Hyderabad, the capital of the Telangana State, is the fifth largest cosmopolitan city in India. Occupying 650 square kilometres (250 sq mi) along the banks of the Musi River, it has a population of about 6.7 million and a metropolitan population of about 7.75 million The city thrives with a variety of cultures intermingled into an astounding culture that gives it a distinct identity of its own. Hyderabad was historically known as a pearl and diamond trading centre, and it continues to be known as the “City of Pearls”. Many of the city’s traditional bazaars remain open, including Laad Bazaar, Begum Bazaar and Sultan Bazaar.
From the conference attendee’s point of view, the host city Hyderabad has a lot to offer. One can experience the Royal grandeur of Nizam’s (who ruled Hyderabad before Independence); experience the culinary feast. Hyderabad is truly a gourmet’s paradise. Known for its biryani – a rice dish with succulent melt-in-the-mouth pieces of meat cooked delicately with the best Indian spices. Top the taste with a spoonful of Qubani ka meetha – a delicious dessert of apricots and cream and feel the charm of the Nizams overcome you.
Places to Visit :
Hussain Sagar
Hussain Sagar is a heart shaped lake in Hyderabad built by Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah in 1563, during the rule of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah. It is spread across an area of 5.7 square kilometers and is fed by River Musi. A large monolithic statue of the Gautama Buddha, erected in 1992, stands on Gibraltar Rock in the middle of the lake. It also separates Hyderabad from its twin city Secunderabad. The maximum depth of the lake is 32 feet.
Charminar
The Charminar (“Four Minarets”), constructed in 1591, is a monument and mosque located in Hyderabad, India. The landmark has become a global icon of Hyderabad, listed among the most recognized structures of India. Charminar has been a historical place with mosque on the top floor for over 400 years and it is also famous for its surrounding markets. It is one of the tourist attractions in Hyderabad. It is where Many local festivals are celebrated in Charminar area like Ramzaan.
The Charminar is situated on the east bank of Musi river. To the west lies the Laad Bazaar, and to the southwest lies the richly ornamented granite Makkah Masjid. It is listed as an archaeological and architectural treasure on the official “List of Monuments” prepared by the Archaeological Survey of India. The English name is a translation and combination of the Urdu words Chār and Minar or meenar, translating to “Four Pillars”; the eponymous towers are ornate minarets attached and supported by four grand arches.
Falaknuma Palace
Falaknuma is a palace in Hyderabad. It belonged to the Paigah family, and it was later owned by the Nizam of Hyderabad. It is on a 32-acre (13 ha) area and just 5 km away from Charminar. It was built by Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra, prime minister of Hyderabad and the uncle and brother-in-law of the Nizam VI, Nawab Mir Mahboob Ali Khan Bahadur. Falak-Numa means “Like the Sky” or “Mirror of the Sky” in Urdu.
Golkonda Fort
Golkonda, also known as Gol konda (“Round shaped hill”), or Golla konda, (Shepherds Hill) is a citadel and fort in Southern India and was the capital of the medieval sultanate of the Qutb Shahi dynasty (c.1518–1687), Golkonda is situated 11 km (6.8 mi) west of Hyderabad. It is also a tehsil of Hyderabad district, Telangana, India. The region is known for the mines that have produced some of the world’s most famous gems, including the Koh-i-Noor, the Hope Diamond, Nassak Diamond and the Noor-ul-Ain.
Taramati Baradari
Taramati Baradari is one of the popular monuments of Hyderabad. Taramati Baradari is consisted of a music hall with 12 entrances. It was used an an auditorium. Taramati has been situated on the top of the hill, which was done so as to avoid any disturbance to the sound from the population of the surrounding area. Its hall is spacious. This huge structure is in the shape of semi-arch; it opens into an art gallery.
Tale of Taramati Baradari: Taramati Gana Mandir (Singing Hall) and the Premathi Nritya Mandir (Dancing Hall) are the places where both legendary sisters Taramathi and Premamathi have resided. Both the sisters used to perform at two separate pavilions which are circular dais on top of a two-storied structure. Both the baradaris are located at a distance of few kilometres from each other. Taramati and Premamati, the two dancers and courtesans of the Abdullah Qutub Shah who was the 7th Sultan of Golconda, used to often perform dances on a rope that was tied between Sultan’s balcony and their place. However, similar to his Grandfather, the founder of Hyderabad, who had courtesan Bhagmati as his favourite; Taramati was the favourite dancer of Abdullah Qutub Shah. This is the reason why he created Taramati Baradari with astonishingly fine acoustics so that her voice would reach him at the Golconda Fort, which is lesser than 3 km. The acoustics of Taramati Baradari is of such high standards that it is often compared to the one in Bala Hisar of Afghanistan.