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Friday, November 16, 2007

How to Reach Hyderabad

By Air
Hyderabad is connected to the rest of the world by both
national and international flights. The Hyderabad airport is divided into both
domestic and international terminals. The domestic terminal is called the N.T.
Rama Rao Domestic Terminal. Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Air Sahara, Deccan
Airways, Kingfisher Airlines and Spice Jet are the major domestic flights that
operate here. The international terminal is called the Rajiv Gandhi
International Terminal. Major international flights operating here are Lufthansa
Airlines, SilkAir Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Saudi
Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines and Qatar Airlines. The airport is located at
Begumpet.

By Rail
Secunderabad, which is the co-sister city of
Hyderabad, is the head office of Southern and Central railways. Besides the
Secunderabad railway station there are two other railway stations namely, the
Hyderabad railway station (also known as Nampally) and Kacheguda railway
station. All the trains leaving from Hyderabad and Kacheguda railway station
have a stoppage at the Secunderabad railway station.

By
Road

Hyderabad city is well connected to all the major states like
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Orissa. The Andhra Pradesh State Road
Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has maintained a well laid out system of
roadways, which connect Hyderabad to almost every city and town. Its head office
is at Secunderabad. Some major national highways that pass through Hyderabad are
NH - 4, NH - 5, NH - 7, NH - 9, NH - 16, NH - 18, etc.

Holidays in Hyderabad

Hyderabad has a rich amalgamation of different cultures. One can see different
cultures peacefully co-existing with each other. Thus Hyderabad is bound to
celebrate different festivals almost throughout the year. Apart from the 3 major
National Holidays of India, Hyderabad has some festivals that are unique to its
culture. These festivals and holidays are given below.

Republic Day
(26th January)

This day is regarded as a national holiday as it is
celebrated as India's Republic Day.

Independence Day (15th
August)

This day is also a national holiday as it is the day India
received its freedom from the British and got independent.

Gandhi
Jayanti (2nd October)

This day is also a national holiday as it is the
birth anniversary of the father of nation, Mahatma Gandhi.

Apart from
these national holidays, public holidays are observed on every festival that is
celebrated in Hyderabad. On these holidays, all business and commercial places,
monuments and tourist places are usually closed, though it is advisable you
check with the hotel staff before venturing out to travel. Given below is the
list of public holidays in Hyderabad city.

  • Eid ul Zuha or Adha
  • Republic Day
  • Maha Shivaratri
  • Holi
  • Good Friday
  • Baisakhi, Vishu/Bahag, Mesadi, Maghi
  • Sri Rama Navami
  • Milad un Nabi or Eid ul Milad (The Prophet's Birthday)
  • Mahavir Jayanti
  • Buddha Purnima
  • Independence Day
  • Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday
  • Dussehra
  • Diwali (Deepavali)
  • Eid ul Fitr
  • Guru Nanak's Birthday
  • Christmas Day

Health Precautions in Hyderabad

The worst thing to happen while you are traveling is getting ill
or loosing your belongings. While traveling around the historic city of
Hyderabad, you must take care that you don't fall ill or loose your stuff. In
order to prevent such a mishap from taking place, one must follow some
precautionary measure while traveling. Read on about health and safety
precautions to be taken while traveling in Hyderabad. Hope these are helpful in
making your trip a pleasurable and a hassle-free one.

  • Check for hygiene and cleanliness while eating in roadside restaurants in
    Hyderabad. Try to get mineral water while eating out in restaurants.
  • Always insist for sterilized and disposable syringes in case you are in need
    of medical help.
  • Keep all sorts of valuables and important papers (jewelry, passports, return
    tickets, etc) in your hotel's safe deposit box. Do not leave them unattended in
    your room. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Substitute it with travelers'
    cheques and credit cards. Keep good amounts of change though.
  • Do not keep your wallet/purse in your rear pocket. Keep it inside your
    jacket pocket or side pocket of your trouser.
  • Make an itinerary of important places to visit in and around Hyderabad and
    allot time for each place. Ask the hotel staff to arrange for a taxi or a
    tourist bus for you to travel around. It is better to travel with other tourists
    of your hotel to avoid getting lost.
  • Avoid wearing revealing clothes while your stay in Hyderabad. You will end
    up attracting unwanted attraction and advances if you are wearing skimpy outfits
    because they do not appeal to Indian sensibilities. Jeans and trousers with
    normal shirts are accepted.
  • Avoid any public display of affection. It will be better if you do not shake
    hands with a person of the opposite sex unless the other person extends his/her
    hand before you do.

