RAVIs: HYDERABAD 10 to 16 Feb 2020

HYDRABAD : 10 Feb to 16 Feb 2020

We did a short Tour of Secundrabad n Hydrabad . The last time we were in Secundrabad was April 1978. The major change was immense traffic in the city.

10 Feb.20

Dep by Flt Indigo at 11.55 Arrival Hyderabad at 14.10

Hyderabad Airport is km from the city and it took us 1hour 30 mins to reach our Room in Secundrabad.

11 Feb 20

We went to see few famous landmarks in Hyderabad. after Breakfast. First we went to Birla Mandir. The Mandir is dedicated to the Lord Venkateshwara of Tirumala and is in fact modelled after and is the replica of the idol of Balaji of Tirupati. The temple itself is located at the top of a 280 feet tall hill called the Naubat Pahad that overlooks both, Hyderabad and Secunderabad as well as the Hussain Sagar Lake and is one of the best viewpoints in the city, especially at night.

Birla Temple

Hussain sagar lake

There after we went to see the Charminar. Last we saw it was in 1978. Charminar is perfectly square, with each side measuring 20m. The four grand arches open into four different streets and stand 11m wide. The square structure accommodates four minarets in each corner. The minarets are 56 meters high, house two balconies, and are topped with small delicate domes and intricate carvings on the outside walls and the minarets are built into the main structure. Inside the minarets there is a spiral staircase with 149 steps and 12 landings. The structure is a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture with ample Persian influences.

Char Minar

It has now no traffic zone around it and you can walk around with ease. After walking around the Charminar we went to see Chowmahalla Palce , which is close by, approx. 800 mtrs .

Chowmahalla Palace

Once the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, the Chowmahalla Palace was built in Hyderabad between the years 1857 and 1869. In essence, Chowmahalla can be literally translated to mean 'Four Palaces'. The magnificent monument consists of two massive courtyards as well as a grand dining hall known as 'Khilawat'. This splendid monument that once served as the official residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad during their reign still retains some of its past splendour. It is still the property of Barkat Ali Khan Mukarram Jah, heir of the Nizams and has been decorated with UNESCO's Asia Pacific Merit award in 2010 as well.The palace was restored by the Government and was opened to the public in the year of 2005. One can visit the palace throughout the week except on Friday and national holidays.

At the Council Hall, various manuscripts and rare books which were personal collections of the Nizam have been kept.

Chowmahalla Palace timings are from 10 AM to 5 PM. It is open on all days of the week except on Friday. It is also closed on national holidays with a ticket of Rs50.00 per head.

Chowmahalla Palace

Khilafat

There after we had very popular Dosa at Tiffin Service. This place is always crowded, you do not have any sitting place , and have to Stand and eat. The Dosa and Iddli were indeed extremely good.

12 Feb 20

We took a full day tour of Ramoji City. It is approx. 40km away and takes 1hour 30 mins of drive from the City. At the ticket Counter you can buy the tickets. It is better to buy the Full Day ticket without Meals. Cost Rs1150. You can then choose meals inside the Film City, in one of many eating places. There is a discount for defence personnel but you need to intimate the Film City in advance. After buying the ticket you enter at Entry Point and a bus takes you to Film City. You must start at 09.00 am so that you can attend the Welcome to Film City reception. There after you are taken around in Bus by a guide . The Guide will drop you to a site, give you time to look around and then again board the bus for next point. We first saw the set of Central Jail, Then we walked thru the set depicting street from Italy, London and going into a Set of Aircraft with Airport Exit gates. Then we drove to outdoor set of Rajasthan with Garden, Japanese Garden, Mughal Garden. Next was visit to big set of Bahubali. We went to see the Butterfly garden and Exotic Bird Park. The birds and butterfly section has good variety. We then came back to set of Shows.

The Shows are around EUREKA Square

See the way filming is done with editing and adding effects at Ramoji Movie Magic - Action Theatre. Then go and enjoy a short ride to space in Space Yatra. See Black Light Show in a hall and then Enjoy the Wild West Stunt Show . Finally see the Spirit of Ramoji.

It will take you full day to see all this and take a bus to Entrance Gate. From here you get back to City.

Mahabali Movie set

Set of Mahabharat

Europe Street Set

Live action Show

13 Feb 20

Today we took a tour of Golconda Fort. You must hire a Guide to enjoy your trip else it is old buildings and Rocks. Plan for 3 hours trip here.

The story of Golconda Fort is the story of Hyderabad, the prequel, the beginnings of what is today an ever growing city with global impact. In 12th century AD, when the Shepard’s Hill (Golla-Konda) was first fortified by the Kakatiya Dynasty. Later in1687, after eight years of being under siege by the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb, the fort fell to the Mughal Empire.

Golconda’s outer wall encompasses 11 kilometres, with each successive ruling dynasty adding to the architecture of the fort. There are four forts, a number of temples, mosques, stables, royal apartments, bastions, gardens — the works. Entry into the fort is guarded by spiked gates, the 15 to 18 feet high walls

It is said that Golconda used to be a famous diamond market attracting merchants from all over the world. It was at Golconda that the famous Kohinoor and Hope diamonds along with others such as The Regent Diamond, Darya-e Nur, Nur-Ul-Ain Diamond were stored.

The system of acoustics in the Fort is something which you must see and believe. The sound of clapping at the entrance can be heard at the ‘Bala Hissar' which is the highest point and almost a kilometre away. This system was apparently used for communication purposes, especially to alert royal in case of any attack. In the Queens bed room, you can actually hear the talk from one end to other end along the wall.

Other attractive features of the Fort include water supply system which does leave many marvelling at the advancement of the technical and scientific knowledge while constructing this fort. Another popular aspect is the 'Rahban' cannon.

Ramdas’ prison is one of the popular spots inside the fort. According to legend, Ramdas who was a revenue collector in Abdul Hasan Shah's court was imprisoned. During his imprisonment, he carved Hindu deities on the wall of his cell. One can see many carvings of Hindu Lord Hanuman on the wall, which are now smeared with holy vermillion. A holy lamp or two (diyas) is also kept lit in front of the carvings. Timing: 9 am - 5:30 pm, Cost of ticket is Rs15 per person.