus Station, making trips across the state and to some parts of South India. Jubilee Bus Station at Secunderabad runs buses to various parts of the state. Buses plying in and around the city provide major commutation for city dwellers.

The yellow colored Auto Rickshaw usually referred to as an "auto", is the most widely used transport/ taxi service and has flag down minimum fare of Rs 12 for first 1.5 km and then Rs 7 per km. Radio Taxis and cabs by private players have provided an easy travel in the city.

Hyderabad is connected to the rest of the country by National Highways-NH-7, NH-9 and NH-202.Hyderabad is well connected to remaining parts of the state. Like other cities, Hyderabad suffers from traffic congestion. Completion of the Inner Ring Road and construction of the Outer Ring Road encircling Hyderabad city is also underway and is touted to make travel in the city easier. Many flyovers and undepasses are also being constructed to ease traffic congestion in the city.

Rail

Hyderabad has a light rail transportation system cum suburban railway system known as the MultiModal Transport System (MMTS) which offer connectivity between rail and road transport for the facility of the commuters. MMTS provides connectivity to all major parts of the city, and is a suitable alternative for those who want to avoid road traffic.

The South Central Railway headquarters are located at Secunderabad. Secunderabad is one of the biggest railway junctions in the Indian Railway map. The three main railway stations are Secunderabad Railway Station, Hyderabad Railway Station (Nampally) and Kachiguda Railway Station, providing connectivity not only within the city but also to the rest of the state and country. A moden railway terminal is being planned to be constructed near HITEC City railway station to facilitate passengers in the western parts of the city.

Air

There has been an unprecedented increase in the number of passengers leading to increased air traffic. The Airport at Begumpet was unable to cope up with the situation and was shut down on 22 March 2008. The new state-of-the-art Rajiv Gandhi International Airport opened on March 2008 by Sonia Gandhi at Shamshabad, southwest of the city. The airport has the second longest runway in India next to Delhi and caters to the high passenger and cargo transits. The airport runs flights to all important destinations, both domestically and internationally.

An elevated expressway, named after PV Narasimha Rao, at a length of 11.633 km is being constructed from Mehdipatnam to Aramgarh for providing dedicated high speed travel to the airport. Once completed it will be the longest flyover in India. A proposal for extending the MMTS to the new airport is under consideration. There are three wide roads leading to the new airport from the city and modern taxis can shuttle passengers between the city and the airport. The Nehru Outer Ring Road between Gachibowli and Shamshabad will also serve as an expressway to the airport.

Cuisine

Hyderabadi cuisine is a blend of Mughal and Persian cuisine. Hyderabadi Biryani is an iconic dish of the region. Other native preparations include Qubani ka meetha, Double ka meetha, Phirni, Nahari Kulche also known as paya and Haleem, Sheer Qorma(a sweet liquidy dish cooked with vermicelli and milk), Mirchi ka saalan, Bagaare Baigan, Khatti Dal, Khichdi and Khatta, Til ki chutney, baigan ki chutney, Til ka Khatta, Aam ka Achaar, Gosht ka achaar, and Kheema Aaloo.
Indian sweets are known for their ghee-based items. Famous sweet shops include the traditionally made Pullareddy Sweets. Widely found on street-corners are Irani café's that offer Irani chai, Irani samosa and Osmania biscuit.
The Western junkfood, Italian, Mexican and Chinese cuisine are all popular in the city along with typical Andhra and other South Indian cuisine. The city also has some of the best pubs in South Asia and is increasingly becoming a favourite destination for Trance Music.

Hospitality

Hyderabad has some of the best hotels meeting all ranges of people. Some of the 5 star hotels are ITC Kakatiya Sheraton, Taj Krishna, Taj Deccan, Hotel Novotel Hyderabad, Hyderabad Marriott, Tulip Manohar, Hotel Ista etc.; 4 star hotels like Hotel Greenpark, Hotel Peppermint, Hotel Kasani GR etc.. Hotel Novotel Hyderabad Airport at Shamshabad is the newly built hotel for passengers coming from various countries to Hyderbad. Many hotels are in the pipeline in view of the increasing demand in this sector.

Education and Research

Hyderabad is an important seat of learning in India. It is surrounded by hundreds of engineering colleges.The city is home to three central universities, two deemed universities, and six state universities. Among them is the Osmania University, established in 1917, which is the seventh oldest university in India and the third oldest in South India. Important institutions for technical education such as International Institute of Information Technology, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University are located in this city. Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, a well known educational institution in the field of Agriculture is located on the outskirts of the city.
The Indian School of Business, a top ranking business school which attracts students from all over the world is present at Gachibowli, Hyderabad. Hyderabad Central University, National Academy of Legal Studies & Research, Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University, Maulana Azad National Urdu University and English and Foreign Languages University, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Flytech Aviation Academy are other famous universities which are present in the city.

