Hyderabad is the capital city of Andhra Pradesh. It is a city of beauty, balance and tradition. It is a place where love still lives on. The city nurtures in its heart the love story of a young prince, Muhammad Quli and a village belle, Bhagmati that laid the foundation of the city. The construction of the city was completed in 1592. Today's Hyderabad is cosmopolitan, richly endowed with a variety of cultures. Hyderabad is also known as the second Silicon Valley in India after Bangalore. Hyderabad - the Pearl City of India - is famous for its minarets and its pearl bazaar.

Places to see:

• The Charminar: The majestic architectural hub of the city stands at the heart of the old city of Hyderabad, built by Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah in 1591. The structure is square, each side measuring 100 feet, with a central pointed high arch at the center. The minarets, their domed finials, rise to 180 feet from the ground. The whole edifice contains numerous small decorative arches arranged both vertically and horizontally.
• The Mecca Masjid: Mecca Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India accommodating upto 10,000 people. Located near the Charminar, the construction of the Masjid was begun by Muhammad Qutb Shah in 1617 and completed by Quranzeb in 1693. It is a grand edifice with a huge courtyard. The other two mosques--the Jami Masjid and the Toli Masjid--are small and modest structures in the city.
• Golconda Fort: This 16th century fortress is a majestic monument, which lies on the western outskirts of Hyderabad city. It speaks of a great cultural heritage of 400 years and exudes a palpable sense of history. Golconda has been known as famous center for diamonds, and the diamond mines boast of some of the most renowned diamonds in the world. The Kohinoor originally belonged to Golconda, as did the Darya-i-Noor, the Orloff, the Pitt, and the great table of the Nizam. It is thus regarded as a place worth visiting.
• Hussain Sagar: Hussain Sagar is a large artificial lake lake in the midst of the city and was constructed in 1562 AD. Also known as Tank Bund, it connects the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. It was built by Ibrahim Qutb Shah in around 1550, in gratitude to Husain Shah Wali, who had cured him of a disease.

• By Air: Hyderabad is connected with all the major cities of India by Indian Airlines, Air India and Jet Airways flights. Flights link Hyderabad with Delhi, Port Blair, Bangalore, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, etc.
• By Rail: AHyderabad is linked with the metropolitan cities by train. One can also get off at Secunderabad, which is very close Hyderabad.
• By Road: Hyderabad and its sister city Secunderabad are situated on the junction of two important National Highways: NH 7 (Varanasi-Nagpur-Hyderabad-Kanyakumari) and NH 9 (Bombay/Mumbau-Shlapur-Vijayawada).