Merry Christmas everyone! Though I am a day late, the sentiment is the same. May the true spirit of Christmas shine in your heart and light your path.
This week was the same as last week because the children are still on holiday and so nothing really to talk about. They are going out with friends, especially catching up with those who they haven’t seen in a while and those whom they will not see for a while during this holiday.
On the work front, because almost everyone is in the holiday mood, things are pretty quiet and this means I get more time to write, though I am also in a holiday mood and there are days when I have to force myself to both write and walk.
Singapore is still reporting COVID-19 cases, especially the Omicron variant, most of which seem to come from imported cases which mean travellers entering Singapore. But the Omicron variant is still a cause of concern. Today this variant accounts for 73% of US infections, up from just about 3% last week according to the US CDC. Experts say that a double dose of the vaccine coupled with the booster jab is the key along with safe distancing, masking and having good hygiene habits to combat the variant. Israel is even starting a second booster jab for seniors above 60 as a deterrent against the Omicron variant. According to experts, this variant will become the dominant variant in 2022 as it is a much more transmissible variant. And unless everyone in the world has been double vaccinated and has had the booster jab, more variants are expected until the virus becomes endemic. So it’s quite likely our new normal will continue to be masking outdoors, having regular booster jabs and maintaining hygiene practices, especially in high-risk settings like hospitals, during travel or if new variants emerge where vaccine protection is significantly reduced.
Today’s positivity quote is courtesy of American author, Joyce Meyer who tells us one cannot have a positive life with a negative mindset. So if one has a negative mindset, one keeps thinking negative thoughts and life as being difficult, then life will not be as pleasant as one wishes. Our happiness is within us with the biggest factor of our happiness ourselves. So when one is happy internally and has positive thoughts, it reflects in the way we think, believe and act and this, in turn, reflects in our lives which automatically becomes more enriched.
That’s all from us this week. Take care, stay safe and have a wonderful last week of 2021!
On the morning of April 29, 1986, a fire alarm sounded in the Los Angeles Public Library. As the moments passed, the patrons and staff who had been cleared out of the building realized this was not the usual fire alarm. As one fireman recounted, “Once that first stack got going, it was ‘Goodbye, Charlie.’” The fire was disastrous: it reached 2000 degrees and burned for more than seven hours. By the time it was extinguished, it had consumed four hundred thousand books and damaged seven hundred thousand more. Investigators descended on the scene, but more than thirty years later, the mystery remains: Did someone purposefully set fire to the library—and if so, who?
Weaving her lifelong love of books and reading into an investigation of the fire, award-winning New Yorker reporter and New York Times bestselling author Susan Orlean delivers a mesmerizing and uniquely compelling book that manages to tell the broader story of libraries and librarians in a way that has never been done before.
In The Library Book, Orlean chronicles the LAPL fire and its aftermath to showcase the larger, crucial role that libraries play in our lives; delves into the evolution of libraries across the country and around the world, from their humble beginnings as a metropolitan charitable initiative to their current status as a cornerstone of national identity; brings each department of the library to vivid life through on-the-ground reporting; studies arson and attempts to burn a copy of a book herself; reflects on her own experiences in libraries; and reexamines the case of Harry Peak, the blond-haired actor long suspected of setting fire to the LAPL more than thirty years ago.
Along the way, Orlean introduces us to an unforgettable cast of characters from libraries past and present—from Mary Foy, who in 1880 at eighteen years old was named the head of the Los Angeles Public Library at a time when men still dominated the role, to Dr. C.J.K. Jones, a pastor, citrus farmer, and polymath known as “The Human Encyclopedia” who roamed the library dispensing information; from Charles Lummis, a wildly eccentric journalist and adventurer who was determined to make the L.A. library one of the best in the world, to the current staff, who do heroic work every day to ensure that their institution remains a vital part of the city it serves.
Warangal Located about 145 km northeast of Hyderabad, Warangal is the second-largest city in Telangana spread over 406 sq km. It served as the capital of the Kakatiya dynasty which was established in 1163. Warangal is also said to be the cultural capital of Telangana with the Kakatiya Kala Thoranam included in the emblem of the state. The three cities Kazipet, Hanamkonda and Warangal are together known as the Warangal Tri-City.
