Hyderabad travel guide — Hyderabad tourism and travel information

Hyderabad travel guide

about Hyderabad

Hyderabad, the 6th largest metropolis of India, is the capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh. Also called as Bhagyanagar, it is known for its rich history and culture with monuments, mosques, temples, a rich and varied heritage in arts, crafts and dance. Hyderabad and Secunderabad are twin cities, separated by Hussain Sagar, an artificial lake constructed during the time of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah Wali in 1562.

Hyderabad history

The city is more than 400 years old and is noted for its natural beauty, temples, mosques and minarets, bazaars (markets) and bridges, hills and lakes. It is perched on the top of the Deccan plateau, 1776 ft (541 m), above sea level, and sprawls over an area of 100 mile² (260 km²).

A multitude of influences have shaped the character of the city. Its palaces and buildings, houses and tenements, gardens and streets have a history and an architectural individuality of their own, which makes Hyderabad a city of enchantment.

Hyderabad was founded on the River Musi five miles east of the fortess city of Golconda, in 1591-92 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah. The Qutb Shahi dynasty were founders of the Kingdom of Golconda, one of the five kingdoms that emerged after the break up of the Bahmani Sultanate. All the seven rulers were patrons of learning and were great builders. They contributed to the growth and development of Indo-Persian and Indo-Islamic literature and culture in Hyderabad. During the Qutb Shahi reign Golconda became one of the leading markets in the world for diamonds, pearls, steel, arms, and also printed fabric.In the 16th century, the city grew spontaneously to accommodate the surplus population of Golconda, which was the capital of the Qutb Shahi rulers.

In 1687, the Golconda kingdom was conquered by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, and Hyderabad became part of the Mughal Empire. As the empire weakened in the eighteenth century, provincial officials gained greater autonomy. In 1724, Asif Jah, who had already been granted the title Nizam al Mukh by the Mughal emperor, defeated a rival official to take control of Hyderabad province, and declared his independence from the Mughals. His successors ruled as the Nizams of Hyderabad. The rule of the seven Nizams saw the growth of Hyderabad both culturally and economically. Huge reservoirs, like the Nizam Sagar, Tungabadra, Osman Sagar, Himayath Sagar, and others were built. Survey work on Nagarjuna Sagar had also begun during this time.

When the British and the French spread their hold over the country, the Nizam won their friendship without bequeathing his power. The title "Faithful Ally of the British Government" was bestowed on Nizam VII. The British stationed a Resident at Hyderabad, but the state continued to be ruled by the Nizam. Hyderabad, under the Nizams, was the largest princely state in India, with an area larger than England and Scotland put together. The State had its own currency, mint, railways, and postal system. There was no income tax.

Soon after India gained independence, it forcefully annexed Hyderabad, which became an Indian state. On November 1, 1956, the map of India was redrawn into linguistic states, and Hyderabad state was broken up. Hyderabad and the surrounding area were added to Andhra Pradesh based on Telugu linguistic majority, and Hyderabad became the capital of the state.

Near cities to Hyderabad

• Guntur travel guide 240 km
• Mangalagiri travel guide 240 km
• Vijayawada travel guide 250 km
• Sholapur travel guide 270 km
• Yavatmal travel guide 340 km
• Amravati travel guide 400 km
• Sangli travel guide 420 km
• Nagpur travel guide 420 km
• Aurangabad travel guide 430 km
• Belgaum travel guide 460 km

Near webcams to Hyderabad

• Kingston - Portmore webcam 190 km
• Karachi webcam 1 400 km
• Ko Samui - Chaveng Beach webcam 2 500 km
• Dubai webcam 2 600 km
• Dubai webcam 2 600 km
• Dubai webcam 2 600 km
• Abu Dhabi Corniche webcam 2 600 km
• Ithaca - Cornell webcam 2 800 km
• Detroit webcam 2 800 km
• Boston webcam 2 900 km

back to top

Hyderabad travel services

cheap flights to Hyderabad

• book cheap flights to Hyderabad »
• book cheap flights to India »

City Travel Guide is exclusive partner of four main cheap airline tickets and cheap flights online booking systems. We are happy to offer cheap airline tickets Hyderabad, cheap flights Hyderabad, also available cheap airline tickets to India and to the whole world. Up to date cheap flights Hyderabad deals also available.

cheap Hyderabad hotels

• book cheap hotels to Hyderabad »
• book cheap hotels to India »

City Travel Guide is exclusive partner of main cheap hotels and accommodation online booking systems. We are happy to offer cheap hotels in Hyderabad, India hotel guide and cheap hotels and accommodation in lot of other world-wide destinations. Up to date cheap Hyderabad hotel deals and discount accommodation tips also available.

cheap Hyderabad vacations

• book Hyderabad vacations »
• book India vacations »

City Travel Guide is exclusive partner of main cheap vacations online booking systems. We are happy to offer cheap vacations in Hyderabad, India vacation rentals and cheap vacations in lot of other destinations world-wide. Up to date Hyderabad vacation deals also available.

cheap car rentals in Hyderabad

• book cheap car rental in Hyderabad »
• book cheap car rentals in India »

City Travel Guide is exclusive partner of main car rentals online booking systems. We are happy to offer car rentals in Hyderabad, car hire in India and cheap car rental in lot other world-wide destinations. Up to date cheap Hyderabad car hire deals also available.

Hyderabad travel insurance

• Hyderabad cheap travel insurance »
• cheap travel insurance for India »

City Travel Guide is exclusive partner of Essential Travel Ltd., leading online travel insurance company, we can offer you health travel insurance for Hyderabad, accident health Hyderabad travel insurance, all using our online Hyderabad travel insurance form. We also offer travel insurance for other cities in India. This offer is available for UK residents only.

Hyderabad real estate

• Hyderabad real estate guide »
• real estate listings in India »

City Travel Guide comes with Hyderabad real estate guide with several tips on home valuation, realtors comparison, secrets on finding the "right" home, loans guide and other helpful real estate advices. Our partners also maintain Hyderabad property for sale and rental listings, real estate laws and reviews. We will try to help you with buying property in India, choosing real estate agents, property finders, relocation help, and information for English speakers wanting to buy real estate in Hyderabad.

back to top

Hyderabad travel books

Hyderabad travel guide books

• Hyderabad travel guide books »
• India travel guide books »

Hyderabad maps and atlases

• Hyderabad maps and atlases »
• India maps and atlases »

back to top