So much is said about the 400-year history of the city of Hyderabad that you might be forgiven for believing that this Deccan settlement appeared magically on a wild plateau four centuries ago. In fact, habitation in this region apparently goes back to more than 4,000 years. Here's how you can spend a day in the city.
The first place to lead a newcomer in Hyderabad is obviously the Charminar. Built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah (the 5th sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty), the monument is a grand presence amidst the buzzing streets of the city. As the name suggests, the mosque is a structure identified by its four towering pillars (minars). Ornate and intricate, the interiors of the landmark are truly a visual treat, reflecting the architecture popular during the Mughal rule.