Char Minar

Standing across the main thoroughfare of the old city of Hyderabad, Charminar is the best known landmark of the city. It was built in the 16th century by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah. The monument is lit at night during important festivals.

This is a beautiful piece of architecture - well worth a visit just for the views of the city. As in many of these attractions foreigners pay more than locals for entrance but it's still cheap so don't be offended. Make sure you have some small change for the beggars that work this area.

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Birla Mandir

Overlooking the Tank Bund, the Birla Mandir presents an arresting sight when illuminated in the evening. This magnificent structure built entirely out of marble from Rajasthan, stands atop the Kala Pahad, the twin hillock of the Naubat Pahad. Built by Birla Foundation over a span of ten years, the main temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara. Nice Place to visit.m

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Mecca Mosque

Standing very close to the Char Minar is the most impressive mosque of the city, Mecca Masjid. The construction of the mosque was started by Sultan Mohammad Quli Qutb Shah, in 1614 AD but it was completed in 1687 by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. It's noteworthy aspects include the lofty colonnades and arches made of single slabs of granite. The largest mosque in the twin cities, it can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers at prayer. Close to the mosque are tombs of the Nizams of the Asaf Jahi dynasty.

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Tank Bund

Tank Bund Hyderabad's most popular promenade, the Tank Bund dams the Hussain Sagar lake. It is lined with 33 statues of famous personalities of the state. Ever Sunday cultural programmes are conducted in the evenings and admission is free for the public.Recently installed is the monolith of Buddha at the centre of the lake. This lake is the venue of many a water sporting event. A new park near Tank Bund, called Lumbini Park has musical fountains that are popular with both locals and travellers form elsewhere. Show at 6.30 p.m.and 8 p.m. Open from Tuesday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

type:	Streets
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Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum has rare and interesting exhibits. Inside the Nehru Zoological Park, see Parks. Timings:9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Closed on Mondays.

type:	Museums
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Science Museum

In the heart of the city lies the Science Museum with its modern Planetarium. Sky shows are held daily at different timings in different languages.

type:	Museums
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Osmania University:

Dominating the well laid out campus is the imposing Arts College building showing a blend of Ellora paintings on the first floor and Sarcenic-Moorish arches on the second floor.The huge gateway has been designed on the patterns of buildings in Damascus. Various colleges are situated on the campus along with a picturesque landscaped garden and an auditorium.

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Public Gardens

Originally called the Bagh-e-aam, it consists of well laid out gardens. It also houses the imposing State Legislative Assembly building, the Jubilee Hall, the Jawahar Bal Bhavan, the Health Museum,the State Archaeological Museum, the Ajanta Pavilion and a childrens library .

type:	Parks & Gardens
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Lad Bazar

Close to the Char Minar is the Lad Bazar or the bangle alley with rows of shops selling lacquer and glass bangles.

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Golconda Fort

West of the city lies the historic Golconda Fort. The fort lies deserted and can be visited by taxi. Nearby are a series of interesting tombs.

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Nehru Zoological Park

This zoo spreads over 300 acres and is one of the largest in Asia. Over 3000 different species of birds and animals can be seen here. Large recreational parks, gardens, a mini train and animal rides, make it an ideal picnic spot. Timings:9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Mondays.

type:	Parks & Gardens
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The Salar Jung Museum

The Salar Jung Museum houses around 35,000 antiques and art objects collected by Salar JungIII, a former Prime-Minister of, the Nizam. The most important historical exhibits are the turban and ivory chairs of Tipu Sultan of Mysore.

type:	Museums
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address:	Afzal Ganj

The Qutb Shahi Tombs

In close vicinity of Golconda Fort are tombs of the seven Qutb Shahi kings. The domed mausolea lie, silent and nostalgic, in what used to be the old rose gardens where fountains played and koyal birds sang.The galleries of the smaller tombs are of a single storey while the larger ones are usually two-storied. In the centre of each tomb is a sacro-phagus which overlies the actual burial vault in a crypt below.The domes were originally overlaid with blue and green tiles of which now only a few pieces remain. Timings:9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Closed on Fridays

Paigah Tombs

These unique lime and mortar tombs are beautifully carved and have marble inlay work on them. They are about 200 years old.

Raymond's Tomb:

Michel Raymond, a French mercenary, was a military commander in the service of the second Nizam and also his close friend. His tomb lies in Saroornagar, in east Hyderabad and is made of black granite.