Hyderabad, the capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh, is one of the largest city in India with an ancient civilisation and culture. Attached to the city is its twin, Secunderbad, which is part of Hyderabad. The twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderbad are separated by the Husain Sagar, an artificial lake constructed during the time of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah Wali in 1562 A.D.

The city is nearly 400 years old and is noted for its natural beauty, mosques and minarets, bazaars and bridges, hills and lakes etc. It is perched on the top of the Deccan Plateau, 1776 ft. above sea level and sprawls over an area of 100 Sq. miles.

A multitude of influences have shaped the character of the city. Its palaces and buildings, houses and tenements and gardens and streets have a history and an architectural individuality of their own, which make Hyderabad a city of enchantment.

Hyderabad was founded on the River Moosi five miles east of Golconda in 1591-92 by Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah. In the 16th century the city grew spontaneously to accommodate the surplus population of Golconda, which was the capital of the Qutub Shahi rulers. Many buildings sprang up along the River Moosi. Gradually the city grew.

The name itself brings up vision of a vibrant city of minarets and modern high-rise buildings. A natural and sophisticated blend of old and new - an old 'Nawabi' culture with a new pro-active approach and hospitality.

The teeming bazaars of the old city, in the midst of which stands the 400-year-old Charminar, the modern shopping complexes and ultra-modern malls in the newer areas of the city add to the charm of Hyderabad.

The Golconda Fort, capital of the kingdom by that name, is today very much part of the city, as is Cyberabad, a new local area created to keep pace with the zooming Information Technology sector. Pearls, bangles, silks, computer software, handicrafts and above all a delectable cuisine add to the splendour of this great city.