Hyderabad has various research institutes such as the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), National Geophysical Research Institute(NGRI), IRISET for railway signal engineering and ICRISAT. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) along with DRDL and DERL has research centres in Hyderabad to develop communication and radar systems and for the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). Nuclear energy sector has a strong presence with three organisations under Department of Atomic Energy (India) including the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) and Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL).

Tourist Attraction

  1. Charminar - the major landmark in Hyderabad with four graceful minarets    located in the old city. It is built as a memorial for plague victims. Charminar in most occasions is used to represent the city and the state and is hailed as a unique Deccan monument. It is in the midst of Charkaman.

  1. Falaknuma Palace - Built by an Italian architect through one of the Paigah nobles, Nawab Viqar al-Umra', complete in Italian marble. It's a beautiful and stunning piece of architecture with Louis XIV-style decor, a lavish Mughal ambience, Italian marble staircases and ornate fountains. It has now been undertaken by Taj group to develop this as Heritage Hotel.

  1. Golconda Fort - Once abandoned by Qutub Shahis, Golconda Fort is one of the most magnificent fortress complexes in India. Seated on a hill on one side and spiraling fort on the other, it's location and internal design made it one of the strongest forts in the world.

  1. Chowmahalla Palace - It was the seat of Asaf Jahi dynasty, where the Nizam entertained his official guests and royal visitors. Initiated in 1750 by Nizam Salabat Jung and designed along the lines of the Shah's palace in Isfahan, this actually consists of a group of palaces each used as a Durbar Hall. It has now been aesthetically renovated and is also venue for conferences.

  1. Salar Jung Museum - The museum houses the largest one-man collection of antiques in the world. Collections include 'The Veiled Rebecca' and other huge collection of artifacts dating back to a few centuries. A mere day isn't enough to cover the whole museum.

  1. Taramati Baradari - It is Located near Golconda on the way to Gandipet. It was built by a Qutb Shahi sultan. Newly added structures are the venues to many conferences. Similar structures like Premavati and Bhagmati can be seen from here.

  1. Mecca Masjid - a stone-built mosque, which lies immediate southwest of Charminar. Remarkable for its architecture, size and its royal splendor, this is one of the most beautiful mosques in Hyderabad. It is famous for its symmetry and the gateway bricks that are believed to be from Mecca.

  1. Birla Mandir - a Hindu temple made of white marble located on top of a hill overlooking the city.

  1. Birla Science Museum - The science centre is another beautiful structure, reflecting the advances made in science and technology. The interior décor matches the architectural exterior of the centre built over 10,000 sq ft (930 m2). The centre is host to a number of divisions such as the Planetarium, the Science Museum, and the centre for Applied Mathematics and Computer Sciences.

  1. Public Gardens - Located adjacent to the Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, the gardens host the Horticulture department of Andhra Pradesh, the state museum of history and archeology and a sprawling park. Beside this is the Lalithakala thoranam, which is a venue for various cultural activities.

  1. Ravindra Bharati - The stage for all performing arts, especially for those enhancing the state and Indian cultures. Shows are held almost every evening throughout the calendar year which include musical and dance performances, drama, award ceremonies and special events of the government.

  1. Birla Planetarium - The Planetarium is another magnificent building with a big dome resembling that of the Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur and some of the earliest government structures in New Delhi. A special attraction are the shows which unveil the mysteries of the cosmos and the origins of the universe, comets, eclipses, unidentified flying objects and the clash of titans. The latest addition is the Dinosaurium, which houses a collection of dinosaur egg fossils. The highlight of the museum is a mounted Kotasaurus yamanpalliensis, the remains of a 160 million old dinosaur.

  1. Purani Haveli - The official residence of the Nizam.

  1. King Kothi Palace - The last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan lived here.

  1. Qutub Shahi Tombs - Home to various Tombs dedicated to Rulers of Qutub Shahi dynasty, located at Shaikpet, near Golconda Fort. These are an example of Deccan architecture with large minarets, huge domes, delicate marble designs and multiple inner passages.

  1. Paigah Tombs - These are recently discovered series of mausoleums with unique geometrical sculptures which were no where found in the world. These are located at Chandrayanagutta. Paigahs were noblemen under the reign of Nizams.

  1. Lumbini Park - This is one of the popular parks in the city. The main attraction of this park was the Musical fountain. It is now replaced by the 1500 seater Laserium, the first of its kind in the state. Boat rides take you across the lake to give you a closer glimpse of the Buddha.

  1. Ananda Buddha Vihara - It is a Buddhist tourist destination. Located at posh Mahendra Hills, it houses meditation hall, a museum and rest houses for monks etc.

  1. Hussain Sagar - It is a man-made lake is also famous for the 19-metre tall Buddha statue on a platform island called Rock of Gibraltar in the middle of the lake, and for the Tank Bund which consists of beautiful gardens and statues of famous personalities. Boating and water sports are a regular feature here. Tall monolithic Buddha statue erected in the middle of the lake adds charm to this lake.