During the Kakatiya rule, Warangal was referred to as Orugallu, Ekasila Nagaram, or Omatikonda all of which meant a single stone referring to a huge granite boulder present in Warangal fort. Warangal was the ancient capital of the Kakatiya dynasty. During the rule of Ganapathideva, the capital was shifted from Hanamkonda to Warangal. When the Kakatiya dynasty was defeated by Delhi Sultanate in 1323, the ruler Juna Khan conquered the city and renamed it Sultanpur. Musunuri Nayaks recaptured Warangal in 1336 and named it Orugallu again. After the demise of the Nayaks, Warangal was part of the Bahmani Sultanate and then the Sultanate of Golconda. Warangal was part of Andhra Pradesh until 2014 when it became part of Telangana.
The Thousand Pillar Temple is an ancient temple tucked away in a small town named Hanamakonda. As the name suggests, the temple has over one thousand pillars, some of which are part or extensions of adjacent pillars. These pillars are so tightly knit, they form the walls of the temple. Constructed in a star-shaped style, the temple also contains a huge monolith Nandi or the sacred bull of Lord Shiva, made up of black basalt stone. The three shrines located in the temple are together known as the Trikootalayam. A fine example of Kakatiyan and Chalukyan architecture styles, the three presiding deities in this temple are Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya or the Sun God. The temple was built to placate the followers of both the Shaivites and the Vaishnavites. The temple which is built on the slopes of the Hanamaonda hill has a unique star-shaped base which brings to mind the Kakatiya architectural style. The pillars are in perfect symmetry and design with intricate carvings and designs on each pillar. The main shrines have sculptures of rock-cut elephants guarding them on each side, and there are beautiful carvings of the elephants on many pillars too. A six feet tall Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva, made from a single huge black basalt rock, greets devotees at the entrance. The main shrine of the temple is held up by 400 pillars. The temple is built using the sandboxing technique, where a huge pit is dug up and filled with sand and covered with huge rock beams. Then on this strong platform, the base of the structure is made by erecting tall beams and columns. This uniquely Kakatiya invention provides an unshakeable base for the structure and makes it long-standing. The temple is open from 5 am to 9 pm daily.
Located about 77 km from Warangal in the heart of the ancient capital of the Kakatiya dynasty, the Ramappa Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and believed to have been constructed over in 1253, forty years after construction began in 1213 by the Kakatiya Chief Commander, General Recherla Rudra Samani during the rule of Ganapati Deva. The temple is an exquisite example of the Kakatiya style of architecture and is covered in detailed carvings depicting life in those times. Also known as the Ramalingeswara temple, it derives its name from the sculptor Ramappa who built the statue of Shiva and started the worship of the deity here. As one enters the temple, they are welcomed by two delicate statues of dancers striking graceful poses. A massive 9 feet Shivalinga is enshrined in the temple and is the main deity with two smaller Shiva shrines found on either side of the main temple, although both are in ruins. The temple has been designed to be elevated above its surroundings on a high star-shaped platform with three entrances to the main sanctum, each of which is flanked by detailed statues and carvings built of sandstone. Three distinct sections, Antaral, Maha Mandap and Garbhagrih together constitute the Ramappa Temple. The walls of the temple are adorned by carvings that are also found on the pillars and ceilings. Lotus motifs, elephants in different poses and images of Gods such as Narasimha and Ganesha embellish the many pillars that hold the ceiling. The roof of the temple is built with ultralight bricks, light enough to float on water. The temple is open between 6 am to 6 pm daily.
