Nagarjuna sagar - AP

Sriparvata, Vijayapuri, Nagarjunakonda - call it by any name but it remains today the modern day Nagarjunasagar - an engineering marvel, largest masonry dam and one of the largest man-made reservoirs.

Nagarjunasagar, a massive irrigation project on the River Krishna, about 150 kms from Hyderabad, has a rich and interesting past. It was a valley in the Nallamalai range of the Eastern Ghats with civilizations dating back to thousands of years. Recorded history, however, assigns the first signs to the later Satavahanas and subsequently the Ikshvakus in the third century.

Archaeologists assert that the fertile Krishna Valley hummed with life in the third millennium BC, the Neolithic age and then the Megalithic age around 1500 BC.

The tallest masonry dam in the world, Nagarjunasagar stands about 124 metres high, creating one of the largest man-made lake with a capacity of 11, 472 million cubic metres. The water spread of the reservoir is about 380 sq.kms.

The main canals - Jawaharlal (on the right) and Lal Bahadur (on the left) carry water to two regions of the State - parts of Coastal Andhra and Telangana. The canal system under this magnificent hydro-electric project is over 40,000 kms cumulatively.

Jawaharlal Nehru called Nagarjunasagar a "modern temple". The Sriparvata and Vijayapuri of yore were really temples where the famous savant and Buddhist disciple Acharya Nagarjuna preached the message of Tathagatha during the lifetime of the Lord Himself.

With a decision being taken to build a dam at the site, large-scale excavations were carried out during a special project to retrieve most of what could be. The special project, under the stewardship of R. Subramanyam, went on for six years from 1954 to unearth a cultural sequence from the early stone age to medieval times.

Anupu

To avoid submersion of the outstanding structures in the valley, a rare feat of reconstruction and relocation of the remains was taken up, using the original raw material. Anupu, four kms from the dam site, was chosen for relocation of a Buddhist University, the ruins of which were found during the special excavations.

The painstaking reconstruction using a technique adopted for the first time in the country ensured that serenity of the seat of learning was preserved. The transplanting was done along the lines of those at Abu Simbel (Aswan Dam Project) in Egypt.

Nagarjunakonda

As the area was threatened with submergence by the reservoir the Archaeological Survey team made determined efforts to virtually transplant nine monuments from the valley onto Nagarjunakonda (the Hill of Nagarjuna) where they stand now in almost the original form in which they were found.

While most of the monuments were relocated at Nagarjunakonda, the hill that now forms an Island in the middle of the reservoir. A museum at Nagarjunakonda contains Buddhadatu or relics excavated from the valley.

The museum at Nagarjunakonda is a structure modelled along the lines of a "Vihara" and contains a number of precious artefacts of all cultural periods through which the valley passed. Carved limestone and stone slabs, inscriptions and sculptures dating to the third and fourth century AD constitute a majority of the exhibits, arranged methodically in five galleries.

The sculpture at Nagarjunakonda brings out the mastery of the Satavahanas and the Ikshvakus. The themes are mainly from episodes involving the Buddha but the outstanding example of the sculpture of that age is the life-like depiction of the Enlightened One. The Buddha images, be they in the 'sthanaka (standing) or 'asana (sitting) position, beautifully portray a serene oval face with a moderately-built body and rounded shoulders. The right hand is held up in the symbolic gesture of 'abhaya (protection) or 'pravachana (preaching).

One can transport oneself into that glorious age through a model of the submerged valley, exhibited in one of the galleries at the museum. The Nagarjunakonda island is approachable by motor launch.

Ettipotala

Eight kms from Nagarjunasagar is the Ethipothala waterfall. Ethipothala in Telugu means to 'lift and pour' and the impressive picnic spot has the hill stream Chandravanka cascading down 22 metres to join the mainstream Krishna river. The waterfall has created a beautiful lagoon below. After sunset, the waterfalls are illuminated by dynamic lighting. A crocodile breeding centre has been located here by the Forests Department. APTDC has Punnami restaurant here with two rooms attached.

Tiger Sanctuary

The largest wildlife sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh lies between Nagarjunasagar and upstream Srisailam. Spread over 3,500 sq.kms., it encompasses thickly wooded hills in five districts - Nalgonda, Kurnool, Mahboobnagar, Guntur and Prakasam.

