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HYDERABAD

Hyderabad is one of the most happening place and is the capital of Andhra Pradesh. It was found by Qutbh Shahi, the dynasty of Golkonda. It is the fifth largest city in the country. Hyderabad is known for its rich history, culture and architecture representing its unique character as a meeting point for North and South India, and also its multilingual culture, both geographically and culturally. Hyderabad is also known as The City of Nizams and The City of Pearls’. It is one of the most developed cities in the country and a modern hub of Information Technology, ITES and biotechnology.

The original city of Hyderabad was founded on the banks of river Musi which is now known as the historic "Old City", home to the Charminar and Mecca Masjid, which lies on the southern bank of the river. The city center saw a shift to the north of the river, with the construction of many government buildings and landmarks there, especially south of the Husain Sagar lake. The rapid growth of the city, along with the growth of Secunderabad and neighboring municipalities has resulted in a large and populous metropolitan area. And thus the city is known as twin cities namely Hyderabad and Secunderabad. While Muslims are concentrated near the old city (localities surrounding Charminar), other parts of the city especially to the north, people of mixed cultures and backgrounds like the Sikhs, Gujaratis, Coastal Andhra, Marathis, Bengalis, and others have made the city their home. Secunderabad retains some of it's colonial look with a concentration of Anglo-Indians.

Hyderabad is a city that sees an amalgamation of two major cultures - Hinduism and Islam. The religious places in Hyderabad are a fine example of the peaceful co-existence of the two cultures. The City has evolved into a cosmopolitan society due to the heavy presence of the Information technology Industry while maintaining ancient culture and traditions. Historically, Hyderabad has been the city where distinct cultural and linguistic traditions of North India and South India meet. Hyderabadis, as residents of the city are known, have developed a distinctive culture which is a mixture of ancient Hindu traditions of Telugu people and Islamic culture.

Archival Museum :

Begumpet Mosque : A striking feature of the mosque in the city is its sheer variety. But this mosque resembles the architecture of a church. It is said that the mosque was also mistaken for that of a church. The devout may scoff but the Spanish Mosque (Jama Masjid Iqbal-ud-Dowla) on the Paradise-Begumpet Airport Road falls into this genre, though heritage experts disagree with its similarity to a church. At best it looks very European, as the name suggests. The mosque has a unique plan elevation, and was built by Sir Vikhar-ul-Umra Iqbal-ud-Dowla, the Paigah noble, in 1906. It is believed to be the only one of its kind in India, with pointed arches, a pointed main roof composed of two truncated octagonal pyramids placed one above the other intervened by octagonal domes. The minarets aesthetically placed at corners of the parapet are in the same style, very unusual from those seen in other mosques in the city and elsewhere. And it is difficult to miss them as you climb on (from Paradise side) to the flyover opposite the Airport. The other notable features are Moorish arches inside the prayer hall, Quranic verses in exquisite calligraphy inscribed on the inside walls, the absence of an ablution tank and a courtyard. In plan, the mosque comprises a main prayer hall, two rooms in front of it and a central corridor for entering the hall. It is over this central corridor or the entrance porch that the octagonal dome stands.

Dhartimata Temple : Dhartimata Temple is situated in BegumBazaar.

State Museum : The State Museum is located in the picturesque Public Gardens in Nampally. Andhra Pradesh State Archaeological Museum displays a stunning and rich collection of antiques and artifacts from the 1st century to the 20th Century of the country. It ranges from the Lotus Medallion of the 1st century to the amazing Kalankari work that adorned the bed-spreads of the Nizams to a period room that displays the typical living room of the Nizam time to the Jain sculptures and Statues. A compilation of sculptures, paintings, arms and artifacts etc. dating back to the 2nd century BC are displayed in its various galleries. Apart from these, the unique feature of the museum is its Modern Art Gallery that has a sizeable collection of paintings and sculptures of contemporary artistes of Hyderabad. The impressive museum building, built by Nizam VII in 1920, itself is a fine example of Indo-saracenic architecture. The museum garden holds a re-installed hall complete with columns and ornate ceiling from Ghanapur, and a wooden temple chariot with monsters carved on the beams. It is open from 10.30 A.M. to 5.00 P.M. except Mondays. Photography is allowed only by permission.

