Hyderabad Tourisum

Friday, 18 November 2016

Lotus Temple

Lotus Temple - (24 Km From Nampally)

Timings: 6:30 am – 7:30 pm (Daily)

Address: Himayat Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500075

Entry fee: Free

Photography: Allowed

Description: At a distance of 21 km from Nampally Railway Station, 15 km from Golconda Fort & 3 km from Chilkur Balaji Temple, Kamaldham Mandir is also called as Lotus Temple. It is located in Sri Swaminarayan Gurukul on the highway near Himayath Nagar junction 3 Kms before Chilkur Balaji Temple.

The temple has wonderful architecture with lush green surroundings. The temple is built on a pond with lotus-shaped base. The presiding deities are Lord Sri Swaminarayan, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganapati, Goddess Parvati and Lord Surya.

All the devotees visiting Chilkur temple make sure to visit this place as well.

Keesaragutta Temple

Keesaragutta Temple - (36 Km From Nampally)

Timings:
6:00 AM - 1:00 PM
3:00 PM - 7:30 PM (Daily)

Address: Keesara Gutta, Hyderabad, Telangana 501301

Phone: 098488 17732

Entry fee: Free

Photography: Allowed

Description: Sri Ramalingeswara Swami Devasthanam is located on a small hillock present at Keesaragutta Mandal of Ranga Reddy District. Main deity of this temple is Lord Shiva in the form of Lingam with the name of Sri Ramalingeswara Swami. This temple is 40 km away from Hyderabad city. Sri Ramalingeswara Swami Temple present in Keesaragutta Mandal is an ancient temple built before 4th Century CE for Lord Shiva. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consorts Bhavani and Sivadurga. We can see thousands of devotees visiting this ancient temple during Shivaratri festival. This temple is also known as Keesaragutta Ramalingeswara Devasthanam. The main temple was constructed on the Samadhi of Shri Prabhu in granite with Italian marble flooring as complex of majestic gateway known as Naubatkhana, Anand Mantap and Shejghar where the holy relics are preserved. Devotees can see the huge chandelier presented by the Nizam of Hyderabad at this temple.

History of the Temple

History of Sri Ramalingeswara Swami Temple in Keesaragutta starts from 4th Century CE. This temple was believed to be built before 4th or 5th Century CE. Archeologists found the existence of human civilization during Vishnukundins Era at this place. We can observe a 5 storied Gopuram built on the entrance of this ancient temple. Explorations and Excavations conducted by the archaeological department at the temple surroundings showed the presence of brick structures and Shiva Lingas at the north of the temple on the Hill. Along with these ancient brick structures they also found a sloppy Hillock near the water resource. All these remnants belonged to Vishnukundins Empire. Excavators found the Fortification of walls, Yaga shala and Prayer hall’s at the temple premises indicating the civilization at this place. Scientists found the remnants and rock cut cisterns and Idols of Jain Thirthankars on the hills indicating the existence of Jainism and Buddhism contemporarily at this place.

Legend has it that Sri Rama installed the Siva lingam here to atone for the sin of killing Ravana, a Brahman. He selected this beautiful valley surrounded by hills and verdant greenery for the purpose and ordered Hanuman to bring a Sivlingam from Varanasi. Hanuman was late in arriving with the Siva lingam and as the auspicious hour was nearing, Lord Siva himself appeared before Sri Rama and presented a Sivilingam for installation. Hence the lingam in the temple is called Swayambhu Linga. It is also called Ramalingeswara as lord Sri Rama had installed the lingam.

Hanuman returned with 101 lingams for selection from Varanasi and felt aggrieved at not having his lingam installed. Hence he threw them all over the area. Even to this day several lingams are found scattered all over the place outside the temple.

To mollify Hanuman, Sri Rama ordained that precedence would be given to him for worship at the temple. He also said that the hillock where the lingam was installed would bear his name kesarigiri i.e., Hanuman, the son of Kesari. Over a period of time, it has colloquially transformed and is now known as Keesara and the hill as Keesaragutta. Ever since, the rituals follow the command of Sri Rama.