Yercaud - A jewel of the south

This quiet little hill station on the Shevaroy hills of the Eastern ghats is the only one of its kind in northern Tamil Nadu. While the rest of this region is generally dry, including the predominantly short and rocky hills of the Eastern ghats, Yercaud presents a welcome contrast with its cool climate

where temperature never rises above 30ºC and dip below 13ºC . It is also a less expensive place than either Udhagamandalam or Kodaikkanal.

Coffee and citrus fruits, most notably oranges, are grown in abundance apart from bananas, pears and jack. Scenically, Yercaud is as enchanting and picturesque as the hill stations on the Western ghats and trekking here can be one of the most pleasurable ways to pass time.

Places for sight-seeing include the Lake, Lady's Seat, Killiyur Falls, Pagoda Point, Arthur's Seat, Kaveri Peak and the Shevaroyan temple.

Yercaud Lake The first thing that attracts a visitor is the lake. It is a picturesque pool surrounded by gardens and well wooded trees. Boating in the cold water of the lake is enchanting as well as refreshing.

The Anna Park : Near the Lake. It is a lovely garden.

Lady's Seat : It overlooks the winding ghat road and provides a breath - taking view. This view is spectacular at night with the twinking lights of Salem town in sight. The Tourists can have a panoramic view of the plains below through the telescope mounted at the Lady's seat.

Pagoda Point Anothe

Thanjavur - The chola legacy

Thanjavur rose to glory during the later Chola period between the 9th and 14th centuries A.D. It also flourished later during the rule of the Nayaks and Mahrattas. The headquarters of this district has the same name as the district. It has been the treasure house of art for centuries. It is called the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu. Thanjavur is well-known throughout the world for being the home of the Brahadeeswara temple, the magnificent palace, Rajah Serfoji's Saraswathi Mahal Library, Art Gallery and also for its exquisite handicrafts like the Art Plate, pithwork, bronze icons, Thanjavur paintings and the classical South Indian musical instruments.

Sri Brahadeeswarar Temple This is also called the Big temple and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The great Chola king Raja Raja I (985-1012 A.D) built this temple. It is an outstanding example of the Chola architecture. Its unique architectural excellence has made the UNESCO to declare it a World Heritage Monument. The 64.8mts.Tall vimanam or the tower over the sanctum sanctorumis a testimony to the engineering skill of the Cholas.In keeping the immensity of the temple the gigantic mahalingam in the shrine measures 4 mtrs. in height. The monolithic Nandi,or the bull mount of Lord Shiva has been chiselled out of single rock. It is the second largest nandi in India. The beautiful Chola Fresco paintings on the inner walls of the temple are no way less than Ajanta paintings.

One of the best temples in South India, the Brahadeeswarar Temple is the Chola dynasty's finest contribution to Dravidian temple architecture. What makes the construction so unique is the diversion from the usual temple building norms of having a tall gopuram and smaller vimanams (the tower over the sanctum). At the big temple the vimanam soars high while the gopuram remains stunted.

The 64.8m tall, 14-tiered pyramid shaped vimanam rises from a square base and is topped by a huge monolithic cupolas carved out from an 81.3 tonne block of granite.It was installed with aid of a 6km long inclined plane. The tower is a testimony to the engineering skill of the Chola architects who planned its construction in a way that the shadow of the cupola never falls on the ground. (Temple Office No.274476)

The Palace Just 1 km.away from Brahadeeswarar Temple, is the magnificent palace. This palace is surrounded with huge fort walls. it dates 14th century A.D and was partly built by the Nayaks and partly by Marathas. The Nayaks and the Marathas ruled Thanjavur from 1400 - 1676 A.D and from 1676 - 1855 respectively. Even now the royal family of the Marathas resides in this palace. It measures 110 acres in size. It is a grand pile of fascinating building with huge corridors, spacious halls decorated rooms, tall observation towers, beautiful stucco works, wonderful fresco painted walls and ceilings beautiful stucco works, wonderful fresco Painted walls and Ceilings underground tunnels, intricate carvings, royal family's sacred Chandra Mauleeshwarar temple are all worth seeing.