One of the ten manifestations of the Supreme Goddess, the Bhadrakali Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. Constructed in 625 by King Pulakesin II of the Chalukya dynasty to commemorate his conquest of the Vengi region, the temple is set in a beautiful locale with a natural rock formation and a vast lake. Unlike most of the temples of the Goddess and her various manifestations in South India, the deity of this temple does not have a calm and soothing ambience. The temple enshrines the Goddess Kali, the Mother Goddess adorned with weapons in all eight arms with the Goddess in the sitting position with a crown on her head. The temple fell into ruins after the Chalukyas and Kakatiyas but was restored by Sri Ganapati Shastri in the 1950s. It is said that when the holy chants are pronounced with utmost devotion in the temple, it makes the stone deity transform itself to its Tripura Sundari avatar which is the culmination of all the feminine powers of beauty, nature, and fertility and is the foremost face of Adi Shakti in Shaktism faith. The elementary pillars and the Ekanda Shila or the use of a single piece of stone for the main deity reminds one of the Chalukyas, while the intricate carvings are the contribution of the Kakatiyas. The single dark stone has the Goddess seated within the sanctum sanctorum with weapons in her eight hands, the bejewelled crown on her head and a calm and soft look on her face, but with an underlying fieriness. Opposite the Sanctorum or the Garbha Griha is a statue of the Supreme Goddess’ ever-faithful and loyal pet vehicle – the fierce lion. The temple also has shrines of other Gods carved out of stone. The temple is open from 5:30 am to 1 pm and then from 3 to 8 pm.
Dating to the 12th century and dedicated Goddess Padmakshi, the Padmakshi Temple has an exquisite architecture with the Annakonda Pillar, a quadrangular pillar standing at the entrance of the structure that is just as fascinating as the temple.
The Siddeshwara Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located close to Hanamkonda with stunning architecture that bears resemblance to the Chalukyan style of architecture. The temple pillars have been intricately carved out. An important Shivaite temple, devotees throng here during the Maha Shivarathri festival.
An ancient temple built around 1104, the Sri Veeranarayana Temple enshrines Shri Veeranarayana, considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. An important Vaishnava temple, the temple architecture is reminiscent of the Chalukya style of architecture. It is claimed that this was an ancient Jain temple that was later converted to a Hindu temple with beautiful carvings on the walls of the temple.
The Sri Vidya Saraswathi Shani Temple complex has shrines dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi, Lord Shani, Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva. The complex was built by a scholar of astrology and an ardent devotee of the Goddess and has a famous Victory Pillar which bears sculptures of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Lord Lakshmana, and Goddess Lakshmi.
An ancient temple dedicated to Mallikarjun Swami believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva, the Inavolu Mallanna Temple was built by the Karkatiya Kings in the 11th century. The temple architecture is beautiful with carvings on the pillars and the walls. The annual Mallana Jatra is celebrated with great enthusiasm at the temple.
The Rayaparthy Shiva Temple is an 18th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva with beautiful architecture, inscriptions and carvings amidst a scenic location. The Kulpakji Jain Mandir is an ancient temple considered to be of great significance to the Jain community. It is believed that the original idol of Lord Adinath was installed here and the temple complex houses idols of eight Jain Tirthankaras. The stunning temple architecture with stone carvings draws tourists in large numbers.
Govindarajan Gutta is a hill surrounded by dense forestation which is a treat for nature walks and trekking with breathtaking views of the city from the top. There is a small temple dedicated to Lord Rama on the hill.
The unique Kakatiya Musical Garden is located close to the Bhadrakali Temple and is a massive garden, covering over 15 acres. A visually pleasing musical fountain with colourful lights is the main attraction as well as a mammoth rock and an artificial waterfall in the rock structure. There is also a man-made lake which has boating facilities. The musical fountain begins at 7pm daily. The Kakatiya Rock Garden is a beautiful garden with many rock structures including statues of deers, lions, giraffes, sambars and antelopes. There is also a children’s playground in the garden.
Lying around 50 km from Warangal is the beautiful Pakhal Lake spread over 30 sq km. This man-made lake built during the Kakatiya Dynasty by King Ganapati Deva in 1213 is set amidst lush green forests and hills and borders a wildlife sanctuary, the Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1952. The Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over 839 sq km and consists of rare flora and fauna including leopards, wild boars, panthers, hyenas, cobras and monitor lizards and various kinds of herbs, shrubs, and climbers. A local favourite picnic spot, the lake and the sanctuary is beautiful making it perfect to take photographs. There is also boating available in the lake. The lake is open between 6 am and 6 pm daily.
Laknavaram Cheruvu or Laknavaram Lake is another man-made tucked away in Govindaraopet, 80 km from Warangal straddling an area of 10,000 acres. Built by the Kakatiya kings when Warangal was their capital, the lake has 13 small islands spread within the lake and three 160-meter-long individual suspension bridges that connect 3 islands with each other and to the main shore. Enjoy boating at the lake with a variety of boats like pontoon boats, deluxe boats, motorboats and speed boats.
