Hyderabad is the capital and the most populous city of the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is known as the "City of Pearls" and the "City of Nizams" .
Hyderabad has a population of over 4 million. The twin cities Hyderabad and Secunderabad are collectively known just as Hyderabad outside the state and together they form the sixth largest metropolis in India. The city has been classified as an A-1 city in terms of development priorities, due to its size, population and impact.
Culture
Historically, Hyderabad has been the city where distinct cultural and linguistic traditions of North India and South India meet. Hyderabadis, as residents of the city are known, have developed a distinctive culture which is a mixture of Hindu and Muslim traditions. A typical Hyderabadi could be either a Telugu or a Urdu-speaking person that has decided to make Hyderabad its home.
Women of all cultures and faiths in Hyderabad typically wear either the traditional Indian dress, the sari, or, increasingly, the Salwar kameez especially among the younger population. The traditional Hyderabadi garb for females are the Khara Dupatta, the Shalwar Qamis and Muslims wear burkha (religious), and for the males, it is the Sherwani. This is one of the more visible cultural attributes of Hyderabad.
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Tourist attractions in Hyderabad
Charminar - a major landmark of Hyderabad with four graceful minarets located in the old city. It is built by Muhammed Quli Qutb Shah as a memorial for plague victims.
Golconda Fort - Once abandoned by Qutub Shahis, Golconda Fort is one of the most magnificent fortress complexes in India. Seated on a hill on one side and spiraling fort on the other, its location and internal design made it one of the strongest forts in India.
Qutb Shahi Tombs - Home to various Tombs dedicated to Rulers of Qutub Shahi dynasty, located at Shaikpet, near Golconda Fort. These are an example of Deccan architecture with large minarets, huge domes, delicate marble designs and multiple inner passages.
Paigah Tombs - These are recently discovered series of mausoleums with unique geometrical sculptures which were no where found in the world. These are located at Chandrayanagutta. Paigahs were noblemen under the reign of Nizams.
Asman Garh Palace - It was designed personally and built by the erstwhile Prime Minister of Hyderabad state Sir Asman Jah in 1885 on a hillock for leisure. Its based on Gothic architecture and is in the shape of a European medieval castle.
Falaknuma Palace - Built by an Italian architect through one of the Paigah nobles, Nawab Viqar al-Umra', complete in Italian marble. Louis XIV-style decor, a Mughal ambience, Italian marble staircases and ornate fountains.
Nehru Zoological Park - This zoo is a natural habitat housing a large variety of animals, birds, nocturnal species, aquatic and amphibian species. Located close to this is the Mir Alam Sagar, which is proposed to be converted into an Aquarium along the lines of Sentosa, Singapore. Its unique feature is the 21 in-built masonry dams that are jewel shaped, which were built in 1804 by Henry Russle, a French engineer in British service
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