Welcome to Hyderabad

Facts about Hyderabad

Area: 217 Sq Km Altitude: 536 Meters Climate: Tropical Wet and Dry Summer: Max 40 C and Min 22 C Winter: Max 22C and Min 13.8C Rainfall: 89cm (June to Sept) Best Best Season: June to February Religion: About 50% of the population consists of Muslims; there are Hindus and Sikhs also Exports: Software, Basmati rice and spices, medical transcription and oil exports. Industries: Electrical fans, cooling systems, software industries, jewelers, pharmaceuticals and automotive industries.

400 Years Rich History of Hyderabad

Hyderabad city has witnessed the rise and fall of many dynasties. It was during the rule of the Qutub Shahis that the city flourished and many palaces and beautiful monuments and forts were built, which added to the beauty of the city. Hyderabad was previously known as Golconda. Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah of the Shahi Dynasty named it Hyderabad. It is said that he fell in love with a humble courtesan named Bhagmati. He named the city Bhagyanagar after her. After they got married, she changed her name to Haider Mahal and that is how the city was named Hyderabad. Literally translated, Hyderabad means the "city of Haider". Hyderabad flourished during his reign extensively as it became an important trading zone for all the merchants coming from Asia and Europe. The fame and abundant prosperity of the Hyderabad city reached the ears of the powerful Mughal ruler Aurangazeb who captured and plundered the wealth of the flourishing Hyderabad city. Aurangazeb then ruled the city of Hyderabad with his newly appointed Prime Minister Asaf Jah. When the Mughal rule came to an end, Asaf Jah became the ruler of the whole Deccan region, which undoubtedly includes Hyderabad city. In 1798 Nizam II, the second Asaf Jahi ruler signed a pact with the British and East India Company that made the British troops stay nearby. The British chose a place near the Hussain Sagar Lake and became involved in building Secunderabad, the twin city of Hyderabad. It was named after the Nizam Sikander Jah. As India gained independence, the state got its first democratic government and the representatives of its 18 million people were initiated to the Constituent Assembly drafting a constitution for free India. For the following eight years, Hyderabad continued to be a separate state within the union of India. On November 1st, 1956, the states of India were restructured on linguistic basis. Accordingly, the territories of the state of Hyderabad were separated between newly created Andhra Pradesh, Bombay (later Maharashtra), and Karnataka. Hyderabad and the surrounding areas were added to Andhra Pradesh based on Telugu linguistic majority and that is how Hyderabad became the capital of the new state of Andhra Pradesh.

The Culture of Hyderabad

Hyderabad Culture is an amalgamation of indigenous culture and the culture and mannerisms of the settlers who have migrated here from various parts of the country and the world. The population of Hyderabad speaks a number of languages such as English, Hindi, Urdu and Telugu and celebrates Hindu, Muslim, Christian and a number of other festivals. The lifestyle here is urban and cosmopolite in its outlook. The Muslim culture has left a profound impact on the city and has greatly influenced the food and language of the city. Both Urdu and Hindi in the city have been modified by the local lingo and Hyderabadi Urdu is considered a dialect specific to the city. Food habits have been inherited chiefly from the muslim rulers. The cuisine of the natives is traditional south Indian and advocates use of the local ingredients. Rice is the staple food. The muslim kitchens of Hyderabad, however, produce special meat and rice recipes cooked in strong spices but are distinct from the Awadhi muslim food habits, in the sense that they employ a lot many more indigenous ingredients and flavors. The traditional attire of the city also was either Khara Dupatta suits for the women or Sherwanis for men as court dictates of the nawabs prescribed or South Indian sarees for women and dhotis for men. These days the younger generaton is given to wearing salwar suits, shirts, trousers, jeans, skirts and a variety of modern outfits depending on the latest fashion trends. Pearls and traditional jewellery in the city is an eternal passion. Many multinational companies have set up base here and hence the corporate culture of Hyderabad is a reflection of global business etiquettes and corporate culture. The younger generation pledge allegiance to a global village and believe in adopting customs and mannerisms of a cosmopolitan community rather than their native communities.

