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Hyderabad
There are many ways to
get around in Hyderabad. It has good bus service, passable
autorickshaw and taxi service and a grossly inadequate local train
service.
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By bus
Hyderabad has good local bus connectivity and is run by APSRTC, a
state-government owned corporation. Most buses start and terminate
from Secunderabad Railway station, Nampally Railway station, Koti
and Charminar. Apart from normal local buses, you have a choice of
Metro Express and Metro Deluxe aka Veera. Since April 2008 you also
have a choice of low floor Air-conditioned buses aka Seetala Hamsa
between Secunderabad Railway Station and Hi-Tec City (minimum fare
Rs 10/-). By
autorickshaw
Autorickshaws in Hyderabad should be metered, though it can be
difficult for non-locals to find an autorickshaw driver who agrees
to a metered fare. (This is especially true when hailing an auto in
front of a 5-star hotel.) However, Traffic police are very helpful
and will help engage an Auto with metered fare. Autos can carry a
maximum of 3 passengers excluding the driver, but it is common to
find them being overloaded to carry up to six passengers. The
minimum fare is Rs 12 which covers the first km. Each additional km
is another Rs 6. There are also shared 8 seater Maxi Vans available
in selected areas. Fares are mostly 2 rupees more than bus fares,
but are far more comfortable and fast for short distances upto 5 km.
By taxi
Metered taxis are available, but they cannot be hailed off the
street. One needs to call their centralized call centre and book the
service. Service is very good if you are booking for longer
distances for travel else expect them to not turn up even after
booking. It is next to impossible to be able to get a cab without
prior booking since demand far outstrips the supply. All metered
cabs have digital meters that show the distance and fare.
By Train Local
trains are also available, albeit for a few places in Hyderabad,
called MMTS. The frequency ranges from 10 minutes to around 2 per
hour, save the day time and Sundays when it is lesser. It is a fast
way of travel to the few stations it covers, not to mention the
cheapest as well. If you plan to travel through MMTS, do checkout
the schedule from the website or alternatively from. If you are
tourist it is advisable to take first class, which is reasonable to
foreign travelers. Daily and monthly passes are also available at
the MMTS stations.
By Car
Hyderabad lacks an expressway system,
leading to traffic jams during rush hours. However, an 160 km Ring
Road Expressway is currently under construction, with an expected
first phase completion in early 2008.
Driving discipline in Hyderabad is, if it can be possible, worse
than in the rest of India. There are long stretches of roads passing
through thickly populated areas that have no median breaks, so
vehicles, including motorbikes and cars, simply drive on the wrong
side of the road. The accepted way to take a right turn is to go to
the left edge of the road and turn right, in the face of multiple
lanes of cars attempting to go straight. Red lights are broken in
broad daylight while cops watch helplessly. You can also rent a Car.
* Apple Cabs, +91-40-6599-2225/2226
* Call Cab, +91-40-6625-1313/1414
* Call Taxi, +91-40-2790-1111/1122 (Good Service)
* Cel Cabs, +91-40-2324-2526
* City Cab, +91-40-2776-0000/6631-6000/6631-6001 (Good Service)
* Euro Cabs, +91-40-2351-1888/6673-8882
Things to see:
Old City
Charminar. 9AM-5PM Mo-Sa. Closed on
Fridays between 1-2PM for prayers.. Literally "Four minarets", this
structure was built at the very spot at which Quli Qutb Shah prayed
for the end to the plague epidemic. The Charminar has long been the
icon of Hyderabad. The towers rise to a height of 48.7 m above the
ground. There is a mosque with 45 prayer spaces located inside in
the upper storeys. The structure stands in the middle of a busy road
with vehicular traffic, but a pedestrianization project is under
way.
Chowmahalla Palace, Khilwat, 20-4-236, Motigalli Hyderabad - 500
002, +91-40-2452-2032. 10AM-5PM Sa-Th. Closed on National
Holidays. Situated near Charminar, it was the seat of the Asaf Jahi
dynasty where the Nizam entertained his official guests and royal
visitors.
Falaknuma Palace. Built by Nawab Viqar al-Umra in 1872, Falaknuma is
a stunning piece of architecture and the most opulent of the Nizam's
palaces. The interior is particularly impressive and features the
works of Florentine sculptors and a 100-seater Dining Table. The
palace is currently being renovated and the Taj Group is converting
it into a luxury hotel. Visitors are not allowed inside. Avoid this
unless viewing the exterior will satisfy you.