Located about 70 km from Laknavaram Lake, the Bogatha Waterfalls are in the heart of a forest and are said to be the second-largest waterfalls in the state. Colloquially called as the Telangana Niagara, the falls experience water flow throughout the year and usually cascades down in 3 to 4 white ribbons along with several smaller streams and are best enjoyed in the months of June to November when the waterfall is in its glory. There is an unmotorable stretch of rocky terrain on the road just before the waterfall, so the waterfall can be accessed by a short trek. Swimming is permitted in the underlying pond in a separate safe zone away from the waterfall.
A prominent landmark in the city, the Warangal Fort is located between Warangal & Hanamkonda. This 12th-century fort’s main highlights are the four ornamental gates, which are now the official emblem of the state. In ruins today, the fort still reflects the history, grandeur and architectural pre-eminence of the Kakatiya dynasty. The fort was built by the Kakatiya ruler, Ganapatideva, and after he died in 1262, his daughter Rudrama Devi took over the charge of the construction of the fort and then the kingdom. However, it was King Prataparudra II, also known as Rudradeva II and the last ruler of the dynasty who finished the fort’s construction. The fort flaunted 45 grand pillars flanked by intricate carvings. The Gateway of Glory, the main gateway was built of four elaborately carved pillars constructed out of a single rock, around 30 feet in height. These majestic gateways were also known as Kirti Toranas and stood as a symbol of the South Indian architectural style. Inside the fort is the remnants of the Swayambhudevi Alayam temple of the Temple of Mother Earth, built by the Qutub Shahi kings, after conquering the fort. The Swayambhu Devalayam, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva built-in 1162 is located in the middle of the fort and is flanked by awe-inspiring sculptures. The fort also houses another Shiva temple, the Shambhulingeshwara Temple, located opposite to the open-air museum with a huge statue of a Nandi bull facing the temple with the space between the Nandi and the temple used as a platform for artists. Most of the sculptures carved on the pillars of this fort follow a similar pattern, with each stone divided into different sections, and each section flaunting beautiful sculptures such as a lion, elephant, statues of dancers etc. The fort is built as a 3-layered fortification and was protected by three circular walls, with the first wall built during the rule of Rudrama Devi. There is a light and sound show daily with the first show in Telugu between 6:30 and 7:20 pm and the second show in English from 7:30 to 8:20 pm with tickets costing INR 40 for adults and INR 20 for children. The fort is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm and entrance fees are INR 15 for Indians, INR 200 for foreigners and a video camera fee of INR 25.
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The Mini Zoo was built in 1985 and is spread over 50 acres with a number of species of animals, reptiles and birds. The zoo has now been converted into a National Zoological Park and also houses an enchanting Butterfly Park.
One of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in Telangana, the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 110 km northeast of Warangal and was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1953. The Dayyum Vagu River flows through the sanctuary which has some steppes and gentle slopes. The park has a historical significance due to the existence of tree fossils in caves and in the Sarvai area. Spread over 806 sq km and believed to be one of the rarest eco-regions around the world, three-quarters of the sanctuary is covered in rising and falling plains and dense forest formation while the remaining quarter comprises springs and streams. The sanctuary is also very famous for the largest tribal Jatra of Asia known as the Sammakkka Sarakka Jathra which takes place once every two years. The wildlife sanctuary is dense with wealthy biodiversity rich in both flora and fauna with ephemeral teak wood, and many exotic and rare wild animals. The sanctuary is also known for it being able to accommodate the biggest population of gaurs also known as the Indian bovid in the state. October to May is the best time to visit the sanctuary which has provisions for cottages and rest houses that will allow visitors to live amidst the wilderness. The sanctuary is open between 8 am to 5:30 pm and entry fees are INR 10 for an adult and INR 5 for a child and there are boating packages available in the sanctuary.
