Hyderabad district General information 

Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, is a heady mixture of heritage, traditionally hospitality and a thriving software revolution. The capital is in reality the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad linked together by the Hussain Sagar Lake. The fifth largest city in India and has a population of over 3.6 million. There are no forests in this district, and this district is the Smallest district in Andhra Pradesh and the densest one in the whole State. The boundaries of Hyderabad district are Nalgonda district, Mahaboobnagar district, Karnataka state and Medak district in the East, South, West and North directions respectively. Musi is the main river. The major water sources for the twin cities are Singur Project on River Manjeera in Medak district and Osman sagar on River Musi at Gandipet. Vazir sultan Tobacco, B.E, Indian Hume pipe Ltd at Azamabad, Hyderabad Asbestos Ltd and Plywood Ltd., Praga Tools, Midhani, N.F.C, D.R.D.O and E.C.I.L are the main industries. India's First Cigarette Charminar was produced from Vazir Sultan Tobacco factory situated at Azamabad area, which has more than a Hundred years of manufacturing experience on this branded Cigarette. Hyderabad is known as the 2nd largest town growing, after Bangalore, in software exports, as biggest software giants are located here. i.e. Satyam Computers, Sriven. Also Microsoft is opening new office in India at Hyderabad.
Bidriware Metal crafts, Ikat fabrics, Perfumes, Bangles and Pearls are the famous handicrafts of Hydrabad. Pearls, bangles, silks, computer software, handicrafts and above all a delectgable cuisine add to the splendour of this great city. Osmania University the Oldest one in Andhra Pradesh established in 1919, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Potti Sri Ramulu Telugu University, Acharya N.G.Raga agricultural University, Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad University (Central University) are chief pioneers in educational establishments in the district. The name itself brings up vision of a vibrant city of minarets and modern high - rise buildings. A natural and sophisticated blend of old and new - an old 'Nawabi' culture with a new pro-active approach and hospitality. It is the only city in the south, where the major language spoken is Urdu.

History

Bewitching palaces , timeless corridors, fairy-tale courtyards and whispering water ways.

Hyderabad, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh consists of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad and is a bustling 400-year-old metropolis with an urban population of 6 million people approximately. Hyderabad is famous as the former seat of the fabulously wealthy Nizams of Hyderabad. Built on the banks of the river Musi, and surrounded by huge prehistoric rock formations like petrified, gray elephants, Hyderabad is a blend of the fairy tale and earthy, a pot pourri of old and new.

Hyderabad, India's fifth-largest city was founded in 1590 by Muhammad Quli, the fourth of the Qutb Shahi kings. They ruled this part of the Deccan from 1512 until 1687. Before founding  Hyderabad, the Qutab Shahi kings ruled from the forted city of Golconda, 11 km to the west. After Aurangzeb's death in 1707, Mughal control over this part of India rapidly waned and the Asaf Jahi viceroys who had been installed to look after the interests of the Mughal Empire broke away to establish their own independent state. They gave themselves the titles 'subedar' and 'nizam'.

In 1798, a subsidiary alliance for military and political cooperation was signed between the Nizam and the British East India Company. Thereafter an area north of what is now the Hussain Sagar Lake was established as a cantonment. The area was named Secunderabad after the then Nizam, Sikander Jah. Both Hyderabad and Secunderabad grew together and have now merged. An imaginary line drawn across the Tank bund is still used to distinguish the two cities. Hyderabad is among the few Indian cities, which has a well-preserved cultural heritage. Hyderabad invokes nostalgia among old residents for its culture, fine arts and certain sophistication in manners. Much more than anything, Hyderabad presents a true picture of secularism.

Hyderabad is the fifth largest cosmopolitan city in India, rich in culture, enduring history and industrial growth. It is unique in being one of the few cities where tradition and technology co-exist. With a dynamic leadership, the state is steering the nation to new dimensions in the fields of Information Technology, Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, and Business Management to emerge as a city of immense business opportunities.  


Climate of Hyderabad

The climate of Hyderabad remains fairly warm through most parts of the year and does not receive much rainfall in the monsoon. With the onset of winters in North and central parts of India, temperatures marginally come down in the months of December and January and the nights become quite cool in and around the Hyderabad city. During the summer months, the mercury goes as high as 42° C while in winters the minimum temperature may come down to as low as 12° C. June to November are the months of monsoons, accompanied by rains. During the Monsoons also the temperature goes down at times. Thus, for most parts of the year the weather and climate of Hyderabad remains fairly moderate and you can visit the Hyderabad city anytime in the year but the best season to visit Hyderabad is between October-February.
While traveling to Hyderabad during the summer months, you must carry and wear light cotton clothes while in winter season, especially in December and January, you need to carry some light warm clothes as the mercury dips significantly.

