Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad : One of India's largest cities, and the Capital of the State, Hyderabad is famous for its pearls, bidri work, bangles embellished with sparkling, semiprecious stones set in lacquer and, ofcourse, its symbol, the Charminar. This imposing monument with its four graceful 54-metre high minarets, was built two years after the founding of the city in 1591. It presents an enchanting appearance at night when the minarets are illuminated.

The Salar Jung Museum houses over 35000 priceless objets d'art, the private collection of Nawab Salar Jung III, the Prime Minister of one of the Nizams. There are carved and inlaid pieces, jewels, ornaments, ivories, gem studded boxes, marble statues, rare manuscripts, miniature paintings, and exquisitely bejewelled swords and daggers of Mughal rulers. A visit to the museum is a must. The largest mosque in South India, Mecca Masjid, was completed by Aurangzeb in 1694, taking 80 years to build. The bricks for the central arch are said to have been brought from Mecca, hence its name.

The famous holiday beaches are Ramakrishna Beachand Lawson's Bay Beach at Vizag, Rishikonda (8 kms north of Vizag where facilities for water skiing and windsurfing are available), Bhimunipatnam (24 km north of Vizag) and Manginapudi (near Machilipatnam, 350 km SE of Hyderabad).