  1. Nehru Zoological Park - This zoo is the largest in India by area, houses a large variety of animals, birds, nocturnal species, aquatic and amphibian species. Located close to this is the Mir Alam Sagar, which is proposed to be converted into an Aquarium along the lines of Sentosa, Singapore. Its unique feature is the 21 in-built masonry dams that are jewel shaped, which were built in 1806 by the then prime minister Mir Alam.

  1. Kotla Vijayabhaskara Reddy Botanical Gardens - These gardens located at Kondapur are spread across a sprawling area of 130 acres (0.53 km2), housing different varieties of herbs, plants, trees etc. These gardens provide a complete visual treat to the eyes with water bodies, meadows and rich grasslands - nature at its best. Night Safari Park is adjacent to this.

  1. Chilukuru Balaji Temple - It is the temple of Lord Sri Venkateshwara. Located around 23 km from Mehdipatnam.

  1. Necklace road - This popular boulevard lies on the other side of the lake, linking the IMAX theatre and Sanjivaiah park. This has become the-place-to-be for the Hyderabadis in the evenings. This strip provides a scenic atmosphere with lush lawns and long rows of flower beds. Eat-Street,Water Front are popular restaurants located on this strip. The latest addition to this strip is the Jala Vihar, a mini water world designed to soothe your senses.

  1. NTR Gardens - This leisure spot is located beside the IMAX theatre. Situated on 36 acres (150,000 m2) of land adjoining the Hussain sagar, these gardens provide of entertainment and recreation to families and youth alike. It also houses a memorial of Late Shri N.T.Rama Rao, former Chief Minister od Andhra Pradesh state. It is renowned for its creative design which includes tree-top restaurants and architecture.

  1. Osman Sagar, Gandipet - A man-made lake, the largest in Hyderabad. The lake is a major drinking water source to the city. Abutting the lake are lush gardens that provide an ideal ambience for a holiday.

  1. Himayat Sagar - It is the twin lake to Gandipet lake. It comes along the way on Outer Ring Road enroute to airport which is a beautiful view.

  1. Laad Bazaar - Also called Chudi Bazaar is on the west of Charminar, and known for its exquisite bangles, jewelry and pearls.

  1. Lotus Pond - A beautiful garden built around a pond situated in Jubilee Hills, said to have been designed by an Italian designer. This garden is currently maintained by the Municipal Corporation. It is also home to a few rare species of birds.

  1. Durgam Cheruvu - Also called The Secret Lake it is a peaceful boulevard near the bustling Madhapur.

  1. Shilparamam- Located opposite Cyber towers, HITEC city, it is an arts and crafts village which was conceived with an idea to create an environment for the preservation of traditional crafts such as sculpting wonders from stone, weaving in cotton, silk and gold thread, Dhaka muslin, Kondapalli toys, Bankura horses, gudda-guddis of Punjab, temple arts and a motley of Indian arts and crafts. Close proximity to this is the Shilpakala vedika, a conference hall built with exquisite ethnic decor as well as with all state-of-the-art facilities.

  1. Sanghi Temple - A temple dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara graces a promontory overlooking Sanghi Nagar, near Ramoji Film City.

  1. Ramoji Film City (RFC) - It is the world's largest integrated film studio cum theme park, at nearly 3,000 acres (8 km²). It is also one of Asia's most popular tourism and recreation centres. Recently, it has made its way to the Guinness Book of World Records for being the largest film studio in the world. Opened in 1996, it is about 20 min. drive from Hyderabad on Vijayawada Highway.

  1. Kasu Brahmananda Reddy Park - A sanctuary for Peacocks and Anteaters along with many other species including Monkeys and Snakes, the sanctuary is the green spot of the richest area of the city, Jubilee Hills.

  1. Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali Park - Located near posh locality of  Vanasthalipuram, previously it is a hunting (shikari) spot for Nizams it is now a picnic spot for the city people. Nischalvan Eco-tourism project is located here.

  1. Mriganavani wildlife sanctuary - A sanctuary for deer and leopards, it is located enroute to Chilkur. The Outer Ring Road passes over (flyover) through this national park which is a thrilling experience.

  1. Anantagiri Hill station - Located near Vikarabad, just 2 hour drive from Hyderabad, it is the place where River Musi originated. It is an exotic hill station far away from hustle and bustle of the city, providing trekking, camping and many adventures to do. Added to this are many up coming hill resorts where you can spend a happy weekend or vacation. In one word to say it is the Araku Valley of Hyderabad.

Besides, many resorts like Pragati Green Meadows, Golkonda Spa cum Resort, Lahari Resorts, Alankrita Resorts, Dream Valley and recreation spots like Treasure Island, Runway 9, Ocean Park, Mount Opera, Dhola-ri-Dhani make Hyderabad an ideal destination for tourists.

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