Golconda Fort. 9AM-9PM. The Golconda Fort was the first capital of
the Qutb Shahi kingdom. In the 16th century, it was the centre of a
flourishing diamond trade. The fort is a gigantic complex with an
outer wall measuring 10km. Set aside a minimum of 2 hours to do
justice to your visit. Learning a little about the fort ahead of
time is recommended as it is easy to get confused or lost in the
massive space. Avoid the local guides, as they are not very
enlightening. There is also a light and sound show (price for
foreigners Rs.50/100 for normal/executive ticket) after sunset
lasting ~1h that tells you the story of the fort and is worth
seeing. The English show runs every day at 6:30pm November to
February and 7pm March to October. Hindi and Telugu shows are run
afterwards in certain days. Rs 5 for Indians, Rs.100 for foreigners.
H.E.H The Nizam's Museum, Purani Haveli, Behind Princess Durru
Shehvar Children's Hospital Hyderabad-2, +91 40 2452 1029.
10am-5pm Sa-Th. Home to the famous wardrobe of Mahbub Ali Pasha, who
is said never to have worn the same thing twice. It is the world's
longest wardrode, built in two levels with a hand-cranked wooden
lift(elevator) in place. This occupies the entire length of one wing
of the palace. Adults-Rs.50 Students & children-Rs.15. edit
Hussain Shah Wali Dargah.
Mecca Masjid, Southwest of the Char Minar. Mecca Masjid is one of
the oldest mosques in the city and easily the biggest. Muhammed Quli
Qutub Shah began building it in 1617 under the supervision of Mir
Faizullah Baig and Rangiah Choudhary. Mughal emperor Aurangzeb
completed the construction in 1694. The mosque is a granite giant
with awe-inspiring innards. The main hall of the mosque is 75 feet
high, 220 feet wide and 180 feet long, big enough to accommodate ten
thousand worshippers at a time. The entrance arches are made of
single slabs of granite. It is believed that Muhammed Quli
commissioned bricks to be made from earth brought from Mecca and
inducted them into the construction of the central arch of the
mosque, which explains the name of the mosque.
Moula Ali Dargah. 400 stairs brings you to a place of worship built
by the Asif Jahis. The Moula Ali Dargah was built in the memory of
Hazrat Ali, the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. Legend has it
that Yakoob, a eunuch in the court of Ibrahim Quli, went to the hill
after he saw Hazrat Ali seated on it. To his surprise, he saw the
impression Ali's palm on a stone, which he had dreamt. He had the
impression cut out and installed in a shrine. Ibrahim Shah later
built a mosque beside the dargah. A Ashurkhana , a Baradari
(pavilion) and an Nqqar khana (place for beating drums) were built
during the Qutb Shahi period.
Osmania Arts College. Built during the period of the last Nizam, Mir
Osman Ali Khan. The imposing facade of the building is a great
sight.
Paigah Tombs, Santoshnagar (Pisal Banda). These tombs belong to the
'Paigah' nobles (tied by blood and marriage to the Nizams) and are
about 200 years old. These unique lime and mortar tombs are
beautifully carved and have marble inlay work on them.
Purani Haveli, Dewandevdi (Southeast of Afzalganj bridge).
10:30am-5pm Sa-Th. Originally, the palace of the Nizam's Prime
Minister, later it was renovated and became the quarters of the
Nizam's son. It is a U-shaped complex with a single-storeyed
building in the European style.
Raymond Tomb. Michel Raymond, a French mercenary, was a military
commander in the service of the second Nizam and also his close
friend. His tomb is located at Saroornagar, and is made of black
granite.
Salar Jung Museum, Naya Pul, Afzalgunj (Turn left once you reach the
south bank of Musi using the Nayapul), +91 40 2452 3211. 10:00 AM
- 5 PM Sa-Th. (Ticketing closes at 4:15 PM). This collection
belonged to the Salar Jungs, Prime Minsters of Hyderabad, but has
been augmented since. The collection includes articles mostly from
medieval and modern times, with a concentration of articles from the
Islamic era. The western wing on the second floor is interesting. It
contains paintings, furniture and other objects that the Salar Jung
got from the West. The collection of Nizam jewellery is displayed
only on special occasions. Free guided tours lasting two hours each
are available at scheduled times, four times a day. Inquire at the
entrance. Cameras, bags and liquids are not allowed, but mobile
cameras are winked at. Deposit your contraband at the free lockers
available near the ticketing area. Rs 15 for Indians and Rs 150 for
Foreigners.
