Hyderabad

Places of Interest - India

introduction

Hyderabad (Hyderabad) is a metropolis in the south of India and is the capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh. Located at an altitude of over 500 meters, the city is mostly situated on hilly terrain around a reservoir. The city is the fourth largest city in India and the fifth largest agglomeration and is nowadays known as a computer-software city. Hyderabad is also known for its rich history and culture and is located on the "Musi" river.

Once it was one of the largest pearls and diamond trading cities in the world; reason why it is still known as the city of pearls. Many of the old bazaars are still present.

Hyderabad grew under the Qutb Shahi dynasty and later grew into an important Islamic center in the middle of Hindu India. Even today the city has a large Muslim population. The city is now more than 400 years old and is known for its many mosques, temples, minarets, bazaars and monuments. The biggest attractions are the Charminar, the Mecca Masjid, the large Buddha statue, and the Golconda fort.

highlights

Charminar:

The Charminar is described as the most prominent building of the city Hyderabad. Built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 as a memento of the foundation of the city and the termination of all epidemics. More than 50 meters high and 30 meters wide, it has four large pillars, while on it again minarets are set.

On the second floor a mosque is situated which is the oldest in the city. Next to the Charminar is the crowded chaotic bazaar. Everything is sold and traded here; from jewelry to clothing and from perfume to kitchen material. Many (traditional) items are also manufactured on the market stalls. The place around the "Charminar" is known for the place where the famous Indian pearls are traded.

Mecca Masjid:

This mosque not far from the Charminar is one of the largest Islamic prayer houses in the world. The mosque can accommodate about 10,000 (moslim) believers. Women are not admitted. The construction began in 1614 under Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah's time but was only completed in 1687.

A number of stones above the entrance would be made of earth / sand from Mecca.

Other attractions:

The Golconda fort, the large Buddha statue in the lake and the Chowmahall palace.

history

The area around Hyderabad was part of the Mauryarial of Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, after which among others belonged to the realms of the Chalukyas and Bahmanids. After the break-up of the Bahmanid Empire, the area fell to the Sultanate of Golconda, ruled by the Qutb Shahid dynasty. The fifth sultan of this dynasty, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, founded Hyderabad in 1591 as the new capital.

In the old capital, the neighboring Golkonda, the water supply was exhausted and epidemics prevailed. After briefly belonging to the Mogul Empire between 1687 and 1724, Hyderabad formed the capital of the eponymous state of Hyderabad, one of the largest independent prince states in the British Indies, until 1948. Hyderabad became an important art, cultural and learning center, the heart of Islamic India. It also became a very important pearl and diamond center; the famous Koh-I-Noor pearl came from here.

With the independence of India in 1947, the local nizam (ruler) wanted to join Pakistan, but this was refused, whereupon Hyderabad declared independence. Fearing this Muslim-ruled state in the midst of Hindu India, Indian Deputy Prime Minister Vallabhbhai Patel called Operation Police, a military operation in which the area was conquered and annexed by India in five days in 1948.

The former royal land was divided in 1956 between the states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Telangana, the eastern Telugu speaking area, which also includes the city of Hyderabad, was together with the Andhra Andhra Pradesh state. Since then, several groups have been working towards a separate state of Telangana.

tips & advice (2008)

Hadirabad (Hyderabad) has an (inter) national airport; Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. In addition, the city has three major train stations (Secundarabad, Hyderbad and Kacheguda). There are train stops at all where you can reserve tickets. The big bus station is called Mahatma Gandhi.

Hyderabad - Chennai (Madras): by train you can book the 2760 Charminar Express to Chennai from Hadirabad. I paid 317 Rupees for this 14-hour train journey. The train leaves at 18:30.

The province of Andhra Pradesh has two very influential kitchens. The influence of the old Mogol empire is still present here; biriani and haleem (goat meat with herbs) is widely available. But also (Islamic) kebab.

On the other hand, the Andhra style is vegetarian and is known for its delicious spices. It is therefore advisable to poke a fork somewhere here and enjoy both kitchens.

Name: Hotel Suhail

Address: Troop Bazaar

Price: R 300 (single)

Phone nr. : 24610299

Content:

Hotel Suhail is located in a dirty back-alley with lots of rubbish behind the post office and the Grand Hotel. However

how bad the ascent is, it also has advantages; it is quiet and not everyone wants to check in here. It is also very centrally located and you can go in all directions.

The hotel itself is clean and professional for Indian standards. It has different types of rooms and all the prices are rising it is still cheap. My single room that was pretty spacious had a private shower (with constant hot water) and a toilet. Breakfast is exclusive. With a little luck you have a room with a balcony.