Hyderabad Language
Hyderabad is the capital city of the Indian state, Andhra Pradesh and is known for its vibrant social life, cosmopolitan and progressive culture and rich traditions and heritage. The city is 5th largest city of the Indian subcontinent and is the center for IT and biotechnological advances in the country. Not surprisingly, people from all parts of India and even the world migrate here in growing numbers every year. The natives of Hyderabad thus speak a number of languages. The more important among these are English, Hindi, Urdu and Telugu. The official languages of Hyderabad city are Telugu and Urdu. Hindi is the primary official language of India, used in all official and government communication in most states of the country. Hyderabad is the hub of the Muslim culture and hence a pronounced use of Hindi and Urdu can be noted in the city. Besides Hindi is commonly used by the many settlers who have migrated from Hindi speaking states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal. English is the associate official language of India and is used in all Government communication with states that do not recognize Hindi as an official language. With the opening up of international avenues, growth of global business and trade links and foreign settlements here, use of English in the city is rapidly growing. Urdu, the Indo Aryan language has been heavily promoted in Hyderabad by the rule of the Muslim Nawabs of the region. Hyderabad was the hub of the Bahamani kingdom called Golconda and Urdu was the court language of the Nawabs. It is a commonly spoken language in the city and influences Hindi in the city. Urdu-Hindi is more commonly used than pure Urdu or Hindi. Telugu is the native language of Andhra language. Derived from the Proto Dravidian language, Telugu dates back to antiquity but the Telugu spoken and used in the city these days is heavily laced with Urdu, Hindi and other influences. The language is believed to consist of 28 vowels and 39consonants, 34 conjunct consonants and 4 special symbols and the script is derived from Brahmi.

Festivals in Hyderabad
Hyderabad has a rich tradition and culture. All major festivals are celebrated with much gusto in the city. Some festivals are celebrated all over India while others are specific to only Hyderabad. The festivals are celebrated with much splendor and joy by one and all irrespective of their caste and religion. Some of the famous festivals of the Hyderabad city are given below: Deccan Festival Deccan Festival is celebrated in Hyderabad on 25th February every year. This festival lasts five days. It reflects the culture of the Deccan and highlights Hyderabad's culture, arts and crafts, and the famous lip smacking Nawabi cuisine. Many cultural programs are organized which include Ghazals, Qawalis, Poetry etc. typical of the Hyderabad city. It is a must see for every tourist visiting Hyderabad in the month of February. This exclusiv Lumbini Festival This festival is celebrated to honor the Buddhist Heritage of Andhra Pradesh. The festival is celebrated in Nagarjuna Sagar and Hyderabad for three days from 2nd Friday of December every year. The festival provides an insight into the rich Buddhist heritage and takes you back in time almost 2000 years back, to a different world all together.e festival is conducted by the Department of Tourism. Makara Sankranti This harvest festival is celebrated for 3 days in mid January. The first day is Bhogi that is celebrated with utmost gaiety. The second day is Sankranti and it is believed that the Sun enters the Makara Rasi (the zodiac sign of Capricorn). Conventionally, this is considered to be an auspicious day. Many families arrange a doll show and invite their friends and give alms to the poor. The third day is Kanuma. The community being agrarian in majority acknowledges their gratitude to the animals that help them in their work. They decorate their bulls and conduct fun games like co Moharrum Moharrum is celebrated with much fervor and joy in Hyderabad, as the state has a significant Muslim population. Moharrum is observed by the Shia community of Muslims in honor of the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed's grandson, Imam Hussain, who was killed in a battle in 680 AD. The prophet's son-in-law Ali and Ali's elder son Hassan are also remembered during this period as they had suffered and died for honorable causes. Moharrum, or the sacred month, marks the beginning of the Muslim New Year. Muslims also celebrate Milad-un-Nabi in which numerous people assemble in the holy Mecca Masjid and at Dar-us-Salaam. ckfights, bullfights and ram fights.

