Hyderabad is the creation of the Qutab Shahi rulers. During 1580-1600, Mohammed Quli Qutab Shah decided to shift his capital from Golconda to the banks of River Musi. Consequently, a city adorned with magnificent palaces and mosques, embodying a style of architecture that was unique to the place the domes and minarets dressed with splendid ornamentation was born. Hyderabad was called as Istanbul of India.
It was a seat of throne of Nizam Shahi rulers till 1947. The Nizam ruler Nazim Mahbub Ali Khan was richest man in the world till 1960. The modern day Hyderabad is a new silicon centre of India. The modern metropolis has luxurious hotels for business and leisure travelers. The city has some of the best posh colonies like Banjara Hills. It is also the centre of Telugu Cinema which is known for its action stunts and gorgeous actresses.
Hyderabad is a centre for handicrafts of the city and from around the state. There are fabulous bargains at Charkaman, Mitti-ka-Sher and Laad Bazaar. They include: bidriware, hookahs, boxes, jewellery made of black gun-metal inlaid with fine silver wire in exquisite floral and geometric patterns.
The symbol of the city,Charminar, looming at a height of 56 m, is an impressive square gateway with four minarets. The arch is illuminated daily in the evening. . There are other monuments displaying the grandeur of the past era.
The city is well connected by all modes of transport and is fast developing into world city as the local government is developing Formula 1 track around Hyderabad. City tours are conducted by local travel agents.
