Unit 4 Natural

Bangalore is the home to a large number of magnificent gardens and parks that simply accentuate the beauty of this city and hence it is called as the “Garden City”. Besides the numerous gardens, Bangalore also has some fine historical sites and other places of interest that are worth watching. If you are on a tour to Bangalore, make certain that you have ample time in hand because there is no end to the things to watch in Bangalore. The tourist attractions abound in this place and thus draw hordes of tourists each year by their enduring charm. Among the various tourist attractions in Bangalore, The Vidhan Soudha or the State Secretariat, which was built in the year 1954, is the focal attraction of this city. This particular building is simply a modern architectural marvel and is a fine combination of customary Dravidian and modern styles. There are many neo-classical styled government buildings that are located near the Vidhan Soudha in the Cubbon Park which is another attraction of this town. One of the most prominent and the most significant of the tourist attractions is the The Government Museum of Bangalore that is one of oldest museums in India and also the Visvesvaraya Technological and Industrial Museum which occupies an important place in the list of attractions of the city. Located in the southern part of the city are the Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens that holds a number of flower shows. There is also the 18th-century Tipu Sultan's Fort and Palace that is an important place of tourist interest and is most appealing to the historians. The pilgrim travelers should not miss out the The Venkataramanaswamy Temple, the Gavi Gangadhareswara cave temple, and the Someshwara Temple without which your tour to Bangalore remain incomplete. If you are on a tour to Bangalore with your family, then you must pay a visit to The Ulsoor Lake, which is located on the northeastern edge of the city and is also an important picnic spot with scenic beauty all around. There are many exciting locations that are located near Bangalore and are simply amazing to spend some quality time. There are several cultural centers located near Bangalore which offer to the tourist a number of traditional craft items. Ramanagaram is a silk cocoon-marketing center and some of the other well-known craft centers are Janapada Lok and Channapatna. The Bannerghata National Park located at the fringe end of the city is one of the most visited places in Bangalore. You are lucky enough if your vacations cover the Karaga festival that takes place in the month March/April and is celebrated with great zest and pomp. Catch the fun and excitement by inevitably being a part of this festival. The pubs and restaurants of Bangalore are no less enticing to the tourists. Touristplacesinindia.com offers online information on the tourist attractions in Bangalore and also offers useful inputs about Bangalore.

The List of Tourist Places in Bangalore

Lal Bagh Gardens is one of the scenic spots that should not to be missed by the tourists. It has brilliantly bloomed roses. The garden also boasts of many a rare botanical species.

During the Republic Day, the garden is abuzz with the visitors to witness the flower shows that are held on this occasion. Another of the major attractions of the city of Bangalore is Vidhan Soudha. This building was built in the year 1954. The structure is built in neo-Dravidian style. Presently this building houses the Legislative Assembly of the Karnataka state. It also has a part of the Karnataka Secretariat.There is another beautiful park in the Banglore city named Cubbon Park. This park was developed by the Lord Cubbon in 1864. This exquisite park's layout occupies nearly 300 acres.

Bangalore Palace is also a prime attraction of the Bangalore city. The architecture of this building is based on Tudor style. This palace can be accessed from any part of the city easily since it is situated in the centre of the city. The palace covers an area of 800 acres and closely resembles the Windsor Palace of England. For the art lovers, the Bangalore city presents a lovely treat- the Venkatappa Art Gallery. This gallery has about 600 paintings showcased. The art gallery has some of the rarest and finest paintings. The most historically important place in Bangalore is the Tipu's Palace. This palace exudes the romance of long lost medieval era, and is a specimen of excellent architecture. Though the construction of the palace was started by Haider Ali, the father of Tipu Sultan, it was completed by Tipu himself.

The temple complex of ISKON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) is a beautiful building to visit. This structure is a fitting example of the blend of Dravidian and modern architecture. This temple has amenities like computer-aided presentation theatres and multi-vision cinema theatre. The centre also has a library which houses an exhaustive collection of Vedic literature, and also a preaching library. The temple provides good accommodation for both the members and non-members.