Udhagamandalam(ooty) - Queen of hill stations

Called the Queen of Hill Stations picturesque, green Udhagamandalam better known, as Ooty is the most popular hill station in the South. Located in the Western ghats at a height of 2240m, Udhagamandalam is the headquarters of the Nilgiris district where the two ghats ranges meet. Nature has been generous with this region, which is by far the most beautiful in the state. Apart from coffee and tea plantations, trees like confiers, eucalptus, pine and wattle dot the hillside in Udhagamandalam and its encirons. Summer temperature is rarely higher than 25°c with a minimum of 10°c and winter is are distinctly cooler with a high of 21°c and a low 5°c. Curiously enough, this slice of paradise remained unknown to the great southern dynasties and it took the British to discover it in the early 1800s. They were, however, not the first inhabitants of this land as a tribe called Todas had been living there long before the British came, claiming that the Nilgiris had been their home since time immemorial. But the credit for modernising Udhagamandalam and making it accessible goes to the British who constructed the first railway line in the area and made it the summer capital of the Madras Presidency.

Ooty with smaller hill stations of Coonoor - 19 kms and Kothagiri 31 kms from Ooty are the other hill stations of this district. Nilgiri is India's first biosphere. It has been declared as one of the 14 'hotspots' of the world because of its unique bio-diversity. Nilgiri presents a truly breath taking kaleidoscope of visual treats and soul stirring experience.

Kanya kumari - Where the three sees meet

Described as the southernmost end of Tamil Nadu, the land’s end of India or the point where the three seas meet, enchanting Kanniyakumari or Cape Comorin is one of the most popular tourist spots in the state. Part of the fascination is of course due to the fact that it is the very tip of the Indian peninsula and the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Nature is so spectacular at Kanniyakumari that several other Indian beaches pale by comparison. Cape Comorin is at its best during Chitra Pournami (the full moon day in April) when the sun and moon are face to face on the same horizon but other full moon days are also special and you can see the sun set and the moon rise almost simultaneously. It seems as if it is by prior arrangement.Kanniyakumari is 705 kms from Chennai.

Kumariamman Temple The legend of this temple is as romantic as the place itself. Dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanniyakumari, Parvati who stands guard over the country, the temple is built at the spot where the goddess is believed to have waited for her consort Lord Shiva to come and claim her hand in marriage. At one time the shifting sands at the shores of Kanniyakumari were believed to be multi-hued as a result of the coloured rice that was sprinkled by the approving gods over the couple at their wedding. Equally fascinating is the story about the diamond nose stud worn by the goddess believed to have led many a ship to be shipwrecked onthe treacherous rocks near the shore. So bright was the threat of the reflected light from the nose-stud to the unsuspecting ships that the door on the side facing the sea had to be closed for ensuring the safety of the ocean liners.

Vivekananda Memorial was built on the Vivekananda Rock where the charismatic and philosopher Swami Vivekananda meditated and transformed himself. The unique, structure was built in 1970 and is a blend of various architectural styles of India.

Close to the Vivekananda Rock is another rock called Sripada Parai meaning the rock that has been blessed by the touch of the feet of the goddess.

Both these rocks are fine places to have a view of the land's end of India. Poompuhar Shipping Corporation operates frequent ferry services from the shore to the rock memorial at regular intervals.

The Thiruvalluvar Statue Thiruvalluvar, is the author of Thirukkural . Tamils take cognizance of the birth of Thiruvalluvar as a basis of the calendar. Now we are in the 2036 of the Thiruvalluvar Aandu.

Thirukkural is regarded as a renowned work, eulogised as a directory of the code of conduct and ethics to humanity. Through his 1330 couplets, the revered poet not only deals with the general administration, but also codified and gave clear-cut directions to mankind on how they should behave and act in a social, political, religious and family circles.

The work of Thiruvalluvar has been translated into more than 60 languages worldwide. The magnificent 133-foot height statue denoting the chapters in Thirukkural has been opened for tourists visit in the middle of the sea on 1.1.2000 in Kanniyakumari.

Kanchipuram - A city of thousand temples

Kanchipuram(75 kms from Chennai) is one of the seven holy cities in the country, and a visit is believed to bestow salvation. Kanchipuram once had over a thousand temples. Today, there are more than a hundred extant, and all are worth a visit. Kanchipuram also has some notable churches and mosques.

Ancient Kanchipuram is the city of thousand temples and is one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centres for the Hindus. This city is also known as Kanchi. There now remain about 126 temples in Kanchi and a few more in its outskirts. The city was the capital of the early Cholas and it was the Pallava capital between the 6th and 8th centuries.