Toli Masjid, Karwan. 300 years old. Known for its splendid
architechture. edit
Qutb Shahi Tombs (1 km north of Golconda fort, approached via
Banjara Darwaza). 9:30AM-5:30PM Sa-Th. The Qutubshahi mosques
in Hyderabad are so named because they were built by the Qutubshahi
dynasty. Most of them were built by Quli Qutb Shah, the founder. Rs
10; camera Rs 20.
Qutub Shahi Tombs Site Museum, Hyderabad-8,
New city
Archival Museum (A.P. State Archives and Research Institute),
Tarnaka, Hyderabad-7, +91-40-27018371.
AP State Museum. Displays a stunning array of artifacts dating back
to the 1st century to the 20th Century. Ranging from the Lotus
Medallion of the 1st century to the Amazing Kalankari work that
adorned the bed-spreads of the Nizams to a period room that displays
the typical living room of the Nizam time to the Jain sculptures and
Statues - this place has it all.
B.M. Birla Planetarium and Science & Technological Museum,
Adarshnagar, Hyderabad -63 (Very close to Birla Temple, Naubat Pahad), +91 40 2324 1067. Museum: 10:30 AM- 8 PM, Planetarium: English
shows: 11:30 AM, 4:00 PM, 6 PM, More shows in Telugu and one show in
Hindi. Fr-We. The show at the planetarium lasts 35 minutes and is
moderately interesting. The technological museum, on the other hand,
is poorly maintained. The Dinosaurium at the upper level is
interesting. It contains a complete skeleton of a dinosaur
Kotasaurus yamanpalliensis discovered in the village of Yemanapalli
in 1988. The lower level displays the personal collection of Nirmala
Birla, also quite interesting Museum: Rs. 15, Planetarium: Rs. 17,
Combined admission: Rs. 35. Parking Rs. 20.
Birla Mandir, Adarsh nagar, Naubat Pahad (Two different routes
depending on whether you want to drive right to the top or climb the
stairs.). 10am-12 noon, 2pm-8pm. The industrial house of the Birlas
have the tradition of building magnificent marble temples in cities
of India. This one is one of the best. Located on top of Naubat
Pahad (mountain), this clean, sparkling white temple dedicated to
Venkateshwara has viewing areas that afford a great view of the
city. Sadly, cameras and camera mobiles are banned; your bags are
checked at the entrance. There is a free cloakroom where you can
deposit those. Free.
The High Court of Andhra Pradesh, Nayapul.
The Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet. Formerly a Nizam's palace and
the Jagirdar's College. This Institution was founded in 1923 and is
currently one of the oldest and largest public schools in the
country. The campus is also an internationally recognised heritage
site.
Kala Bhavan, Ravindra Bharathi complex, Saifabad, Lakdikapul. An art
gallery
The Kothi Residency (Womens College, Kothi).
The Natural History Museum, Nehru Zoological park. Has some rare and
interesting exhibits.
Exhibition. An exhibition that runs in
the months of January & February every year. It showcases various
items made across India. It runs every year starting Jan 1st till
Feb 15th in Exhibition grounds, Nampally (Vanitha College)
Punjagutta to Gachibowli
Astrologer foretells a boy's future. Village scene at Shilparamam
Astrologer foretells a boy's future. Village scene at Shilparamam
Alankrita Art Gallery, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, +91 40 2311 3709.
Gallery Space, Road No.12, Banjara Hills, +91 40 6554 1836.
Kalahita Art Foundation, Lakshmi Towers, Nagarjuna Hills, +91 40
2335 0543.
Le Cafe De Art, Road No.1 Banjara Hills, +91 40 6550 6661.
Pegasus Art Gallery, Road No.72 Jubilee Hills, +91 98486 66262.