Mrugavani National Park

Mrugavani National Park - (20 Km From Nampally)

Timings: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Daily)

Address: Moinabad, Ranga Reddy District, Chilkur, Telangana

Phone: 099513 23558

Entry fee: INR 5 per person

Photography: Allowed

Description: Located at Chilkur in Moinabad Mandal, Mrugavani National Park is at a distance of approximately 25 km from Hyderabad. Spread over an area of 850 acres, it is home a wide array of wild animals and flora. Its lush surroundings are bestowed with best of both fauna and flora.

Mrugavani National Park was announced as a wildlife sanctuary by the Indian Government in the year of 1994, with the motive of preserving nature and wildlife in an undisturbed way without much human intervention, creating a suitable habitat for the fauna and flora to flourish.

It is home to many different species of animals. Some of the common animals found here are Wild boars, black-naped hares, India vipers, foxes and many others. It also boasts of a rich avian fauna. Some of the birds that you can see at this wildlife sanctuary are peacocks, warblers, flower peckers, lapwings. With more than 100 varied species of birds, this is an ideal place for bird-watchers.

Mrugavani National Park showcases a strong Deccan formation as it is comprised of many rocky formations. Its flora is predominantly tropical with dry forest and grasslands. It is mostly covered with shrubs and herbs. Some of the trees that you can find here are Teak, Sandalwood, Bamboos, etc.

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park - (19 Km From Nampally)

Timings: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Daily)

Address: 2/B, National Highway 9, Vanasthalipuram, Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park, Auto Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500070

Phone: 040 2428 6523

Entry fee:
INR 20 per Adult
INR 15 per Child

Photography: Not allowed for Video Camera

Not allowed for Still / DSLR Camera

Description: Historical city of Hyderabad has equally enticing natural beauty to capture its visitors’ attention. Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is place every nature lover and wildlife enthusiasts must visit. Established in the year of 1975, it has been named after the great Jain saint Lord Mahavir, in his honour on the occasion of his 2500th birth anniversary. Located in Vanasthalipuram, at a distance of 15 km from Hyderabad, Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is famous for being a home to the endangered species of Black Buck Deer.

Visiting Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park offers glimpses of not only black buck deer, known as Jinka in Telugu language but also offers the rare opportunity to explore the extensive range of flora and fauna. Some of the animals that you can see here are Cheetahs, monitor lizards, wild boars, porcupines and varied kinds of snakes.

Spread across an area of approximately 15 km, this national park boasts of a rich avian fauna as well. Some of birds here are cormorants, partridges, pond herons, quails, egrets along with doves, peacocks, kingfishers, vultures, kites and many others. If you like to spend some time bird-watching and studying various species, then plan a visit to this park. Here you will find a range of beautiful birds. Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is also home to about eighty species of migratory birds. If lucky you can also get a glimpse of rare bird Short-toed Eagle that has also made this place as its home.

There are good facilities for visitors to observe animals; many sheds and viewing towers have been made for the purpose. Get on these watch towers for a mesmerising view of the area around, vast spread of nature in its wildest form, without buildings and vehicles to obstruct your view. There is also the facility of safari in the park. To get the real experience is to actually watch the wildlife live in action. The safari rides at the park presents every visitor with that opportunity. There are vans which take visitors around the national park, presenting view of the animals amid the dense vegetation. Neem, Acacias, Buteas and Bauhinias are only a few names out of the vast species of flora here at the national park. Along with this, there is an exhibition hall as well, which offers a detailed insight into the wildlife conservation; an informative library and a collection of audio visual presentation on wildlife.

Durgam Cheruvu

Durgam Cheruvu - (14 Km From Nampally)

Timings: 10:00 am – 6:30 pm (Daily)

Address: Road Number 46, Masthan Nagar, CBI Colony, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500033, India

Phone:

040 2355 5072
1800 425 46464

Entry fee: Free

Photography: Allowed

Description: Situated quite close to the Hi-tech City, Durgam Cheruvu is one of the popular sightseeing places of Hyderabad. Presenting captivating scenic beauty, the lake is also known as the ‘Secret Lake’. This can be because of the fact that it is hidden by the surrounding granite rocks. The rock formations surrounding the lake are spread across an area of 63 acres of land and are said to be approximately 2500 million years old.

Currently it has been developed into a hangout place where people come and spend some time in a relaxed environment by the side of a calm water body. Durgam Cheruvu now has an artificial waterfall and floating fountain which attracts more visitors. It is nothing less than a pleasant wonder to see a calm lake and rocks, beside the concrete buildings of offices and a shopping mall.