Kanchipuram is a major seat of Tamil learning as well as an important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, Jains and Saivite Hindus. Apart from its temples, this small town is also known for its thriving handloom industry. The weavers of Kanchi have settled in the temple town more than 400 years ago and have given it an enviable reputation as the producers of the best silk and cotton sarees in the country. Woven from pure mulberry silk, these sarees woven in dazzling colours are embellished with fine gold thread (zari) and are available in every imaginable design and variety. This makes the choice of selection quite challenging for the buyer.

Temple festivals are held throughout the year and apart from the temple car or the ratha festivals are held in January, April and May. There are other days when the idols are taken out in procession on their respective vahanas or vehicles.

Kodaikanal - Princess of hill station

Here is a story Lieutenant Ward, an Englishman, who climbed up from the Kunnavan village of Vellagavi to Kodaikanal in 1821 to survey the area on the hilly ranges of Palani. In 1834, the Madurai collector climbed the hill from Devadanapatti and built a small bungalow at the head of Adukkam pass near Shenbaganur. In 1836, Dr.Wite visited Kodaikanal and recorded his observations, and these were very useful to botanists later. In 1845, American Missionaries built the first two bungalows “Sunnyside” and “Shelton”. Later, six American families came up the hill and stayed for the first time in Kodaikanal. Following this, the British also built houses here. The hill station Kodaikanal was created to serve the needs of the British and Europeans in India. The 20th century saw elite Indians enteri Kodaikanal to enjoy its charm and beauty and to harness its natural wealth for development.

Kodai TempleStages of development In 1875, the Indian railways extended its line from Chennai to Tirunelveli and a station was created at Ammaianayakkanur and this was later renamed Kodai Road, to provide a gateway to Kodaikanal. Tourists started their journey at Ammaianayakkanur Railway station upto Krishnamma Nayak Thope. This trek was undertaken to Kodaikanal, 18 kms distance away using horses and palanquins, with coolies for assistance.

Today, the charm of Kodaikanal lies in its wooded slopes and gigantic trees. The mighty rocks, bowers, creeks and slopes captivate the visitors. The meadows, the long stretches of forests, beautiful spots and the flocks of sheep grazing on green pastures are a source of joy, delight and thrill to onlookers. The climb to the various jutting rocks at Kodai is rewarding. The arduous climb to the Pillar rocks, to a height of 400 ft, is a must for every visitor to this hill resort.

Mamallapuram-poetry in stone

Though it is no longer a port, Mamallapuram has retained its fame in stone, thanks to the great contribution of Pallava artisans. It is among the most outstanding examples of Dravidian art and architecture and a jewel in the crown of Tamil Nadu. In a land that is liberally strewn with some of the best in temple art, Mamallapuram holds its own, and stands as a silent yet eloquent witness to the glory of its creators.Unfortunately most of the work was left incomplete, and time and nature have also eroded the remains of this once great port.

Mamallapuram BathersYet, Mamallapuram's wonders in rock leave visitors enthralled, conveying as they do, an impression of beauty and harmony. The monuments are floodlit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their beauty even after sunset. The Mamallapuram dance festival is conducted every year during Dec-Jan. It is a month long festival and dances take place during the weekends. Classical dances such as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Mohini Attam, Odissi, Kathak etc., are performed by well-known exponents of the art.

Five Rathas These rock-cut temples are rated as excellent examples of Pallava art. Shaped in different styles, the five structures are named after the Pandava brothers of the Mahabharatha and Draupadi. These are monolithic temples, each created in a different style. They are also known as the Pancha Pandava Rathas, and the four of the rathas are supposed to have been scooped out of a single rock formation.

VAZHACHAAL IN KERALA

Athirappally Waterfalls is located 78 kms from Kochi (Cochin), located at the entrance to Sholayar ranges, this waterfall is a popular picnic spot. Affording to the onlookers, one of the most bewitching sights, Athirappally Falls is about 80 feet high and located in the forest area. Combined with the greenery, it infuses freshness into any tired soul. The Athirapally Falls join the Chalakkudy River after plummeting a drop of 80 feet.

A tranquil and much needed escape from the troubles and stress of life. Let the soothing sounds take you to some of natures most relaxing places - the beautiful waterfalls of Athirampally and Vazhachal (Prounced as vaazhachaal).

The charm of the Athirampally and Vazhachal nature cannot be described by words, Starting calmly from the high ranges, and crashing through gorges overhung with trees, these waterfall is one of the best places in India to re-capture a real sense of the classical idea of the 'Picturesque' - not just calm and sweet, but something wild and natural.

