the objects art including Persian carpets, Mughal miniatures, Chinese porcelain, Japanese Lacquerware, famous sculptures like the Veiled Rebecca and Marguerite and Mephistopheles, a superb collection of jade, daggers belonging to Queen Noor Jahan and the Emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb's sword and so on.

GOLCONDA FORT - A FASCINATING SAGA

Golconda is one of the famous Fort in South India. The origins of the fort can be traced to the Yadava dynasty of Deogiri, and the Kakatiyas of Warangal. The first three Qutab Shahi kings rebuilt Golconda, over a span of 62 years. The fort is famous for its caustics, palaces, factories and ingenious water supply system. The fort was also famous for diamond trade and the Kohinoor diamond is said to have come from here.

MECCA MASJID

Largest in Southern India, Mecca Masjid is just a few steps away from Charminar. The central arch in the mosque is said to have been built with bricks from Mecca, hence the name. The mosque treasures holy relics of Prophet.

QUTB SHAHI TOMB

2 Km from Golconda Fort is the beautiful garden of Ibrahim Bagh in which are the seventh tombs of Qutb Shahi rulers. Every arch, dome and gallery here speak of Qutb Shahi architectural excellence.

HUSSAINSAGAR

This picturesque lake unites Hyderabad and Secunderabad. In the middle of the lake is the 'Rock of Gibraltar', on which stands the statute of Buddha. On the side of the lake is the beautiful Necklace Road and on the other is the famous Tank bund. Statues of legendary personalities from history are set on this promenade.

BIRLA MANDIR

Built in sculpted white marble, this temple is set on a hillock overlooking Hussainsagar. The deity in the temple is a replica of the one at Tirumala.

BIRLA PLANETARIUM / BIRLA SCIENCE MUSEUM

A few yards away from Birla Mandir is the India's most modern planetarium and Science Museum paying tribute to the advancement achieved by Science and Technology.

NEHRU ZOOLOGICAL PARK

One of the largest in Asia, the Zoo Park is spread over 300 acres with a Lion and Technology.

PUBLIC GARDENS

Hyderabad has several beautiful gardens, one of the most popular being the Public Gardens, which also encloses the States Legislature, State Archeological Museum, Jubilee Hall, Jawahar Bal Bhavan and Telgu Lalitha Kala Thoranum, an open air theater.

OSMANIA UNIVERSITY

Established in 1918, it is one of the oldest universities in India. Named after Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, the university buildings are splendid examples of Indo-Persian and Arabic architecture.

SHAMIRPET

27 Km from the city, Shamirpet is an enchanting picnic spot. With Jawahar Deer Park, housing Blackbuck and Chital, with the serene man-made lake is a must for nature lovers.

LUMBINI PARK

This beautiful entertainment park is situated on the banks of Hussainsagar lake. Major attractions here are boating in the lake and a musically synchronised water fountain.

SHILPARAMAM - THE CRAFTS VILLAGE

The crafts village set up Madhapur beyond Jubilee hills in Hyderabad, is spread over 30 acres. It has annual bazaars where artists and artisans from all over the country participate.