Bangalore is also known for its 65 ft statue of Lord Shiva, seated in Padmasana (the lotus) position. It is placed in the setting of Mount Kailash and the river Ganga is being shown flowing from his matted locks. Also visit the Bull Temple to get spellbound by the huge monolithic statue of the Vahana Nandi- the bull of Lord Shiva- who happens to be carrier of the Lord. The majestic statue in sitting posture is 4.5 m tall and nearly 6 m long.

Succinctly, the tourist attractions in and around Bangalore are many and varied and call for a detailed exploration.

Aquarium:

The Aquarium is a place one should not miss to visit, while in Bangalore. This miniature world of aquatic life is situated at the entrance of Cubbon Park, on Kasturba Gandhi Road. This aquarium is in a magnificent octagonal building and houses a wide variety of aquatic life.

Bangalore Palace: The Bangalore Palace was built by the then King of Mysore, Chamaraja Wodeyar. He bought the land from Rev. Garret and build a majestic palace on it, in 1884. The architecture represents Tudor style. The construction of this palace is inspired by the Windsor Castle of England.

Bull Temple: The Bull Temple is located Basavanagudi, which is one of the oldest places in Bangalore. The meaning of Basavanagudi is the temple of the Bull- the bull which is vahana (the official carrier) of the Lord Shiva. This temple is few meters away from the Dodda Ganesha Temple.

Cubbon Park: The Cubbon Park of Bangalore has a history of more than 100 years. It has been a part of Bangalore's landscape since 1870. The then Chief Engineer of the state of Mysore, Richard Sankey, conceived the vast landscape of the Cubbon Park, way back in 1864.

ISKON Temple Complex: ISKCON Temple Complex is one of the popular tourist attractions of Bangalore. Specially for the Hindu religious tourists it holds great significance. ISKCON stands for International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Founded by Srila Prabhupada in 1966, the ISKCON society's ambit has crossed the national boundaries.

Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium: Among the tourist attractions in Bangalore, the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is a place you must visit. This place is a treasure-trove of factual knowledge on astronomy.

Lal Bagh Gardens: The Lal Bagh Gardens of Bangalore not only has scenic beauty, but also a great historical legacy. This garden was commissioned by the famous ruler Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1760, the father of Tipu Sultan.

Venkatappa Art Gallery: Though Bangalore is called the city of gardens, but it has many other attractions. It offers a number of art galleries, which can attract the art lovers. Among all the art galleries, the Venkatappa Art Gallery is the most prominent one.

Vidhan Soudha: The Vidhan Soudha is the main attraction of Bangalore, the city of gardens. The building is marvelous blend of modern architecture and the traditional Dravidian style. This is an ideal place to visit on a leisurely evening, while on a tour to Bangalore.

Tipu's Palace: The Banglore city has a great historical significance. This area which is today's vibrant Bangalore was once ruled by the great warrior Tipu Sultan. If you miss to visit the Tipu's Palace in Bangalore then you have missed a slice of the city's chequered past.

Khajuraho

Khajuraho, located in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh is a well known for its temples and sculptures. The monuments of Khajuraho, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site are extremely controversial yet showcase exceptions artwork and craftsmanship.

Some of the most famous tourist attractions of Khajuraho are the temples. The temples of Khajuraho follow the shikhara style where the main deity is placed on a sanctum in the centre of the temple. It is believed that originally there were 80 Hindu temples out of which only 22 remain.

How To Get There
Khajuraho is accessible from all parts of the country by rail, road and air. It is located about 600 kilometers from Delhi. Jhansi is the nearest airport where many airlines fly at extremely cheap rates. Trains connect Khajuraho to the remotest corners of India.

Tourist Attractions in Khajuraho

Some important details about Tourist Attractions in Khajuraho include:

  Eastern Group of Temples

  Western Group of Temples

  Southern Group of Temples

  Khajuraho Archaeological Museum

Eastern Group of Temples, Khajuraho ..............................................................................................................................................................................