Kachiguda Mahankali Temple : Lal Darwaza is a popular urban area located in Hyderabad city. The place lies to the south of the Musi river and stands over the Old City in Hyderabad. The region is connected by an intermesh of small roads and one major road link called Sardar Patel Road. The region caters to a local population that has been living for years in these parts of the city. Lal Darwaza houses a number of worshipping places that are locally popular. Mahankali Temple, the venue for Bonali procession is one such popular site. The area is connected to Kachiguda railway station and this temple is so called as Kachiguda Mahankali temple.

Keesara Gutta Temple : Keesara Gutta temple is 33km from Hyderabadand is located in Keesara Mandal of Ranga Reddy District. The presiding deity of the Temple is Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy accompanied by Sri Bhavani and Sri Shiva Durga. Sivarahtri Brahmostavam is performed on a very large scale when lakhs of devotees visit the temple from all the corners of the State and seek the blessings of Lord Siva. However, according to a legend, Adikavi Valmiki installed Saraswathi and wrote the Ramayana here. There is a marble image of Valmiki and his samadhi near the temple. Many people, in fact, take their kids to Basar for "Akshara abhyasam" before commencing formal school education. Kartheeka Masam Abishekam will be done at Kessara Gutta Temple on Devotees names at a very Resonable Price of Rs.225/-

Krishna Kanth Park

Nagmata Temple : There are several temples to be visited in Hyderabad. One among them is the Nagamata temple which is situated in Secunderabad.

Shahi Masjid : Shahi Masjid is one of the oldest mosque in Hyderabad which is about 300 years old.

Shyam Mandir : Shyam Mandir is situated on Kachiguda station road. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shri Krishna. Veeranna Gutta was the old name referred by the local people and still few refers this place with the same name. A beautiful temple on a little hillock, originally had Hanuman shrine. Later Shiv temple was added. It is now renovated. Now the complex comprises temples for Lord Sri Shyam Baba, Lord Sri Radha Krishna, Lord Sri Shiva, Lord Sri Anjaneya, Lord Sri Kala Bhairava. Amba Mata, Navagraha and perhaps Naag Devta.

The Natural History Museum : This Natural History Museum is inside the campus of Nehru Zoological Park which is situated in the Bahadurpura area. It can be easily reached by hiring the ever-available local transport within the city. The Natural History museum displays ancient artifacts and dummies of stuffed animals that have become extinct. There is a Nocturnal Birds park which houses rare and exotic species of nocturnal birds and animals like owls, lemurs, etc. The museum is also dedicated to pre-historic creatures that walked the face of this planet before humans were formed. One can watch computerized dummies of dinosaurs and other pre historic creatures in this museum, which appear effortlessly real.

Yadagiri Gutta : Yadagirigutta is a hill temple, near Bhongir on the Secundrabad - Kazipet (Warangal) railroad. The temple enshrines the Narasimha incarnation of Vishnu as Lakshmi Narasimha. The temple is a natural cavern on the hill. Jwala Narasimha, Ghandabheranda Narasimha (without an image) and Yoga Narasimha are held in worship here, in addition to a silver image of Lakshmi Narasimha and a shrine to Aandaalamma. The temple is situated at a height of 300 feet on the hill, known as Yadagiri. At the foothills there is the Vaikuntha Dwara entrance. At the temple entrance to the temple there is a shrine to Hanuman and a gap in the rock, which is said to represent Ghandabheranda Narasimha. Lord Narasimha is believed to have been worshipped by sages (rushis). The region of Yadagirigutta is reputed to be a "Rushi Aradhana Kshetram" or the place of worship for sages. Many instances are cited of the Lord appearing in the dreams of the devotees, and administering medicines and operated the patients and blessed them with good health. The Aradhanam and Puja in this temple are performed according to Pancharatra Agamam. The puja vidhanam (Puja procedure) was set by Late Sri Vangeepuram Narasimhacharyulu who composed Yadagiri Suprabhatam, Prapatti, Stotram, Mangalashasanam and served as Sthanacharya of this temple It is also known as "Telangana Tirupati". There is also a Shiva temple in the hill.

Benog Wildlife Sanctuary:

Otherwise known as the Mountain Quail sanctuary, the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is dedicated to the famous now extinct bird the Mountain Quail which was last seen in 1876. Rare species of birds like the red billed blue magpie, and other species like Primates, reptiles and avi- fauna are found here. This sanctuary is mainly known for its abundant supply of plants with medical importance. The sanctuary is unique in having plant communities in various climax forms. This Sanctuary is accessible from two directions, northwest and south by road from Mussoorie. Located only 2 kms from Cloud end estate; this area forms the catchments of Aglar River which is a tributary of the Yamuna River. This falls in the catchment of the famous Kempty fall. The area has awesome scenic view of the snow peaks like Chaukhamba and Bandar Punch etc.

