The Monuments of Andhra Pradesh are known best for the architecture and are the memento of her magnificent past. The dynasties that were successful here are Ikshvakus, Chalukyas, Pallavas, Kakatiyas, Qutub Shahis, Vijayanagaram Kings, Asaf Jahis and the Mughal have a great contribution to the rich cultural tapis and have left behind a heritage full with fabulous monuments.
The blended culture of Hindu – Muslim can be seen in Hyderabad which has numerous monuments of historical importance like Golconda, Charminar, Mecca Masjid, Salarjung Museum, Falaknuma Palace and Qutub Shahi Tombs.
Andhra Pradesh is also known for its culture, language, people and food all over the country. The language here is very interesting which people keenly listen and some would learn the language. The food of Hyderabads is very famous like the Biryani of Hyderabad, maybe it a veg Biryani or Non-veg Biryani. People who visit the Hyderabad do it Biryani and the non-veg Hyderabadi Biryani are very popular all over the country.
The Monuments in Andhra Pradesh attracts number of tourists and also have tourist from the other countries. The capital city of Andhra Pradesh is Hyderabad which can be reached easily. The major attraction of tourist here are Tirupati, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Puttaparthi and Vijayawada. The best time to explore and enjoy the monuments in Hyderabad is from October to March.
Chand Phira Gumbad
- Location: Cuddapah, Andhra Pradesh
- Burial chamber of: Syed Shah Mohammed Hussain
Chand Phira Gumbadh is the crypt of Sayed Shah Mohammed Hussain. It is sited in Cuddapah in Andhra Pradesh. This is one of the well-liked and vital places for the people in Andhra Pradesh.
Chand Phira Gumbad is situated in a square building with a huge dome in the middle; the tall walls surrounded all over in the hub of the city. The breastworks of the building are faced with arabesque panels in platter.
Accommodation
The tourists can take the accommodation at the hotels available in Cuddapah. There are only few luxurious hotels and some of the hotels are available for affordable accommodation. Tourist can also take the accommodation in the lodges which is to be looked for.
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
- Location: Nagarjuna Sagar, Andhra Pradesh
- Popular as: Tallest Masonry Dam in the World
- Architecture: A rare blend of Tudor and Italian architecture
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is the greatest granite dam all over the world which is sited on the border of Guntur – Nalgonda district. The structure of dam was completed in 1966 and the altitude is 124 kms and is 1 km long. Across the river Krishna this dam is constructed with the maximum number of networks of canal systems irrigating over 2,000,000 acres of land in Nalgonda, Krishna and Khammam, Guntur and Prakasam districts.
The Major Attractions
The Lake
This is the third largest manmade lake in the world which the dam straddles. One can just go 4 kms away from the dam where there is a viewpoint, where the panoramic and breathtaking view of the amazing landscape is just unbelievable for eyes. One can also see the picture of Nagarjuna that is on a pylon and is not too far from dam.
There are number of places which are of tourist significance that are near Nagarjuna Sagar which includes Ethipothala Waterfalls, and the Srisailam Wildlife Reserve which has thick forest. The Reserve is a part of the Project Tiger which also has number of different animals, reptiles and birds.
The beautiful Museum and Buddhist relics across the Krishna River attract number of tourists which is around 20 minute by the motorboat. The dam is a spectacular sight during the floods which attracts number of tourists from near and far places.
Accommodation
Andhra Tourism Department has only some cottages, which are managed by and are under Executive Engineer, Nagarjuna Sagar dam unit. Other options for tourists to stay over here are Vijay Vihar complex, Project House, Youth Hostel and guesthouses. These all have some basic facilities which are really comfortable. People should not except luxurious facilities over here.
Charminar
- Location: Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
- Popularly Known as: The Arc De Triomphe of the East
- Constructed by: Quli Qutb Shah
- Constructed in: 1591
Charminar is among the prominent and gorgeous monuments in Andhra Pradesh. It is a spectacular piece of architecture which is placed in the hub of the city constructed in 1591 by Quli Qutub Shah. The remarkable monument is the mark of the Hyderabad. Charminar is also known as “The Arc de triomphe of the East”. It is regarded as the fabled masterwork of Qutub Shahi’s.
This beautiful structure derives its name from four intricately engraved minarets. The meaning of four graceful minarets exactly means ‘Four Minars’, rises to an elevation of 48.7 m above the ground. It is situated between the colorful shops of Lad Bazaar with the sparkling customary bangles in the old city. Mammoth in its size, this daunting monument emanates a charm that is more than 400 years old.
Charminar has attracted numerous tourists and is still attracting thousands of tourist every year. People enjoy the beautiful architecture and remembers the by gone glorious time of Qutub Shahi.