Festivals in Hyderabad
Ramzan (Id-ul-Fitr) Ramzan is very important festival of the Muslims. The holy month of Ramzan is every auspicious for the Muslims the world over and is an occasion for expression of goodwill and friendship. Muslims give 'zakat' during month of Ramzan. Muslims fast for thirty days before the festival. Muslim break their fast with Dates, Water, Haleem, Dahiwade and other fruits at "Maghrib" (sunset). After fasting for thirty days they celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr festival. Sheerkhurma is the special dessert made on this day. Id-ul-Zuha On this day Muslims sacrifice a goat or Bakr (Urdu) to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, who willingly agreed to kill his son at the behest of God. This festival coincides with the Haj pilgrimage in Mecca. Prayers are offered in the mosques and the sacrificial meat is then distributed after the Id prayers. Special delicacies are prepared and served among family and friends on the occasion. Ugadi This native New Year comes soon after the celebration of 'Holi' in March - April. Spring is considered as the first season of this native New Year of Andhra. Ugadi is a festival celebrated throughout Andhra Pradesh state. The festival marks the New Year for Andhra Pradesh and is celebrated with much splendor and gaiety in Hyderabad. Vinayak Chaturthi The day when Lord Ganesha or Vinayak was born is celebrated as Vinayak Chaturthi. The festival is celebrated with pious devotion and passion throughout the country. Every year the largest Ganesha idol is set up at Khairatabad in Hyderabad. The idol sometimes reaches to a height of thirty feet. On the 11th day of celebration, processions from all through the state congregate at Hussain Sager Lake. The ten-day Ganesha festival winds up with the submerging of Ganesha idols in the lake. Diwali The 'festival of lights' known as Diwali or Deepawali is celebrated all through the country with much passion and zest. The festival is celebrated to mark the returning of Lord Rama of the Hindu mythology to his city after a 14 year-long exile. People in Hyderabad worship the lord along with the Goddess of wealth Lakshmi.

Getting Around Hyderabad

Like other Indian cities, Hyderabad suffers from traffic congestion. But now that we have new flyovers in the city, traffic congestions have reduced to an extent. To solve traffic congestion completely, there are several more flyovers under construction. Outer ring road and inner ring road work is also under process Buses Buses in Hyderabad are operated by APSRTC (Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation). The APSRTC operates point to point bus services which connect all places within the Hyderabad city, with a very good frequency. This enables you to commute quickly between any two places within Hyderabad. There are currently 4000+ buses in the city running the point to point service. You can board these buses from any place in Hyderabad. You will find various bus services like; Ordinary Service , Veera ,Metro Express Veera and Metro express are luxury and semi-luxury services respectively, and have few stops between any two points in the city. This enables you to commute quickly between any two places within the city. Where as Ordinary service will stop on every bus-stop. Auto rickshaw (Auto) Auto rickshaws are considered the best options for short and long trips in Hyderabad city. Autorickshaw will charge extra as a "half-return" if you are riding in night hours after 10:00 pm. For example: If a meter shows Rs. 50/- then a half amount i.e. Rs. 25/- will be added, so the auto charge will be Rs. 75/(50+25). Cars The other best option available for getting around Hyderabad city is the cars. In Hyderabad you can easily find both self and chauffeur-driven cars on rent. The typical cost for a day of sightseeing in a chauffeur-driven car, depending on distance and what sort of car it is, ranges from Rs. 600 to Rs. 1000. car rentals in Hyderabad. Premier Travels Noori Travels ,City Cabs ,Orange Cabs ,Hussain Travels ,Cel Cabs ,Cosy Cabs ,Dot Cabs ,V-Link Taxis ,Hertz ,Taxee etc

Sightseeing in Hyderabad
Ashtalakshmi Temple Hyderabad Birla Mandir Hyderabad Buddha Statue (Middle of Hussain Sagar Lake) Charminar Hyderabad Chilkur Balaji Hyderabad Chowmahalla Palace Hyderabad Cyberabad Falaknuma Palace Hyderabad Gandipet (Osman Sagar) Hyderabad Golconda Fort Hyderabad Hussain Sagar Hyderabad Hussain Sagar Hyderabad Malwala Palace Hyderabad Mecca Masjid Hyderabad Mir Alam Tank Hyderabad Necklace Road Hyderabad Osmania Arts College Hyderabad Paigah Tombs Hyderabad Purani Haveli Hyderabad Qutub Shahi Tombs Hyderabad Ramoji Film City Hyderabad Rashtrapathi Nilayam Hyderabad Raymond Tomb Hyderabad Sanghi Temple Hyderabad Shamirpet Lake Hyderabad Taramati Baradari monument Hyderabad Yadagirigutta Hyderabad

Hyderabad Museums
A P Archeology Museum Hyderabad A P Archives and Research Institute Hyderabad B M Birla Planetarium Hyderabad B M Birla Science Museum Hyderabad Cinema Ghar Hyderabad Golconda Fort Archeological Museum Health Museum Hyderabad Jagdish and Kamala Mittal Museum Hyderabad Numaish Exhibition Hyderabad Salarjung Museum Hyderabad Shilparaman Hyderabad State Central Library Hyderabad Sudharma Hyderabad