Information about the Eastern Group of Temples The Eastern group of temples comprises of Hindu and Jain temples. The largest Jain temple, Parsvanath temple belong to the eastern group. The image of Parsvanath was installed in 1860. The sculptures on the northern outer wall of this temple, make this temple the finest temple in the eastern group. On this temple there are carvings of a woman bending thoughtfully over a letter and a damsel removing a thorn from her foot. The sanctum also has a throne facing a bull, which is the emblem of the first Tirthankara, Adinath. On the north of the Parsvanath Temple lies the Adinath Temple. Another Jain temple is the Ghantai Temple. On the walls of this temple the images depicting the dreams of Mahavira's mother and a multi-armed Jain goddess riding on the winged Garuda are beautifully carved. Brahma, Vamana and Javari temples are the other three Hindu temples. A double row of apsaras (celestial nymphs) adorn the outer walls of the Vamana Temple in a variety of sensuous attitudes. Granite was used in the construction of the Brahma Temple.

Eastern Group of Temples Parswanath Temple The largest Jain temple, Parswanath, is in this group. Exquisite in detail, the sculptures on the northern outer wall make this temple perhaps the finest in the group. The themes of these carvings are the timeless ones of every day, mortal activity. A woman sits bent pensively on a letter, a lovely young girl removes a thorn from her foot, the master craftsmen of Khajuraho display here their deep understanding of the trifles that make up a human life. Within, the sanctum has a throne, which faces a bull : emblem of the first tirthankara, Adinath. The actual image of Parswanath from which the temple derives its name was installed as recently as 1860. Ghantai Temple the Ghantai Temple. Though almost in ruins now, it still

bears evidence of its original splendour. Particularly, arresting is the frieze which depicts, in graphic detail, the 16 dreams of Mahavira's mother and a multi-armed Jain goddess riding on a winged Garuda. Adinatha Temple Dedicate to the Jain saint, Adinath, the temple is lavishly embellished with sculpted figures, including yakshis. The three Hindu temples in the Eastern Group are the Brahma, Vamana and Javari Temples. A double row of apsaras, celestial nymphs, adorn the outer walls of the Vamana temple. A variety of sensuous attitudes: languid, provocative, mischievously inviting, give credibility to the theory that Khajuraho's erotica were meant to test the devotees who came to worship their gods at the temples.

Information about the Western Group of Temples The temples of Khajuraho are the India's unique gift to the world. During the rule of the Chandela dynasty, 85 magnificent and richly cared temples were built near Khajuraho. Within a period of 100 years i.e. from 950 to 1050 AD, all the temples were completed. But now, out of 85 temples, only 22 temples have survived. These temples are a collective salute to life, joy and creativity. The architectural style of the Khajuraho temples was very different from the temples of that period. The three main compartments of the temple are the entrance (Ardha Mandapa), assembly hall (Mandapa) and an inner sanctum (Garbha-griha). The temples are divided into three geographical groups mainly, Western Group, Eastern Group and Southern Group.

The Western group is the best known group of temples. The Kandariya Mahadeo temple which is the largest and most typical Khajuraho temple belongs to this group. This temple is about 31 metres high. The main temple is in an almost perfect state of preservation. The temple has an exquisitely carved entrance arch. On the entrance the images of celestial bodies, lovers, musicians are beautifully carved. Beyond the archway of the Kandariya Mahadeo are the portico, main hall, transept, vestibule, sanctum and ambulatory. The ceiling is very beautiful and the pillars supporting it have intricately carved capitals. The transept's outer walls have three horizontal panels showing deities of the Hindu pantheon and groups of lovers.