Camel’s Back Road:

This 4-km beautiful stretch of land that starts somewhere next to the Library Point and ends in Kulri Bazaar, gets its name from a naturally shaped outcrop of rocks in the form of a camel’s hump, which can also be viewed from the road next to the Mussoorie Public School situated near the ropeway. Curving round a mountainside, the road itself looks like the back of a camel. The Hawa Ghar is the most inviting of the resting places along Camel's Back Road. Getting here can be easily done on horse-backs, rickshaw rides or by walk. On the slopes adjoining the road is a cemetery from the mid-19th century with its cenotaphs and tombstones being visible from a distance, tourists are not allowed here.

Christ Church

Christ Church was built in 1836, located near the Kasmanda Palace is considered the oldest church in the whole of the Himalayan range. It is known for its Victorian Gothic design and the pre-Raphaelite stained glass windows depicting various legends from the life of Jesus Christ especially the high altar depicting the crucifixion of Christ. Plaques on the wall acknowledge the contribution of various people, amongst them John Lang, the noted writer. The William Hill organ in the church is about a hundred years old. In the churchyard is a deodar tree planted by Mary, Princess of Wales, in 1906.
Service timings 11.30 am on Sundays Tel 0135-2630622

Cloud’s End

Located 6 km west of the Library, clouds End marks the end of Mussoorie. The bungalow built in 1838 by a British Major was one of the First Four buildings of Mussoorie. The bungalow has since then been converted into a hotel called Clouds End, and is situated at the extreme west of Mussoorie Hill, The resort is surrounded by thick forest, offers a wide variety of flora and fauna besides a panoramic view of snow clad Himalayas, and Yamuna river. It can be reached by taking the Hathipaon Road from Happy Valley .This area is covered with thick jungles, 2 km further up is the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary. The Jwala Devi Temple which is situated on the adjacent Benog Hill can be seen here. Tibbi Point offers a glorious view of the sunset with the sky changing hue from yellow to crimson to a deep purple. The snow-capped peaks are visible from here. Wildlife can be spotted from here.

Dhanaulti:

Dhanaulti situated 24 kms away from Mussoorie, east of Landour along the Tehri Road, Is in the midst of deep forests of deodar, oak, conifer, rhododendron and flame of the forest, Located on the Mussoorie-Chamba track, Dhanaulti is the launching point for numerous treks into the snow-capped Himalayas, is popular among the pilgrims because of its location next to the Surkanda Devi, Chandrabadni and Kunjapuri, the sacred three of the holy Devi Darshan triangle. The nearest is the Surkanda Devi just 10 km from Dhanaulti. The devotees use a rough path to reach the shrine which gives a great view of the Himalayas. Deforestation of the majority of the pine trees have been replaced by buildings and other concrete structures, it still has a beautiful walking path in the surrounding forests.

Gun Hill:

Gun Hill is known to be an extinct volcano, rises 400 ft above the Mall. It can be reached by a bridle path forking off from the Mall, or via a ropeway ride, which affords a great view of the Doon Valley. In the pre Independence days a cannon placed here was boomed out sharply at noon for people to realize the time. The water reservoir of Mussoorie is situated here. The submit is filled with innumerable restaurants and souvenir shops. The view is really breath taking with Mussoorie, the Mall on one side and the Himalayan peaks of Banderpoonch, Nag Tibba and Yamunotri on the other.
Tickets Rs 50 per head for return trip Timings 9 am-10 pm

Happy Valley Area:

Happy Valley Area is a huge area situated to the west of Library Point and which covers the IAS Academy, the Municipal Gardens and the Tibetan homes and Tibetan temple. The road ends at Cloud’s End, final point of Mussoorie.

Hathipaon and Park Estate:

Hathipon is a park estate once lived by Sir George Everest. Situated past the Kala School (so named for the black habits worn by the nuns studying here) is a thickly wooded forest where wildlife like barking deer, langurs and the occasional leopard can be spotted. Further down the path is the only natural well in the Himalayas – The Wishing Well, and the Everest Camping House, a campsite in the middle of dense forests. From here, there is a 2-km trek to Park Estate which used to be Sir Everest’s villa and observatory. This Beautiful Park Estate is sandwiched between great Himalaya to one side and the Doon Valley to the other giving it an amazing view on both sides.

