Qutub Shahi Tombs

These graceful domed tombs are a stone’s throw from Golconda’s Balasihar Gate. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, many of them have beautifully carved stonework. The tombs erected in the memory of the founding rulers of Hyderabad are truly magnificent monuments that have stood the test of time and braved the elements. They lie about a kilometer north of the outer perimeter wall of Golconda Fort's Banjara Darwaza. They lie about a kilometer north of the outer perimeter wall of Golconda Fort's Banjara Darwaza. There are the tombs of the six Qutb Shahi Kings. Noteworthy among these is the tomb of the fifth king of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and founder of Hyderabad - Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah. The domed mausolea lie, silent and nostalgic, in what used to be the old rose gardens where fountains played and sparrow (koyal) birds sang. The galleries of the smaller tombs are of a single storey while the larger ones are usually two-storied. In the centre of each tomb is a sacro-phagus 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. These tombs are built in a unique architectural style which is a mixture of Persian, Pathan and Hindu forms. The material used was grey granite, embellished with stucco ornamentation. Each tomb stands on a wide quadrangular terrace approached on all sides by flights of steps. The surrounding arcades and painted arches enhance the beauty of the monuments. The main body of the edifice is broad, rising 9 to 15 meters above the terrace. It is surrounded by balustrades with beautiful minarets at the corners. Timings:9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Closed on Fridays


Purani Haveli

The origins of Purani Haveli go as far back as Mohammad Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad. When planning the new city of Hyderabad, Mohammad Quli had allotted the site where Purani Haveli now stands for the mansion of his Peshwa, Mir Momin. Mir Nizam Ali Khan, the second Nizam acquired the existing area of the Purani Haveli and constructed upon it for his son Sikander Jah in 1777. Purani Haveli, (meaning Old Palace in Urdu) but when Sikandar became the Nizam, he chose Moti Galli near Charminar for his residence. The Purani Haveli was thus unoccupied for most of the time and hence lost its earlier glory, charm and importance. It also came to be called Haveli Khadeem. Purani Haveli is a replica of the 18th century European style of architecture. Its main building, even today, has several interesting pieces of antique furniture. Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, the sixth Nizam, also contributed to the glory of this building when he build the exquisite 240-feet long wooden wardrobe, the longest in the world, that never fails to amaze the visitors.

In 1971, the eighth Nizam donated the Purani Haveli complex to the Mukarram Jah Trust, an organisation dedicated to education. Part of the complex houses a library, the other the Mukarram Jah Technical Institute. One wing is now a museum housing the seventh Nizam's collection of gifts made to him on the occasion of his Silver Jubilee on the throne, articles which form the exhibits in the Nizam's Museum, Hyderabad

Timings - 10.30 a.m. to 5.00p.m.  Closed on Friday.



Birla Mandir

Hyderabad reflects a synthesis of varied cultures. It presents a beautiful blend of the northern and southern styles of architecture. This stunningly beautiful modern Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and built out of white marble. Made of pure white marble from Rajasthan, the Birla Mandir overlooks the serene and placid waters of the Hussain Sagar lake. The magnificent shrine offers a fantastic panoramic view of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The intricate carvings of the temple, the ceiling and the mythological figures are a standing testimony to the dexterity and sculptural excellence of the craftsmen. Beautiful scenes from the great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata are finely sculpted in marble. The Birla Mandir presents a colorful spectacular sight when illuminated at night. It graces the rocky hill overlooking the Hussain Sagar. Also, the Birla Science Museum and Planetarium are next to this. The temple is open for visitors from 7 a.m. to 12 noon and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. all days of the week. (The timings could have changed hence one would have to check with the local A.P.T.D.C. offices for the changes if any.)



Hussain Sagar
Hussain Sagar has other attractions for lovers of water sports. The yatching and sailing clubs at the lake are active and the annual regatta draws a good number of sportspersons and lay people alike from all around the country. During the regatta competitions, the lake looks picturesque and colorful with the yatches sailing on the shimmering waters. Indeed the Hussain Sagar is a haven for young and old hearts, a thrill for yatchers and above all an ideal place for relaxation and recreation. This centuries old lake effectively divides the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. An 18 meter high, 350 ton monolithic status of Lord Buddha towers over the lake from atop the Rock of Gibraltar. The road on the Tank-Bund which originally was very narrow was widened in 1946 when Sir Mirza Ismail was the Prime Minister of Hyderabad. Further widening and beautification of the Tank-Bund took place during 1987-88 with the addition of fountains with dancing waters, tantalising coloured lighting during nights, and the installation of nearly thirty three (33) well sculptured bronze statues mounted on high platforms, in the memory of historical and eminent personalities of Andhra Pradesh. The lake is encompassed on one side by the beautiful Lumbini Park, an amusement park for the young and old alike. Then there is the enchanting Birla Mandir hewn on a hillock nearby. Standing on the Tank Bund at night, one is awe-struck to see the glimmering row of lights outlining the lake that look like " a diamond studded necklace". This is the necklace road being readied to enhance the beauty of Hussain Sagar. It is named after Hussain Shah Wali who helped the Qutub Shahi King-Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah, recover from a serious illness.


Lumbini Park

A beautiful landscaped park on the banks of the placid Hussain Sagar lake is the Lumbini Park. An ideal meeting place for young lovers, evening strollers and fun loving children, Lumbini park offers a lot of amusement. Located on the banks of the Hussain Sagar Lake, this Hyderabad Urban Development authority (HUDA) park has the biggest musical fountain in Asia. The park is the only one of its kind in India.Located on the banks of the Hussain Sagar Lake, this Hyderabad Urban Development authority (HUDA) park has the biggest musical fountain in Asia. The park is the only one of its kind in India. One of the largest in India, and one of the 10 largest in the world, the zoo is spread over 120 hectares of landscaped gardens. The animals are in enclosures that simulate their natural habitat. Rare species of animals are found here. The newly added nocturnal den and tiger safari are the ones that are worth a special mention. The Lumbini park is a part of the Buddha Poornima project. It is located a few yards from the monolithic Buddha statue on the Rock of Gibraltar in the Hussain Sagar. The park has been named after the garden that was the birth place of Siddharth, the later day Buddha. The Lumbini park is surrounded by the state Secretariat, the tranquility of the Hussain Sagar lake and the exotic Birla Mandir standing majestically atop a hillock. At the main entrance of the park, a large floral clock allures the visitors. The clock is rich with brightly colored flowers of different shades. The park offers a lot of entertainment for children. Scores of little kids can be seen around the swings and slides. The park is also provided with a foyer for waiting passengers who wish to enjoy a boat ride in the Hussain Sagar. Boat riders can have a wonderful view of the giant monolithic Buddha in granite and also the sculptured life story of the "Prince of Peace". The highlight of the Lumbini park is the spectacular Musical dancing fountain and water cascading provided with colorful lights. Every evening at 6.30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Musical Fountain shows enthrall the visitors. The fountains dance to the tunes of popular numbers from Hindi and Telugu film songs. The Lumbini park comes alive in all its splendor at night with glowing sodium vapor lamps and the kiss of the cool breeze !

Timings:9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Mondays.