Western Group of Temples

Lakshman Temple

The lintel over the entrance shows the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, with Lakshmi, Vishnu's consort. The sanctum is richly carved and has a three-headed idol of Vishnu's incarnations, Narsimha and Varaha. The boar incarnation also appears in another Vaishnavite shrine, the Varaha Temple. The statue here is a mammoth 9 ft high one, its surface covered with figures from the Hindu Pantheon. Kandariya Mahadev

Perfectly symmetrical, it soars 31 km high. Though the four temples that stand at the corners of the main shrine are now in ruins, the main shrine has an exquisitely carved entrance arch with a multitude of themes. Celestial beings, lovers serenading musicians... movements captured in stone, frozen in time, yet retaining a quality of warm, pulsating life. The very stone seems to have taken on the living, breathing quality of the carved figures. Beyond the archway of the Kandariya Mahadev, lie the six interior compartments; the portico, main hall, transept, vestibule, sanctum and ambulatory. The ceilings are particularly noteworthy and the pillars supporting them have intricately carved capitals. The transept's outer walls have three horizontal panels showing deities of the Hindu pantheon, and groups of lovers, a pageant of sensuousness, vibrantly alive. Chaunsath Yogini Temple Chaunsath Yogini is the only granite temple in the Khajuraho group. Dedicated to Kali, it is also unique in being quadrangular in plan. Only 35 of the original 65 cells remain and no image of Kali has survived: not surprisingly, since this is the earliest surviving shrine of the group dated to 900 AD. Chitragupta Temple Facing eastward to the rising sun, the temple, is dedicated to the sun-god, Surya. The image of this powerful deity in the inner sanctum is particularly imposing: 5ft high, and driving a seven-horsed chariot. The group scenes depicted are equally spectacular: royal processions, elephant-fights, hunting scenes, group dances. The lavish lifestyle of the Chandela kings and their court is here in all its pomp and glory. Matangeswara Temple Still a living places of worship, the temple is dedicated to Shiva, has an eight feet high lingam and is outside the precincts of the western group. Vishwanath Temple Lions flank the northern steps and elephants the southern, leading up to the temple. Within, there is an impressive three headed image of Brahma. The exteriors are profusely carved. Facing the shrine is a Nandi Temple with a massive, 6 ft high Nandi bull. Since the first few Chandela rulers were devotees of Vishnu, there are some important Vaishnavite temples in the Khajuraho group.

Southern Group of Temples
Five km from Khajuraho village is the Southern group. Chaturbhuj Temple and Duladeo Temple belong to this group of temples

Bhopal
Bhopal is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. The city is an important tourist destination and you can easily spend a wonderful holiday in the historically important city. The city is well equipped and welcomes all the tourists to come and explore the land of history and culture.

Bhopal is not a city with modernization but it carries all the historical and the mythological evidence that make the land full of heritage and tradition.

Bhopal is not the land where you will find the civilization restricted to one sect but you will definitely spot the other religious sects and the old monuments that will give you the detailed significance of the city. The city was founded by Raja Bhoja in 11th century and that made the city to grow and flourish in the by gone days. You can locate the evidence from the ruins that still illustrates the story of the glorious pasts.

Laxmi Narayan Temple

Laxmi Narayan Temple is also known as the Birla Mandir and is located to the south of the Lower Lake on the Arera Hills. Close to the temple is a museum that is the repository of sculptures from the districts of Raisen, Sehore, Mandsaur, and Shahdol in Madhya Pradesh. There are stone sculptures mostly of Shiva, Vishnu, and their respective consorts and incarnations.

Moti Masjid

The magnificent Moti Masjid was built by Qudsia Begum's daughter Sikander Jahan in the year 1860 A.D. and is identical in style to the Jama Masjid of Delhi. The two dark red minarets covered by golden spikes add to the grandeur of this beautiful masjid.

Taj-ul Masjid

Taj-ul Masjid flaunts being one of the largest in India and occupies an important place among the various places of tourist interest in Bhopal. The erection of this mosque was started by Shah Jahan Begum that took place during her reign from 1868 A.D. to 1901 A.D., but it was never accomplished in her lifetime. Construction of the mosque was completed in the year 1971 by the efforts of the Government of India. These days, this huge pink mosque featuring two stupendous white-domed minarets is used as a school for religious teachings. The religious ceremony called Ijtima is held here each and every year that attracts numerous tourists from all parts of India.