Parks and Gardens in Hyderabad

AnathaGiri Forest Hyderabad Botanical Garden (Kondapur) Hyderabad Indira Park Hyderabad Lumbini Park Hyderabad Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park Nehru Zoological Park Hyderabad Public Garden of Hyderabad Sanjeevaiah Park Hyderabad

Excursions From Hyderabad

Ahobilam Amravati Bavikonda Bhadrachalam Bhattiprolu Bhongir Fort Durgam Cheruvu Ethipothala Waterfalls Guntur Kalahasti Leepakshi Medak Nagarjuna Sagar Dam Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary Penukonda Fort Secunderabad Shamirpet Simhachalam Srisailam Tirupati Vijayawada Visakhapatnam Warangal

Bars & Pubs in Hyderabad

Blockbuster Pub Hyderabad Enigma The Lounge Bar Hyderabad Escape Bar Hyderabad Ice Spice Bar Hyderabad Vintage Bar Hyderabad Welcome Pub Hyderabad Where to Shop in Hyderabad Abids shopping street Hyderabad Basheerbagh Hyderabad General Bazaar Hyderabad James Street Hyderabad Koti bazaar Hyderabad Lad Bazar Hyderabad Lepakshi City Emporiums Hyderabad Nightlife in Hyderabad

Cuisine of Hyderabad
While in Hyderabad, one must make it a point to try out the famous cuisine the city has to offer. Hyderabad boasts of a wide range of traditional vegetarian dishes, which are tempting to the core. They also have an assortment of typical nonvegetarian cuisines. Both the categories are rich in spice content and you need to be careful if you are not used to spicy and tangy food. Though spicy, it is extremely tasty and delicious and is definitely worth a try. The prominent mouthwatering vegetarian dishes of Hyderabad are the Dahi Vada, Mirch-ka-sabu and Bagaara Baingan. The Dahi Vada essentially contains spicy and creamy curd in which round pieces of ground lentils have been immersed after being fried. The mirch-ka-sabu is a delicious vegetarian dish of Hyderabad consisting of hot chilies, which are immersed in cream gravy. For all of you who have an active sweet tooth, pamper yourself with yummy sweet dishes like double-ka-meetha (bread pudding), Gajar-ka-halwa (carrot sweet dish) and Qubani-ka-meetha (apricot pudding). After relishing on the yummy Hyderabadi dishes one should have a sip of the Iranian chai or tea. This hot drink has a distinct flavor and you can easily find it in the street side cafes where you can just laze around and enjoy this famous Hyderabadi beverage. The cuisine of Hyderabad is highly influenced by the Mughals who ruled here. Hence, the cuisine also has some elements of the Mughlai cuisine. The most famous of all is Mutton Biryani & Chicken Biryani, which is an aromatic assortment of rice, meat and seasonal vegetables. There is also a wide range of Kebabs to choose from which include Chicken korma, Sheer korma, Sheekh Kebab, Shammi Kebab etc. These special vegetarian and non-vegetarian Hyderabadi dishes are best enjoyed in the traditional Shahi Dastarkhana or the Royal Dining Hall. It is a conventional dining place where the ancient royal families relaxed and relished on the Hyderabadi cuisine. It is a 'low chowki ' or wooden bed, on which cotton mattresses are spread. They are bordered with relaxing supports and soft cushions on the edges. All you have to do is make yourself comfortable and feel like a Nizam! No meal is complete without the traditional paan, which is betel leaf stuffed with a mixture of betel nuts and spices which is folded in the betel leaf and held together with a clove.

Enjoy your meal with

Paradise Restaurant, Paradise Circle, M.G. Road , Deccan Foods, Banjara Hills, The Jewel of the Nizam(Hotel Golkonda),Masab Tank Hotel Niagara, Hyderguda Caf Bahar, Himayatnagar Our Place, Road No 10, Banjara Hills Ashoka, Lakdi ka Pul, Hyderabad Chillies, Punjagutta, Hyderabad Deccan Palace,Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad Degh (Comfort Inn Woodbridge),Lakdi ka Pul, Hyderabad Dine Hill,Banjara Hills, Hyderabad Elixir,Banjara Hills, Hyderabad Food Court,Banjara Hills, Hyderabad Gaiety (Viceroy),Tank Bund, Hyderabad Copper Pot (Tulip Manohar),Begumpet, Hyderabad

Look forward . to a comfortable stay.. @ City of Nawabs Thank You