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Fondly called the 'city of Nawabs' Hyderabad offers a captivating combination of tradition and trend to the tourists and travellers. Hyderabad is one of the most rapidly growing cities of India. The IT hub in Southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh is easily accessible. Regular flights, frequent trains and the excellent road network make Hyderabad a great travel destination.

Sightseeing at Hyderabad

Charminar : This is the landmark structure of Hyderabad. Located in the heart of the city the galleries and arches of Charminar are of great importance to the tourists. The Charminar is 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.

Falakuma Palace : Another tourist attraction in Hyderabad is the Falakuma palace. The palace was home to the last Nizam and stores the most expensive art objects, tapestries and carpets, in addition to the largest single-man collection of diamonds.

Husain Sagar Lake : Between Hyderabad and its twin city Secunderabad lays the Husain Sagar Lake. This large artificial lake offers breathtaking views of Naubat Pahad, a hilltop crowned by the Birla temple.

Golconda Fort : The majestic and imposing monument which lies on the Western outskirts of Hyderabad city - Golconda Fort, unravels with it the 400 years of the rich cultural heritage of this city. 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. This massive fort is 11 km in perimeter and its walls are 15 to 18 ft high. The whole fort is built in granite and is flanked by 70 ramparts and 8 huge gates.

Best Season to Visit : Through out the year.

Reaching Hyderabad

• Air : Hyderabad is connected by air with Ahemdabad, Bhubaneshwar, Kolkotta, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Tirupati and Visakhapatnam.
• Rail : Hyderabad / Secunderabad are connected by rail with major cities.
• Road : Hyderabad is also well-connected by National Highways. It is connected by road to Banglore(590 km), Visakhapatnam(667 km), Chennai(671 km), Goa (698) km, Mumbai (713 km).

Shopping in Hyderabad

Hyderabad is a shopper's paradise. The city is synonymous with pearls. Cultured pearls studded in gold and silver jewellery of exquisite design are specialty. Laad Bazar near Charminar is the heart of old Hyderabad, and where you'll find Hyderabadi specialties such as pearls, glass and jewelry. One can also buy Bidriware from here, as Hyderabad is also famous for Bidriware. For women, Hyderabad holds yet another shopping opportunity ­ those irresistible late Kat saris in striking colors. Also typical of the state is Kalmakari­the hand painted fabric, and Nirmal painting, using dyes to create memorable scenes from the Mahabharat and the Ramayana.

Abids Basheerbagh, Nampally and Sultan Bazar in Hyderabad; MG Road and Rashtrpati Road in Secunderabad are the most ideal place for the shoppers.