Moti Masjid
The magnificent Moti Masjid was built by Qudsia Begum's daughter Sikander Jahan in the year 1860 A.D. and is identical in style to the Jama Masjid of Delhi. The two dark red minarets covered by golden spikes add to the grandeur of this beautiful masjid.

Shaukat Mahal

Shaukat Mahal is another draw for the archaeologists and is located at the entrance of the Chowk gate. This startling building is built in the European style, thereby distinguishing it apart from the predominantly conventional Islamic architecture of the region.

Sadar Manzil

You just cannot afford to miss out the stately hall of public audience of the earlier rulers of Bhopal.

Upper and Lower Lakes

Sprawling over an area of about 6 square kilometers, the Upper Lake is divided from the Lower Lake by an overbridge. Make your visit to this place even more exciting by going on a boat trip in the lake. Nearby to the Lake is the zoo which is called Van Vihar and has in store a lot of wild animals such as the tigers, leopards, lions, and bears, among other animals. Near the Lower Lake, you can visit an aquarium. This fish-shaped aquarium houses a number of enthralling species of fish.

Ooty
The charming hill station of Ooty or Udhagamandalam, is situated amidst the magnificent Nilgiri mountain ranges. Popularly known as the 'Queen of hill stations' Ooty is one of the favourite summer resort of South India. The altitudes of Nilgiri mountains varies between 2,280 metres and 2,290 metres. The Doddabetta hill situated at a height of 2,623 metres is the highest peak in Ooty. Other hills are Snowdon, Elk hill and Club hill.

The hill station of Ooty is known for its orchards of peaches and plums, terraced tea plantations, eucalyptus and pine trees. Ooty hills changes its moods in different seasons, but its different moods provide similar hospitality to the tourists. The hill station sprawling along a picturesque plateau, with its green valleys and natural beauty offer a close affair with nature. Besides its pristine charm, Ooty hills offer several adventure options like trekking, hand-gliding and angling etc.

Ooty Tourist Places

Botanical Garden Botanical Garden is one of the best tourist attraction places which attract the tourist from all over the world. This garden was laid out in 1847 by the Marquis of Tweedale and is spread over 22 hectares ascending the slopes on the hill at an elevation of 2,400 meters above Main Sea Level. An explicit collection of flowering tress, beautiful shrubs, and rare colored lilies are seen.

Ooty Lake From just behind the central Bus Stand (also near the Railway station) the famous Ooty Lake stretches, in an irregular 'L' shape, for about 2.75 kms in length and varying distances in width(100m – 140m). For the curious, this lake was artificially formed by John Sullivan, the founder of Ooty, in 1823-25 by damming the mountain streams flowing down Ooty valley.

Rose Garden Rose Park is situated in the heart of Ooty town and it is located less than a km from Charring Cross at Vijayanagaram, the rose garden is laid on 10 acres of land. This garden has been beautifully laid out in terraces with rose tunnels, pergolas and bowers with rose creepers.

Doddabetta Peak The Doddabetta Peak stands at an altitude of 2,623 meters. It is the highest point in the district, making it possibly the best vantage point around Ooty. It is merely 10kms from Ooty so you can simply grab your camera and head straight to the peak, and click amazing pictures of the valley below. On a clear day, which is honestly not that often, one can see far off areas, even the plains of Coimbatore and the flat highlands of Mysore.

Pykara lake/ Pykara Boat House The placid lake of Pykara, amid the lush green valleys is a lovely getaway from Ooty. Here, a calm lake is surrounded by forests. There is a forest rest House at Pykara. A boat house by the Pykara falls and Dam is added attractions to the tourists. The major attraction of this place is the boathouse, with restaurant and a rest house to provide you with ultimate comfort. It is a clean and scenic lake in between the hills. It is an isolated lake free from pollution and maddening crowed . Boating is conducted here. You will get a wonderful experiences over here. Please Don't fail to visit here.

Avalanche Located at a distance of 25 km from ooty. A place that should not be missed. An exotic experience of mountain trekking could be realized in this place.