Tourist Guides in Hyderabad

To truly experience the magic of Hyderabad, it is better to hire a tourist
guide. Not only will he be able to help you getting around the city with ease,
but also keep giving you information regarding the bearing of each place. These
tourist guides are easily available around the city. It is better to ask the
place where you stay to arrange a guide for you. The guides are acquainted with
many languages including English, Hindi and some regional languages. Besides
these languages, some guides can even converse in French, German, Latin etc.


Though these guides are reliable, one should implement some amount of
caution while moving around with them. Given below are some precautions to be
taken which will help you be alert and make your trip hassle-free.

  • Always maintain a formal distance from the guides. Do not let them dominate
    you or take you for granted.
  • Do not disclose your personal details (like the amount of cash you are
    carrying, etc.) to them.
  • Do not exhibit your cash and money in front of them. Just keep some money
    and some loose change with yourself.
  • Do not hand them your credit cards, cheques and other valuables.
  • Do not open your luggage in front of them. Carry very minimal luggage if
    necessary.
  • Do not tip too generously and tip only at the end of the trip if you are
    satisfied.
  • Demand better service from them in case you are not satisfied. Remember you
    are paying for their service and they are obliged to serve you in the best
    possible way.

Entertainment in Hyderabad

The city of Hyderabad wont cease to keep you entertained
throughout your trip. There are a variety of entertainment options to choose
from while touring Hyderabad. You will never be faced with the problem of how to
enjoy in Hyderabad. Read on to know more about Hyderabad
entertainment.

The city of Hyderabad has a variety of amusement parks
that live upto their names and keep you actually amused! You will be surprised
at the number of joy ride options that they have to offer. They are sure to give
you the adrenalin rush of your life. Apart from these parks, you will find a
number of pubs, discotheques, clubs, snooker joints, bowling alleys and
go-karting racetracks to keep you entertained. The entertainment options in the
city are at par with top-class world standards and are sure to be a memorable
experience on your trip to Hyderabad.

You can catch a movie at the most
the happening multiplexes around the city. Go to the first multiplex to be set
up in Hyderabad, the famous PVR, which has 5 screens screening different movies
to suit your tastes. Apart from movies, one can visit the various art galleries
in the city that offer a superior quality visual treat and an enriching
experience. Visit the various dance and music academies if you want to get a
feel of the melodious South-Indian music that is sure to be a rejuvenating
experience. You shall get details about the various parks and entertainment
zones in our related sections.

Electricity in Hyderabad

The Electricity and Voltage in Hyderabad is 220 volts ac, 50 cycles. Electric Current in Hyderabad is erratic in some regions, so it is advised that you check beforehand if the place where you want to stay has a dependable electricity backup. It is recommended that you check the voltage before using any kind of electrical appliance such as electric shavers, electric toothbrush, hair-dryers, etc. In case the electric razor you are carrying has flat - pin plug, then it is prudent to carry a combination plug that will fit into a round - pin socket. In the Indian sub continent, plug point sockets are usually round than flat.

What to Eat in Hyderabad

Eating out in Hyderabad is something that people look forward to. The place is
famous for its Biryani, which is delicious. You will keep asking for more once
you have it. The question of what to eat in Hyderabad is not that difficult and
needs absolutely no pondering. Almost every road in Hyderabad has one eating
joint. You can hop into any of these restaurants in Hyderabad and have a
sumptuous meal to your heart's content.

In addition to the traditional
Hyderabad food and dishes, there are many fast food joints offering fast food
and Chinese delicacies. Some of the noted fast food joints in Hyderabad are
Domino's, Pizza Hut, Pizza Corner, and McDonald's. Bedsides these food joints,
many other restaurants and hotels also provide good quality fast food to satisfy
your taste buds.

Given below is a list of various restaurants and fast
food eating joints in Hyderabad. This should come handy while you are touring
Hyderabad.