Medaram is a tiny village of approximately 3000 people and is well known for its Sammakka Sarakka Jatara, Asia’s biggest biennial tribal fair. This three-day festival begins on a full moon day, also called the Shuddha Purnima day and dates back to when a fierce conflict took place between two tribes, the Koyas and the Kakatiyas. A woman called Sammakka, who belonged to the Koya tribe, fought for her tribe and resisted oppression and suppression by the Kakatiyas. Sammakka was hailed as a goddess and Sarakka was Sammakka’ s daughter. This festival is celebrated to commemorate their sacrifice for their people. The Jatara is a 1000-year-old landmark festival and is a peek into the tribal culture of Medaram. Important places to visit in Medaram include the Jampanna Vagu, which is a water pass that flows through the forest region and taking a dip in this water pass is considered holy. The Sammakka temple is devoted to the tribal goddess also known as Saralamma. The Laknavaram Lake and the Ramappa temple are also located nearby.
Nizamabad 175 km north of the capital city of Hyderabad, Nizamabad is the third-largest city in the state and a major urban agglomeration. Derived from the Nizam of Hyderabad, where Nizam means the Asaf Jahi VI who ruled during the 18th century and was the second Nizam of Hyderabad. The city is also known as the city of the Nizams. The city was founded in 1905 when the Nizam’s dominion was recognized, previously it used to be known as Indur after King Indradatta who ruled this region during the 5th century.
The Mallaram Forests are a lush green environment located about 7 km southwest of Nizamabad with rocks that are about a billion years old. Forest treks, pagodas, viewpoints to watch the wild animals and moonlit dinners are the main attractions of this place and the breathtaking views from the hillocks will surely leave one reluctant to leave the forest. Also located 7 km southwest of Nizamabad, the Nizamsagar dam is constructed on the River Manjira, a major tributary of the Godavari River. With exquisite gardens on either side of the dam and cosy accommodation facilities, one can spend an entire day here and a slow boat ride on the serene water is truly a liberating experience. The perfect picnic getaway, Alisagar, is located about 13 km from Nizamabad. A sprawling 33 acres garden, complete with flora, a deer park and a lake, Alisagar, built by the Nizam of Hyderabad and is close to the Nizamabad fort, built by the Rashtrakutas of the 10th century. On top, there is a Quilla temple also built by the kings of the Rashtrakuta dynasty during the 10th century. While the Kalyani Chalukyas added Hindu elements to the temple, the Kakatiya rulers restored the temple. Ashoksagar is famous for its rock gardens is located about 7 km from Nizamabad. There is a fifteen feet tall statue of Goddess Saraswati, erected in the middle of the lake, which is a spectacular sight in the moonlit as well as a well-kept children’s park. The Neelakanteshwara temple is a classic example of Jain, Vaishnavaite and Shivaite architecture styles built around 10 AD by the Satavahana king Satakarni and an important shrine for Jains and is located on top of a hillock. Atop the Limadri Gutta is the temple dedicated to Lord Sri Narasimha Swamy Temple. Built by the Kalyani Chalukyas, the Sri Chakreshwara Temple is a famous Shiva temple. The Hanuman temple in Sarangapur village is said to have its foundation laid by the saint Samartha Ramdas, the Guru of the Maratha King Chatrapathi Shivaji about 450 years back and is famous for its Ramnavam festival.
How Not to Travel the World: Adventures of a Disaster-Prone Backpacker – Lauren Juliff
I had no life experience, zero common sense and had never eaten rice. I suffered from debilitating anxiety, was battling an eating disorder and had just had my heart broken. I hoped by leaving to travel the world I would be able to heal myself.
Instead, Lauren’s travels were full of bad luck and near-death experiences. Over the space of a year, she was scammed and assaulted, lost teeth and swallowed a cockroach. She fell into leech-infested rice paddies, was caught up in a tsunami, her motorbike’s brakes failed and she experienced a very unhappy ending during a massage in Thailand. It was just when Lauren was about to give up on travel that she stumbled across a handsome New Zealander with a love of challenges…
Secunderabad Known as Hyderabad’s twin city, Secunderabad was established in 1806 as a British cantonment and is named after Sikandar Jah, the third Nizam of the Asaf Jahi dynasty. Although both the cities are together referred to as the twin cities, Hyderabad and Secunderabad have different histories and cultures, with Secunderabad having developed directly under British rule until 1948, and Hyderabad as the capital of the Nizams’ princely state of Hyderabad. Geographically divided from Hyderabad by the Hussain Sagar Lake, Secunderabad is today no longer a separate municipal unit and has become part of Hyderabad’s Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation with both cities collectively known as Hyderabad and together form the sixth-largest metropolis in India.
