Places around Hyderabad
Charminar
There are several places to see and visit in and around the city of Hyderabad.The Charminar
Charminar, the hub of the city, has four wide roads radiating in the four cardinal directions. The four minarets command the landscape for miles. The structure is square, each side measuring 100 feet, with a central pointed high arch at the center. The whole edifice contains numerous small decorative arches arranged both vertically and horizontally. The prominently projected cornice on the first floor upholds a series of six arches and capitals on each façade, rising to the double-story gallery of the minarets. The projected canopy, ornamental brackets and decoration in stucco plaster add graceful elegance to the structure. On the upper courtyard, a screen of arches topped by a row of square jall or water screens lends a fragile charm to the sturdy appearance of Charminar. This courtyard was used as a school and for prayers at the mosque. The minarets, their domed finials rising from their lotus-leaves cushion, rise to 180 feet from the ground. An interesting 17th-century description of the monument comes from Thevenot: "That which is called the four towers, is a square building, of which each face is ten fathom broad and about seven high. It is opened on the four sides by four arches".Charminar is a symbolic monument with its four imposing minarets, each 54 metres high, well decorated with lotus buds and petals. It also houses a mosque. The Charminar was built by Muhammed Quli Qutub Shah in 1591 to commemorate the cessation of plague in the city.
The icon of Hyderabad was built in 1591, by Mohammed Quli Qutub shsh to commemorate the end of plague in the city. The imposing rectangular monument is built is Indo-Saracenic style and stands 53 metrs high and 30 metres wide, with four grand arches, facing each of the cardinal points. The four corners of the building are adorned with columns with exquisitely carved minarets crowned by a bulbous dome. Each minaret towers to a height of 48.7m and has double balconies.
Sri Venkateshwara Temple
Sri Venlateshwara Temple, popularly known as the "Birla Mandir", is built on 280 ft. high Kala Pahad overlooking the picturesque. The Hussain Sagar Lake by the Hindustan Charity Trust is on a 13 acre plot. The temple was built with 2000 tons of white marble.The mangnificent architecture of this temple is a synthesis of the north and south Indian style. The main deity is 9.5 ft. high made of granite brought from Phirangipuram in Guntur District.
Shilparaman (14 km)
Shilparamam is an artd and crafts village set up in an area spanning about 30 acres of land. The place is famous for its annual festivals and market. It provides ample space for the artisans and artisans across the country to meet at one place to exchange their ideas and views with each other, and also with the customers.The crafts village at Madhapur nestles amidst beautiful rocky formations by the hillside with natural slops and wild vegetation. It was set-up to preserve the dying art forms as well as to bring together the crafts persons and artists from every sphere. Annual festivals of arts and crafts are held in March. Cultural activities are organised during Dussehra festival (Oct-Nov) and sankrant sandadi (Jan).
The Arts & Crafts VillageThe latest attraction at Madhapur beyond Jubliee Hills in Hyderabad is the 30-acre village, which houses arts & crafts of the country. India is an ocean of various arts & crafts but the talents of most of the artisans & artists goes unrecognized. To encourage them & give the necessary boost to their art, the crafts village hosts annual bazaars, where artists & artisans from all over the country exhibit their talents.
The Mecca Masjid
The Mecca Masjid - Near the Charminar stands the Mecca Masjid, begun by Muhammad Qutb Shah in 1617 and completed by Quranzeb in 1693. It is a grand edifice with a huge courtyard, which can accommodate nearly ten thousand men at prayer. Tavernier has provided a graphic description of the mammoth boulders cut to size and carted for use in the building of the mosque. The minarets look rather stunted in comparison with the grandeur of the whole massive structure. But it looks more Mughal then Qutb Shahi in its perfect granite finish and vast courtyard. A particular stone brick in the mihrab is believed to have been brought from Mecca.A stone's throw away from Charminar, one can see Mecca Masjid. Its foundation was laid by Sultan Muhammed Qutub Shah in 1614 and was completed by the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb in 1694. The mosque is said to have bricks from Mecca which were placed on the top of the central arch, and hence, it is called the Mecca Masjid. It is the biggest mosque in South India accommodating 10,000 persons for prayer at a time. In the chamber adjoining the Mecca Majid, are the tombs of the Asaf Jahi rulers.