Perched high above in the the Sholayar forest ranges on the fringes of Kerala's famed rain forests, the waterfalls provides a restful escape for those wanting to leave the hurried pace of city life behind. wild and beautiful, unspoilt by the passing of time.

Both this waterfalls are a part of the Chalakudy river and 5 km apart on the road to hill station (valparai) which has excellent tea estate and is one of India's highest elephant density habitats and is a crucial corridor between Parambikulam and Malayattur

Perched high above in the the Sholayar forest ranges on the fringes of Kerala's famed rain forests, the Athirapalli waterfalls provides a restful escape for those wanting to leave the hurried pace of city life behind. The water plunges and joins to the Chalakudi River. The scenic attraction of Vazhachal, the other picnic spot is just a drive from Athirampally. These scintillating waterfalls in thick green forest are a part of the Chalakudy river stream.

The riparian forests of the Chalakudy River have revealed the existence of a thick riparian vegetation of more than 10 metres width for a distance of 10.5 km downstream from Peringalkuth, covering an area of 58.5 hectares. Out of this, 26.4 hectares lie within the Vazachal area, including three large islands densely covered by riparian forests.

The riparian forests of the area have been found to be characterised by the presence of typical riparian species of plants, in addition to evergreen and semi-evergreen species.Out of the 319 species of flowering plants identified from the study area, 24 are endemic species of the Western Ghats and 10 are rare and endangered.

Moreover, the Chalakudy River is known for its diversity, as it contains 85 species of fresh water fishes out of the 152 species known from Kerala. Among these, 35 are endemic species of the Western Ghats and nine are considered to be endangered.

Madurai-The glory of pandyas

Madurai is Known as Athens of the East, Madurai is a place of great historical and cultural importance. It is the oldest city in Tamil Nadu and Madurai lies on the banks of the River Vaigai. Madurai is one of the liveliest cities in South India it was originally known as Kadambavanam or the "forest of Kadamba" or the Nauclea kadamba.

Legend says that Lord Shiva appeared in the dream on the king, Kulasekhara Pandya. The king was amazed to see drops of nectar or madhu falling down of earth from Lord Shiva's matted hair. The "madhu" was so sweet that the place where it fell came to be known as Madhurapuri, which in course of time became "Madurai."

Tamil and Greek documents record its existence from the 4th century B.C. Being in the heart of Tamil Nadu, Madurai has fostered an essentially Dravidian and Tamil culture. Famous for its cultural and scholarly pursuits, the city had an academy consisting of critics, poets and savants highly esteemed both by kings and commoners. It was in Madurai that three successful conferences of Tamil scholars called sangams flourished under benevolent royal support.

Madurai is famous for housing one of the five traditional dance halls where Lord Siva, in his form as the Silver Hall or the Velli Ambalam. It is situated within the Meenakshi Temple.

Madurai was the capital of the dynasty. The Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Shrine is its central glory. The Muslims invaded Madurai in the 14th Century. Later it came under the rule of the Nayaks, and the rule of Thirumalai Nayak, who is remembered as the maker of modern Madurai, was an eventful one.
Meenakshi Koil

Madurai was known to be the centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. Today, Madurai is a modern commercial and industrial city, with a vast University campus and is renowned for its weaving mills and dyeing industry. The chungadi cotton sarees are the speciality of this city with its colourful tie and dye motifs. Handicrafts, brassware, bronze items and the famous wooden toys of Madurai are some of the notable artefacts.Madurai is 450 kms from Chennai.

Rameswaram - The corridor of faith

Rameswaram (Chennai to Rameswaram 572 km) is a small island in the Gulf of Mannar, is a major pilgrim centre. It is connected to the mainland by road and railway bridges. Rameswaram is a holy place because Sri Rama, on his return from Sri Lanka, offered his thanks to Lord Shiva and performed pooja to wash away his sin in killing the Demon King, Ravana.

Rameswaram is known for its 22 theerthas or wells in and around the main temple. This place is equally sacred to both Vaishnavites and Shaivites. According to Hindu Mythology, if one visits Rameswaram and prays to Lord Shiva one will be relieved of one’s sins. It is 197 metres long.

The Ramanathaswamy temple is renowned for its magnificent corridors and massive sculptured pillars. The third corridor of Ramanathaswamy temple is the longest one in the world.