Following the dissolution of the Chalukya empire into four parts in the 11th century, the areas around the present-day Hyderabad and Secunderabad came under the control of the Kakatiya dynasty, whose seat of power was at Warangal. Secunderabad is also where the then Mughal emperor Ahmad Shah Bahadur was defeated in 1754 by the Maratha Confederacy. The area around Secunderabad changed hands between various rulers, and the area was part of Nizam’s Hyderabad by the 18th century.
Modern Secunderabad was founded as a British cantonment after Nizam Asaf Jah II was defeated by the British East India Company. He was then forced to sign the 1798 Treaty of Subsidiary Alliance to get the favour of the British troops camped in the village of Ulwul, northeast of the Hussain Sagar Lake. In 1803, Nizam Sikandar Jah, the third Nizam of Hyderabad, changed Ulwul’s name to Secunderabad after himself and the city was formed in 1806 after the order was signed by the Nizam allotting the land north of Hussain Sagar to set up the British Cantonment.
The twin cities are separated by the man-made Hussain Sagar Lake, which was built during the reign of the Qutb Shahi dynasty in the 16th century. Unlike Hyderabad, the official language of Secunderabad was English and the city was exempted from customs duty on imported goods, thus making trade very profitable. After the First War of Indian Independence of 1857, the construction of a 7-metre-high wall was started at Trimulgherry and completed in 1867. Originally constructed in 1860 as the country house of the British Resident at Hyderabad, the Residency House is now known as the Rashtrapati Nilayam, the official retreat of the President of India.
First formed in 1945, the Secunderabad Municipal Corporation was merged with Hyderabad Corporation to form a single municipal corporation in 1960 and today, Secunderabad is part of the Hyderabad district. Because of the presence of different communities, Secunderabad has historically been a cosmopolitan city and used to be referred by locals as Lashkar, which means the armed forces and the city’s culture reflected the same.
Rashtrapati Nilayam, or Residency House, is a presidential retreat for the President of India’s southern sojourn. Spread over an area of 92 acres, the mansion occupies 35 acres with the remaining 80% filled with lush green lawns, fragrant flower gardens and vegetation. It was originally built by Nizam Nasir-ud-Dauhla, the fourth ruler of the Asaf Jahi dynasty and taken over by the British during their colonial rule. During the Nizam’s reign, it used to be the official residence of the Chief Military Officer and was known as the Residency during the British colonial rule. After Hyderabad became part of the Indian Union, it was renamed Rashtrapati Nilayam and every Indian President has stayed there at least once a year. The single-story white building is divided into three wings – the Presidential Wing, the Family Wing and the ADC Wing. The 20 rooms in the three wings include a cinema, the State Dining Hall, a morning room, the Durbar Hall and the ADC Dining room. Standing about 25 feet tall, the kitchen is connected to the dining hall through an underground tunnel to restrict staff interference and noise. The building is equipped with enough staff and a guest house to accommodate 150 people. There are tour guides available who brief visitors about the geography and history of the Nilayam. Entry to Rashtrapati Nilayam is exclusive, however, recently it was made open to the public from 01 to 10 January with visiting hours from 10 am to 5 pm with last entry at 4 pm and there is no entry fee.
The 120 feet high Secunderabad Clock Tower is built on an area of 2.5 acres and has been around since colonial times. Centrally located, the clock tower was designed by the then Nizam of Hyderabad with the clock on top of the tower donated by Dewan Bahadur Seth Lachmicharan Ramgopal and was renovated recently
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An embodiment of the Indo-European culture, the Paigah Palace was built by Sir Vicar-ul-Umra in 1900 as a gift for the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad Mir Mahbub Ali Khan. Paigah was a title that meant grandeur and the high rank was given to nobles who were second to the Nizams. The palace sits on a four-acre area and is an opulent two-storied neo-classical building with a grand portico, semicircular arches, Corinthian columns and deep arcaded verandas on all four sides which face both inward and outward with a spectacular view of the courtyard. The palace today can be rented for functions. The construction of the palace started in the 1880s along with two other palaces called the Devdi Nasir Nawaz Jung palace and the Vikhar Manzi and construction was completed in 1900. Today, the palace is divided into three parts. One part is a residential area where the Paigah royals still live. The second part is converted into a club, and the third part is converted into a ceremonial place where religious ceremonies take place. When one steps into the palace, one will see a magnificent ceiling which is twenty-two feet tall on the ground floor and twenty-six feet tall on the first floor. The palace has four halls and more than twenty rooms and is protected from extreme weather by its twenty-four-inch-thick insulated wall. The palace has arches with three beautiful windows with floral designs intricately carved on the top of the walls on both floors. A delicately carved wooden staircase leads to the second floor of the palace. A new four storied building was added to the palace in 1999 with landscaping done a few years ago.
