locating home: india's hyderabadi's abroad

other attractions 

A collection of art objects by Nawab Salar Jung III, this museum houses magnificent exhibits of European and Indian paintings and statuary. Of special interest is the Jade Room containing priceless objects which belonged to ancient Indian rulers like Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan. 

Overlooking the Tank Bund, the Birla Mandir presents an arresting sight when illuminated in the evening. This magnificent structure built entirely out of marble from Rajasthan, stands atop the Kala Pahad, the twin hillock of the Naubat Pahad. Built by a Birla Foundation over a span of ten years, the main temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara. 

Hyderabad's most popular promenade, the Tank Bund dams the Hussain Sagar lake. It is lined with 33 statues of famous personalities of the state. Recently installed is the monolith of Buddha at the centre of the lake. This lake is the venue of many water sport events. 

In the heart of the city is the B.M. Birla Planetarium, one of the newest and the most modern in India. It is being developed into a centre for the study of astronomy. 

This zoo spreads over 300 acres and is one of the largest in Asia. Over 3000 different species of birds and animals can be seen here. It has a unique nocturnal zoo which houses animals not normally seen during the day. The Natural History Museum has rare and interesting exhibits. Large recreational parks, gardens, a mini train and animal rides, make it an ideal spot for a picnic. 

Originally called the Bagh-e-aam, it consists of well laid out gardens. It also houses the imposing State Legislative Assembly building, the Jubilee Hall, the Jawahar Bal Bhavan, the Health Museum and the State Archaeological Museum. 

The street leading from Charminar to the square on the west called the Chowk, is known as Lad Bazaar. It is a shopping centre of the old city specialising in bridal ware. Here you will find the famous glass bangles of Hyderabad. Midway to the Chowk on the left, you will marvel at the splendid pink gates and semi-circular outer walls of the Nizam's Jillukhana (Parade Grounds) built in the French-Islamic style during Nizam VI reign. The troops were quartered here and the large gateway facilitated the easy movement of elephants.