The Sovereignty of Qutub Shahi
The history of Hyderabad starts from the company of the Qutub Shahi Empire. Due to the meagerness of water and regular outbreaks of cholera and plague, Quli Qutub Shah founded the new city and constructed the Charminar in the middle of the city and built four great roads going four prime directions.
The plan is a quadrangle with all side of 20 m long and the four arches are around 11m broad and rises 20 m from the pedestal. The minarets are of four storey that rises 20 m from the roof of the giant monument and measures 24 m from the pedestal. There is a mosque in the western section of the roof which ranks building that the artisans of Qutub Shahi ever constructed.
The spaces for prayers are 45 with a huge open space in the front to accommodate more people for the prayers that are held on Friday. There is a beautiful verandah to the east of this space which has huge open arch inn the middle, edged by minor ones on both sides.
An Illustration of Indo- Saracenic Ritual
It was constructed with lime-mortar and granite. It is a beautiful combination of Islamic and ‘Cazia’ style of architecture. The domes and the entangled arches are the best examples of typical style of Islamic architecture. The elegant floral design at the top of Charminar is enthralling. The tradition of Indo-Saracenic depicts in Charminar – a mutualism of Hindu and the Muslim custom that has woven the magical rich Deccan culture. In the night particularly the Charminar looks stunning when it is illuminated.
The picturesque view of the city and Golconda Fort is provided which takes us to the gone by time and recapitulates the past glory of Hyderabad in the period of Qutub Shahi. Charminar is an undividable element in history of Hyderabad.
- Also Read: Must-See Forts and Palaces in Andhra Pradesh
Accommodation
As Hyderabad being the capital city and is one of the famous places which is full of tourist from all over the world. There are many luxurious hotels available that has some best rooms and some amazing service. There are also small hotels available in the city which has some good rooms and basic facilities. For more affordable accommodation one can stay in lodges which are available in the city with some basic facilities.
Qutub Shahi Tomb
- Location: Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
- Exclusive Feature: Number of Toms at one place
- Architecture: A rare blend of Hindu, Pathan & Persian Forms
- Visiting Hours: On all days from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, Except on Fridays
Qutub Shahi Tombs are constructed in commemoration of the late King of Golconda and has seven toms in the spectacularly laid out gardens of Ibrahim Bagh. Placed just at a distance of a kms from Golconda Fort these are the splendid monuments of architectural dominance.
These tombs take you back to the splendor and the majesty of Golconda and the other great Kings who are buried here. This place is exclusively marked all over the world as this is only the place in the world which has so many tombs in one place.
A Combination of Hindu, Pathan & Persian Forms
The tombs are elegant structures with intricately engraved masonry. The tomb exhibits a characteristic style, a mixture of Hindu, Pathan & Persian Forms. The matter used for construction of these tombs is grey granite inflated with stucco enhancement.
The tombs form a huge cluster and stand on a raised podium. They are vaulted structures built on rectangle bases’ bounded by pointed arches. Each tomb stands on a wide quadrangular porch approached from sides by staircase. The galleries of the lesser tombs are solitary storied while the superior ones are two storied.
The main body of the edifice is broad that rises 9 to 15 m above the porch of each tomb is a casket that overrides the actual burial tomb in a vault below. Earlier the dome had green and blue tiles on the dome but now only few pieces are remaining.
The Structure of Tomb
At the corners, the beautiful minarets are surrounded with barriers. The tombs here are of the six kings of Qutub Shahi. The height of it raises up to 42.5 m with a huge dome and 28 open curves, his vault is among the biggest and most magnificent of monuments.
In the Earlier times, the tombs were furnished with chandeliers, carpets and velvet shelters on silver pots. The Qurans were kept on the supports and the readers used to narrate rhymes from the holy book at regular periods. To distinguish the tombs of Sultans from their family members, the golden spires were fitted over the tom.
These tombs stand silent evidence to the past grandeur and majesty of the Qutub Shahi’s. The tombs can be visited by tourists on all days from 9.30am to 4.30pm, except on Fridays. The “Deccan Festival” is conducted by Department of Tourism every year that is celebrated for five days by arranging programs of internationally notorious artists.
Accommodation
As Hyderabad being the capital city and is one of the famous places which are full with visitors from all over the world. There are many deluxe hotels available that has some finest rooms and some astonishing service. There are also small hotels available in the city which has some fine rooms and necessary facilities. For more inexpensive accommodation one can take lodges which are available in the city with some basic facilities.
