Hyderabad in pictures
TRAVEL GUIDE, HYDERABAD Updated : Aug 27, 2015, 17:17 IST
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Hyderabad
Today one of the largest cities in India, Hyderabad was founded in 1591 by Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah. He also built the Charminar (pictured here), which has become the city's most famous landmark.
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Charminar
This is a detail from the minarets of the Charminar, one of the most picturesque buildings in Hyderabad. This monument is located in the heart of Hyderabad's old city, and is surrounded by markets, palaces and the Mecca Masjid.
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Mecca Masjid
The Mecca Masjid, located close to the Charminar, is another landmark in the old city. Like the Charminar, it was commissioned by the
Qutub Shahi rulers. Besides its impressive architecture, it also has an imposing size, and is the second largest mosque in India.
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Salar Jung Museum
This sprawling museum is among Hyderabad's finest cultural jewels. It was established in 1951, and displays art and antiquities collected by Salar Jung III, a noble who worked under the Nizam of Hyderabad. These include artefacts from various parts of India, China, Japan, Iran, Syria, Egypt and Europe.
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Chowmahalla Palace
Hyderabad was also governed by the Asaf Jahi dynasty whose rulers called themselves the Nizams of Hyderabad. The Chowmahalla Palace (pictured here) is among the numerous buildings constructed by them. It comprises four palaces built in the Mughal and European styles.
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Taj Falaknuma Palace
The Nizams of Hyderabad also built the magnificient Falaknuma Palace on the outskirts of Hyderabad. 'Falaknuma' means 'mirror of the sky', a reference to its location at 2000 metres above Hyderabad. It has now been restored and is managed by the Taj hotel group.
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Golconda Fort
Before the founding of Hyderabad, the Qutub Shahi dynasty ruled from the Golconda Fort. This imposing fort encloses beautiful palaces and fountains. It is considered to be among the most impressive forts in India.
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Qutub Shahi Tombs
The tombs of the Qutub Shahi rulers are located close to the Golconda Fort. This picturesque complex contains various onion-domed mausoleums and gardens.
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Hussain Sagar Lake
The Hussain Sagar Lake divides from its twin city Secunderabad. This large water body was built on River Musi by Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah in 1562. Its highlight is a huge monolithic statue of Buddha, which has been erected in the middle of the lake.
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Hyderabadi cuisine
Hyderabad is most famous for its biryani, made with basmati rice and lamb. The meat is marinated, and then cooked along with rice in special utensils called handis. Much of the city's cuisine is a legacy of the Nizams of Hyderabad.
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Shopping in Hyderabad
Also known as the City of Pearls, Hyderabad has been a major centre of pearl trade in India. Its shops offer an unparalleled variety of jewellery designs. The pearls are sourced from different parts of the world, and crafted into exquisite necklaces, earrings and other jewellery pieces.
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