Excursions in Hyderabad

Traveling with your friends or family or even alone is always fun. It will
become even more interesting and enjoyable if you go on excursions from
Hyderabad, India. The places to visit around Hyderabad are so numerous and you
will find it hard to choose from the list in case you have less time. All the
places are definitely worth a visit. So read on about Hyderabad excursions and
plan your trip.

Enjoy the art and culture of Rajasthan in your Hyderabad
visit. Yes, you read it correct! Wondering how? The Dhola-Ri-Dhani is an ethnic
Rajasthani resort where you can view all the art, heritage, culture and cuisines
of Rajasthan besides the modern amenities, which any person travelling to a new
place will crave for. You can also plan your excursion to the Mir Alam Tank, an
artificial lake, where you can enjoy boating after you enjoy the wilderness in
the adjacent Nehru Zoological Park. If you want to see magic made real, travel
to the glamorously landscaped and immaculately maintained Ramoji Film City,
which besides being a world-renowned film production center is also, a popular
magnificent tourist hangout.

Your creative soul can definitely feast
itself in the ethnic Shilparamam festival in Hyderabad. You can find art in each
and every form ranging from the most famous and popular handicrafts, to the folk
dances that are confined to a remote village. In Yadagirigutta you can view the
Lakshminarasimha shrine and also hear the astonishing legend of the formation of
the Lakshminarasimha Temple.

Birla Planetarium Hyderabad

The Birla Planetarium in Hyderabad is an accolade to the advances made in technology and science since the dawn of human civilization. Late Sri N.T.Rama Rao inaugurated this beautiful dome shaped architectural wonder, on 8th September 1985. The B.M. Birla Planetarium and Science Museum is an absolute visit during your trip to Hyderabad. Kids are sure to enjoy this planetarium and the variety of knowledge it has to offer.

The Planetarium offers daily sky shows (in Telugu and English) reciting various aspects of the enigmatic Cosmos, the mind boggling mysteries of the Universe, the undying comets, the Hubble Space Telescope, Eclipses, the puzzling Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO's) and the very recent clash of the Titans. As the sky show begins, the visitors are virtually transferred into the galaxy as they watch a large canopy of dark sky, full of shining stars looking down upon them. The convincing background sound effect multiplies the feel of being in outer space, which adds to the excitement and exhilaration.

The most recent addition to the Planetarium is the Dinosorium - a new wing which houses, the fossil of 160 million years old "Kotasaurus Yamanpalliensis", excavated in Adilabad district. Apart from this highlight, the Dinosaurium also has a collection of smaller fossils of dinosaur eggs, marine shells and fossilized tree trunks. The place always succeeds in enthralling people with its breathtaking sky shows of mysterious universe. It is the one place in the city, which should not be missed out by children. The Planetarium remains closed on the last Thursday of every month.

Birla Planetarium Hyderabad

The Birla Planetarium in Hyderabad is an accolade to the
advances made in technology and science since the dawn of human civilization.
Late Sri N.T.Rama Rao inaugurated this beautiful dome shaped architectural
wonder, on 8th September 1985. The B.M. Birla Planetarium and Science Museum is
an absolute visit during your trip to Hyderabad. Kids are sure to enjoy this
planetarium and the variety of knowledge it has to offer.

The
Planetarium offers daily sky shows (in Telugu and English) reciting various
aspects of the enigmatic Cosmos, the mind boggling mysteries of the Universe,
the undying comets, the Hubble Space Telescope, Eclipses, the puzzling
Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO's) and the very recent clash of the Titans. As
the sky show begins, the visitors are virtually transferred into the galaxy as
they watch a large canopy of dark sky, full of shining stars looking down upon
them. The convincing background sound effect multiplies the feel of being in
outer space, which adds to the excitement and exhilaration.

The most
recent addition to the Planetarium is the Dinosorium - a new wing which houses,
the fossil of 160 million years old "Kotasaurus Yamanpalliensis", excavated in
Adilabad district. Apart from this highlight, the Dinosaurium also has a
collection of smaller fossils of dinosaur eggs, marine shells and fossilized
tree trunks. The place always succeeds in enthralling people with its
breathtaking sky shows of mysterious universe. It is the one place in the city,
which should not be missed out by children. The Planetarium remains closed on
the last Thursday of every month.

Dhola Ri Dhani Hyderabad

Dhola-Ri-Dhani, located in Hyderabad offers plays, dances, puppet shows and
other variety programmes for the whole family plus has a mini handicrafts market
worth meandering through. A tour to the famous Dhola-Ri-Dhani at Hyderabad is an
absolute must if you want to see the amalgamation of two entirely different
cultures. The imposing entrance opens the doors to the world of Ethnic
Rajasthani culture and fantasy, a culmination of the images and dreams of
tourists out there to experience the pure magic of Rajasthan in
Hyderabad!

Dhola-Ri-Dhani is a classic setting, recreated with rustic
ambience and charm of an ethnic Rajasthani village. Camel rides, puppet shows,
folk dances keep you thoroughly entertained while authentic Rajasthani cuisine
gives you the taste of the northern state of Rajasthan in every sense. Apart
from the countryside setting, a large swimming pool, a lake to go boating, an
amphitheatre for plays and other entertainment performances, give you a feel of
modern ambience. For tourists who want to stay, the place has a resort with
lodging facilities and accommodation.