Besides pilgrimage, Rameswaram Island has several places, which are ideal picnic spots. There are beautiful beaches at Olaikuda, Dhanushkodi and Pamban. The Olaikuda beach is 1 km from the main temple and s engulfed by coral reefs, which makes bathing in the sea safe and enjoyable. With diving glasses and respiration tubes, scuba diving is safe and possible. Flamingos, sea gulls and a variety of birds migrate to the Rameswaram Island during winter.

Rameswaram is a main fishing centre of Tamil Nadu. Variety of fishes including export quality fish like prawns, sea cucumber, and lobster are available here. Rameswaram is also famous for its dry fish.

Falaknuma Palace

The Falaknuma palace is a remarkable edifice which stands atop a 2000 feet high hillock. It is located 5kms from Charminar Built by NawabVikar - Ul - Ulmara,the Prime Minister of Hyderabad, it is a stupendous palace and connotes the "heavenly abode". This exquisite palace made of Italian marble was built by one of the Paigah nobles Nawab Vicar Ul Umra in 1892.A majesty testimony

to the glory of the Nizams, it stands atop a hill 2000 feet high. It has often been referred to as the 'Mirror of the Sky'. The palace was designed by a Italian architect and follows a western architectural style. Falaknuma houses a large collection of rare treasures collected by the Nizam including paintings, statues, furniture, manuscripts and books. The Jade collection of the Palace is considered

to be unique in the world.

The palace is laid out in the shape of a scorpion with two stings spread out as wings on the north. The middle part is occupied by the main building and the kitchen and harem quarters stretch to the south. The Falaknuma palace is a rare blend of Italian and Tudor architecture. Its glass stained windows throw a spectrum of colors into the rooms. The palace has a library with a walnut carved roof, a replica of the one at Windsor Castle. The library had one of the finest collections of the holy Quran in India.

The Falaknuma palace has other unique things to its credit. It includes the largest Venetian chandeliers. It is said that it took six months to clean a 138-arm Osler chandelier and the palace has 40 such chandeliers adorning the halls ! The famed dining hall of the palace could seat 100 guests on a single table. The furniture is also very aesthetic. The chairs are carved rosewood with green leather upholstery. The tableware was made of gold and crystal to which fluted music was added.

Salarjung Museum

The Salar Jung Museum is an art museum on the southern bank of the
Musi river in the city of Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. The museum
opened to the public on December 16, 1951; it houses the collection of the

Salar Jung family, who were important nobles in the courts of the Nizams , Muslim rulers of Hyderabad. The collection of Islamic art from all over Asia includes a variety of illuminated Korans,astrolabes, jewelled Picture of Salarjung Museum, Hyderabad
swords and daggers, and Persian carpets

The museum also houses fine examples

of European painting and sculpture, most

famously the "Veiled Rebecca" of Italian sculptor Giovanni Maria Benzoni, as well as Chinese and Japanese pieces. The collection was mostly acquired by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, also known as Salar Jung III. Some of the items he inherited were collected by his father, Nawab Mir Laiq Khan (Salar Jung II) and his grandfather, Nawab Mir Turab Ali Khan (Sir Salar Jung I).

Situated on the southern bank of the river Musi ,the Salar Jung Museum
is not far from the other important monuments of the old city. The historic
Charminar, Juma Masjid, High Court, State Central Library and the
Osmania General Hospital are all within a radius of one mile from the
Salar Jung Museum.

The museum houses the largest and greatest collection of antiques and artifacts by a single person, Nawab Salar Jung III, Prime Minister of the court of Nizam. From minia- tures of Mewar to modern art of Europe; from the daggers of Nur Jehan and Emperor Jahangir the museum houses priceless gems of art A place that will leave you dazed with the dazzle of time-less art.

There are 38 galleries in the Museum spread on two floors. The ground floor has 20 galleries, and the first floor has 18 galleries. Even then, the total exhibited art objects constitute a little over 25% of the entire collection. The Indian Parliament has declared the museum an Institution of National Importance.