Language

Andhra Pradesh is the first state in India that has been formed on a purely linguistic basis. Telugu, the official language of Andhra Pradesh, is described by C.P. Brown as the 'Italian of the East'. Next to Hindi, Telugu is the biggest linguistic unit in India. Telugu is found recorded as early as the 7th Century AD but it was only in 11th century AD that it broke out into a literary language. Next to Telugu, Hindi, Urdu and English are widely used.  

Communication

Auto rickshaws: Autos are by and large the easiest and most economical mode of transport. Tourists should be wary, as there’s always the chance of being (if you’ll pardon the pun) taken for a ride! However, this doesn’t happen often. But knowing how far you intend to travel — in advance — is a good way to avoid unpleasantness. The minimum meter charge is Rs. 10/-. Make sure that the auto driver turns the meter on before you begin the ride. From 2200-0500 you will be asked to pay double the meter charges.

Private Taxis: Taxis are not widely used in Hyderabad although prepaid taxis are available at the airport, Secunderabad and Nampally railway stations. You can certainly arrange for taxi services from your hotel’s travel desk.

Buses: There are two types of city bus services; ordinary Road Transport Corporation buses and the Metro Liners, operated by the APSRTC between 0500-2300 daily. RTC buses are crowded during rush hour. Metro Liners are comfortable but seats are limited. Metro Liners aren’t available everywhere, so it’s a good idea to check the route chart before you set out to see if there is service available.

The city, Hyderabad, is easily accessible through all modes of transport from within and out of India. Given below are the Rail, Bus and Air transport facilities to and from Hyderabad.

Currency Exchange

Currency can be changed at banks, airports or authorised money changers. It is illegal to exchange money through unauthorised money changers. US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are the easiest currencies to exchange.

Money Changers: All money in bills or traveler check should be changed into Indian currency only through authorized money changers and banks. Check out the list of money changers.


Accommodation

Hyderabad being an important growing business and tourist center has an expanding list of hotels ranging from the exclusive to the very ordinary. Room tariffs in Hyderabad is low compare to other Metros. Most hotels charge an additional sales tax ranging 7-15%

Andra Pradesh Travel & Tourism Development Corporation provides budgeted and decent accommodation in their guest houses spread over the state.  


Dining

Hyderabad was known for the spectacular way its aristocracy entertained. Some of the salient features of Hyderabadi food are the key flavours of coconut, tamarind, peanuts and sesame seeds. This cuisine owes its origins to the Mughalai style of cooking of the Asaf Jahi period. By carefully mellowing and nurturing the typical Mughalai flavors with a blend of spices, the cuisine of Hyderabad was born. While there is a certain exotic quality to some of the royal foods, it is also known that a true Hyderabadi will go anywhere in the city for a well prepared dish, however humble its origin.

For those who want a taste of the royal menu, there is a variety of Biryanis (A rice and meat preparation, seasoned with spices and flavorings); kababs (meat pieces of minced meat cooked in many different styles such as Boti, Jhammi, Kalmi, Shikampur, Sheek, Legan - ke - kababs, Dum - ke- kababs); Khormas (either meat or vegetables cooked in a rich creamy gravy) and Lukhmi (pastry). During the month of Ramzan, one gets to taste Haleem (a pounded wheat and meat preparation). For those who prefer more homely food, there is Kichri (a rice and lentil preparation); Kheema methi (minced meat with fenugreek); Nahari (a stew of tongue and lamb trotters); Rumali Rotis (bread as thin as a handkerchief) and chakna (a spicy dish of meat).

For the vegetarians there is Bagara Baingan (a rich spicy preparation of aubergines); Mirch-ka-salan (chillies in a creamy gravy); Tomato kut (aromatic puree of tomato with flavorings); and Shahi dahi vadas (lentil dumplings in yogurt sauce).


 Places of Interest

Charminar: Charminar a majestic architectural monument standing in the heart of the old city of Hyderabad, built by Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah in 1591 supposedly to commemorate the eradication of plague from Hyderabad.

Mecca Masjid: Mecca Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India. The constructions of this mosque was started by Sultan Muhammad Qutub Shah and was completed in 1694 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

Golconda Fort: Golconda fort is a majestic monument, which lies on the western outskirts of Hyderabad city. It speaks of a great cultural heritage of 400 years and is a place worth visiting.

Salar Jung Museum: The Salar Jung Museum is the largest one-man collection of antiques in the world. The museum exhibits over 35,000 objects of art like Chinese Porcelain, Aurangazeb's Sword, and Daggers belonging to Queen Noor Jehan, Emperor Jahangir & Shah Jahan, Sculpture, Indian paintings & Persian carpets. Some of the highlights are the Veiled Rebecca, the translucent white marble statue by Bezoni, the Arms section, The Jade section & the Oriental Section.

Hussain Sagar: Hussain Sagar is a large lake in the midst of the city and was constructed in 1562 AD. Also known as Tank Bund, it connects the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

Jama Masjid: The Jama Masjid is the oldest mosque in Hyderabad and is located at a few meters away from the Charminar. Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah built it in the year 1597.