Shilparamam, Hi tec city, Madhapur. 11:00 AM-8PM. Designed as a
contrast to the futuristic Cyber tower that lies across the road,
the crafts village of Shilparamam ("sculpture village") guards the
entrance road to Hi tec city. The intent is to showcase and preserve
the old. There is a bazaar where you can buy assorted handicrafts
and art work. There is also an entire village where you can find
realistic -looking sculptures of villagers carrying out their
traditional crafts. You can also find a rock museum which contains
natural rock formations that allegedly look life-like. A night
bazaar is slated to open in December 2009. Make sure you carry cash
to buy anything you like - credit cards are not accepted by most
shops. Rs. 25.
State Gallery Of Art (Chitramayee), Road No. 1, Kavuri Hills,
Madhapur, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad 500033, 91 40 3091 3947, +91 40
3091 3922.
Vishwakarma arts gallery, Banjara Hills, Panjagutta,Dwarakapuri
colony, Esteem House, Backside of Model House, +91 40 6661 5039
. 10.00 AM to 9.00 PM.
Temples
The Birla Mandir.
Balaji Temple, Chilkur,. 6.00 to 21.00. Chilkur has come up as
a very important pilgrim centre in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
(India). The Lord here is Sri Venkateswara Swamy in a standing
posture, beside whom is Goddess Sridevi and Goddess Bhudevi. It is
said that the Lord bears an injury on his chest which is believed to
have been made during digging out of the Idol!. The deity also is
famously known as "Visa Venkat". Students applying for visa after
enrolling in US universities, come here before the interview date,
make a wish for visa acceptance. After receiving the visa approval,
the students re-visit the temple and do 108 "pradakshinas" around
the temple as their wish came true.
Mahankali Temple, Kacheguda.
Ujjaini Mahankali Temple, Secunderabad.
Peddamma Temple, Jubilee Hills.
Churches
St Joseph's Cathedral, Gun Foundry Area. Established in 1820, this
is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad.
Lakes
Hussain Sagar Lake (Tank Bund), Necklace Road. 24 hrs. artificial
lake is a historical landmark, built during the reign of Ibrahim
Quli Qutb Shah in 1562 by damming the Musi. This forms the boundary
between Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Surrounding the lake are various
parks, temples, statues and historical buildings. This is one of the
few walkable places in the city. At the centre of the lake stands a
famous statue of the Buddha installed in 1992.
Durgam Cheruvu (Secret Lake) - this is quite close to Hi-Tec City
area and now hosts various parties and events. It used to be a real
hidden gem in the busy city but it is still a nice lake to sit
around.
Shamirpet - 24 km away to the north of Secunderabad, Shamirpet has a
beautiful lake & a deer park. Its peaceful environs make it a great
picnic spot. AP Tourism offers comfortable cottages facilities for
accommodation (under private management), while the forest lodge can
be booked with the AP Forest
Saroornagar - this lake is very famous as it has been lined by a
solid strong wall on one side recently. A two lane undivided road is
laid over this wall. The road is neat and exciting to drive. It has
abundant lighting during nighttime and large pedastrian space
provided. A problem is 'eutrophication' which is caused due to water
hyacinth. A pleasant space for young couples to spend their evening.
Smells sometimes, but that is the nature of any waterbody in a
metropolis. Another important event that takes place is 'vinayakachaturthy',(a
festival for Hindus in which Lord Vinayaka's statues are immersed
(and thereby dissolved) in water). All roads lead to saroor nagar
lake on the day of the Lord Ganesh's nimajjanam.
Parks
Public Gardens. Known as the Bagh-e-aam (Garden for the commoners),
it has well laid out gardens and is surrounded by the imposing State
Legislative Assembly building, the Jubilee Hall, the Jawahar Bal
Bhavan, the Health Museum and the State Archaeological Museum.
Indira Park - A sprawling 76 acre park located near Tank Bund with a
nice little pond and boating.
Public Gardens (This was the old zoo and now is a beautiful place
for both children and adults).
Sanjeeviah Park
Krishna Kanth Park
Lotus Pond (Jubilee Hills)
Botanical Garden
Nehru Zoological Park
KBR National Park (Chiraan Palace)
Chilkur Wildlife Park
Jalavihar Family Water Park (Necklace Road)
Mahaveer Vanasthali Wildlife park
Lumbhini Park - It also offers nice Laser Shows in the evening which
is first in India.
For easy travel visit nearest travel
agent or buy a Hyderabad travel guide book. |