Emerald Lake Located at a distance of 25 km from ooty. A place that should not be missed. Emerald lake is a wonderful lake in the upper plateau region of the Nilgiri hills. It is a part of the silent valley and is beside the Red hill nature resort which is a best picnic place of the region. The site of the lake is wonderful and one would definitely love being at that place. The chirping birds and ducks and other swimming creatures add beauty to the place and the sun set and sun rise is also spectacular here.

6th Mile (Shooting Spot) Just 6miles from the Ooty city you can reach this spot. Its green & lengthy shooting spot which is surrounded by forest. You can see this spot in most of Indian movies

9th Mile (Shooting Spot) It takes 9miles from the Ooty city you can reach this spot. Its green & very lengthy shooting spot which is surrounded by forest & mountains. This place is called as "Shooting Medu". Very calm place and very good for picnics. Dont miss to take your family to Shooting medu.

Glenmorgan The beautiful countryside with tea and eucalyptus plantations. undisturbed sholas and fine views is ideal for drives and picnics. The beautiful countryside with tea and eucalyptus plantations. undisturbed sholas and fine views is ideal for drives and picnics.

HPF (Hindustan Photo Film) The HPF, one of the major industrial units ot the district, is a public sector enterprise. This unit is located (about 5 Km away from Ooty railway station) over a sprawling area of over 300 acres, near the Ooty golf-links on the Ooty- Mysore road. The HPF was inaugurated by Mrs. Indra Gandhi, Prime Minister, in January, 1967. This industrial unit is currently producing Indu roll films which are used for taking photographs; Indu X-ray films, the quality of which is acknowledged to be among the best in the world; Indu bromide paper on which photographs are printed; and Induaerographic for geological and defence mapping, industrial X - ray film, laser recording film, CAT film, special film for space photography, oscilloscope direct print paper, photo typesetting paper and range of chemicals for the film processing.

Kalhatty water falls The picturesque waterfalls come down a 36 m drop. A popular spot for picnics and treks. his water falls could be seen in ooty mysore route at a distance of 13 km from ooty. The road runs via the Kalhatty Ghats. It is situated 2,000m above main sea level and with many water falls and rivulets. Situated on the slopes of Kalhatty, the magnanimous Kalhatty Waterfall stands pretty amidst picturesque landscapes. But falls could be seen in a particular season from September to November. The height of this falls is 40m.

Ketti Valley view Situated on the coonoor Road This valley is the second largest valley in the world. This region is a seen with larger constellations of villages, that forms the parts of coimbatore and mysore. Home to the Badagas and tribes such as the Todas, Ketti represents a way of life that revolves around caring for livestock and cultivation of vegetables and potatoes.

The Mukkurthi Peak And National Park Mukkurthi is a beautiful peak while programming your Excursions in Ooty, which is located at a distance of 40-km from Ooty. Ideally located on the Southern corner of the Nilgiri Plateau, this peal attracts tourists from distinct corners. The Kollaribetta and Nilgiris Peak are the other major peaks, close to this peak which are for the famous tourist attractions in Ooty. A large number of perennial streams flowing between these peaks, make a complete picturesque reality. Furthermore, Bhavani Puzha. Silent Valley, along the Western Ghats, is a feast to the visitor's eye.

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary An ideal adventurous place, located in Nilgiri Hills, where the offshoot of the Western Ghats meet the Eastern Ghats. Area :32,155 hectares. Along side the adventures of the sanctuary, you will also find a varied mixture of flat land, open grassland, swamp, valley and nullas at this place. The Famous Mudumalai wild life Sanctuary is situated at an elevation of 1000 metres and extending over an area of 321 sq.mts lies this sanctuary between Kerala and Karnataka states. Langur, bonnet macaque, tiger, leopard, wild dog, hyena, jackal, sloth bear, elephants, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, Indian muntjac, mouse deer, wild boar, rodent and flying squirrel are part of the wildlife in Mudumalai. This is one of India's best sanctuaries. Mudumalai wildlife reserve was the first sanctuary in south India. Within the sanctuary is an elephant camp called "Theppakkadu", where there is a rest house. Accommodation is also available at TTDC's Youth Hostel and rest houses in Masinagudi, Abhayaranayam and Kargudi and the Bamboo Banks Farm that is 18-km away.

