Know why Hyderabad is a City of Pearls and what are its famous tourist attractions, culture and history.
Every city has a story that differentiates it and Hyderabad’s is even more unique given how its historical roots blend seamlessly well with the aura of a modern metropolis that’s constantly buzzing with new ideas. Its 400 years old rich legacy of Nizams can be seen in its architectural marvels that are part of the old city area while the new city area shines with its glass buildings, malls, roads and flyovers giving the vibe that this old city is gradually moving forward keeping intact its Ganga- Jamuni tehzeeb, aka the secular fabric. Its tombs, palaces, forts, bazaars and minarets are reminiscent of Nawabi rule of the past while the state’s film city, entertainment parks, lakes and planetariums remind one of the present landscape of modernity.
The city is also given the moniker of City of Pearls due to its growing pearl processing and trading industry that has been supplying the finest of pearl jewellery to India and the globe. The pearl connection of Hyderabad goes back to the rule of Nizams, who reigned the city for more than 200 years, from the 18-20th century and patronized pearls by sourcing them from various parts of the world especially the Gulf. Today, the Hyderabadi Pearl jewellery is famous for its beautiful appeal where it presents pearls with other precious stones like Rubies, Emeralds, Gold and Silver. As we get to know the state a bit closer, here’s what we need to know about Hyderabad’s famous travelling spots that convey its glorifying past and contemporary present.
Charminar
Hyderabad is known popularly by the iconic ‘Charminar’, the square-shaped structure, built in 1591, by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in honour of his wife Bhagmati. Located in the Old City, the structure stands at a height of 56m and breadth of 30m and is also known as Arc De Triomphe of The East. It has a mosque inside it and looks splendid in lights, standing in the bustling market space.
The city is given the moniker of City of Pearls due to its growing pearl processing and trading industry that has been supplying the finest of pearl jewellery to India and the globe.
Golkonda Fort
Another famous tourist attraction at the City of Nawabs is ‘Golconda Fort’. This architectural beauty is well connected to the rest of the city and stands in magnificence with eight gates and 87 bastions. The expanse of the fort is such that its majestic walls form a parameter of close to 11 km. One of the key crowd-pulling elements of this site is a light and sound show in English, Hindi and Telugu which has the voice-over of Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan.
The expanse of the fort is such that its majestic walls form a parameter of close to 11 km.
Ramoji Film City
While Bollywood is the most hyped film industry in India, it’s the Telugu film industrys hub ‘Ramoji Film City’, which has the largest film studios in the world! This itself depicts the Telugu people’s love for their regional cinema which has flourished and given rise to this stupendous film city that has over 50 film units and is spread across a whopping 2,500 acres. Its cutting-edge sound facilities and awe-inspiring architecture make it a suitable place for the growth of the Telugu film industry. Some of its known units include the Hollywood sign, Japanese Gardens, London street and more as youd dive into the world of larger-than-life film sets!
Some of its known units include the Hollywood sign, Japanese Gardens, London street and more as you’d dive into the world of larger-than-life film sets!
Qutub Shahi Tombs
Known as one of the oldest heritage sites in Hyderabad, the site has 7 tombs of Qutub Shahi rulers. They are located at a distance of 850m from the ‘Banjara Darwaza’ of ‘Golconda Fort’. What can allure the visitors is the amalgamation of Persian and Indian architecture inside the making of the tombs. They are constructed with grey granite with dome-shaped roofs adorned in beguiling designs. For lovers of open green spaces, there is an Ibrahim Bagh around the tombs that is apt to enjoy some gala time over a sunny picnic day. ‘Qutub Shahi Tombs’ are also a crucial site as it is chosen as the venue of the famous Deccan festival by the State Government of Telangana.
So if you are an admirer of art, architecture, heritage and historical legacies and also bear a taste for contemporary settings, then Hyderabad has a lot to offer!
Its tombs, palaces, forts, bazaars and minarets are reminiscent of Nawabi rule of the past while the state’s film city, entertainment parks, lakes and planetariums remind one of the present landscape of modernity.