The magnificent mosque near charminar is named after the holy Mecca, as it has few bricks from Mecca. One of the rooms off the courtyard enshrines the Islamic relics.
A hundred yards southwest of the Charminar is the Mecca Masjid, so named because the bricks were brought from Mecca to build the central arch. The Qutb Shahis never finished the building of the mosque, which was completed by Aurangzeb in 1694. Mecca Masjid is poetry in stone, with a hall measuring 67m & soaring to a height of 54m. Fifteen graceful arches - five to each of the three sides, support the roof. Towards the southern end of the mosque lie the graves in marble of Nizam Ali Khan & the families of the Asaf Jahi dynasty.
Durgam Cheruvu
Durgam Cheruvu is located in the vicinity of Madhapur, which is basically a loke surrounded by huge rocks, popularly known as the Hyderabad rocks and dating back a few centuries. The place provides the visitors, with pedal boating facilities before the sunset.Qutb Shahi Tomb Other Mosques
The other two mosques--the Jami Masjid and the Toli Masjid-are small and modest structures. Muhammad Quli Shah built the Jami Masjid in 1592, after founding Hyderabad. Musa Khan, a supervisor of works at the Mecca Masjid, levied a damri for every rupee spent on the building of the Mecca Masjid. With these collections he built the Toli Masjid, near the Purana Pul. Two buildings, the Badshahi Ashur Khana and Darul Shifa-built in 1594-are much dilapidated and in need of large scale repair.The road from Golconda fort to the north has the tomb of Abdullah Qutub Shah (1626 - 1672). The tombs of Abul Hasan Tana Qutb Shahi(1672 - 1687), Princess Hayat Baksh Begum, Muhammad Qutub Shah (1612-1626) and Pemamati, one of his mistresses are also situated near the tomb of Abdullah Qutub Shah.
The graceful group of Qutub shahi tombs, about 1km north of Golconda Fort's Banjara Darwaja, were built by the Qutub shahi dynasty.
The tombs of the legendary Qutb Shahi kings lie to the north of Golconda, about a kilometre away from Banjara Darwaza of the Golconda Fort. Planned and built by the Qutb Shahis themselves, these tombs are said to be the oldest historical monuments in Hyderabad. They form a large group and stand on a raised platform. The tombs are built in Persian, Pathan and Hindu architectural styles using grey granite, with stucco ornamentation, the only one of its kind in the world where an entire dynasty has been buried at one place.
Khilwat Palace
Khilwat Palace Of much interest to visitors is the Husain Sagar Lake, a large artificial lake lying between Hyderabad and Secunderaad. It was built by Ibrahim Qutb Shah around 1550, in gratitude to Husain Shah Wali, who had cured him of a disease. A tourist spot affording lovely views of the city is the Naubat Pahad, a hilltop crowned by the Birla temple. In old days royal firmans (announcements) were read to the people to the beat of drums. The Bagh-I-Aam stretches below this hillock where stands the State Legislative Assembly building. Among the newer additions to Hyderabad's grand buildings are the Osmani University, the high court and the Osmania General Hospital.The city straddles the Musi River, which, in 1908, had caused much destruction by flooding the city. Under the supervision of India's greatest engineer Sir M.Vishweshvarayya, two large reservoirs, Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar were constructed to save the city from devastation by floods in the future. If there is some time left, a visit to the Nehru Zoological Park is recommended for a short lion safari and observing the wild beasts moving about freely in their expansive compounds. The crocodile hatchery is very informative for the young and the curious. One of the most visited places in the city is the Salar Jung museum.
