The major landmark in Hyderabad is the Charminar, a monument with four graceful minarets, built just two years after the founding of Hyderabad, by the founders of the city, according to local folklore to ward off the ravages of a deadly epidemic then spreading over the city. It is often referred to as the Arc of Triumph of the East. Its central structure soars to a height of 180 feet. The old bazaar throbs with hectic trading of pearls, lac bangles and all other accessories fit for a bride.

SRI VENKATESWARA TEMPLE


Built on the 280 feet high Kala Pahad overlooking the picturesque, Hussain Sagar this temple is popularly known as the Birla Mandir. The temple is built with 2000 tonnes of white marble. The magnificent architecture of the temple is a synthesis of North Indian 7 South Indian style. The main temple is a blend of the Khajuraho & Bodh Gaya of North Indian architecture. ?The main deity is nine and half feet high made of granite brought from Phirangipuram in Guntur District

BIRLA PLANETARIUM


Birla Planetarium is India's most modern Planetarium and first of it's kind in the country. It is equipped with the most advanced technology from Japan and built on Naubatpahad.

THE MECCA MASJID


The mosque lies 100 yards southwest of the Charminar. The mosque is said to have bricks brought from Mecca built into the central arch, hence the name. A romm in the courtyard is said to house sacred relics, one of which is the hair of the prophet.

SALAR JUNG MUSEUM

The Salar Jung museum is the largest one-man collection of antiques in the world. The museum is named after Nawab Mir Tulab Ali Khan, Prime Minister of the Nizam and titled Salar Jung Bahadur(1853) who collected priceless gems of art wherever he travelled. His quest for art objects grew into a passion beginning the greatest private collection of objects of art like Persian carpets, Chinese porcelain, Japanese lacquer-ware, sculptures, jade, Aurangzeb's sword, daggers belonging to queen Nur Jehan and the Emperors Jehangir and Shah Jahan.

One of the most famed exhibit is the veiled Rebecca, the translucent white marble statue by Bezoni, an Italian sculptor. The museum exhibits the pick(30,000 pieces) of over 47,000 pieces of antiques. The oriental section has the richest collection of manuscripts including the illuminated Qurans and splendidly calligraphed classics. The Jade Room contains a magnificent collection of encrusted spice boxes, mirror backs, huqqas, archery rings etc. Carpet section with velvety metal-thread carpets of Kashan, the Tree of Life carpets from Kirman, the multi-medallion and arabesque carpets of North Persia and others from Tabriz, Shiraz, Isfahan and Heart. The art galleries include, raga-raginis in Deccan style, miniatures in Mewar, Arwar, Jaipur and Mughal styles: modern works from Chugatai, D P Rai Choudary, Tagore and Sharda Ukil; western master pieces from Landseer, Watts, Leighton, Cooper, landscapes by Turner and Constable; copies of Grand Master's works like Reubens, Raphael, Boticelli, Tita. The highlight of the museum is the section of arms - exquistely bejewelled hilts of swords and daggers, handles of jade, fish bone, and ivory ornamented with diamonds, emeralds and rubies. There are children's sections, furniture sections and various other classifications, each an ocean of adventure in itself.

SHILPARAMAM


Shilparamam at Hyderabad is an arts and crafts village exhibiting various art forms and handicrafts of diverse artists from all over the State. You can buy absolutely traditional souvenirs for yourself and your friends when you tour Shilparamam. Shilparamam hosts a multitude of ethnic art and crafts from all over the country. The yearly All-India Festival of Arts and Crafts held here in February highlights the cultural and creative traditions from every corner of the country and provides a unique occasion to take home a piece of Indian art. Interested buyers can come and pick up objects of art directly from the artisans without having to deal with the middlemen.

Exhibition of art does not limit itself to the artifacts, but all forms of creativity. There is an open amphitheater where both experienced and amateur rural artists, musicians and dancers demonstrate their wide array of skills. The artists display their talents ranging from classical music, versatility in instrumental music, folk dances, classical dances and theatrical performances. The theatrical performances are not only in regional languages but also international languages including English, French, etc.

Every season at Shilparamam brings with it the atmosphere of festivity and an occasion to celebrate. Here, Indian festivals are celebrated in the most conventional way and these festivals bring together talented people from all over the globe. As you go further inside, you can enjoy boating facility in a small artificial lake. The lake offers both peddling and rowing boats. Shilparamam is the perfect place to take a day off from your busy city life.