PLACES TO VISIT

BIRLA MANDIR Built entirely of sculpted marble brought from Rajasthan, the Birla temple is a shrine to Lord Venkateshwara. The eleven-feet tall idol that stands in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple is sculpted from black granite, and is a replica of the statue at Tirupati. The view from the temple, which stands on Kala Pahad, is beautiful at night - the city as a black sheet with shimmering lights strewn oven it. Tel: 2323 5380, 2323 3259 Timings: 7:00am to 12:00 noon; 2:00pm to 9:00pm Open Everyday Photography: Allowed, But video cameras are not. No entry fee 7 Km from the airport, Adarshnagar

BIRLA PLANETARIUM AND SCIENCE MUSEUM
A few strides away from the Birla temple, the planetarium has some very sophisticated equipment and hold fascinating sky shows on various aspects of the universe. The science museum now has a 'Dinosaurium' which houses a collection of dinosaur egg fossils, marine shells, and fossilized tree trunks. The highlight of the museum is a mounted 'Kotassurus Yamanpalliensis', the remains of a 160-million-year-old dinosaur, For all you stargazers and tomb-raiders.

Tel: 2323 5081, 2324 1067
Timings: Planetarium 11:30 am to 8:00 pm. Science Museum 10:30am to 8:00pm
Closed on the last Thursday of every month
Photography: Not Allowed
Entry fee : Planetarium - Rs. 15; Science Museum - Rs. 13
7 Km from the airport, Adarshnagar.

BOTANICAL GARDENS
Situated near the HITEC CITY, away from the city's hustle and bustle, its tranquil environs and ecological diversity have a truly claming effect on the senses. A park you must take a walk in.

Timings: 10:00am to 5:00pm
Open daily
Photography : Allowed
Entry fee: Rs 25
20 Km from the airport, Kondapur

CHARMINAR A visit to Hyderabad would be incomplete without a trip to the city's icon, the doors to which have been recently thrown open to visitors. You can take in the sights of the old city from Clock Tower, on the first floor. Built by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah in 1591, at the centre of the city's original layout, Charminar is named for its four graceful minarets that each rise to a height of 53m. It is also surrounded by four grand arches or kamaans. There is a mosque right on the top of it and surrounding it is the Laad Bazaar, Capture the essence of the Old City here with its ittar and pearls dealers and , while here , don't forget to pick up bangles from the famous Laad Bazaar nearby. Tel: 2452 2990 Timings: 9:00am to 5:00pm Open Daily Photography : Allowed Entry Fee: Rs. 5 15 Km from the airport, Old City

GOLCONDA FORT A massive fort with ramparts about 7km in circumference, it stands on a hill about 120 metres high, Build in the 13th century by the kakatiyas, it was improved upon by the Qutub Shahi Kings. This city within walls was world-renowned for its diamond trade and spawned such gems as the Kohinoor. Engage a guide to know all about the Golconda grandeur, especially the ingenious water supply system and the astounding acoustics of the fort - a sound made at the entrance can be heard a kilometre away! There is a 50-minute light and sound show in Hindi, English and Telugu after 4:00pm. Tel: 2351 2401 Timings: 10:00am to 7:00pm Closed on Mondays Photography: Allowed Entry Fee: Rs 5 20 km from the airport, Golconda

HITECH CITY It is a structure that stands as an epitome of the IT Industry, housing the offices and workstations of some of the biggest names in computer technology, including Microsoft. Timings: 8:00am to 8:00pm Photography: Allowed Entry fee: None 15 Km from the airport, Madhapur

HUSSAIN SAGAR The oldest excavated lake in Hyderabad, it came into existence even before the cit was built, Ibrahim Qutub Shah had the lake excavated in 1578, with a bund on the Eastern side. Colloquially referred to as 'Tank Bund', the lake now has a monolithic statue of the Buddha standing in the middle of it. Boating on the lake is popular, both for looking at the Buddha up-close, and for parties and get-togethers. The Necklace Road, a winding road around the lake, connects the stage for many a cultural festival. When the road is lit up at night, a drive across the Hussain Sagar in immensely enjoyable. Photography: Allowed Entry Fee: None 6 Km from the airport, Tank Bund

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Legislative Assembly is now the name imparted to the Hyderabad State Town Hall built in 1913. The Mahatma Gandhi statue erected at the entrance makes this monument a splendid tourist cynosure. Visitors are permitted to view the assembly from an audience gallery. This meeting ground for the state's elected representatives makes for spectacular viewing on the eve of the national or state events when it is especially illuminated. It is located amidst the bounty of the Public Gardens. Tel: 2323 0580, 2323 2171 Timings: 10:00am to 5:00pm Entry Fee: None 15 Km from the airport, Nampally

MECCA MASJID It is the second-largest mosque in India and the seventh-largest in the world. Its construction was started during the reign of Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah but was finally completed by Aurangzeb. Its claim to fame is the use of bricks brought all the ay from Mecca to build its central arch. This grand mosque offers a serene atmosphere, with only pigeons cooing in every corner. Everyone, irrespective of caste, is permitted to enter the masjid. Timings: 8:00am to 12:00 noon, 3:00pm to 8:00pm Photography: Allowed Entry fee: None 20Km from the airport, Old City

NEHRU ZOOLOGICAL PARK
Diverse flora and fauna spread over 300 acres makes the Nehru Zoological Park India's biggest zoo. A lion safari, natural history museum and a kiddie's train serve as added attractions. The diversity of flora and fauna varies according to the season, but it is nevertheless a good picnic spot on any given day.