  • Baadshah Restaurant
    R.T.C, Hyderabad
  • Pizza Hut
    RMK Plaza, R.No. 12 Banjara Hill, Hyderabad

  • Odeon Restaurant & Cafe
    Chikkadpally, Hyderabad
  • Aahar Celebrity Holiday Retreat
    Survey No. 1222, Shamirpet Village
    Shamirpet Mandal, Hyderabad
  • Epicurius Hotels and Restaurants
    Punjagutta Road, Hyderabad
  • Hotel Ballerina
    62-D, 3rd Floor, Happy Trade Center, S.D. Road, Hyderabad

  • Kamat Hotel
    Aladdin Complex, 72, S.D. Road, Hyderabad
  • Laxmi Restaurant
    Nampally, Hyderabad
  • Paradise Cafe and Stores- Annexe Persis
    M.G. Road, Hyderabad
  • Big Bazaar
    Maheshwari Palace Mall, Palace Talkies Compound, Hyderabad -
    500001
  • California Pizzeria
    Opposite Iranian Consulate, Road No 7
    Banjara
    Hills, Hyderabad - 500034
  • Pizza Corner
    Opp Sultan-ul-Uloom College, Road No 3
    Banjara Hills,
    Hyderabad - 500034
  • US Pizza
    Road No 1
    Banjara Hills, Hyderabad - 500034
  • Domino's Pizza
    Himayatnagar, Hyderabad - 500029
  • Domino's Pizza
    Somajiguda, Hyderabad - 500082
  • IBR Narmada`s Kitchen
    3-6-422, Street No 3
    Himayatnagar, Hyderabad -
    500029
  • M Gulamali & Sons
    Ranigunj, Hyderabad - 500003
  • Midways The Cake & Cookie Shoppe
    Road No 1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
    - 500034
  • Pizza Hut
    RMK Plaza, Road No 12 & 1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad -
    500034
  • Real Bakery
    Tarnaka, Hyderabad - 500017
  • Saiprem Fast Food Center
    Srinivasa Nagar East
    Ameerpet, Hyderabad -
    500016
  • Standard Cafe & General Stores
    Ameerpet, Hyderabad - 500016
  • Zama Hot Spot
    Bahadurpura, Hyderabad - 500264

Hyderabad Travel Tips

It is always better to go through important travel tips while touring and
traveling. Hence, it would be useful to know travel tips for Hyderabad. This
should help you plan about how to travel in Hyderabad. Read further to know
about these small yet important details about traveling in Hyderabad, which sure
would be helpful during your trip.

It is always better to know about the
major public holidays of the place you are visiting, beforehand. This will help
you chalk out your travel plan in a more judicious way and you will not have the
apprehension of whether a particular place is closed or shut-down due to these
holidays. Also, retrieve information about the kind of electric supply and
electrical items that are used in these places.

The most important issue
that should be taken care of while traveling is cleanliness and hygiene. Keep
your basic medicines ready with yourself in case of an emergency. Also, make
sure you have a doctor or a hospital nearby to avoid any untoward incidents. In
order to enjoy your trip and make the most out of it, it is always better to
hire a tourist guide. You can get these guides to take you around the place and
also get to know important information about the tourist attractions. Read our
related sections in which these have been discussed in detail to help you.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Salar Jung Museum Hyderabad



Location: Banks of the Musi River, Hyderabad.
How to reach: Easily accessible from Hyderabad with the help of local transport.
Main Attractions: Artifacts from all over the world that include a musical clock, the Veiled Rebecca, rare scriptures and manuscripts


The Salar Jung museum in Hyderabad is one of the oldest museums in the city. It is the only museum that has the largest compilation of personally collected artifacts from all around the world. This museum has the greatest collection of rare antiques and knick-knacks from all over the world. One needs to devote an entire day for touring the museum itself.

Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, commonly known as Salar Jung III, did the major collections. However it was started by his father Nawab Mir Laiq Ali Khan also known as Salar Jung II and his grand father Nawab Mir Turab Ali Khan i.e. Salar Jung I. The museum boasts of a collection of 40,000 items, which have been accumulated from every possible place in the world. The former Prime Minister of India, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru declared this spectacular collection open for public display. Later a board of trustees was appointed to look after this legendary museum.