Sims park - Coonoor Sim’s Park is a 12-hectare park in Coonoor, which exhibits over 1000 species of plants. The park is situated in a deep ravine on the Northern side of Coonoor Railway Station at an elevation of 1768 to 1798 mts.

Kodanad View Point - Kotagiri It is about 16 kms. from Kotagiri on the eastern edges of the Nilgiris. On either side of the road one can see the panoramic view of the tea estates and the river Moyar is breath taking. A watch tower is there to view the panoramic view of Rangasamy peak and pillar. From Kotagiri bus services are available.

How to reach there
By Air : Nearest airport is Coimbatore airport, 89 Kms from Ooty. Coimbatore airport is connected to major cities of the country.

By Rail : Ooty is connected by narrow gauge line to Mettupalyam. Mettupalam is connected to Chennai, Coimbatore and other cities of India.

By Road : Good road connects Ooty to major towns and cities of Tamil Nadu and other parts of the country.

Hyderabad

Hyderabad is the capital city of Andhra Pradesh and consists of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. It is a 400 year old metropolis and was once the seat of the Nizams of Hyderabad. This fifth largest city in India was founded by Muhammad Quli in 1590 AD and became a part of the Mughal Empire during the reign of Aurangazeb. The city has a large number of tourist attractions which invite people from all over the world to this beautiful city. We at Touristplacesinindia.com provide you with complete information on all that you want to know about tourist attractions in Hyderabad.

After the independence of India, Andhra Pradesh became the first state to be formed on linguistic basis with Hyderabad as its capital. The city is well accessible by roads, railways and air transport. Hyderabad has the main air head and the railway and bus terminus. The city is an important business cum tourist centre and has a large number of hotels to provide accommodation to the tourists.

Birla Mandir

 This is a very famous temple situated on the top of a small hillock in Kala Pahad, at a distance of about 1 Km from Hyderabad railway station. The main feature of this temple is its beautiful architecture which is constructed fully in white marble. This temple houses the idol of Lord Venkateshwara and it s magnificent in the night lights.
 Chote Hazrat Ki Dargah - This old dargah was built in remembrance of Hazrat Ali who was the son-in-law of Prophet Mohammad. It is located in a place called Devan devadi.This dargah is supposed to be a very sacred pilgrimage spot which is visited by hundreds of Muslims everyday. You need a rough climb of about 400 stairs to reach the daragh but once it is reached, you will realize that it is worth climbing.
Mecca Masjid - This mosque is locate near Charminar and it is one biggest and the oldest most with magnificent architecture in this area. It nearly took 77 years to build this mosque. The mosque can even accommodate nearly 10,000 people for single sitting. The Mecca masjid also has a store of ancient relics. There are also beliefs which say that the mosque has the hair of Prophet Mohammed.

St.Joseph 's Cathedral

 This is one of the beautiful churches in Hyderabad built with the Italian architecture. The main feature of the church which is located in the Gun foundry is the bell tower on the top of the church. The bell is supposed to be got from Italy and it is believed to safe guard us from lightning and thunderstorm.

 MONUMENTS

Charminar Charminar was built by the founder of the city which was erected in 1591 as an expression of joy and gratitude at the termination of the plague in the city. Its four minarets at the corner rise to a height of 56 metres and from its top the view of the city is superb. This place is located in the heart of the city.

Golconda fort
 About 8kms west of Hyderabad is the massive Golconda Fort. The fort has massive spiked gates, 87 bastions, palaces, Darbar hall, stabes, harem, grain, silos; barracks etc.The fort is also famous for its excellent acoustic system. A clap made in the portico can be heard in the Durbar hall.Golconda was also once famous of its fabulous diamonds and the renowned Diamond Kohinoor was unearthed from this region.