Purani Haveli
When a poet, architect and an aesthete supervises the building of a city, beauty, balance and symmetry are to be expected. What leads romance to the city of Hyderabad, is the love story of a young prince and a village belle that resulted in its very foundations being laid.There is a love story related to the founding of the city of Hyderabad. As a young prince, Muhammad Quli fell passionately in love with a maiden from Chichlam village across the river Musi. He would even venture to cross the river in spate to keep his tryst with his beloved. Ibrahim Qutb Shah, his father, built a bridge on the river so that the crown prince did not endanger his life. When he ascended the throne, Muhammad Quli built a grand structure, the Charminar, at the site of the village. The city was called Bhagnagar to appease his beloved, Bhagmati. Later on it was called Hyderabad. Bhagnagar means city of good fortune. Farkhunda Buniyad, the Persian chronogrammatic name of the city yields the same meaning.
Laad Bazaar
Laad Bazaar is world famous for its Lac Bangles and Pearls. Carts full of colourful lac bangles line the street, bright brocades hang outside shops, their silver and gold sequins glittering in the sun. At regular intervals along the tiny streets, men wash and carefully arrange beetle leaves for people to savour the taste of the ‘Hyderabadi pan'.This oldest most popular shopping centre of the city lies to the right of charminar and is studded with colourful shops, famous for traditional bangles, bridal ware, heena and cosmetics.
This is the famous, colourful shopping centre of the Old City. It is tucked away in one of the streets leading off from Charminar. Bridal wear, pearls & the traditional Hyderabadi glass & stone studded bangles are sold here.
Falaknuma Palace
It is believed that the Falaknuma Palace was gifted to the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad, Mehboob Ali Khan by the generous Nawab. The palace was constructed over a period of seven years and it covers a total area of 9,39,712 square metres. This palace is a rare blend of Italian and Tudor architecture. The palace is laid out in the shape of a scorpion with two stings spread out as wings on the north.About 12 km from Hyderabad, this magnificent marble palace stands tall on a hill. Construction in 1870, this royal palace can be reached after going on a beautiful winding ghat road. This palace houses a library, art gallery and is a treasure house of diamonds and other precious objects.
The Nizam's Museum
Located in the stately Purani Haveli, the palace acquired in the year 1750, by the second Nizam, is now converted as a museum with a fascinating collection. The museum showcases the gifts & mementos presented to the last Nizam on the occasion of Silver Jubilee Celebration in 1937. A 1930 Rolls Royce, Packard & a Mark V Jaguar are among the vintage cars displayed. There is an interesting collection of models made in silver of all the prominent buildings of the city & citations in Urdu about H.E.H Mir Osman Ali Khan, gold burnished wooden throne used for the Silver Jubilee Celebrations, gold tiffin box inlaid with diamonds, gold model of Jubilee Pavilion and a silver filigree elephant with mahout are some of the notable items on display. The museum is open between 10.30 am & 05.00 pm on all days except Friday. Location: 2 Kms from Charminar & 1 Km from Salar Jung Museum. Ph:040-24521029.Salar Jung Museum
One of the largest private collections in the world, this museum is situated at Afzal Ganj, and has a collection of more than 43,000 art objects and 50,000 books in the 38 rooms spread over three floors of the building.This museum houses one of the biggest one-man collections of antiques and artifacts in the world by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan Salar Jung III. The objects d'art include Persian carpets, Moghal miniatures, Chinese porcelain, Japanese lacquer ware, famous sculptures including the Veiled Rebecca and Marguerite and Mephistopheles, a superb collection of jade, daggers belonging to Queen Noor Jahan and the Emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb's sword and many other fabulous items. APTDC has a "Pongali" snack bar here.
This grand museum houses an extraordinary private collection of Mir Yusaf ali Khan (salar Jung III), a great connoisseur of art and the prime minister to Nawab Mir Osman ali khan, Nizam VII. It is one of the three national museums of India and has over 43,000 art objects collected from world over.
Birla Mandir
This modern temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, standing in all its splendour on the hilltop of Kalapahad. The intricately carved, tiered tower at the base is typical of the south Indian shrines while the smooth dome at the top is in the Rajasthani style. Made of pure white marble from Rajasthan, the Birla Mandir overlooks the serene and placid waters of the Hussain Sagar lake.the southern end of Hussain Sagar lake. It is decorated with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharta. Here are also several splendidly sculpted marble statues of Hindu deities.
