![]() Pilgrimage Tourism in Hyderabad District Birla Mandir is a temple that is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara sits on the Hill top of Kalapahad, over looking the Hussain Sagar Lake. It is a monument of grandeur and magnificence in marble. The architecture is a balance of North and South Indian styles of Temple architecture. A breath taking view of the city can be seen from the top of the temple. Mecca Masjid is situated very close to the Charminar, the Mecca masjid is one of the largest and most impressive mosques in India. The construction of the masjid was started by Mohammed Quli Qutab Shah of the Qutab Shahi dynasty in the year 1614 and completed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1687. ![]() The Nehru Zoological Park set up in 1959 is a natural habitat of all types of birds and animal species spread over 300 acres of undulating landscape. The Lion Safari Park is the first of its kind in South Asia. Inside the Zoo is a museum of Natural History, ancient life and extinct animals in reconstructed models. Public Garden was developed in the region of Nawab Mir Mahaboob Ali Khan Asif Jah-VI. Many changes took place during the region of the Nizam Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan Asif Jah-VII. The Public Garden is open to the open to the public free of charge and it is used as a recreation place by the citizens of the district. The important places in the public garden are Health Museum, Ajanta Pavilion, Archaeological Museum, Jawahar Bal Bhavan and Auditorium. The Assembly Building is also located in the Public Garden. There is also at this place. Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali National Park is located at Vanasthalipuram, at a distance of 20 km from the city and originally the area was under the Nizam. The park was established in 1977. The flora is of dry scrub jungle with grass lands. Major plant species found here are the Neem tree, Butea (Flame of the forest), Acacia tree, Bauhinias etc. apart from a variety of thorny scrub species. The park is famous for the endangered Black Buck, the state animal of Andhra Pradesh. ![]() The avian fauna of the park comprises over 100 species and includes Partridges, Quails, Peacocks, Doves and birds of prey like kites, vultures etc. A variety of migratory birds can also be seen round the year. This center offers audio-visual education on nature and wildlife and is supported by a good nature library. There are sheds for rest and observation towers for viewing the animals. A van is provided to take the visitors inside the park to see the animals from close quarters. Budda Poornima is a comprehensive metro Project near the Tank Bund. It has boating facility for a joy ride in the water of Hussain Sagar Lake and in the midst of the lake is located a 60 feet statue of Lord Buddha, the tallest monolith statue, along side the Lumbini Park with star attractions of Floral Clock and Musical Fountain. Shilparamam is an arts and crafts village showcasing various art forms and handicrafts of various artists from all over the State. The annual All-India Festival of Arts and Crafts held here in February brings to the limelight the cultural and artistic traditions from every nook and corner of the country. Here Indian festivals are celebrated in the most traditional way and unique festivals bring together talents from the world over. At the heart of this picturesque crafts village, designed along the natural slopes, is the amphitheatre where performances ranging from classical music concerts and dances to contemporary English plays are staged. Further inside is the boating facility with both peddling and rowing boats. Shiparamam is easily accessible by road and well connected by public transport. ![]() On the hill of Naubat Pahad is located India's most modern Planetarium with Japanese instrumentation. It was constructed by Birla Archaeological and Cultural Institute. It is developing into a centre for astronomical studies. Besides Planetarium, the second phase of the centre is the large B.M. Birla Science Museum. The Science Museum highlights Science, Technology and Industry. The Science Museum building which is a magnificent structure with superb interior decor covers an area of nearly 10,000 Sq.m. One floor houses an interactive, Science Centre, with participatory exhibits in section on perception, Mechanics, optical Illusions, Mathematical Puzzles, Optics, Electricity and Magnetism, Vibrations and Sound, Energy and Motors etc. The Museum also has an archaeological section exhibits objects of immense interest. These are the myriad places of tourist interest in the district of Hyderabad catering to the different interests of the various tourists. |