Hussain Sagar

Hussain Sagar is a lake in Hyderabad, built by Hazrat Hussain ShahHussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad
Wali in 1562, during the rule of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah Wali. It was built on a tributary of the Musi river to meet the water and irrigation needs of Hyderabad, India.It is now popularly known as Tank Bund, and has become a tourist destination as well as a local attraction. Once the source of drinking water for the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, the Hussain Sagar lake's current condition is far from desirable. Since the 1980s and 1990s the immersion of Ganesh idols during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi has led to the further pollution of the lake. Currently there are numerous environmentalist groups and government agencies that are trying to improve the condition of the lake.

Main attractions
An 18- meter- high statue of the Buddha is located on the Gibraltar rock in theNecklace road near Hussain sagar lake, hyderabad center of the lake. The statue, which took 200 sculptors and 2 years to complete, was erected in 1992. Boat rides are provided by the tourism department.

On one side of the Hussain Sagar lake is the Necklace Road, which indeed twinkles like a necklace. On the other side is the Tank Bund, that narrates the history of Andhra Pradesh in granite through the imposing statues of men and women, who have done their motherland proud. Dotting the lake on all sides are parks shimmering with greenery and bustling with life under the glitter and glory of city lights.

Mecca Masjid

Mecca Masjid is near Charminar in the old city of Hyderabad is the biggest mosque in the entire south India.In the sheer size it ranks third in the country, next only to Jama Masjid in Delhi and the one at Gulbarga. Though Quli Qutb Shah laid the foundation stone for Mecca Masjid in 1614, it was Emperror Aurangzeb who completed its construction in 1687.Anestimated 10,000 devotees can offer prayers in the vast hall measuring 67 X 54 meters. Though Quli Qutb Shah , gave the name " Baitul Atiq " to this mosque ,a few bricks brought from Mecca ( and still displayed inside the mosque) perpetuated the name " Mecca Masjid " for this place of worship

Charminar (Hyderabad)

Charminar is a monument located in the City of Hyderabad which is the capital city of the State of Andhra Pradesh in South India.

Charminar is one of the most important landmarks of the city. The monument wasPicture of Charminar Hyderabad built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 to commemorate the eradication of plague, shortly after he had shifted his capital from Golconda to what now is known as Hyderabad. Legends tell that the emperor Quli Qutb Shah prayed for the end of plague and took the vow to build a mosque on that very place. He ordered the construction of the mosque which became popular as Charminar because of its four characteristic minarets. The top floor of the four-storeyed structure has a mosque which has 45 covered prayer spaces and some open space to accommodate more people in Friday prayers

Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah ,sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, ruled from Hyderabad. The Charminar is a beautiful and impressive square monument, with each side measuring 20 meters, and each of the edges having a pointed high minaret.It derives its name from these four gracefully carved minarets which soar to a height of 48.7 m above the ground, commanding the landscape for miles around.

Charminar literally means 'Four Minars'. Each minaret has four stories, each looking like a delicately carved ring around the minaret. Every side opens into a plaza through giant arches, which overlook four major thoroughfares and dwarf other features of the building except the minarets. Each arch is 11 m wide and rises 20 m to the pinnacle from the plinth. Once upon a time each of these arches led to four royal roads. Each of the four arches has a clock which were put up in 1889.

There are two galleries within the Charminar, one over another, and above those a terrace that serves as a roof, bordered with a stone balcony. It is vaulted underneath and appears like a dome. There is a large table raised seven or eight feet from the ground with steps to go up to it. Nothing in the town seems so lovely as the outside of that building

A thriving market still lies around the Charminar attracting people and merchandise of every description. In its heyday, the Charminar market had some 14,000 shops, a unique conglomeration of a grand oriental bazaar.The whole market around the Charminar is crowded with shops which sell glass bangles in rainbow colours.

Unlike Taj Mahal, the fluted minarets of Charminar are built into the main structure. Inside the four-storied minarets 149 winding steps guide the visitor to the upper floor, the highest point one can reach, and providing a panoramic view of the city. There are 45 prayer spaces with a large open space in front to accommodate more for Friday prayers.

Built with granite and lime mortar, Charminar is a fine example of the Cazia style of architecture. The Charminar looks spectacular particularly in the nights when it is illuminated.