It is said that the lake was used as the source of drinking water for the Golconda Fort. Also called as the ‘Madhapur Lake’, Durgam Cheruvu promises some refreshing moments to each and everyone.

It is a common venue for film shootings, owing to its scenic beauty and unique location. Durgam Cheruvu Lake is surrounded by granite rocks, which is said to be a rare thing not just in India but in all over Asia. Once at the lake, you can try out various kinds of interesting activities. The place has the facilities available for boating, camping as well as trekking. There are varied kinds of boating choices at Durgam cheruvu, ranging from Pedal Boat, mechanised Boat to Water Scooter. The ticket price for boating varies with the kind you choose.

Some visitors can also be seen trying out their luck in fishing, an activity which is very rare in the city. Amid the hectic schedule of the city lives and pressure of works, Durgam Cheruvu presents a refreshing opportunity soothing surroundings and rare sports like fishing.

There is also a cafeteria and refreshment centre located on the lake side. There is also an amphitheatre at the rock garden. Along with these, there is also a restaurant at the lake. The Inorbit Mall is just at a stone throw distance, making it easier for visitors to access other facilities, if needed. One can spend a quiet evening here at the lake, watching the breathtaking sunset and can end their day at Inorbit Mall which houses many popular restaurants and a multiplex as well.

The view of the nearby places and the Hi-Tech city from here at Durgam Cheruvu is worth watching. This place is ideal for a relaxed yet fun filled hang out of the city. Although not as popular at the Hussain Sagar lake, it is often considered at a popular party zone, a reason why especially more youngsters can be see here. It is also an ideal place for nature lovers; you can spend time amid the beautiful creations of nature right amid the city. It is open on all days, from Monday to Sunday. Timings for Durgam Cheruvu are from 10 am to 6.30 pm.

Himayat Sagar

Himayat Sagar - (26 Km From Nampally)

Timings: NA

Address: Himayat Sagar Lake, Hyderabad, Telangana, 501504, India

Entry fee: Free

Photography: Allowed

Description: The construction of reservoir on Esi a tributary of Musi River was completed in 1927, for providing drinking water source for Hyderabad and saving the city from floods, which Hyderabad suffered in 1908. It was built during the reign of the last Nizam of Hyderabad, Nizam VII and is named after his youngest son Himayat Ali Khan.

The Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar reservoirs provided continuous water supply to the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad until recently. Due to population growth, they are not sufficient to meet the cities' water supply demand.

The engineer at the time of construction was late Khaja Mohinuddin, son of Mohammed Hussein, Madri.

The grassy area adjoining the lake is an ideal picnic and recreation spot. The road atop the bund is popular for a good drive.

In June 2012, the water level at Osman Sagar was 1769.8 feet. On October 1, 2012, the level was 1771.8 feet, an increase of a mere 2 feet. Similarly, in Himayatsagar, the water level in June 2012 was 1743.3 feet and on October 1, it was 1,747.4 feet, an increase of about 4 feet. In October 2011, the water levels at Osmansagar and Himayatsagar were 1781.9 feet and 1754.9 feet respectively.

Telangana State Archaeology Museum

Telangana State Archaeology Museum - (2 Km From Nampally)

Timings: 10:30 am – 4:30 pm (Daily)

Address: 5-10-193, I Floor, H A C A Bhavan, P G Road, Near Control Room, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004

Phone: 040 2323 4942
040 2323 2267

Entry fee: Free

Photography: Allowed,

INR 20 for Still Camera

INR 100 for Video Camera

Description: Telangana State Archeology Museum or Hyderabad Museum is a museum located in Hyderabad, India. It is the oldest museum in Hyderabad state. Archeologist Henry Cousens first explored the site in the beginning of the 19th century, and around 1940 the mound was excavated under the supervision of Nizam of Hyderabad. The excavated items were placed in a museum built on the ancient site. In 1952, the museum's contents were moved to the current build, under the administrative control of Archaeological Survey of India

This museum's main attraction is its Egyptian mummy, which was brought[when?] to Hyderabad by the son-in-law of VI Nizam Mahbub Ali Khan, and donated to the last Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan. He reportedly bought it for 1000 pounds

There is a huge gallery on Buddha dating back to last century. The museum has a wide variety of archaeological artifacts from the Nizam, Kakatiya dynasty.