The Kandalokya Oxygen Park is a 75-acre park with hundreds of fruit trees and medicinal plants and tranquil spots. A hub for picnics, yoga lessons, picnics, occasional or weekly meetings and school visits, the park attracts many to seek solace and meditate. The Butterfly Garden is surrounded by greenery with a statue of a yellow butterfly with a seat attached to it which is known to be a selfie spot. A massive tortoise placed beside a lake known as the Tortoise Lake is eye-candy for children who try and climb on it. The 2.2 km long jogging and walking track is surrounded by trees and the Canopy Walk is a 226-meter long fenced pathway with trees. The Gazebo is a seating arrangement that is often used as a picnic spot. One of the trees has been carved into a structure resembling Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy which is also very popular. A children’s favourite is the spiral stairway leading to a treehouse providing fantastic views of the park. There are also two areas promoting learning in nature that have been equipped with the necessary classroom paraphernalia of blackboards, chairs and tables. The Zipline, which is a rope connected from one end of the park to the other provides an over-the-top experience. The fee to book a ride from the rope is INR 50. The park has an entry fee of INR 15 for adults and INR 10 for children from 5 to 12 years and also monthly and annual membership passes available. The park is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm.
Located in the city’s outskirts, the Shamirpet Deer Park was built in 1971 during the rule of Nizams. Spread over an area of 54 acres, the park is home to a wide array of animals, including many species of deer seen in their natural habitat. Blackbuck and Chital Deer are the main wildlife attractions with the Shamirpet Lake located in the proximity of the park. Also known as the Jawahar Deer Park, it is maintained by the government of Telangana. The Park is best explored by taking a walk. The Park is divided into two areas – the visitors’ area and the core area with tourists only allowed in the Visitors’ area. There is also a watchtower and a viewpoint that gives gorgeous views of Shamirpet Lake. Other activities that can be done in the park include boating, trekking and bouldering. The ideal trekking time is between 5 and 11 am. The park is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day except Mondays and has an entry fee of INR 10 for those above 6 and INR 5 for the others.
Sprawling over an area of 116 hectares and called one of the urban lung spaces of the twin cities, the Bhagyanagar Nandanavanam Deer Park is a nature conservation park that houses a wide range of flora and fauna, prominent among them being deer. Other than wildlife creatures, the park offers well-laid cycling tracks, an elevated canopy walkway, a watchtower to facilitate bird watching, wildlife photography and more. Park remains open for both, morning walkers and tourists. The walking hours are between 5 and 9 am while visiting hours are between 11 am and 6 pm. The Park is open on all days of the week and entrance tickets are INR 15 for adults and INR 10 for children between 5 and 12.
Located in the heart of Secunderabad, the Shamirpet Lake is an artificial lake built during the reign of the Nizam of Hyderabad. During the winter month, flamingos and pelicans flock here and it is best visited between November to February.
The Fox Sagar Lake also called the Jeedimetla Chevuru or Kolla Chevuru is the second largest lake in Secunderabad. This 120-year-old man-made lake has a maximum depth of 33 feet and was linked to the Hussain Sagar Lake by a tributary of the Musi river. Kolla Chevuru has a stone structure shaped like a dome called the pump set which is led through by an iron bridge that looks like a watchtower with a tomb and has 1897 inscribed in it. The view from there is beautiful, led through a narrow muddy road and is most visited during dusk and dawn. What was once a beautiful lake has turned into a dump yard in recent years and because of encroachment, from a famous picnic spot, it has now become the second most polluted lake in the twin cities. The lake which once spread over 290 acres now covers only 126 acres. However, WWF, in collaboration with the Telangana State Special Protection Force, began a cleaning camp in 2017 which is still ongoing.