The portraits of the Salar Jung, the Nizams of the Hyderabad city can be found in the Founder's Gallery. The Indian art is exhibited in an assortment of stone sculptures, bronze images, painted textiles, wooden carvings, miniature paintings, modern art, ivory carvings, jade carvings, metal-ware, manuscripts, arms & armor etc. One can also find Middle Eastern Art in the collection of carpets, paper (manuscripts), glass, metal-ware, furniture, lacquer etc. These have been collected from Persia, Arabia, Syria, and Egypt. The Museum is also horded with porcelain, bronze, enamel, lacquerware, embroidery and paintings, which have been skillfully done in China, Japan, Tibet, Nepal and Thailand.

The European chamber of artifacts in the Salar Jung Museum comprises of oil and water paintings. These paintings originate from countries like England, France, Italy and Germany. A well-preserved library within the museum provides a rare treat to all book lovers. The main attractions of the museum are the statue of Veiled Rebecca, crafted knives of Mughal Emperor Jehangir and Queen Noor Jehan, famous European paintings like Venice, etc. A huge clock in which a tiny soldier comes out to strike the gong should not be missed and is a special attraction of the Salar Jung Museum.

Raymond Tomb Hyderabad

Location: Saroor nagar, 10 kilometers from Hyderabad city.
How to reach: Easily reachable from Hyderabad with the help of local transport.
Main Attraction: The French Garden in vicinity.


Raymond's Tomb was built in the memory of the brave French
General Michel Joachim Marie Raymond (1755 - 1798 AD). He joined as an ordinary
soldier in the service of the ruling Nizam of Hyderabad. He rapidly worked his
way up and soon commanded the position of an army General. Not only was he
respected in the army, he was also popular among the ordinary public. He was
fondly known as Musa Ram among the Hindus and Musa Rahim among the Muslims.


Raymond's Tomb is situated in Saroornagar, which lies 10 kilometers from
Hyderabad city center towards the east. One can make use of the local transport,
which is easily available round the clock in the city of Hyderabad. The tomb is
open on all days except Friday. The timings are from 9:30 am to 4:30pm. The tomb
is a symbol of great respect and till date people from all over the city pay
respect on the death anniversary of the late army general by lighting incense
sticks near the tomb.

The Raymond's tomb is a conical structure that is
made up of black granite slabs. It is 60 meters long, 30 meters wide and 10
meters high. While touring the tomb, you can also head off to the French Garden,
which is located nearby. It is a beautifully laid out lawn with velvety green
grass and lovely flowers. You can also spot military barracks of the army that
were once bustling under the command of the valiant general Raymond.

Qutub Shahi Tombs Hyderabad



Location : 2 Kilometers from the Golconda Fort.
How to reach : Local transport which is easily available in Hyderabad.
Main Attractions : Numerous tombs at one place, Deccan Festival.



Qutub Shahi Tombs are located in the heart of the Hyderabad city. The Qutub
Shahi Tombs are quite close to the Golconda Fort, which is a famous landmark of
Hyderabad. The Qutub Shahi Tombs are a perfect blend of Indian and Persian
architectural forms, constructed in gray granite decorated with exquisite
ornamentation. The tombs are domed structures, which are built on an elevated
square base surrounded by pointed arches. Each tomb is quadrangular and rises to
a height of 9 - 15 meters above the terrace. The smaller tombs are single
storied while the larger ones are double storied. The domes were originally
covered with blue and green tiles, of which only a few pieces remain
now.

The tombs were once furnished with carpets, chandeliers and velvet
canopies on silver poles. Qurans or the holy book of the Muslims, were kept on
supports and readers recited verses from the sacred book at regular intervals.
Golden spires were fixed over the tombs of the Sultans to distinguish their
tombs from those of the other members of the noble family.

Enchanting
minarets at the corners surround the Qutub Shahi Tombs. This magnificent tomb is
one of the largest monuments in Hyderabad reaching upto a height of 42 meters
with a large dome adorning the top. The architect has prudently designed it on a
double terrace, elevating it to a height of 6 meters from the ground level of
the terrace. These mausoleums of the Golconda Sultans are truly splendid
monuments that have stood the trial of time and braved the natural elements.
During the Qutub Shahi period, these tombs were held at such high esteem that
criminals who took refuge there were pardoned and let off. But after their rule,
the tombs were uncared for. Later, Sir Salar Jung III ordered their renovation
and refurbishment in the early 19th century.