Jharipani Falls

Situated about 6 km downhill from Mussoorie these falls can be reached by road till a certain distance after which one has to cover the rest of the distance on foot, leading down from St George’s School Road till the Jharipani Main Market. Around Jharipani, in Barlowganj, is placed Musoorie’s famous boarding schools — St George’s, Wynberg Allen and Oakgrove.

Jwala Devi Temple:

Located 34 kms from Pauri on the main Pauri-Kotdwar road is the Jwala Devi Temple. Mata Durga is worshipped here mainly during 'Navaratras', when a special religious festival is held here. It is situated on top of the Benog Hill, surrounded by thick forests and offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayan Peaks, Doon Valley and Yamuna Valley.

Kempty Falls:

Located 14 km from Mussoorie, Kempty falls are one of the major tourist attractions. These falls are situated somewhere between the Dehradun-Mussoorie path. Set on the hilly area, the water cascades from a height of 40 feet making the Kempty falls ravishing. The water falling from an altitude of 4,500 feet which splits further into five cascades, the best time to visit is from March to July. This place was unfolded by John Mekinan, after 1835.The name Kempty came up because of the 'Camp-tea', organized by the Britishers. 12 km downhill from Past Kempty Fall on crossing the Aglar River, one reaches the legendary Yamuna River. Trout is ample here; one can obtain the fishing permits form the Divisional Forest Officer, Mussoorie. Phone: 0135 -632335

Lal Tibba

Lal Tibba was also known as Depot Hill, referring to the convalescent depot. It epitomizes as the highest point in Mussoorie. The access to the hill-top is not open to tourists, thus the name was switched to a 20-m tall tower situated at the edge of the cliff which has an old telescope giving a view of the snow clad peaks at a charge of Rs.20. The hill top is being used by the Indian military which is stationed there.

Landour Bazaar:

The Landour Bazaar is situated on a steep slope leading up to the cantonment and Sisters Bazaar. This old Mussoorie bazaar is a mile long. The bazaar came up about a hundred and fifty years ago, to serve the needs of British soldiers who were sent to the Landour convalescent depot to recover from sickness or wounds. The old military hospital built in 1827 now has been renovated to be the Institute of Technology Management. Today, the Landour bazaar serves the local population is known for their Silversmiths. Plenty of antique stores and shoemakers are present here.

Library Bazaar:

Library Bazaar identifies the western end of the Mall which is solely dominated by a library built in the mid-19th century in Victorian Gothic-style. Access is limited to members only. There is a Band Stand next to the Library where at one point of time the band would play all night. The shops are built in a circle and mostly satisfy the needs of the tourists with camera films and sweaters. Shop owners usually live above their shops. A statue of Mahatma Gandhi is placed in one corner giving the name Gandhi Chowk to the bazaar.

Municipal Garden:

This garden was initially known as Company Bagh then later was known as Botanical Gardens. It can be reached from the Waverly Convent Road, situated about 2 km from the Library on the Happy Valley side. The gardens are maintained by The Garden Welfare Association (Mobile: 09837535576) are a replica of old colonial gardens. Designed by the famous geologist, Dr. H. Fackner, the Municipal Garden is a lovely picnic spot. There is newly made waterfall which adds to the entertainment of the boating in the lake (Entry fee Rs 5 Boating fee, boating charges ranges from Rs 20 to Rs 40 for 15 mins Timings 9 am-6 pm) and a nursery which provides a few hill plants, Prices ranging from Rs 10-100.

Sister’s Bazaar:

In pre independence days, Nuns serving as nurses in the British hospital had a dormitory in this area gave this bazaar its name. This calm Bazaar is not so much a normal vibrant bazaar, it only houses as a group of old cottages with a couple of shops here and there. Located between towering oaks, pines and deodars, it’s usually used as a summer home for some actors. The main attraction of Sisters Bazaar, however, remains Prakash Brothers Store which sells delicious confectionery. Devdar Woods is the only hotel here, built next to the oldest deodar tree in the area. The location has quite a few walks and treks, each one of them enchanting. The trail called Fairy’s Glen, leading away from Sisters Bazaar to the Tehri Road, is especially awesome.

