Andhra Pradesh is not just another place, it is another time. The state comprises the erstwhile Hyderabad state and bits of former Madras Presidency. However the spirit of its last ruler Nizam Osman Ali Pasha still lingers on there. The state is so much a part of his diverse and mystifying personality which was an enigma to his subjects as well as to the outsiders. Andhra Pradesh, the fifth largest state of India is drained by thirty-four rivers - the largest of them are Krishna and Godavari. Its recorded history goes back to Mauryan period. Successive dynasties of the Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Chalukyas, Vijaynagar Kings, Qutab Shahis, Mughals and Asaf Jahis have added to state's rich history and culture with monuments, temples, mosques and heritage in arts, crafts and dance.

Rivaling this vividness is the beauty of the landscapes, stalagmite and stalactite caves, river plunging headlong in breath taking gorges, large lakes impounded between verdant hills, dense forests teeming with wild life and gigantic boulders of queer formation poised on hairline contact with bedrock. In the midst of such a landscape rise the awe-inspiring edifices of man: the world's tallest masonry dam, reservoirs topped by motor ways several hundred kilometers of canals tapering from giant hydel works which themselves lie dwarfed by soaring of centuries old temples in which stones become poetry and music.Andhra Pradesh is home to the unique arts and crafts such as Kalamkari, Bidriware, glass embedded Banjara apparels, classical kuchipudi dance to the coveted Pochampali sari.

Hyderabad - the Istanbul of India

Hyderabad, once the Nizam's capital still retains its premier position as the the first city of the new state. While it's banjara hills form pockets of contemporary lifestyles, the city gives travelers fascinating glimpses of its past splendors the legacy of its four hundred old history. Unlike most cities with rich past, Hyderabad's architectural wonders are not dead ruins but edifices still in use. Situated at an important cross roads, a symbol for the city, is Charminar - a four arched monumental gate around which Hyderabad pulses with radiant energy. Charminar sometimes referred to as Arc de Triomphe of the east. Its central structure soars to a height of 180 ft.; four minarets grace its four corners. Around the Minar, the old bazaar throbs, the way it did when it was first laid in 1591, by Mohammed Quli, with hectic trading pearls, lac & glass bangles and textiles.

Among Hyderabad's more recent buildings is the Falaknuma Palace. Built in the grand oriental style, its interiors are spectacular and its chandeliers among he country's best. Another place which is a must for every visitor to Hyderabad is Salarjung Museum. It is reputed to be the world's largest one man collection of antiques. Another favorite of tourists in Hyderabad is Venkateshwara temple. Built on the 280 feet high Kala Pahad over looking the picturesque Hussain Sagar, the temple is built with 2000 tones of white marble. The magnificent architecture of the temple is a synthesis of north Indian and South Indian styles.

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