Said in simple words, these
monuments are a work of splendid beauty and artistry. The numerous tombs of the
members of the royal family, laid beautifully on the sprawling gardens are worth
the visit. Not only are they architecturally impressive, they also make a good
picnic spot. Another attraction of these tombs is that every year the State
Government authorities conduct a 'Deccan Festival', which is exclusive to the
city of Hyderabad with these tombs as the backdrop as they speak volumes about
the history of the city of Hyderabad. One can spot many renowned artists
showcasing their talents in various fields like music, dance and theater.

Paigah Tombs Hyderabad




Location : Santoshnagar, 10 kilometers from Hyderabad city center.
How to reach : Local Transport within Hyderabad city.
Main Attractions : One of its kind architectural wonder, carvings of marble.



The Paigah Tombs in Hyderabad, India are the tombs of the
several generations of the Paigah nobles. The Paigah nobles were very close to
the Nizams and so they enjoyed a significant social status. They were given the
responsibility of looking after the security and defense of the state. Some of
the Paigah nobles who have been laid to rest here are Asman Jah, Viqar-ul-Umara
and Shams-ul-Umara.

Abdul Fateh Khan Tegh Jung founded the Paigah
nobility and was rendering service to the second Nizam, who ruled between 1760
and 1803. The Nizam bestowed him with the prestigious title of Shams-ul-Umra,
meaning "the Sun among the masses". Tegh Jung was buried in 1786 at the foyer of
the complex. An iron plaque at the entrance of the complex traces the Paigah
lineage and exalts the marble magnificence of the vault. The Paigahs were also
great patrons of fine arts, literature and sports and commanded the respect of
the rulers and the ordinary people alike.

The Paigah Tombs are unique
specimens of extraordinary artistry that is ardently visible in the wonderfully
inlaid mosaic work. Local people claim that the geometrical patterns and designs
of these stunning tombs are only one of its kind and exclusive and cannot be
found anywhere in the world.

Osmania University Hyderabad


The last Nizam of Hyderabad, Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan founded the Osmania
University. The Osmania University is the seventh oldest establishment of higher
studies in India, the third oldest in Southern India and the first one to be
set-up in the former princely State of Hyderabad. Throughout it's functioning of
almost nine decades, the Osmania University has shown noteworthy growth and
sustained an incorporated progress of all faculties. It has made commendable
contributions to the academic, social, and economic improvement of not only the
region but to the nation as a whole. Its alumni have distinguished themselves
nationally and internationally in various spheres of life and are well-known far
and wide around the world.

Osmania University has always attracted
students from not only India, but also around the world. It offers one of the
best MBA programmes and is among the toughest to get through. It is estimated
that out of 10,000 candidates, only 60 are able to make it! The university also
has attractive courses in Engineering, Arts, Science, Humanities, Information
Technology, Commerce and Business among other courses such as Oriental
Languages. The department of Geography and Geoinformatics has one of the best
faculties in India. It is equipped with the latest laboratories and technology
to keep the students updated with latest technical know-how. The Osmania
University had the was awarded the five-star status by the National
Accreditation and Assessment Council (NAAC) of the University Grants Commission
(UGC), Government of India.

Some famous alumnus of this prestigious
institution includes former Prime Minister (late) Shri. PV Narasimha Rao, Shri.
Y. Venugopal Reddy (Governor, RBI), Barrister and Member of Parliament Asaduddin
Owaisi, among others.

HITEC City Hyderabad


HITEC City stands for the Hyderabad Information
Technology Engineering Consultancy City, a technology
township in Hyderabad, India. The HITEC city in Hyderabad is a fine example of
how fast and beautifully a city can develop if nurtured in the right way. The
high potential structures coming up in Madhapur area of the 400-year-old
Hyderabad city provide a classy contrast to the grand and antique monuments and
palaces in the Qutub Shahi capital. It is a consummation of the vision of an
information technology advocate unfolding itself in a rapid speed, akin to the
architectural ambitions of Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah. The hitech structures are a
two-phase acknowledgment to a technology that has concentrated the world to a
global village.