St. Joseph's Cathedral: The Cathedral of Saint Joseph is located in the Gun foundry area and is perhaps the most beautiful in the twin cities.

St. Mary's Church: St Mary's Church is in Secunderabad. Mother Mary is worshipped here.

Birla Mandir: Birla Mandir is a beautiful modern temple overlooking the south end of Hussain Sagar, in Hyderabad. It provides an excellent view over the city from the summit. This magnificent structure was built entirely out of marble from Rajasthan.

Birla Planetarium: Located in the heart of Hyderabad city, on the panoramic hillock of Naubat Pahad, the Birla Planetarium is a tribute to the advances made in science and technology since the dawn of civilization.

Falaknuma Palace: The palace is one of the most magnificent of its kind in the country. Built by Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra Bahadur, it is located atop a 650m high hill, about 5-km from Charminar.

Hi-Tech City: Hyderabad has been developed as a destination for Software Companies. The Hi Tech City, at the city outskirts, is been developed to create a favorable climate for these companies.

High Court: It is a beautiful Mughal-style building laid out along the Musi River near Afzal Gunj Bridge. Built in 1916 of local pink granite with red sand stone carved panels and columns at an estimated cost of 2 million rupees, it is perhaps the most striking work of the British architect Vincent Esch.

Qutub Shahi Tombs: About a kilometer from the Golconda fort are the tombs of the Qutub Shahi rulers. The tombs are domed structures built on a square base surrounded by pointed arches. The galleries of the smaller tombs are of a single storey while the larger ones are usually two-storied. In the center of each tomb is a sarcophagus, which overlies the actual burial vault in a crypt below. The domes were originally overlaid with blue and green tiles, of which now only a few pieces remain. It is open daily from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. Closed on Fridays.

Paigah Tombs: Situated at Santoshnagar, 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.

Chote Hazrat Ki Dargah: Chote Hazrat ki Dargah is situated inside Devan Devadi, Hyderabad. Climbing 400 and more stairs takes you to a place of worship built during the period of the Asif Jahis. The row of arches on the hill leading to the top is a wonderful sight. The Dargah or mortuary was built in the memory of Hazrat Ali, the son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad.

Raymond's Tomb: Michel Raymond, a French mercenary, was a military commander in the service of the IInd Nizam and also his close friend. His tomb, which is 7m high, made of black granite bearing the initials JR, lies in Saroornagar off the Vijayawada road about 3-km from the Eliphant Bridge, in east Hyderabad.

Sanjeevaiah Park: Sanjeevaiah Park is a major recreation centre located next to Hussain Sagar, at the end of Necklace Road, in Hyderabad. It is named after the former President of India, Mr. Neelam Sanjeev Reddy. It houses a rose garden, rock garden and a floral clock.

Indira Park: Indira Park, a recreation park for children situated near lower Tank Bund, Hyderabad. It is named after the former Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi. It is one of the oldest parks in the twin cities.

Naubat Pahad: A couple of small rocky hillocks in the middle of Hyderabad beside the Hussain Sagar Lake are known as Naubat pahad and Kala pahad. ('Pahad' means hill and 'Naubat' means drum). It is said that the Mughals used to beat large drums to announce official proclamations from Naubat Pahad.

Public Gardens: The Public Gardens are the largest gardens in the city. Within it's premises are a number of important public buildings including the State Legislative Assembly, State Archaeological Museum, Jubilee Hall, Jawahar Bal Bhavan and Telugu Lalita Kala Thoranam, an open air theatre.

Nehru Zoological Park: Nehru Zoological Park is one of the biggest zoos in Asia with over 250 animal species. The lion safari park, natural history museum, pre-historical animals park, nocturnal birds, a children's park with a train ride are other impressive sights.


Health

The medical care sector in Hyderabad has witnessed an enormous growth in infrastructure in the private and voluntary sector. The private sector, which was very modest in the early stages, has now become a flourishing industry equipped with the most modern state-of-the-art technology at its disposal. An added plus had been that Hyderabad has one of the largest pharmaceutical industries in the country. Using the latest technical equipment and the services of highly skilled medical personnel, these hospitals are in a position to provide a variety of general as well as specialists services. These services are available at extremely competitive prices; encouraging patients not only from developing countries but even from a number of developed ones to come to Hyderabad for specialised treatment.


Banks and Post Offices

Banking in India has its origin as early as the vedic period. It is believed that the transition from money lending to banking must have occurred even before Manu, the great Hindu Jurist, who has devoted a section of his work to deposits and advances and laid down rules relating to rates of interest. Today the commercial banking system in India may be distinguished into :Public Sector Banks, Private Sector Banks, Co-operative Sector, Development Banks. You have a number of state, national and international banks in Hyderabad along with their ATM centres, which are easily accessible.

In spite of the advanced electronic services that are available in Hyderabad, postal services are still in demand. Check your nearby post offices, if you need any.