Qutub Shahi Tombs

This is one of the seven wonders of Hyderabad. This is located at a distance of about 2kms from the Golconda fort which houses the cemetery of the Qutub Shahi kings. These tombs are constructed with a blend of Indo-Persian and Deccan architecture. The architecture involves domed structure covered by pointed arches on an elevated square. They are quadrangular in shape which goes upto 9-15 meters high above the terrace.

Paigah Tombs 

The Paigh tombs belong to the 18th century which covers an area of about 30-40 acres. This is located at Santoshnagar, 10 km from Charminar.Paigah Tombs were mainly built to house the cemetery of the family members of the Paigahs.It attracts a major crowd of the tourists by its intricate designs and geometric perfection. It is claimed that these stunning tombs built with artistic taste are the best of its kind.

 MUSEUMS

Salar Jung Museum

Believed to be the best in Asia, it is a unique collection of art objects. This fabulous treasure house was given the present shape by Mir Yusuf Ali Khan, popularly known as Salar Jung, himself a great connoisseur of art. It contains wonderful art objects, statue by master Italian sculptor and is rare Persian miniatures, illuminated Koran and the like which provide joy to the beholder. This museum is situated in Afzal Gunj.

 Birla Planetarium/ Science Museum

Birla Planetarium located in the heart of the city of Hyderabad on the panoramic hillock of Naubat Pahad is supposed to be one of the best in the country. It is equipped with advanced technologies to study the astronomy for the visitors. Recently a dinosorium museum is added which includes collections of smaller fossils of dinosaur eggs.

LAKES

Hussain Sagar Lake

 This is one of the largest man made lake popularly referred as Tank Bund is located at a distance of about 1.5km from the city. The special feature about this lake is that it connects the twin cities namely Hyderabad and Secuderabad.Another feature of the lake is the 16 meter. tall monolithic Buddha statue. This is made of white granite and is supposed to be the largest statues in all over the world.

 Osman Sagar Lake

This lake is located at a distance of about 20kms away from the city and it s major supply of water for the twin cities. The added attraction of this lake is a vast landscaped garden and a swimming pool.

PARKS

Lumbini Park 

This park is very close to the Hussain Sagar lake at a distance of about 3kms from the city. The main tourist attractions in the Lumbini garden include a colourful floral clock, waterfalls and fountains. The spectacular musical dancing fountain and water cascade draws huge crowds.

 Sanjeevaiah Park

This is located in the Necklace Road, capturing an area of about 99 acres and is named after the the former President of India, Mr. Neelam Sanjeev Reddy.This locally referred lovers park is housed with a  rose garden, a rock garden and a floral clock which attracts the tourists.

Nehru Zoological Park

This park is located at a distance of about 16kms from the city in as area called Bahadurpura.This zoo which covers an area of about 300 acres is supposed to be one of the biggest of its kind in the country. This zoological park is housed with exotic species of animals and birds, Lion Safari Park, Natural History museum and Museum of Pre-historic Animals.

Ocean Park

This park is located near Osman Sagar Lake is at a distance of about 15 Kilometers from Hyderabad. It is built with latest technologies and engineering which can compete with world standards. The park has a water sports section and another one for amusement games. There are popular rides for both kids and old people.

Treasure Island

This amusement is again close to 15kms away from the city. The treasure entertains you with fun oriented activities like horse riding, billiards, dancing at the disco, go-karting, swimming pool and so on. There are also bamboo cottages for overnight stays.

Osmania University

 The University named after the Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan was established in 1918 and for several years it was situated in various buildings, finally in 1939 shifted to Arts College. It is fine piece of Architecture with a blend of Indo-Persian and Arabic style.

 Nagarjuna Konda

Nagarjunakonda is located at a distance of about 150 kms. from Hyderabad. This is a famous pilgrimage center for the Buddhists and is also known for its Buddhist architecture. The ruins at Nagarjunakonda include temples, stupas, pillared pavilions and marble portrayals of the Buddha's life.