Golconda Fort (Hyderabad)

Golkonda is a ruined city and fortress 11 km west of the city of Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh state, India. The city and fortress are built on a granite hill that is 120 meters high and is surrounded by massive crenellated ramparts. The beginnings of the fort date to the 1143,when the Hindu

Kakatiya dynasty ruled the area. The Kakatiyas were followed by the state
of Warangal, which was later conquered by the Muslim Bahmani Sultanate. Golkonda consists of four distinct forts with a 10 km long outer wall having 87 semi circular bastions; some still mounted with cannons, eight gateways, four drawbridges and number of royal apartments & halls, temples, mosques, magazines, stables etc, inside. The lowest of these is the outermost enclosure into which we enter by the 'Fateh Darwaza' ( Victory gate, so called after Aurangzeb’s triumphant army marched in through this gate ) studded with giant iron spikes ( to prevent elephants from battering them down ) near the south
-eastern corner.

At Fateh Darwaza can be experienced the fantastic acoustic effects, characteristic of the engineering marvels at Golkonda. A hand clap at a certain point below the dome at the entrance reverberates and can be heard clearly at the 'Bala Hisar' pavilion, the highest point almost a kilometre away. This acted as the warning note to residents in case of danger.

The tombs of the Qutb Shahi sultans lie about one kilometer north of
Golkonda's outer wall. These graceful structures are made of beautifully
carved stonework, and surrounded by landscaped gardens. Golkonda fort
overlooking HyderabadThe fortress city within the walls was famous for its diamond trade, and many famed diamonds including the Koh-i-noor, the Regent Diamond and the Hope are said to have come from here. The wealth of the Golkonda mines enriched the ruling Nizams of Hyderabad, which ruled the area from their independence from the Mughals in1724 to1948 ,when Hyderabad was annexed by India to become an Indian state. Hyderabad state was broken up in 1956, and Golkonda became part of Andhra Pradesh state

Ocean Park (Hyderabad)

OCEAN PARK situated at Gandipet just 15 kms from Hyderabad offers a
spectacular mix of Internationally popular water Rides and Amusement Rides for all age groups and provides full day entertainment to all it’s Patrons.Ocean park is open all 365 days of the year from 11am
to 8 pm for the convenience of visitors.

Ramoji film city (Hyderabad)

Welcome to the world’s largest film city. A place where you can treat your entire family to an out of the world experience. A chance to be a part of the magic, allure and grandeur that defines the very pirit of fun, entertainment and relaxation!
A different destination – glamour, excitement and more!:Everythingyou’d dream a holiday to be, is here spread across 2000 acres of this spectacular world. Easily accessible, about 25 km from the city of Hyderabad, Ramoji Film City is an enchanting blend of man made wonders and nature’s pristine beauty. Scores of extraordinary gardens, authentic sets, lavish locales and of course, the glamour of the settings, all combined to offer a never before experience.Come, be a part of it all at Ramoji Film City.

Ramoji Film City, is the world’s largest integrated film studio complex and one of Asia’s most popular tourism and recreation centres. For the discerning film-maker,RFC offers comprehensive and international- standard pre-
production, production and post-production resources.

NTR Gardens (Hyderabad)

NTR Garden has a Variety of flora, a unique fountain, Gopuram, the grand entrance plaza with Nandi Bulls apart from other attractions For visitors’ comfort and recreation, there are distinctive cafes, souvenir shops, Shiromani Garden, Roaring cascade waterfall, bowling alley and electronic games. The Garden Comprises of entertainment, eateries and breathtakingly landscaped topography. The Garden Will also provides lung space for the city.

Main Attractions
1.Entrance Plaza with Fountain.

2. Machan Tree
3. Car Cafe.
4.Toy Train.
5. Japanese Garden.
6. Fruit Restaurant
Park Timings–2.30PM to 10.00PM
Tickets Issue Timings:
2.30 PM to 8.30 PM

Birla Mandir (Hyderabad)

The Temple is built entirely with White marble on a hillock, over looking the Hussain Sagar. A rich blend of Khajaraho & Indian Bodh Gaya of North and Raja Gopuram & Garudalaya of South indian architecture ,Birla temple is sheer peotry in stone. The tower over the main shrine of Venkateswara called the Jagadananda vimanam is built in the Orissan style while the towers over the shrines of the consorts are built in the South indian style. The brassflagstaff rises to a height of 42 feet.

The granite image of the presiding deity is about 11 feet tall and a carved lotus forms an umbrella for this image. There are several carvings in marble,in the adjoining mukha mandapam - depicting scenes from Indian mythology.

The temple is floodlit at nights A few yards away from the temple are Birla Planetarium, India's most modern planetarium and the Birla Science Museum, a tribute to the advances made in science and Technology, since the dawn of civilization