Astonishing unknown facts about historical places in Hyderabad

Also known as City Of Pearls, the charming city Hyderabad still exudes a waft of a real past. It is one of the beautiful and Nizams maidens, expensive jewellery, enchanting and rich landmarks and most importantly warm-hearted people. The city is a perfect mix of old and new culture and traditions.

However, to an enthusiastic traveler, Hyderabad offers a richly mixed historical and cultural tradition spanning 400 glorious years and also offers a fascinating panorama of the past. A colorful treat for lovers of art, history, architecture with many ornate tombs, mosques adorning the old city, palaces, Hyderabad is set to appeal with its delightful shopping destinations, well-designed and great tourist spots, and many hill stations nearby.

Scroll down to read the unknown facts about our very own adorning city Hyderabad.

Golconda Fort

A medieval fort - Golkonda is one of the most popular historical places to visit in Hyderabad. Golconda fort was initially built with mud on a 400ft hill, and later it has seen the reign of several dynasties. Situated 12 kilometres away from the bustling urbanism of Hyderabad, Golconda name was derived from a Telugu word “Golla Konda” (Shepherd’s Hill).

Reminiscence of a beautiful and well-planned Golconda city within the fortress limits is apparent even now. Renowned for its acoustics, the structure of Golconda is quite known for its palaces, ingenious water supply system and the eminent Fateh Rahben. The Light & Sound show brings alive the grandeur of one of India’s prominent forts.

Charminar

Epic signature of the city - Charminar makes for a fantastic sight. Surrounded by Mecca Masjid and located in the heart of Hyderabad’s old city, Charminar was built using bricks from Laad Bazzar and Mecca, among which Laad Bazaar is a boisterous shopping street. Built in the year 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, it was constructed to commemorate the naissance of Hyderabad. Graced by 4 minarets elevated almost 50ft in height, Charminar comprises of a mosque and 45 prayer spaces.

Qutub Shahi Tombs

Qutub Shahi Tombs - one of the most popular historical places to visit in Hyderabad and is the set of utterly striking Qutub Shahi Tombs ensconced against the elegant backdrop of the picturesque Ibrahim Bagh. These signify the final resting ground of rulers of the founding dynasty of Hyderabad.

The most reliable and royal display of Hindu, Persian, and Pathan architectural designs are dedicated to the seven kings, who ruled Golconda for almost 170 years.

Mecca Masjid

Not only referred as the oldest Masjid in the city, Mecca Masjid or Makka Masjid is also one of the biggest mosques in the country. Listed among Hyderabad’s heritage monuments, this 400 year old monument was built using soil from Mecca. Hence the name!

Adding further to the erstwhile epoch around the Charminar and old Hyderabad city, the mosque’s arresting structure and marvelous architecture is evident in its three-arched facade carved from single granite, balconies and minarets.

Biggest Baobab - The Cave of 40 Thieves

Hyderabad’s biggest possible tree –Baobab is located very near to the Golconda fort and the centuries old tree stands right opposite the Mulla Khiyali Mosque.

Belonging to the family of African Baobab, the tree derives its name from its gigantic girth and branches looks like elephant trunks. The hollow of this enticing tree can easily accommodate over 25 people.

Hussain Sagar Lake

Hussain Sagar - one of the largest man-made lakes in India and is best place to spend some quality time around sunset with pleasant air filling the surroundings. Since 1562, Hussain Sagar Lake has been garnishing the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. A tourist place that you cannot give a miss when you visit Hyderabad along with the family.

Adding to its charm, the monolithic statue of the Buddha was installed in the heart of the lake. Many facilities around the lake periphery such as water sports and boating, and the neighbourhood Lumbini Park, an enjoyment park are add-on attractions.

Salar Jung Museum

Situated in the prime venue of old Hyderabad city, the Salar Jung Museum has renowned neighbors such as Mecca Masjid, Charminar and State Central Library. Salar Jung Museum is one of India’s premier museums with 38 galleries spread over three buildings and is one of the must see places to visit in Hyderabad with family.

Nawab Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, who lent his surname to the museum, obtained a rich arsenal of artistic achievements of diverse Asian, European, and remote Eastern countries of the world; a major chunk of the collection is on display. Visit the Salar Jung Museum and check out artifacts mirroring the human evolution from 2nd century BC to early 20th century AD.

Sri Rama Chandra Swamy Temple

A realistic treasure tucked away from the hustle of Hyderabad city is this 800 year old Sri Rama Chandra Swamy Temple located in Ammapali Village. Loaded with rich history, the temple was constructed in the 13th century and has a deity, which was installed over 1,000 years ago.

A monument older than the Golconda Fort, Sri Rama Chandra Swamy Temple is a must visit in Hyderabad. Seven layered gopuram was built in a typical Rajasthani styled architecture. But the absence of Lord Rama’s most faithful devotee Hanuman from the main sanctum stands out the most. The idols of Lord Rama, Lakshman, and Sita are carved from a single stone.

Chowmahalla Palace

Palaces and forts have always been a mark of the fame and reputation of the emperors and kings! Built over more than 40 acres, the Chowmahalla Palace that was the official residence of the Nizams, clearly elucidates the influence and architectural zest of the Hyderabadi

For several decades, this scrupulously designed palace hosted many high-profile celebrations, and made an important mark of the royalty of the Nizams. Striking architecture, elegantly crafted interiors and the layout of Chowmahalla Palace is supposed to be inspired from Tehran's Shah Iran Palace.