The business like atmosphere of the HITEC city is in
concurrence to its equally famous and charming neighbor Shilparamam, an arts and
crafts village, located right next to the technological nucleus. On seeing the
two co-existing harmoniously side-by-side, one is compelled to think how
beautifully have the two blended into one another giving another contradicting
and ironical aspect to Indian tradition. Both the HITEC city and Shilparamam are
a substantiation of the chief minister Chandrababu Naidu's flair in reconciling
his reverence for the old with his yearning to engrave Andhra Pradesh resolutely
on the list of performers and achievers.

The base of the HITEC city is a
creatively and yet efficiently constructed 10 - storied cylindrical building
encircled by a cluster of grand structures raised to house IT companies, both
Indian and foreign. The HITECH city has already attracted multinational software
giants like IBM, Microsoft, GE Capital, Toshiba, and Oracle and Indian companies
like Satyam Computers and Wipro. An earth station has come up in the township
which links Hyderabad to the five continents of the world. It has now been
planned to grow and develop it further and Hitec city shall go a long way in
establishing India as a software hub in the world map. It is just a matter of
time till that happens.

Golconda Fort Hyderabad



Location: 11 kilometers west of Hyderabad.
How to Reach: Local transport within Hyderabad is easily available and will take you
there.
Main attractions: Touring the fort, spectacular light and sound show every evening.
Built by: Qutb Shahi Rulers
Golconda Fort in Hyderabad is a majestic monument, which lies on the western
outskirts of the city. It speaks of a great cultural heritage of 400 years and
is considered as a place that is worth visiting. Golconda was famous for its
diamond mines in olden days. The world-renowned 'Kohinoor' diamond is believed
to have come from here. The Golconda fort is built on a granite hill 120m high.
The fort has 8 gates or Darwazas as they are called in local language. The main
gate is called Fateh Darwaza. The hills around the fort lend a very mysterious
charm and colossal grandeur to the gigantic fort.

Qutub Shahi kings who
reigned during the 16th century built the Golconda fort. There is an interesting
story behind the Golconda Fort. The place was originally called as 'Golla Konda'
in Telegu, which is the official state language of Hyderabad city. Roughly
around 1143 in the rocky hill called 'Mangalavaram', a shepherd boy found an
idol, which was given to the then king, Kakatiya who built a mud fort. From
1507, within a span of 62 years the Qutub Shahi rulers transformed the humble
mud fort into a marvelous granite wonder. The stunning Golconda Fort lost its
entire splendor and luster as the Mughals invaded and plundered this
breathtaking wonder into a heap of ruins.

The Golconda Fort reaches to a
height of 120 meters with a boundary wall covering a range of 10 kilometers of
the outskirts of Hyderabad. The Golconda fort comprises of four small forts
within itself. Some of those are heaped with cannons, drawbridges and number of
royal living chambers & halls, temples, mosques, stables etc. You have to
enter the fort through 'Fateh Darwaza', which is also called the 'Victory gate'.
The main attractions of this entrance are the acoustic effects, which is a
remarkable feature of the Golconda Fort. It is said that such an articulate
construction was used in those ancestral days for security purposes.

The
latest feature that adds more excitement to the Golconda fort is the Light and
Sound show. The amazing light and sound impacts with the narration of the hair
raising story of the golconda Fort is sure to amuse all tourists visiting the
Hyderabad city.

Charminar in Hyderabad



Location: Heart of Hyderabad city.
How to Reach: Hyderabad is well connected with the rest of the country by air, railways
and roads. Once in Hyderabad, the local transport like auto-rickshaws and taxis
should get you to Charminar.
Main Attractions: The architecture of Charminar and the Bangle Bazaar flanking the monument on
either side.

The elegant structure of the Charminar in Hyderabad is a vivid example of Cazia
style of architecture comprising of granite and lime-mortar. Mohammed Quli Qutub
Shah built this Islamic architectural splendor in the year 1591. Charminar is
the most famous landmark of the city and most tours to Hyderabad include the
Charminar as an absolute essential. It is a must see if you are visiting
Hyderabad.