Falaknuma Palace
- Location: Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
- Unique Feature: Jade collection
- Architecture: A rare blend of Tudor and Italian architecture
Falaknuma is a splendid palace constructed by Nawab Vikar-ul-Ulmara who was then the Prime Minister of Hyderabad. It was later given as a gift to Mehboob Ali Khan who was the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad. The meaning of the name Falaknuma is ‘Star of Heaven’. This place is an extraordinary amalgamation of Italian and Tudor architecture.
It is situated at a distance of 5 km to the south of Charminar on a hill which is at a n elevation of around 200 ft. This was designed by an Italian architect and on 3rd March 1884, the foundation was laid for the construction of this building. The construction was completed after 9 years. For the construction of this building, Italian marble is used and is spread widely over an area of around 9,39,712 square meters. In 1897 it was purchased by Nizam VI and was used as a royal guest house which has an imposing view of the whole city. The grandeur of Falaknuma Palace and abundant generosity became eminent throughout India.
The Architectural Grandness
To the north there are two stings spread which resembles to that of scorpion wings from the shape of the palace. The interiors of this palace are one of the interiors that are decorated lavishly. The collection of Jade of this palace is regarded as unique in the world. The collection of statues, paintings and English furniture of this palace is priceless.
The biggest Venetian chandeliers are in the Falaknuma palace. It is to be said that it took around six months to clean a 138-arm Osler chandelier and in the palace, there are 40 such chandeliers embellishing the halls. The spectrum of colours is thrown in the room from its glass-stained windows. The walls are artistically decorated and painted. The staircase that goes upwards is supported with marble figures and carved balustrades.
The library in the palace has a walnut carved roof which is an imitation of one at Windsor Castle. In India, this library has one of the wonderful collections of the holy Qurans. Special exhibition area forms a museum of art materials brought from the different states of India. The palace has a dining hall which can accommodate around 100 guests at a time. The furniture here is also very artistic. The table ware was made up of crystal and gold and to that music like lute was added. The electrical switch board’s of the palace is one of the largest in India.
The Palace is now owned by and is the personal property of Wala Shah Nawab Mukarram Jah Bahadur, grandson of the seventh Nizam. If one wishes to visit this palace, then has to take a prior permission to visit inside. A trip to the Falaknuma palace is an overwhelming experience. Number of people comes here to visit this palace. The tourists love to enjoy the grandeur and life of by gone time which was lived by the Nawabs.
Accommodation
There are many luxurious hotels available that has some best rooms and some amazing service. There are also small hotels available in the city which has some good rooms and basic facilities. For more affordable accommodation one can stay in lodges which are available in the city with some basic facilities.
Srisailam Dam
- Location: Srisailam, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh
- Importance: In the country it is one Of The 12 Largest Hydroelectric Projects
- Coverage area: Around 80, 000 hectares
Srisailam is around 98 kms away from Markapuram. The Srisailam dam is constructed across the Krishna River. The dam is sited in deep ravine in the Nallamala hill range. One can take the pleasure of the natural beauty extended all around the dam. The altitude of the dam is around 300 m above sea level and is 512 m long.
In the country there are twelve biggest hydroelectric projects among which one of it is this dam. It has 12 essential crest gates. The dam is placed in the Srisailam in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh. The Dam is spread over wildly with an area of around 80,000 hectares.
The edifice of this dam has cemented the way for giving irrigation water to about 80,000 hectares in Cuddapah and Kurnool districts in the constantly drought-prone Rayalaseema region from Srisailam project. If one wishes to visit the dam then has to take a special permission, so that they can visit the dam without any problems.
The Other Attractions Nearby
The attractions other than this dam is Bhramaramba mallikarjunaswamy temple which is near to the dam and is located on the hill range of Nallamala Forest and other is temple of Sikhareswara Swamy which is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and there are number of shrines of Sri Ganpati Temple.
Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary
People can also visit the Sanctuary apart from the temple which is also one of the places that attracts number of tourists every year. The sanctuary has a great collection of wildlife animals such as tigers, spotted deer, panthers, great lizards, giant squirrels, crocodiles, pangolins, snakes and civets. The district is widely spread which covers the five adjoining districts. The visit this sanctuary many people come from far and distance place with their family and friends to enjoy and experience the animals in their natural livelihood.
Accommodation
The tourists have an option for accommodation that is close to the Srisailam Dam site. The Devasthanam guest houses, A.P. Tourist Saila Vihar rest house, Choultries and cottages are available there. Here people should not expect luxurious and lavish facilities and good rooms and basic facilities are available here. Other than this near the city there are hotels and lodges available for accommodation of tourists. These hotels would provide basic facilities and luxurious facilities which depend on the package or rooms.