Tel: 2447 7355
Timings: 8:30am to 5:00pm
Closed on Mondays
Photography: Allowed
Entry Fee: Adults: Rs10, Children: Rs. 5
18 Km from the airport, Bahadurpura

HEH THE NIZAM'S MUSEUM
Dedicated to the seventh and last Nizam, his Exalted Highness, Mir Osman Ali Khan, this museum was opened to public on 18 February 2000. The completion of twenty-five years of the Nizam's rule in 1936 was celebrated as the Silver Jubliee function in 1937. The rich collection of souvenirs, mementos and models presented to him on the occasion form the core of the museum. it also houses the longest wooden wardrobe in the world belonging to the sixth Nizam.

Tel: 2452 1029
Timings: 10:00am to 5:00pm excluding Fridays- 1:30pm to 5:00pm
Photography: Allowed on payment
Entry fee: Adults Rs 50 (50% concession for group tours); Children Rs. 15
15 km from the airport, Purani Haveli, behind Princess Durru Shehvar Children's Hospital

NTR GARDENS
A wonderful tourist spot done up in fond remembrance of the late N T Rama Rao. Situated opposite the Hussain Sagar Lake, it has some amazing fibreglass structures as well as various rides and games for kids. the monorail system makes the touring even more beautiful.

Tel: 2345 0305
Timings: 2:30pm to 8:30 pm
Photography: Allowed
Entry Fee: Adults Rs 15, Children Rs. 10
7 Km from the airport, Tank Bund

OSMANIA UNIVERSITY A respected educational establishment, this university has the distinction of being awarded five-star status by the National Accreditation and Assessment Council (NAAC) of the Universtiy Grants Commission, Government of India, in 2001. Founded in 1919, the university campus, spread over nearly 1600 acres, houses beautiful buildings, landscaped gardens and an auditorium. The university buildings are splendid examples of Indo-persian and Arabic architecture. The architecture was the brainchild of Belgian architect, Jasper, and was designed by Nawab Zain Yar Jung. Its imposing Arts College with Ellora paintings on the first floor is especially worth seeing. Tel: 2709 8048 Timings 9:00 am to 5:00pm Entry Fee: None 15Km from the airport

PAIGAH TOMBS
The Paigah family were top-ranking nobles under the Asaf Jahis, and, like the Qutub Shahis, preferred a single place to lay out their dead. The architecture fo the Paigah tombs combines Mughal and Rajasthani styles, resulting in uniquely structured crypts made of lime an dmortar, with marble inlay. The details in the intricate stuccowork is absorbing, and the place is filled with the atmosphere that only memories can create.

Timings: 10:00am to 5:00pm
Closed on Fridays
Photography: Allowed
Entry Fee: None
20Km from the airport, Santoshnagar

QUTUB SHAHI TOMBS
Just next door to the Golconda Fort are the royal cemeteries of the Qutub Shahi Kinds, The seven tombs are surrounded by beautiful gardens of Ibrabim Bagh. The architecture here is said to be a blend of the Persian, Pathani, and Hindu styles, incredibly beautiful, with a wistful feel to them. You will be transported to another time and place.

Tel: 2351 3410 (Museum)
Timings: 9:00am to 4:30 pm
Photography: Allowed
Entry Fee: Rs 5
20 Km from the airport, Golconda

RAMOJI FILM CITY Spread over 1800 acres, it is one of the largest, most comprehensive and most professionally planned film production centres in the world. It is designed for a producer to walk in with a script and walk out with a film. besides its lavish sets, other attractions include many restaurants, hotels, nurseries etc,. A must-see, especially for movie buffs, who should set apart a whole day to view the entire film city, preferably with the help of a guide. Tel: 2323 5678 Timings: 10:00am to 6:00pm Open Daily Photography: Allowed Entry Fee: Adults: Rs 300, Children Rs 150 30 Km from the airport

SALAR JUNG MUSEUM is a virtual treasure house of historical information an dpricells antiques and relics collected from all over the world by the Nawab Salar Jung III. Don't miss the Jade Room with objects from the times of Aurangzeb, Tipu Sultan, and the Asaf Jahs of Hyderabad. A must-see for all history buffs and those who appreciate objects d'art. Tel: 2452 3211 Timings: 10:00am to 5:00pm Closed on Fridays Photography: Not Allowed Entry Fee: Rs 10, Foreigners: Rs 150 15 Km from the airport, Afzal Gunj

SHILPARAMAM It is a craft village spread over 50 acres of land, that houses handloom and handicraft stalls through the year. During annual fairs, artisans from all over the country are invited to interact directly with the buyers of their work. It also serves as a centre for various cultural activities, and is next door to the HITECH City. with ethnicity as its catchphrase, it's Hyderabad's equivalent of Delhi Haat. Tel: 2310 0455 Timings: 10:30am to 7:00pm Photography: Allowed Entry Fee: Adults Rs 10; Children Rs:5 15Km from the airport, Madhapur

THE HIGH COURT
Located along the Musi River, near the Afzal Gunj Bridge, this beautiful buildig in pink granite was created by British architech Vincent Esch in 1916. Said to be the architect's most strikin gwork, it was built at an estimated cost of two million rupees. This impressive structure can be viewed an dappreciated only from the outside. Special permission is required to go inside.

Photography: Not allowed
15Km from the airport, Afzal Gunj