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8 Reasons Why Hyderabad Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

Established in 1591, Hyderabad - or the 'City of Pearls' as it is famously known, has captured the heart of those who come by.

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1. Hyderabad's historical monuments such as Charminar and the Golconda Fort will charm you with its fascinating stories and legends

A night view of Charminar and its surroundings during the holy month of Ramadhan

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A view of inside the Charminar.

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Golconda Fort at Night

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Hyderabad houses some of the most famous historical sites including Salar Jung Museum (among the world's largest private collection museum) as well as art galleries, libraries, and theatres. Legend has it that Charminar was built to honour a promise Quli Qutb Shah, the person under whose rule it was constructed, made to Allah to mark the end of the plague in the city of Hyderabad.

2. Famously known as The City of Pearls, Hyderabad was ranked as Third Best City to Travel by Lonely Planet

00 Years old Makkah Masjid of Hyderabad

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Hyderabad was once the capital of a filthy-rich princely state. After India’s independence, the palaces and pleasure gardens were sold off, built over and looted, and you had to be really sharp to see the city’s beauty. But several palaces in Hyderabad’s Old City have recently been refurbished, including Falaknuma Palace, a seven-star hotel that was skilfully restored by the Taj Group and is now an exceedingly plush time capsule. Other monuments and buildings are being fixed up, but the city, and many of its architectural gems, are still off the radar – which keeps the masses at bay. Elegant and blossoming, but also weathered and undiscovered, Hyderabad’s Old City is ripe for exploration.

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3. Blossoming yet undiscovered, Hyderabad's Old City is every traveller's delight with traditional and historical bazaars still thriving

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A vendor at street stall at foot of Charminar

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When it comes to shopping, Hyderabad is nothing sort of a paradise. From antiques to beautiful rich dresses to rare semi precious gems and handicrafts, the city, due to its pleasant weather, is ideal for travellers to indulge in souvenir shopping.

4. Hyderabadi cuisine that is a blend of Mughlai and Persian food is an adventure on its own. A testimony of its opulent past, its mouth-watering food is known to be rich and aromatic.

Bengali food festival at Aditya Park hotel in Hyderabad

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Hyderabad Biryani in Hyderabad

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One of the main highlights of the Hyderabad tourism is the Hyderabadi food which uses fresh fruits instead of dried fruits. The Hyderabadi Biryani, one of India's most popular foods, is made of flavoured rice with meat or vegetables and an important part of Hyderabadi cuisine.

5. Hyderabad is home to some of the most exotic flora and fauna in India

Tigers relaxing under a tree in the Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad

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Spotted deer or Axis Axis from Nehru Zoological park Hyderabad

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With approximately 1500 species of birds reptiles and animals and with 300 acres of land Nehru Zoological Park is one of the largest zoos in Asia.

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Located 50 km northwest of Hyderabad, there is a sanctuary called Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary. Originally a crocodile sanctuary, today more than 70 species of birds are spotted here and is home for the vulnerable species mugger crocodile. The reservoir, located in the sanctuary, provides drinking water to Hyderabad and Secundarabad.

6. You can find some of the most beautiful man-made lakes in the world here. One of its 140 lakes is the magnificent Hussain Sagar with a large monolithic statue of Gautama Buddha peacefully watching over the city.

Statue of Buddha in the middle of the Hussain Sagar lake

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Sunset at Hussain Sagar Lake

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A new artery known as the Necklace Road links Lumbini park in Hyderabad with the Sanjeeviah park in Secunderabad. Necklace Road is the most popular boulevard and very scenic, its magnetism increased by a three-kilometer-long row of flowerbeds and lush green lawns running from north to south.

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There are over 140 man-made lakes in Hyderabad. Located in the heart of the city, Hussain Sagar is a beautiful and placid lake. It constitutes a continuum between history and the modern times. Extending 24 kilometres, it was built by Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali on a tribute to Musi River during the time of the great builder Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah, in 1562, to meet the water and irrigation needs of the city.

7. If you like watching movies, Hyderabad has the second largest IMAX 3D screen in the world

Entrance to Ramoji Film City

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Delhi's Mughal gardens at RFC, one of the many gardens at the city

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The Prasads IMAX in Hyderabad

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Hyderabad has the world's largest integrated film studio cum theme park called Ramoji Film City. It is also one of Asia's most popular tourism spots. Recently, Ramoji Film City also made its way to the Guinness Book of World Records for being the largest film studio in the world. It is also a popular tourism and recreation centre, containing both natural and artificial attractions including an amusement park.

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8. Epitomizing the diverse natural beauty of rural India, Hyderabad's traditional arts and crafts is a feast for your eyes and soul

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There is a shopping section for Handicrafts, Dress materials and other village made products.

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The 'Night Bazaar' at Shilparamam

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Shilparamam, a crafts village, conceived in the year 1992, is situated just about few kilometers from Hyderabad city. Sprawling over 65 acres (260,000 m2) of land in the hi-tech hub city of India, Shilparamam gives a scenic ambience of tradition and cultural heritage. Enchanting the blend of arts and artifact, epitomizing the true legacy with the diverse natural beauty of rural India; Shilparamam is tribute to Andhra Pradesh. Exhibiting the rustic richness and creativity of Hyderabad, it has captivated the imagination of visitors.

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