The Mall:

The Mall Road is situated in the heart of the town. The lamp-posts and benches with ornate curlicues here are a throwback to the colonial period and an addition to the feel of the rich history that defines the Mall. In the pre independence period ladies and the officers walked its length from the Clock Tower at Landour Bazaar to the Library. In recent times Mall runs from where the old Picture Palace cinema which was once the biggest cinema in India is located to the Library Bazaar. The middle section houses the Kulri Bazaar, the hub of all commercial, social and tourist activity, begins after crossing the Gun Hill Ropeway on the Mall. The tourist gets anything and everything here. The various 1980s-style video game parlors that have become a hit with kids (Rs 80 per hour; Timings: 7 am-10 pm) in Silverton, across the road from the now defunct Picture Palace, The Methodist Church (service timings: 11 am on Sundays) situated on the Mall is about a hundred years old and is usually open all days. The landmark SBI Building here was built to harbor Queen Victoria on her visit to the hills. Royal emblems on the grills and the façade can be still seen.

Tibetan Buddhist Temple:

Located on the Happy Valley Road just past the IAS Academy, this Temple is otherwise called the Shedup Choepelling Temple. This was the Dalai Lama’s first place of refuge when he fled Tibet, before he was granted land in Dharamsala by the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The prayer flags and the lamp house with hundreds of clay lamps relate serenity to the place. A number of Lhasa Apsos are permanently to be found in its courtyard, gamboling with each other. In the uphill from the temple past the stupa surrounded by prayer flags is a brilliant breathtaking view of the mountains.
Timings 7 am-5 pm Contact Tibetan Home Foundation, Tel: 0135 -2632608/ 25

Tibetan School and Homes

Bordering the temple is the Tibetan Homes Foundation that provides shelter and education to hundreds of Tibetan refugee children is running on donations. This school was set up in the early 1960’s under the direction of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government-in-Exile to give a home to the thousands of refugees fleeing when the Chinese occupied Tibet. This foundation provides housing and schooling for over 600 Tibetan refugee children from the ages of 5 to 18. The main mission of this institution is “giving of protection and help and education to the Tibetans in India, particularly to the Tibetan children, on all levels of human life, physical, social, cultural, religious and spiritual"

This foundation is chaired by the Dalai Lama, who visits every year around March. Timings 9 am-5 pm, Sundays closed
Closed for school holidays in January.

Trekking:

Mussoorie is the known for a trekking:

Pari Tibba, Situated on the eastern side of Mussoorie, the humble height of Pari Tibba, the ‘Hill of the Fairies’, is made up by its circle of thick oak and deodar forest. If the short forest road to Dhobhi Ghat is followed, it will take only 2 hours to reach the top.

Benog Wildlife Sanctuary: Located only 2 kms from Cloud end estate. It’s a very convient place for small treks. It is known for its wildlife, medical purposed plants and breathtaking view

Nag Tibba. : Situated 55 kms from Mussoorie Nag Tibba is known as the highest place around Mussoorie. It is surrounded by thick dense forests. It is till date the longest trek. The actual trekking for Nag Tibba starts some 21 kms away from the place. 7 kms from here there is the forest department’s rest house. To stay in the rest house reservations have to be done with Divisional Forest Officer, Mussoorie Phone: 0135 -632335

Sir George Everest Museum: 2-km trek to Park Estate which used to be Sir Everest’s villa and observatory. This Beautiful Park Estate is sandwiched between great Himalaya to one side and the Doon Valley to the other giving it an amazing view on both sides.

Clouds End: Located 6 km west of the Library, Clouds End marks the end of Mussoorie. It gives an amazing view of the surrounding view.

Jwala Devi Temple: Located 34 kms from Pauri on the main Pauri-Kotdwar road is surrounded by thick forests and offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayan Peaks, Doon Valley and Yamuna Valley.

Surkhanda Devi: located at 10,000 feet, 35 km down the Mussoorie - Tehri road. This Temple is elevated on a peak, the devotees have to trek two-km uphill. The temple has a legend relating that it was built on the site where sati (Shiva's consort) fell after it was chopped off to stop Shiva's terrifying dance of death that was shaking the universe.

Lakha Mandal: Situated 80 km away on the Mussoorie-Yamunotri Road. It has a rich historical reference to Mahabharata with idols of archaeological importance.

Kempty Falls: Situated 14 km from Mussoorie, these falls have water falling from an altitude of 4,500 feet which splits further into five cascades is a very good place to trek. The best time to visit is from March to July.

Dhanaulti: Situated 24 kms away from Mussoorie, east of Landour along the Tehri Road, is known for its breathtaking view of its deodhar forests and mountains capes.