Hyderabad – the city of Nizams, the city of pearls, or the tech city – is an enchanting place having a blend of both the old and the new culture. Hyderabad is the capital of Telangana and the fourth largest city in India by population. Located on the banks of the Musi River, the city of Hyderabad was established in 1591 CE by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah. Since then, it has witnessed various successions, resulting in traditions and cultures mingling up and forming a unique mixed pattern of living.

Hyderabad promises a uniquely rejuvenating experience. It has a fascinating array of historical and tourist attractions, including the world’s tallest monolithic Buddha majestically rising from the Hussain Sagar Lake; 11th century Golconda Fort; the city’s towering landmark and architectural treasure of India, the ‘Charminar’; or the 18th-century citadel Chowmohalla Palace Complex.

The Nizams’ city offers its visitors a lot more exciting choices. There are places for nature lovers to relax amidst refreshing nature; Lumbini Park, NTR Gardens, and Tank Bund are a few such places. KBR National Park, located right in the middle of the city, is another not to miss place. One can visit popular religious sites such as Sanghi Temple and Chilkur Balaji Temple for a few spiritual moments. And to get a glimpse of modern Hyderabad, visit the HiTec City.

The capital is also well-known for its divinely delicious cuisine. The dishes here have been inspired by Turkish, Arabic, ‘Mughlai’ and ‘Tandoori’ styles of cooking. No visit is complete without feasting on the sublime local fare from the famous Hyderabadi Biryani and Mirchi ka Salan to Murgh Do Pyaza, Irani Chai, and Shahi Tukda, to name a few.

From history to art, tourism, food and hospitality, entertainment, shopping, and trade, Hyderabad packs a punch. This city is a place worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.

State of Telangana

Telangana is India’s 11th largest state and 12th most populated state. On 2 June 2014, it was separated from the north-western part of Andhra Pradesh as the newly formed state with Hyderabad as its capital. Telugu is the official and most widely spoken language in the state. Telangana is mainly rural, with roughly two-fifths of the state’s population classified as urban. Hyderabad accounts for more than half of those in urban areas. The state’s other main cities include Warangal, Nizamabad, Mahbubnagar, and Adilabad.

The economy of Telangana is the seventh largest in India, with a gross state domestic product (GSDP) of USD 120 billion and has the country’s 6th highest GSDP per capita of USD 3,000). Agriculture forms the backbone of Telangana’s economy. The state ranks 22nd among Indian states on the human development index. It has become a major focus for robust IT software, industry, and services sector. The state is the main administrative centre of many Indian defence aerospace and research labs like Bharat Dynamics Limited, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, Defence Research and Development Organisation, and Defence Research and Development Laboratory. The industrial sector, including manufacturing, utilities, and construction, has become a significant factor in Telangana’s economy. Several important enterprises of moderate size, such as sugar factories, are scattered across the medium-size and smaller urban areas.

State tourism has been growing significantly in the past years. Hyderabadi cuisine and Kakatiya architecture, both from Telangana, are on the list of UNESCO creative city of gastronomy and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cultural centers of Telangana, Hyderabad, and Warangal are noted for their wealth and renowned historical structures – Ramappa Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Charminar, Qutb Shahi Tombs, Falaknuma Palace, Chowmahalla Palace, Warangal Fort, Kakatiya Kala Thoranam, Thousand Pillar Temple and the Bhongir Fort in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district.