The white marble shrine of Lord Venkateswara is set atop kala Pahad hillock, towards This shimmering ethereal temple of Lord Venkateshwara, built in sculpted white marble, floats on the city skyline, on Kala Pahad. The idol in the temple is a replica of the one at Tirupati.
Birla Planetarium / Birla Science Museum
Birla Planetarium is India's most modern planetarium and first of its kind in the country. It is equipped with advanced technology from Japan and is built on Naubat Pahad adjacent to Kala Pahad. And the Science Museum stands tribute to the advancement achieved by science and technology.Naubat Pahad
Birla Planetarium and Alliance Francaise are set atop this rocky hill near the Birla Mandir. Sky shows are held at the planetarium.Hussain Sagar Lake
Its exceptionality lies in the fact that it connects the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. On the banks of the placid waters of the Hussain Sagar, a waterfront or bund was constructed to arrest the flow of water on the other side. A major attraction at the Hussain Sagar is the 16-metre high, 350 tonne monolithic Buddha statue. Hussain Sagar has other attractions for lovers of water sports. The yachting and sailing clubs at the lake are active and the annual regatta draws a good number of sportspersons from all around the country.The Hussain Sagar Lake which links the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad was constructed during the reign of Ibrahim Qutub Shah, by Hussainshah Wali, in 1562. There are 33 statues of historical personage of the Andhra Desha placed along the bund of the lake. Another major attraction of the Hussain Sagar Lake is the installation of an 18-metre high, 350 ton monolithic statue of Lord Buddha on the rock of Gibraltor in the middle of the lake's.
The 21 Sq km large tank lies between Hyderabad and Secundrabad. It is a pleasure to walk on the periphery of this tank. The Kidwai Gardens, the city's Botanical Park in Rajendranagar are also very interesting.
This huge lake was built by Hazrat Hussain shah wali, during the reign of Ibrahim Qutub shah in 1562. Atop the rock aqt the centre of the lake is the world's tallest monolithic statue of Buddha, which is 17.5m high and weighs 350 tonnes. Boattrips around the statue can be made from Lumbini Park. The Tankbund on the eastern side of the lake is a popular promenade. Fine view of the statue can be enjoyed from here.
Golconda Fort (12 km)
Golconda is one of the famous forts of India. The name originates from the Telugu words "Golla Konda" meaning "Shepherd's Hill". The origins of the fort can be traced back to the Yadava dynasty of Deogiri, and the Kakatiyas of Warangal. Golconda was originally a mud fort, which passed to the Bahmani dynasty and later to the Qutb Shahis, who held it from 1518 to 1687 A.D. The first three Qutb Shahi kings rebuilt Golconda, over a span of 62 years. The fort is famous for its acoustics, palaces, factories, ingenious water supply system and the famous Fateh Rahben gun, one of the cannons used in the last siege of Golconda by Aurangzeb, to whom the fort ultimately fell.12 km from Hyderabad, it is one of the most magnificent fortress complexes in India. The history of Golconda Fort dates back to the early 13th century, when this part of the country was ruled by the Kakatiyas. The fortress is built on a granite hill 120 metres high, surrounded by massive crenellated ramparts.
The Golconda Fort can be traced to the Yadava dynasty of Deogiri and the Kakatiyas of Warangal. The name originates from the Telugu word, Golla Konda meaning 'Shephard's Hill'. Earlier it was a mud fort and the existing structure was expanded by the Qutub Shahi kings into a massive fort of granite with walls having eight gates and 87 bastions, extending upto 7 km in circumference over a span of 62 years. It was once famous for the diamond market around it. The world famous diamond, 'kohinoor' is said to have come from here.
Golconda has been known as famous center for diamonds, and the diamond mines boast of some of the most renowned diamonds in the world. The Kohinoor originally belonged to Golconda as did the Darya-I-Noor, the Orloff, the Pitt, and the great table of the Nizam.