Laad Bazaar Hyderabad

Laad Bazaar is located in Hyderabad right next to the historic Charminar. Situated on one of the four main roads that shoot out from the Charminar, it is sited in a very old area of Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh.

"Laad" is a term in Hindi and Urdu meaning "to love" or "to pamper" and a more fitting name would be hard to confer upon the bazaar. Another local folklore is that the market's original name was "Lord's Bazaar" and the current name is an altered form of this. There are a number of stores selling articles primarily targeted towards women on this one-kilometer long stretch. A vast and colorful collection of stores selling stuff usually intended for women like gorgeous bangles, semi-precious stones, pearls, saris and other such items are located in the Laad Bazaar.

Usually shopkeepers set exaggerated prices, but they do so in expectation of the bargaining known to take place in the bazaar. One can strike a good deal if the art and tactics of bargaining are known, as prices are rather subjective. Usually one reduces about 20-30% of the price tagged by the shopkeeper. He may seem very adamant at first, but if you persuade him a bit, you may get good stuff at decent prices. The most popular items sold over here are the colorful bangles and glistening pearls. It may seem strange at the first glance, but most shops make their customers sit on the floor, which is carpeted from wall to wall. Since the stores are cramped, they utilize every inch of space available.

The Laad Bazaar is located in a small lane that offshoots from the historic monument Charminar. Since the lane is narrow, cabs, cars and autos are not allowed inside. It is best to explore the bazaar on foot. You may also take the manually driven rickshaws available there which is a different experience in itself.

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali Hyderabad

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is situated in Vanasthalipuram, which is
around 15 kilometers from the city. Mahavir Harina Vanasthali Wildlife Sanctuary
in Hyderabad has been named after the holy Jain saint 'Lord Mahavira'. It was
established in 1975 on this renowned saint's 2500th birth anniversary. This
sanctuary was once the exciting 'Shikargarh' or hunting ground of one of the
Nizam rulers. It has now been converted into a protected national park under the
law. The park is in full bloom during monsoons when beautiful flowers of
different colors blossom all around. This Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National
Park is home to the endangered Black Buck deer. An estimated 400 deer roam
around the National Park fearlessly.

The other species of animals apart
from the Black Buck that are found over here are cheetahs, wild boar, monitor
lizards, mongooses, porcupines and innumerable variety of snakes. Several
species of birds like partridges, quails, peacocks, doves, pond herons, egrets,
kingfishers, cormorants are also found here in great numbers. One can also find
birds of prey like kites, vultures, eagle etc. Over 80 species of migratory
birds can be seen basking in the sun. The Short-toed Eagle, which is a rare
variety among the bird species, is also found in this area. The national park
provides a tour around the park in vans for those who are interested in seeing
the wildlife from a nearer distance. The park is open on all days (except
Monday), from 9am to 5 pm. There are observation points in the Park for people
to view animals at hotspots.

Mir Alam Tank Hyderabad

Mir Alam Tank is a small lake that has been built right next to
the Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad. Take a tour to the Mir Alam Tank to feel
the peace and tranquility of nature untouched by time. The unique feature of
this Tank is that it has 21 in-built small masonry dams, semi-circular in
shape.

The Mir Alam Tank is named after Mir Alam, the then Prime Minister
of Hyderabad and the builder of the Tank, who ruled for a period of 1804 - 1808.
The construction of this tank is really worth appreciating. It is a wonderful
paradigm of engineering, comprising of one-mile bund with 21 semi-circular
arches put up on it, thus giving the whole scene a majestic look.

Another
benefit of planning a tour to the Mir Alam Tank is that you can also visit the
Nehru Zoological Park, which is situated right next to it. You can enjoy the
flora and fauna of the Zoo along with the calm view of the Tank, thus enjoying
your trip to the fullest.

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

One of the tallest masonry dams of the World, the Nagarjunasagar Dam in
Hyderabad supplies water and irrigates over 10 lakh acres of land in Guntur,
Prakasam, Nalgonda, Khammam and Krishna districts. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is
located on the borders of Guntur and Nalgonda districts. The edifice of this dam
was completed in the year 1966. This mighty dam reaches to a staggering height
of 124 meters and is 1 kilometer long. It is built across the Krishna River and
has one of the largest networks of canal systems.

A Lake emerges from

just behind the dam, which is the third largest artificial lake. The Nagarjuna
Konda Island surfaces out of this lake. The historical remnant of a Buddhist
settlement has been refurbished and it lies on the right bank of the reservoir.
One can see pious stupas, viharas, monasteries and a sacrificial altar in the
Buddhist abbey. The Lake is situated 4 kilometers away from the dam. There is
also an idol of Lord Nagarjuna, positioned on a tower, very near to the dam. The
Dam has a beautiful landscape and looks strikingly scenic.

