Today we do a quick roundup of various attractions in and around Hyderabad. Having covered Golconda and the museums earlier, this episode covers the other destinations.
Qutub Shahi Tombs
These are the tombs of the kings of the Qutub Shahi dynasty of Persia/Iran who ruled this area . The tombs are located just one kilometre from the Golconda fort. One can see the domes of these tombs from the top of Golconda fort.
These tombs are present in a large group and is unique in that the entire dynasty is buried in the same place making it a one-of-a-kind tomb in the world. There are seven such tombs in the complex. These tombs which have intricate stonework on them , lie in beautifully landscaped gardens called Ibrahim Bagh. An amalgam of Persian and Hindu architecture adds to its uniqueness.
Each tomb is quadrangular and rises above a flat raised terrace. Some of the tombs have double stories. The tombs are surrounded by beautifully crafted minarets. The domes were studded with blue and green tiles once upon a time , but now, most of it is damaged.
Just like in Golconda fort, these tombs also have unique acoustic features due to the diamond cuts on the undersurface of the domes.
Exterior of one of the tombs
The decorated entrance and undersurface of the dome
The tomb itself
A QutubShahi heritage centre is coming up in the complex.
After seeing the tombs , we were headed to the iconic image of Hyderabad; The Charminar.
The Charminar
Once again connected to the Qutub Shahi dynasty, the reason to build this monument is still not clear. There are various opinions on this.
Some of the reasons propounded are that the Sultan built it in memory of his wife Bhagmati at the place where he saw her for the first time. Queen Bhagmati later embraced Islam and assumed the name Hyderi Begum after whom Hyderabad is named. An epidemic of plague had wrecked havoc and the king is supposed to have built it as an offering when the epidemic ended. Another version is that it is supposed to commemorate the start of the second Islamic millenium. Let us leave these legends aside and see the structure itself which is real…..
Built with granite and mortar, this square monument measures twenty metres on each side and faces thoroughfares on all four sides. Each corner has a pillar or minar hence the name Charminar which translates to four pillars. Each of these pillars has four stories with each floor divided by artistically carved rings. One can climb around 150 steps to reach the top from where you get a good view of the city. There is a mosque on top of the monument. Each pillar looks like a lotus leaf and each side has a clock too.
The iconic Charminar
The intricate art work on the Charminar
The area around the monument is Ladd bazar and has a lot of roadside stalls selling clothes ,trinkets and other souveniers . Roadside eateries claiming to serve authentic biryani and faloodas abound.
Hyderabadi Biryani is famous for its unique taste due to the right combination of various Indian spices, meat and the aromatic rice that is used. A visit to Hyderabad is incomplete without tasting the local Biryani.
The area is extremely crowded and one can easily get lost in the maze.
View of Ladd Bazar and famous Hyderabadi Biryani
Hussainsagar Lake
This artificial heart shaped lake built in 1563 , again by one of the Qutub Shahi kings covers an area of 5.7 sq kms. It separates Hyderabad from Secunderabad. It was built by the King for drinking and irrigation purposes of his subjects
A 18 mt high monolithic Buddha statue chiseled out of white granite was erected in 1992 and stands on a rock in the center of the lake. Regular boat services are available to the statue. It is lit up at night and adds to the beauty of the lake. In addition, the lights along the Tank Bund reflecting on the lake is a beautiful sight.
Husainsagar Lake with Buddha Statue
The lit up Buddha Statue and reflection of row of lights on the lake
Husainsagar lake is a popular sailing destination where regattas are conducted regularly by various sailing associations. Multiple parks surround the lake area and provide entertainment of various kinds to the visitors. Musical fountains, boating facilities, a laser auditorium are some of the attractions in the Lumbini Park, NTR Gardens, Sanjeeviah Park and a few of such parks located around the lake.
The Telengana Secretariat is located right opposite the lake and the imposing building looks attractive specially when lit up at night.
Telengana Secretariat
The Amara Jyothi
This is a Martyr’s Memorial near the lake . Shaped like a flame, it is the largest seamless stainless steel structure in the world and is five times bigger than the cloud gate at Chicago. At night, the flame is lit up and the base reflects the light from the surroundings giving it a terrific appearance !
The Amara Jyothi or Martyr’s Memorial
The lit up memorial with reflection of the Secretariat on it
The Tank Bund has statues of various eminent personalities too.
The lake has deteriorated today with unplanned urbanisation and sewage dumping. The depth of the lake has reduced due to silt accumulation and many undesirable changes have taken place in its biological communities. A plan to correct this damage is being implemented.
Hyderabad Zoo
Hyderabad has a relatively well maintained zoological park covering a vast area. Most of the inhabitants roam around freely in their assigned areas and are separated from visitors by moats. They have a buggy system where you can alight at your chosen destination and board the next buggy to go elsewhere. This was really convenient as the area was very huge . There are facilities to book a safari too.
It had been a long long time since we visited a zoo and this one brought back memories of childhood picnics. Some pictures…
The safari area and the buggy
The bear and the hippo
Enjoy the tigers playing around in this video
Pearls
Last but not the least, Hyderabad is known as the city of pearls. This is due to its booming pearl processing and trading industry. The Qutub Shahi kings and the later rulers who ruled the area for over 200 years were very fond of pearls and this attracted craftsmen from all over the world to this area. The pearls formed an integral part of the traditional regalia and crushed pearls were known to have healing and beautifying properties. The persian gulf was a source of pearls for a long time but with the discovery of oil and consequent pollution led to a decline in pearl supplies from there and this also led to Hyderabad slowly becoming a pearl destination.
Pearl Jewellery
This brings us to the end of this episode. Next week we move on to Andhra Pradesh . Till then, do comment and give your feedback.
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