Before the rule of the Nizams the capital of this area was at Golconda, which was the base of the Qutb Shahi kings. The city was founded in 1565 after the battle of Talikota, which marked the final defeat of Vijayanagar. Aurangzeb captured the fort when he took Hyderabad in 1687, and imprisoned the last king in Daulatabad.
The outer wall of Golconda Fort is about 8 km around, and has nine gates and no fewer than 87 towers and bastions, a few still having old cannons on top. The extension on the north-east was added in 1724 when the Nizam declared his independence. The inner fort, the Bala Hisar, towers 100m above the plain. Most of the buildings inside the citadel are in a ruinous state, but the most interesting feature is the way even a quiet sound will carry from the main gate to the very summit. The palace at the top has a throne on the roof from which the ruler could survey his domain. Ruined maybe, but a fascinating place.
Like Hyderabade in later years Golconda was a famous diamond-cutting and marketing centre, and the huge Kohi-Noor diamond (found in the Warangal area in 1623) took a circuitous route from here to England's Crown Jewels.
A little to the north of the fort (walkable) are the tombs of six of the Seven Qutb Shahi kings. The exception is Abul Hasan Tana Shah, the last of the line, who ended his days in Daulatabad. The most poignant is that of Sultan Quil Qutb Shah, founder of the dynasty, who was murdered by hissone at the age of 90. The tombs are well preserved (like most of the historic buildings in Hyderabad) and worth seeing. The clearest view of the fort is from here.
The glorious remains of this once impregnable fort sprawls over a hill side about 1000 feet above the surrounding countryside. The forts name is derived from the Telugu word "Golla Konda" meaning "Shepherd's Hill". Originally, it was a mud fort built by the kakatiya kings of Warangal in 1143. The Qutub shah dynasty held it from 1518 to 1687 and the first three Qutub shahi kings rebuilt Golconda over a span of 62 years.
The prosperous city was famous for its diamonds and hand painted textiles. Attracted by the wealth prosperity of Golconda, the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb conquered Golconda after an eight month siege. The grandeur of this mammoth fort can be experiened from the top of the citadel. Within the fort are an armoury, palace, the store, courtyards, foutains, mosque, public and private meeting halls and temple. The fort is noteed for its magnificent acoustics, the structural grandeur of its palaces, factories and ingenious water supply system. A sound and light show is held here in the evenings.
Nehru Zoological Park
Sprawling across 300 lush green acres, the Nehru Zoological Park is the biggest zoo in India wwith over 250 species, and about 2450 different kinds of animals and birds kept in the natural environment. The Lion Safari Park, the first in Asia, the Natural History Museum, the Prehistorical Animals Park, Nocturnal Birds, and a Children's Park with a train ride are other impressive sights.This is the first zoo to create moated enclosures for animals. The Lion Safari Park, Natural History Museum and Children's Train are the added attractions. APTDC runs its "Pongali" restaurant and an ice-cream parlour here.
It extends over an area of about 1.2 sq.km and is one of the largest zoos of India. Conducted tours in protected vans are taken to the Safari Park. Other attractions includes a Natural History Museum, an ancient Life Museum, an aquarium and a children's train ride.
Osmania University
One of the important universities of the country, it was built by the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1918.Some other places of interest in Andhra Pradesh are:
Osmansagar (Gandipet) (21 km)
The charming lake covering an area of 46 sq.kms was built by Mir Osman Ali Khan in 1920, by barricading the water of Musi river. Boating facilities are available here.Established in 1918, it is one of the oldest universities in India. Named after Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, the university buildings are splendid, especially the Arts College building which is a perfect example of Indo - Saracenic architecture.
