RAYMOND’S TOMB
Michel Raymond, a French mercenary, was a military commander in the
service of the 2nd Nizam and also his close friend. His tomb lies
in Saroor Nagar off the Vijaywada Road about 3 kms from the Oliphant
Bridge, in East Hyderabad. A commemorative Urs fair (a local celebrity)
is held every year at his tomb, which is 7 metres high, made of black
granite bearing the initials JR. ROCK
FORMATIONS
Lovers of unique geographical formations will enjoy these ancient
rock formations around Hyderabad, with its landscape of stony ridges
and hillocks, shaped into picturesque balancing forms. Geologists
date these granite rocks of the Deccan 2,500 million years back
and certain formations have been declared protected. Take a look
at Durgam Cheruvu, a lake surrounded by sheer rocks, right behind
the suburb of Jubilee Hills.
Contact the Society to Save Rocks for their monthly rock walks which
are conducted every 3rd Sunday of the month. Tel.: 355 2923 Time:
0900 hrs. -1300 hrs.
SALARJUNG MUSEUM
Tel.: 452 3212 Time: 1000 hrs. - 1700 hrs. Closed on Friday
Along with a collection of art objects by Nawab Salar Jung III,
this museum houses magnificent exhibits of European and Indian paintings
and statuary. Of special interest is the Jade Room containing priceless
objects, which belonged to ancient Indian rulers like Aurangazeb,
Tipu Sultan, Shah Jahan and the Asaf Jahs of Hyderabad.
HIMAYAT SAGAR
22.5 km away and parallel to Osman Sagar, this smaller tank is named
after Nizam VII’s eldest son, Himayat Ali Khan. A part near
the dam is green and ideal for a picnic and a small stretch of road
on top of the dam can be a pleasant drive or walk.
Guest houses can be booked through the APTTDC. Tel.: 345 3036
OSMAN SAGAR / GANDIPET
Situated 20 km from the city, spanning over 29 sq. km., the reservoir
was formed by damming the waters of the river Musi – in order
to contribute to Hyderabad’s water supply. It also makes for
a popular picnic spot and weekend retreat with guest house facilities.
MIR ALAM TANK
This reservoir 16 km away was once the city’s main water source.
Built by and named after Mir Alam, (Prime Minister of Hyderabad,
1804-1808) this tank is a unique piece of engineering with a mile-long
bund formed by 21 arches.
RAMOJI FILM CITY
Tel.: 323 5678 / 5777, 651 5787, 925 46555. Time: 0900 hrs. –
1400 hrs.
The sprawling 1500 acre complex on the outskirts of the city is
a bit like Hollywood - with Indian features. Considered to be Andhra
Pradesh’s answer to Mumbai’s Bollywood the locale comprises
numerous film studios, elaborate sets (from mountains, rivers, forest
to market, railway station, temples, palaces, villages and hotels),
fun rides and film-based entertainment. It also sports a shopping
mall to pick up souvenirs from.
For conducted tours to the sprawling complex call 925 46555
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