FLY AWAY www.srilankan.com/serendib A CITY OF MUSEUMS th th walk around the tombs to indulge in INDOOR MUSEUMS miniature paintings from 14 and 15 Hyderabad’s heritage. century, and rare Indian, Persian and In the old city, the 56-metre tall Salar Jung Museum, opened in Arabic manuscripts are some of the Charminar 'four minarets' graces 1951 by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, is highlights. Hyderabad’s skyline. This iconic one of the three national museums The elegant Chowmahalla Palace monument was built in 1591 to of India. 39 galleries feature an was built by Nizams of Hyderabad commemorate both the establishment exquisite collection from Salar Jung as a recreational and entertainment of the city and the end of plague in III (Mir Yousuf Ali Khan). The galleries space, about 150 years ago. The the region. The landmark monument are spread across three buildings complex comprises four palaces, exemplifies Indo-Saracenic work. This and display exhibitions of Indian, which are adorned by majestic halls, is a granite and lime mortar structure European, Middle Eastern and Far flaunted by courtyards and fountains which houses an Islamic school Eastern artefacts, including the on the outside. The pastel-coloured (madrassa) and a mosque. Further 19th century sculptor titled Veiled edifices are a mix of Persian and above the minarets, visitors can get a Rebecca, the set of ivory chairs gifted Arabic architectural styles. The panoramic view of the old city, as far to Tipu Sultan, the jade bookstand interiors have Rajasthani lattice work, as Golconda Fort. called Rehal, and Jehangir’s dagger European marbles and Indo-Saracenic A few metres away from and fruit knife set in jade. Indian elements gracing it. The Durbar Hall Charminar, Makkah Masjid also adds is impressive with its low-hanging to the city’s grand architecture. The chandeliers made of Belgian crystals. masjid is functional till date and It is surrounded by multiple rooms accommodates about 10,000 people. Fast facts exhibiting regal furniture, historical A line of tombs of Nizams rest in the artefacts, and other belongings of arched gallery. • World famous Hyderabadi biryani, the Nizams. Don’t miss the yellow which came from the Nizams, is Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (originally believed to have 140 varieties. belonging to Nizam Ali Khan) and The Makkah Masjid can accommodate upto 10,000 people. • India’s Koh-i-Noor was probably Khilwat Clock (at the main gate, which unearthed from Golconda Fort, which has been operational for 250 years). A bird’s eye view of Telangana’s capital, Hyderabad, reveals historic OUTDOOR MUSEUMS is now in public display in the Tower Visit the B M Birla Science Centre, remnants of the city. On one side is the expansive and earthy Golconda of London. which houses a planetarium, 3D Golconda Fort is Hyderabad’s most Universe, science centre, Nirmala Fort and on the other, lies small and significant structures of Mughal • Ramoji Film City stretches a massive eminent and one of India’s most 2000 acres and is the world’s largest Birla Gallery of Modern Art, G P architecture. Since 1591 when the city was founded to date, these imposing fortresses. Apart from being film studio complex. Birla Observatory and a library. remnants beautifully emphasise this view of the city—without today’s the top tourist site in the city, it is • Hyderabad is the home to the The planetarium has many shows steeped in history. Built in 1143, as a throughout the day. The science concrete hurting the eye. seventh oldest university in India, hilltop mud fort, it was only fortified Osmania University. centre is a favourite among children th th between 14 and 17 century during Qutb Shahi Tombs incorporate Indian and owing to the interactive displays and Words: Amrita Das. the Qutb Shahi empire. The fort, which Persian architectural styles. Dinosaurium. gradually rises 130m high, comprises palaces, mosques, tombs, gates and secret passages, four drawbridges, stables and halls, and cannons, amongst others. Fateh Darwaza (Victory Gate) is one its highlights. This gate marked the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb’s victory after he laid siege at it for eight years. Spend some time exploring the space within this stonework fortress. Since it is known for its acoustics, don’t forget to clap hands once within the walls. One kilometre away from Golconda Fort’s Banjara Darwaza is Qutb Shahi Tombs. The raised tombs beautifully blend Indian and Persian architectural The Golconda Fort is a popular historical site in Hyderabad. styles. Roam around the gardens and Salar Jung Museum is one of the three national museums of India. Chowmahalla Palace has Rajasthani lattice work and Indo-Saracenic elements. 58 NOVEMBER 2019 NOVEMBER 2019 59.