Andhra Pradesh
The largest of the four southern
States, Andhra Pradesh. comprising erstwhile princely State
of Hyderahad and Telugu speaking parts of the former State of
Madras, was created in October 1953 on linguistic basis. Andhra
Pradesh’s population is nearly 7,57,27,541 and area around
2,75,069 sq.km. The language predominantly spoken is Telugu
and it is a hot land with temperature shooting up to 45°C
with humidity in the peak months of summers. The best season
to visit is between Nov. and March. Andhra Pradesh may not compare
with scenic splendor of Kerala or architectural beauty of the
monuments in Tamil Nadu and Karnatak but it has some very interesting
places from tourist’s point of view. Some of them have
been described below:
Hyderabad
The Capital of the State and the sixty
largest city of Indian Union. is a beautiful city with its mosques,
palaces, forts, museums, lakes and house-lined busy bazars.
This citadel of Nizanis, who became independent when the Mughal
Power declined, was founded by Sultan Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah
of Golconda in l591, on the river Musi. His successors, the
Nizams remained in power until its integration in Indian Union
following the country’s Independence in 1947. The places
worth visiting are the following:
Char Minar
Built by the founder of the city, it was
erected in 1591 as an expression of joy and gratitude at the
termination of the plague in the city. Its four minarets at
the corner rise to a height of 56 meters, and from its top the
view of the city is superb.
Salar Jung Museum
Believed to be the best in Asia, it is
a unique collection of art objects. This fabulous treasure house
was given the present shape by Mir Yusuf Ali Khan, popularly
known as Salar Jung III, himself a great connoisseur of art.
It contains wonderful art objects, statue by master Italian
sculptor and rare Persian miniatures, Illuminated Koran and
the like which provide a joy to the beholder.
Golconda Fort
About 8 km. west of Hyderahad are the massive
Golconda Fort and Qutub Shahi Tomb. The fort has massive spiked
gates, 87 bastions, palaces, Durbar Hall, stabes, harem, grain,
silos, barracks, etc. The fort is also famous for its excellent
acoustic system. A clap made in the Grand Portico can be heard
in the Durbar Hall. Golconda was also once famous of its fabulous
diamonds and the renowned Diamond Kohinoor was unearthed from
this region only.
Hyderabad is well linked with Delhi, Calcutta, Bombay and Chennai
and has excellent rail connections with these cities also. There
are many hotels here suiting to every visitor’s convenience
and budget.
More>>