Public Garden
This exquisite garden located in the busy Nampally area is said to be the largest of its kind in Asia. It is the oldest park of city and is dotted with several majestic builtings.NTR Gardens
A leisure and entertainment centre adjoining the Hussainsagar lake, the NTR Gardens house a memorial (Samadhi) of Late N.T. Rama Rao, one of the most charismatic Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh. The sprawling NTR Gardens, set up on an area of 36 acres, offers a serene atmosphere and yet provides recreation facilities such as a Machan tree, Japanese Garden, Car Cafe, Souvenir shops, Fruit Restaurant and Children's Playing area. A monorail system takes the visitors around the garden.Hyderabad Botanical Gardens
The first Botanical Gardens in Andhra Pradesh, spread over 120 acres when completed, will have 19 sections (Vanams). Already open to public is the first phase, with the completion of 5 sections. The sections include medicinal plants, timber trees, fruit trees, ornamental plants, aquatic plants, bamboos and so on. The Park has been designed to have large water bodies, rolling meadows, natural forests, rich grasslands and exquisite rock formations - all providing visitors an unforgettable experience.Ramoji Film City
Ramoji Film city is the largest, most comprehensive and professionally planned film production centre of the world. It is located near Hayathnagar on the Hyderabad - Vijayawada Highway, 25kms from Hyderabad. The film city sprawling over an area of about 2000 acres was conceived and developed as a 'one stop shop' for a filmaker. It is said to have better facilities than the best studios of Hollywood.It also offers a variety of well conducted tours that transports a visitor into a virtual dreamland. The tourists are received at the main gate on the Vijayawada highway and taken to 'Eureka', inside the film city from where all the tours commence. Eureka, the fun place, is an architectural marvel amidst the glamour land. It is an excellent stop for entertainment, food and shopping.
A dream world created for the celluloid on a sprawling 1000 acres, with every imaginable set and location, Ramoji Film City on the outskirts of Hyderabad offers facilities to produce any kind of movie. Apart from sets, there are hotels where artistes and technicians can stay. Visitors too can go round in conducted tours. (040-23235777)
Balaji Temple
This famous shrine of Lord Balaji Venkateswara is located at Chikur near Himayatsagar at Gandipet. It is said to be over five hundred year old and is built in Kakatiyan style. No 'hundi' cash offerings are accepted here.Sanghi Temple (25 km)
The majestic temple complex dedicated to Lord Venkateswara is a favourite gateway point for the tourists visiting Ramoji Film City.Legislative Assembly
Built in 1913, the building was originally the Hyderabad State Town Hall. The architecture is a synthesis of Rajasthani and Persian styles, with an all white, aesthetic look. Located adjoining the picturesque Public Gardens, a massive statue of Mahatma Gandhi in a sitting posture is erected at the entrance park to the Assembly.Warangal
Warangal is situated 157 km north-east of Hyderabad. It is famous for its thousand pillar temple-a specimen of the Chalukya architecture. The fort was built by the Kakatiyas, who ruled between 12th and 14th centuries. Ruins of the mud-brick fort survive in certain portions. Kakatiyas held Golconda prior to the advent of the Qutb Shahi's and their original mud fort atop the Golconda hill was replaced with stone fortifications. The great temple at Harnamkonda was built on the slopes of the hill in 1163 by Rudra Deva. It carries some exquisitely carved pillars. The monolithic Nandi sits on guard at the entrance which also has rock cut statues of elephants on either side. The Warangal fort was conquered by Muhammad Tughlaq in the 14th century suffering much destruction. The freestanding gateway in the Buddhist tornan style is the most magnificent structure of its kind.This town was the capital of the Kakatiyas, who ruled from the 12th centuries. There is a star shaped, 1000-pillared temple on the Hanamkonda hills, dedicated to Devi Bhadrakali.
Lumbini Park
Lumbini Park 110 km northwest of Hyderabad lies Bidar, former capital of the Bahamani, and later on Barid Shahi dynasty. Ultimately it was annexed by Aurangzeb and subsequently the Nizams took over Bidar. It has a vast range of palaces mosques baths, schools and tombs within a strong fortified area. The tombs at Ashtur and Gawan's Madarsa have strong architectural splendor. If one has some time to spare he/she shouldn't miss nearby Gulbarga, the Bhamani capital, famous for its beautiful mosques and fort.The well laid out park on the banks of Hussainsagar lake is one of the most popular amusement site.