The wonderful monument with its four arches is so
proportionately planned that when the fort is opened one could catch a glimpse
of the bustling Hyderabad city as these Charminar arches were facing the most
active royal ancestral streets. At each corner stands a tall minaret, which
measures more than 55 meters long and also have a double balcony. The monument
has the signature style of Islamic architecture.

A mosque has been built
on the western side on the open roof of the Charminar fort. You need to climb an
array of 149 steps to reach the top of the fort. Once there, it is easy to feel
the calm of the terrace and see life bustling below. In sharp contrast to the
active and energetic life in the ground floor, the peaceful solitude in the
upper part of the fort is quite relaxing. You can enjoy the passionate beauty of
the Hyderabad city from this elevated height. You can get a bird's eye view of
the city of Hyderabad from this elevation, which is quite a spectacular sight.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Diagnosing a Cold

If you have tried the over-the-counter remedies without any success, several prescription medications are available for nasal stuffiness and cough (for example, ipratropium or cromolyn nasal spray for stuffiness and drainage and benzonatate for cough).

If you have a sore throat with fever and no cold symptoms, you should be seen by your doctor. This type of sore throat is more likely to be a Strep throat or other potentially serious illness.

Finally, if you notice facial pain, tooth pain, or yellow drainage from your nose accompanied by a fever, it is possible that you have an infection of the nasal passages (sinusitis) or a dental infection that would benefit from a medical evaluation and a course of antibiotics.


When should a doctor or other health care practitioner be consulted?


If you have tried the over-the-counter
remedies without any success, several prescription medications are available for
nasal stuffiness and cough (for example, ipratropium or
cromolyn nasal spray for stuffiness
and drainage and
benzonatate for cough).


If you have a sore throat with
fever and no cold symptoms, you should be seen by your doctor. This type of sore
throat is more likely to be a
Strep throat or other potentially
serious illness.


Finally, if you notice facial pain, tooth pain, or yellow drainage from your
nose accompanied by a fever, it is possible that you have an infection of the
nasal passages
(sinusitis) or a dental infection that
would benefit from a medical evaluation and a course of antibiotics.


Common
Cold At A Glance


  • Common colds are caused by viruses.
  • Going out into the cold weather has no effect on the spread of a cold.
  • Antibiotics do not help the common cold.
  • There are effective home remedies for the common cold

Cold - Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms?


One to three days after catching a cold virus, symptoms begin suddenly. They
start with a burning feeling in the nose or throat. Next comes sneezing, a runny
nose, and the feeling of being tired and unwell.


For the first few days, your nose
teems with watery nasal secretions. Later, these become thicker and darker. Dark
mucus does not necessarily mean that you have developed a bacterial
infection.


You may get a mild cough. It won't get much worse, but it is likely to last
into the second week of your illness. If you suffer from chronic bronchitis, a
cold will make it worse. If you are coughing up dark material -- or if you are
feeling a lot of distress low down in your lungs -- you may have a bacterial
infection. These symptoms can also be caused by a cold virus other than a
rhinovirus.


Usually there is no fever -- in fact, fever and more severe symptoms may
indicate that you have the flu and not a cold.


Cold symptoms settle in between one and four days after you are infected by a
cold virus and typically last for about three days. At that point the worst is
over, but you may feel congested for a week or more. During the first three days
that you have symptoms, you are contagious. This means you can pass the cold to
others, so stay home and get some rest.


Except in newborns, colds themselves are not dangerous. They usually go away
in four to 10 days without any special medicine. Unfortunately, colds do wear
down your body's resistance, making you more susceptible to bacterial
infections.


If your cold is nasty enough, seek medical attention. Your doctor likely will
examine your throat and ears. He or she may take a throat culture by brushing
your throat with a long cotton-tipped swab. This will show whether you have a
bacterial infection, which requires treatment with antibiotics.


Call Your Doctor If:



  • You notice an inability to swallow.
  • You have a sore throat for more than two or three days, particularly if it
    seems to be worsening.
  • You have an earache.
  • You have a stiff neck or sensitivity to bright lights.
  • Your are pregnant or nursing.
  • Your newborn or infant has cold symptoms.
  • Your throat hurts and your temperature is 101 degrees F or higher.
  • Your cold symptoms worsen after the third day. You may have a bacterial
    infection.

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