Besides the
lake, there are other attractions around the Dam like Ethipothala waterfalls,
and the densely forested Srisailam Wildlife Reserve. There is also an exquisite
museum, located near the dam that can be reached by boat

Ramoji Film City Hyderabad

The Ramoji Film City is located about 35 kilometers from the Hyderabad city. A
tour to the Ramoji Film Studio will tell you why is it acknowledged by the
Guinness Book of World Records as one of the largest film studios in the world.
The studio lives upto its name of a "city" as it is spread over a vast area of
around 2500 acres. You feel as if you have entered a new city all together with
hills, gardens, lakes, and at the same time flanked with spotless modern
buildings.

The Ramoji Film City doubles both as a tourist attraction and
major film-making facility. The city looks like the product of an alliance
between the famous magician P.C. Sorkar and Vishwakarma, the God of Architecture
and Engineering. It is India's answer to the Universal Studios in Hollywood, in
every aspect. It is a place where realism obtains all the traits of enchantment
and inconceivable. Today, it is the filmmakers' first choice as it is a
single-window, press-button facility that opens up an unlimited arena of
creativity for every major and minor aspect of film production.

As some
famous directors and producers put it, "The Film City has all facilities at one
place with latest technology and advanced equipment." The studio's brochure
highlights its dictum as "Make the Magic Happen". The magic however happens
impulsively without human intrusion as though it is the key ingredient of the
entire project. Yet, everything in the studio is real, whether it is the 50
studio floors, outdoor locations, high-tech laboratories, state-of-the-art
technology and the lush green landscape and scenery.

Shilparamam in Hyderabad

Shilparamam at Hyderabad is an arts and crafts village exhibiting various art
forms and handicrafts of diverse artists from all over the State. You can buy
absolutely traditional souvenirs for yourself and your friends when you tour
Shilparamam. Shilparamam hosts a multitude of ethnic art and crafts from all
over the country. The yearly All-India Festival of Arts and Crafts held here in
February highlights the cultural and creative traditions from every corner of
the country and provides a unique occasion to take home a piece of Indian art.
Interested buyers can come and pick up objects of art directly from the artisans
without having to deal with the middlemen.

Exhibition of art does not
limit itself to the artifacts, but all forms of creativity. There is an open
amphitheater where both experienced and amateur rural artists, musicians and
dancers demonstrate their wide array of skills. The artists display their
talents ranging from classical music, versatility in instrumental music, folk
dances, classical dances and theatrical performances. The theatrical
performances are not only in regional languages but also international languages
including English, French, etc.

Every season at Shilparamam brings with
it the atmosphere of festivity and an occasion to celebrate. Here, Indian
festivals are celebrated in the most conventional way and these festivals bring
together talented people from all over the globe. As you go further inside, you
can enjoy boating facility in a small artificial lake. The lake offers both
peddling and rowing boats. Shilparamam is the perfect place to take a day off
from your busy city life.

Yadagirigutta Temple Nalgonda

The place was named Yadagirigutta after a hermit called Yadavarishi who
religiously meditated to be blessed by Lord Narasimha, who is an incarnation of
Lord Vishnu. The Temple of Yadagirigutta is situated at a height of 300 feet on
a hill, in Nalogonda district of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is famous and
attracts a huge number of local devotees and outsiders.

It is said that
Lord Narasimha was satisfied with the hermit's devotion and materialized in five
different forms. The five different forms are Jwala, Yogananda,
Lakshminarasimha, Gandabherunda and Ugra. As legend goes, the first form of
Narasimha was so fiery that the yogi wanted him to appear him in a peaceful
form. He then appeared in the form of Yoganarasimha, but the yogi is still not
satisfied and he wanted to see him with his counterpart i.e. Goddess Lakshmi. So
Narasimha appeared with goddess Lakshmi on his lap. It is said that these three
Narasimha forms were so fiery that the hermit could not endure it. Hence, they
are worshipped inside the cave.

These five forms of Narasimha have now
been sculpted into idols and worshipped in a place within the temple, which is
known as Panchanarasimha Kshetram. The principal shrine of Yadagirigutta temple
is the Lakshminarasimha who is believed to be the healer of incurable diseases,
witchcraft, black magic and the harmful influence of planets. Locals believe
that worshipping here for a time period of 40 days would alleviate devotees of
incurable diseases.

Best Time to Visit Hyderabad

In order to have pleasant trip, the climatic conditions of the
place to be visited should be known in advance. Hyderabad is a city that has a
moderate climate throughout the year. The best time to visit this city is after
the monsoons i.e., October to March. The summers can get really hot and one can
see temperatures soaring upto 45o Celsius. Evenings are usually pleasant thanks
to the cool sea breeze. At night, the temperature usually drops down to 25o -
30o Celsius.

The city does not experience harsh winters and it becomes
moderately cool towards the end of the year. The maximum temperature remains at
a pleasant 22^o - 25^o Celsius. The minimum can go down till
13o Celsius. The monsoons are from June to September after which the weather
becomes very pleasant and enjoyable. The average annual rainfall in Hyderabad is
around 80 - 90 centimeters. The place also witnesses cyclonic depressions every
now and then due to the low-pressure trough forming over the plateau.