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Char Minar
       Standing in the heart of the old city and surrounded by lively bazaars, this huge triumphal arch was built by Muhammad Quli Qutab Shah in 1591 to commemorate the end of a plague in Hyderabad. An image of this building graces every packet of Charminar cigerattes, one of India's most popular brands. The monument is now permanently closed.

Golconda Fort
        The city of Hyderabad is famous for its breathtaking monuments. The majestic and imposing monument which lies on the Western outskirts of Hyderabad city - Golconda Fort, unravels with it the 400 years of the rich cultural heritage of this city. Built by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah in 1525, the Golconda Fort epitomises the opulent nawabi culture of the time. "Shepherd's Hill" or "Golla Konda", as it was popularly known in Telugu, has an interesting story behind it. One fine day, on the rocky hill called Mangalavaram, a shepherd boy came across an idol.

        This was conveyed to the Kakatiya king, who was ruling at that time. The king got a mud fort constructed around the holy spot. Over a period of time this lowly construction was expanded by the Qutub Shahi kings into a massive fort of granite which has been a silent witness to many historic events. Every nook and corner of this splendid monument echoes the unparalleled history of a bygone era. The impregnable fort was cradled by many dynasties and it was of strategic importance to most of the rulers. In 1518, when the Qutub Shahi dynasty was found, Golconda was made its capital. The subsequent generations saw Golconda being fortified further with several additions and the formation of a beautiful city within. By the 17th century, Golconda was famous as a Diamond Market. It gave the world some of the best known diamonds, including Kohinoor.

        The magnificent architecture of the Golconda fort is manifest in its acoustic system, the structural grandeur of the palaces and ingenious water supply system. One visit to the fort, and you will get transported to that eventful age of the Qutub Shahi dynasty that speaks volumes of their glorious achievements. One is perplexed to see the meticulous details of the architecture and the fading gardens which were once upon a time replete with sprawling lawns and playing fountains. Some thing that bewilders the visitor is the modern acoustic system which was so designed that a hand clap sounded at the entrance gate of the fort could be heard right up in the citadel ! Also, the design of the ventilation reveals the brilliant planning of the architects. The ventilation is designed to let in a flow of fresh cool breeze which is a respite from the heat of summer ! ! Outside the Golconda Fort are two separate pavilions built on a rocky eminence - the Taramathi Gana Mandir and the Premathi Nritya Mandir from where the legendary sisters Taramathi and Premamathi resided.

        They gave their performance on a circular dais atop a two-storied structure, the Kala Mandir, which was visible from the king's durbar (king's court) on top of the Golconda Fort. Although in a dilapidated condition, efforts are on to revive the glory of the Kala Mandir by organizing the Deccan art festival annually. Close to the fort are the beautiful domed monuments, the Qutub Shahi Tombs built with Islamic architecture. Golconda is all this and more. A new attraction at the fort is a sound and light show that brings the legend of Golconda to life. With a spectacular interplay of audio and visual effects, the saga of Golconda unfolds over centuries of splendor. The show livens up the glorious past and it is an experience worth watching. The show is presented in English and Telugu on alternate days of the week. The Golconda still stands tall as a proud sentinel amidst the current day Golconda artillery of the Indian Army which has sprung up today. Though mute, yet it tells a story that no one else has seen. It has indeed become an immortal monument!

Salarjung Museum
        Dating back to the 1st century, the collections in this museum belong to different civilisations; and they were collected by the late Nawab Mir Yusuf Ali Khan Salarjung III, the Prime Minister to Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan, Nizam VII, the ruler of Hyderabad. It is also one of the single largest one- man collections of the world and makes the city of Hyderabad all the more well known. One of the most memorable galleries is the clock room that houses more than 300 clocks ranging from the ancient Sandiaers in the form of obelisks to modern huge pieces from the 19th and 20th century.

        They vary in size, material and shape. From the tiny pieces set in magnifying glasses to huge and stately grandfather clocks from France, England, Germany, Italy and Switzerland can be seen displayed. One such musical clock drawing big crowds is the one sold by Cook and Kelvy of England. The clock is a mechanical wonder. People throng to see the toy figure of a watchman who pushes open the door, emerges hour after hour in a great hurry to beat the melodious gong that indicates time. Speaking of the significance of the Salarjung Museum, Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India(1955) said, "One's wonder and admiration are aroused when it is remembered that it is the collection of an individual and that not many a state can boast of a like collection".

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