This beautiful entertainment park is situated on the shores of Hussainsagar lake. The landscaping here is a visual treat. A musically synchronized water fountain and a floral clock are major attractions here. Lumbini Park jetty is a major point for pleasure boating.
Nagarjunakonda
Nagarjunakonda, lying southeast of Hyderabad, has had been under strong Buddhist influence. The Satvahanas built a grand stupa at Amravati, embellished with most sumptuous sculptures. Later on, the Ikshvakus dominated the region around ad 235 their capital was Vijaipuri, a university town. With the decline of lkshvakus, Vijaipuri fell into neglect. The Reddy kings in the 14th century fortified the commanding hill of Nagarjunakonda, perpetuating the memory and teachings of Buddhist teacher Nagarjuna. Before work on the Nagarjunasagar Dam project began, archaeologists performed the miraculous task of transporting stone the excavated ruins of Vijaipuri to the top of Nagajunakonda hill and setting them up in their exact position. Remains of sculpture, monasteries, amphitheatre, and streets found a new safer home permanently relieved of the fear of inundation. A huge statue of Buddha dominates the crest of Nagarjunakonda. It is the old forgotten Vijaipuri of the lkshvakus, which has been resurrected on the hill.As the area was threatened with submergence by the reservoir the Archaeological Survey team made determined efforts to virtually transplant nine monuments from the valley onto Nagarjunakonda (the Hill of Nagarjuna) where they stand now in almost the original form in which they were found. While most of the monuments were relocated at Nagarjunakonda, the hill that now forms an Island in the middle of the reservoir. A museum at Nagarjunakonda contains Buddhadatu or relics excavated from the valley. The museum at Nagarjunakonda is a structure modelled along the lines of a "Vihara" and contains a number of precious artefacts of all cultural periods through which the valley passed. Carved limestone and stone slabs, inscriptions and sculptures dating to the third and fourth century AD constitute a majority of the exhibits, arranged methodically in five galleries. The sculpture at Nagarjunakonda brings out the mastery of the Satavahanas and the Ikshvakus. The themes are mainly from episodes involving the Buddha but the outstanding example of the sculpture of that age is the life-like depiction of the Enlightened One. The Buddha images, be they in the 'sthanaka' (standing) or 'asana' (sitting) position, beautifully portray a serene oval face with a moderately-built body and rounded shoulders. The right hand is held up in the symbolic gesture of 'abhaya' (protection) or 'pravachana' (preaching). One can transport oneself into that glorious age through a model of the submerged valley, exhibited in one of the galleries at the museum. The Nagarjunakonda island is approachable by motor launch.
Nagarjunasagar
Sriparvata, Vijayapuri, Nagarjunakonda - call it by any name but it remains today the modern day Nagarjunasagar - an engineering marvel, largest masonry dam and one of the largest man-made reservoirs. Nagarjunasagar, a massive irrigation project on the River Krishna, about 150 kms from Hyderabad, has a rich and interesting past. It was a valley in the Nallamalai range of the Eastern Ghats with civilizations dating back to thousands of years. Recorded history, however, assigns the first signs to the later Satavahanas and subsequently the Ikshvakus in the third century. Archaeologists assert that the fertile Krishna Valley hummed with life in the third millennium BC, the Neolithic age and then the Megalithic age around 1500 BC. The tallest masonry dam in the world, Nagarjunasagar stands about 124 metres high, creating one of the largest man-made lake with a capacity of 11, 472 million cubic metres. The water spread of the reservoir is about 380 sq.kms. The main canals - Jawaharlal (on the right) and Lal Bahadur (on the left) carry water to two regions of the State - parts of Coastal Andhra and Telangana. The canal system under this magnificent hydro-electric project is over 40,000 kms cumulatively. Jawaharlal Nehru called Nagarjunasagar a "modern temple". The Sriparvata and Vijayapuri of yore were really temples where the famous savant and Buddhist disciple Acharya Nagarjuna preached the message of Tathagatha during the lifetime of the Lord Himself. With a decision being taken to build a dam at the site, large-scale excavations were carried out during a special project to retrieve most of what could be. The special project, under the stewardship of R. Subramanyam, went on for six years from 1954 to unearth a cultural sequence from the early stone age to medieval times.Ananthagiripalli
Lord Ananthaswamy shrine is situated on the Ananthagiri range of mountain.Keshalpur
Temple dedicated to Nagoba (Adi Sesha).Kaleshwar and Vemulawada are two towns in Karimnagar district which have religious importance attached to them. Kaleshwar is situated at the confluence of rivers Pranhita and Godavari and is considered a holy spot. At Vemulawada, Sri Rajarajeshwari is enshrined in an ancient Siva temple.
