Ista Hyderabad Destination Guide
From Nawabs and pearls to the world's hi-tech happening point, the city's journey is fascinating. The sprawling metropolis is coming to terms with itself at the start of the new millennium.
The Qutb Shahi dynasty founded the Kingdom of Golconda, one of the five kingdoms that emerged after the break up of the Bahamani Kingdom. The Qutb Shahis ruled the Deccan for almost 171 years. All the seven rulers were patrons of learning and were great builders. They contributed to the growth and development of Indo-Persian and Indo-Islamic literature and culture in Hyderabad.
The story of the city comes alive through it’s fascinating forts, mosques, temples and museums – Places which are a MUST visit are the following:
Charminar
The Charminar is situated in the southern sector of Hyderabad city and south of the Musi River in the center of the erstwhile walled city. The walls do not exist any more, barring ruins and small stretches at a few palaces. This eloquent structure is the most important landmark of the city. This imposing monument was built, as the legend goes, by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah in honour of his Hindu Wife, Bhagmati, between 1591AD and 1612 AD, soon after he shifted his capital from Golconda to Hyderabad. Built upon four grand arches facing the four directions with its high slender minarets and spiral staircases, the structure reflects the glory of the Qutub Shahi dynasty. (19 km from Ista)
Salarjung Museum
Situated on the southern bank of the river Musi, the Salarjung Museum is the third largest museum in India housing the biggest one-man collections of antiques in the world. It is well known throughout India for its prized collections belonging to different civilizations dating back to the 1st century. Nawab Mir Yousuf Ali Khan Salar Jung III (1889-1949), former Prime Minister of the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, spent a substantial amount of his income over thirty-five years to make this priceless collection, his life's passion.
The Salarjung Museum is a royal treat for connoisseurs, with a collection of over 43000 art objects and 50000 books and manuscripts. The collections include Indian Art, Middle Eastern Art, Far Eastern Art, European Art, and Children Art along with a Founders gallery and a rare manuscript section. (20 km from Ista)
The Golconda Fort
The Golconda fort is one of the most magnificent fortress complexes in India, which lies on the western outskirts around 11km from Hyderabad city. The history of the Fort dates back to the early 13th century, when the Kakatiyas ruled this southeastern part of the country. The bulk of the ruins of this fort, date from the time of the Qutub Shahi kings, who had ruled this area in the 16th and 17th century. The fortress is built on a granite hill 120 metres high, surrounded by massive crenellated ramparts. Daily Sound and Light shows energise the old fort each evening and bring alive the ancient stories and legends associated with this beautiful old monument. (13 km from Ista)
Birla Mandir
An enchanting modern Birla Mandir located in south end of Hussain Sagar in Hyderabad, stands atop the Kala Pahad, the twin hillock of the Naubat Pahad. The Birlas (industrialists who have also built several temples in India in this century) built this temple in 1976. This enchanting temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara (Vishnu), was constructed with white marbles from Rajasthan.The Birla Mandir combines the architectural styles of Orissan and South Indian temples. A Rajagopuram built in the South Indian style greets the visitors. The tower over the main shrine of Lord Venkateswara called the "Jagadananda Vimanam" is built in the Orissan style, while the towers over the shrines of the consorts are built in the South Indian style. Exotic scenes from the great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata are beautifully sculpted in marble. A must visit for the spiritually minded visitor who will enjoy the traditional Aarati in the morning and evening. (19 kms from Ista)
Film city
The Ramoji Film City doubles both as a tourist attraction and major filmmaking facility. The city looks like the product of an alliance between the famous magician P.C. Sorkar and Vishwakarma, the God of Architecture and Engineering. It is India's answer to the Universal Studios in Hollywood, in every aspect. It is a place where realism obtains all the traits of enchantment and bring alive the inconceivable. Today, it is the filmmakers' first choice as it is a single-window, press-button facility that opens up an unlimited arena of creativity for every major and minor aspect of film production. (25 km from Ista)