Sight Seeing in Various South Indian Cities - Hyderabad

GUN FOUNDRY: One of the several cannon and cannonball factories set up in 1786 by Monsieur Raymond, the then French General deputed in Nizam's service, the Gun Foundry is the only one of its kind in Andhra Pradesh. Called Tope-ka-Sancha by the locals, today it can be tracked in Abids in a narrow lane opposite the Mahboobia Girls' High School. Cannons, or the topes, which bear inscriptions that reveal details of its manufacture, are displayed in Baagh-e-Aam, the Public Gardens.

HIGHCOURT: The High Court is situated on the south banks of river Musi, which now falls under the Afzalgunj area. It is one of the few fine buildings in Sarcenic style built in red and white stone. While Shankarlal of Jaipur drew up the plan of the High Court, local engineer Mehar Ali Fazil executed the design. It is said that while digging the foundation for this structure, workers unearthed the ruins of two palaces, the Hina Mahal and the Nadi Mahal. Nizam VII inaugurated the monument on April 20, 1920. A reproduction of this building carved in thick silver can be found in the Purani Haveli museum.

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH: The Church of Holy Trinity is a marvellous piece of architecture that was built in 1846 during the British rule. It is said that the Queen Victoria aided this construction by contributing from her private purse. It was built on a piece of land donated by the Nizam's government. Next to this church is a 150 year old cemetery, where many British soldiers were laid to rest. In 1983, during their stay in Hyderabad, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip visited the Holy Trinity Church.

LAD BAZAR: Lad Bazar is a street flanked with shops selling colourful bangles, glittering bridal wear et al. This bustling marketplace, famous for its stone-studded lac and glass bangles, is on the top of the local itinerary of all tourists. A visit to Lad Bazar is a must if you are looking for a feel of the tradition of Hyderabad. The bazaar, also famous for utility articles, bridal wears, attars (perfumes) and embroidery in gold and silver threads, leads to a cross road simply called the Chowk, the Square. At the Chowk one can see splendid pink gates and semi-circular outer walls of the Nizam's parade grounds. These walls are built in the French - Islamic style. During the times of Nizam VI, the place was used to quarter his troops. The gateway is wide to facilitate the movement of the elephants.