Yadagiri Gutta (68 km)
Once a rishi did penance on the hills here and had darshan of Lord Narasimha as Jwala Narasimha. The sanctum is a cave-like structure. Yoga Narasimha has a separate shrine opposite to the sanctum. Hanuman is worshipped at the entrance.A mystic Chakra, installed on the vimanam, turns on its own, emanating a divine glow in darkness. Devotees offer to this vimanam full coconuts, which are said to remain fresh for a long time.
It is famous for the shrine of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy perched atop a hillock. The presiding deity is believed to cure the incurable diseases of the devotees. Yadagiri Gutta is 85kms from Warangal
Kessaragutta (35 km)
The Hindu pilgrim centre is known for Ramalingeswara and Lakshminarasimha shrines. According to mythological legends, Lord Rama came here during his exile and was capitivated by its natural beauty.Alampur
The Siva temple here is dedicated to Bala Brahmeswara and His consort Jogulambika. Since the Lingam is made of holy Rudraksha, the abhisheka water is absored in the Lingam.Alampur is a renowned Nava Brahma Kshetra with shrines of Nava Brahmas, built by Chalukyas. They are situated at the confluence of Krishna and Tungabhadra. Brahma is said to have performed penance here before He started Creation.
The shrines are known as Bala Brahma, Taraka Brahma, Padam Brahma, Garuda Brahma, Swarga Brahma, Araga Brahma, Veera Brahma, Visva Brahma and Kumara Brahma. However, no image of Brahma is found in any of these shrines. Only Lingams are worshipped. Theplace is also known as Bala Brahma Kshetra, Parasurma Kshetra and Bhaskara kshetra.
Devi Jogulamba, the Goddess of the town, is considered as one of the ashtadasa Mahashakti (18 Shaktis). Renuka Devi, also known as Yellamma Devi, is enshrined here.
Suryanarayana and Papanasana temples are other attractions for the pilgrims.
Mallikarjuna, Tungabhadra and Yoga Theerthams are held sacred.
Tadpatri
Temples of Bugga Ramalingeswara and chintala Venkataramana are situated on the banks of river Pennar.Basar
It is a calm village, known for the shrine of Goddess Saraswathi on the banks of Godavari. Saraswathi is known as Vasara as Vyasa is said to have installed the deity with the sands of Godavari. The place was originally known as Vyasapuri. The life-size image of the Goddess is in Padmasana posture holding veenaand books in her hands. The idol is decorated with turmeric paste.Devi Lakshmi is enshrined by the side of Saraswathi. Durga is in a separate mandapam and Brahma is worshipped in a sacred tree near the sanctum.
The Hi-Tec City
The Hi-tec or the "Hyderaqbad Information Technology Engineering Consultancy" city is a symbol of Hyderabad's leadership in the field of Information Technology (IT) in the country. It is located at Madhapur on the outskirts of Hyderabad and is a fully integrated, ultramodern techno township that provides infrastructural facilities like office space, production areas, communication facilities, shopping centre, hotel, concention centre, recreational zones and club houses.One of the modern monuments of trade & technology, it embodies the new-found attitude of Hyderabad & finds a place of pride today. Situated on the outskirts of the city, it is the nucleus of Cyberabad, the IT destination in these parts of the world.