Also known as the Oora Cheruvu, Kapra Lake’s natural beauty is spread over an area of 113 acres. Autumn is the best time to visit the lake which is believed to have been one of the important sources of water when Nizam-ul-Mulk ruled over the Hyderabad state in the early 18th century. Edulabad Lake was constructed in the 16th century and is often referred to as the Lakshminarayana Cheruvu. A favourite birdwatching and camping spot as well as a sunrise and sunset point its five sq km area acts as a natural habitat for a varied species of birds and is home to a recorded 152 species of birds. The best time to visit the lake is in winter due to the pattern of bird migration. However, pollution in the lake poses a problem but the lake is surrounded by lush green fields. Also called the Ramanthapur Lake, Pedda Cheruvu was once highly polluted with weeds, debris and plastic. However, in 2018 the lake sprang back to life after the Government and an NGO purified the water, the water retention capacity was improved, and the lake was beautified with various plants. The lake has a catchment capacity of about 68.97 sq km and a cumulative flow of 8,860 cusecs. As there is no road that links to the lake, a temporary road is under construction to make it easier to reach the lake. Pedda Chevuru which means Large Lake in Telugu is a natural lake that was discovered in 1897 during the rule of Mir Mahaboob Ali Khan, the 6th Nizam of Hyderabad.
Safilguda Lake is a local favourite for morning walks, jogging and meditation. There is a small island in the middle of the lake, called the Nadimi Bird Island which is covered in thick timber that attracts many migratory birds. There is also a park adjacent to the lake known as the Safilguda Lake Park. Since the boundary of the lake is similar to that of the Tank Bund, it is also popularly known as the Mini Tank Bund. Despite the area of only 5 acres, the lake has a rich biodiversity, high vegetation and many migratory birds visiting it throughout the year. Alwal Lake is a scenic artificial lake about 9 km from the twin cities and is extremely popular among those who enjoy fishing.
Telangana’s best-kept secret, Narsapur Forest is hidden away near the tiny village of Narsapur, about 47 km north of Secunderabad. Considered to be a popular getaway, the forest abounds in natural beauty and sprawls over 30 sq km with the highlight of the forest a cosy lake tucked away in the heart of the forest where one can just sit and relax or spend time with loved ones having a picnic. Other than monkeys, the forest also is home to many birds and butterflies. There are several ponds, rock formations and flower beds here.
The Wargal Saraswati temple, otherwise called the Sri Vidya Saraswati Temple, is located in a hillock. The construction of the temple began in 1998 and is currently being maintained by the Kanchi Sankara Mutt. The main goddess here is Goddess Saraswati and the temple attracts many to pray for their children’s education and career. The temple also houses a Veda pathshala or school within its premises. The temple is open between 6 am to 12:30 pm and then from 4 to 7:30 pm, Mondays to Thursdays and from 6 am to 2 pm and between 4 to 7:30 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
About 200 years old, the Sri Ganesh temple is one of the famous temples in Telangana. The main deity is Lord Ganesha, and apart from the main deity, there are six other sannathis dedicated to various gods and goddesses namely Lord Shiva, Sri Navagraha, Sri Subramanya Swamy, Sri Anjaneya, Sri Uma Maheshwari, RahuKetu and the Maha Ganapathi Mandapam. It is a belief that the idol of Lord Ganesha was discovered in 1824 by the Madras Regiment of Sepoys while digging a well. Later, the temple was built and the idol of the Lord was placed as the main deity. The idol is a beautiful structure of the Lord posing with his right arm on his thigh, another hand holding the Ankusham, his left hand placed on the trunk and the fourth hand holding a Damarakam with a snake. The Temple is crowned with a huge tomb, traditionally called the Gopuram which has intricate carvings on them. The structure of the temple and the placement of the idols are based on the Agama Sastra. The Rathothsavam or the wooden chariot in the temple is another major attraction that is used during Ganesh Chathurthi when three idols from the temple take their place in the chariot and are carried around the city till the tank and brought back after the other idols are immersed. The temple is open daily from 5:30 am to 1 pm and then between 4 to 8:30 pm.
The Ujjaini Mahankali Temple is a 191-year-old temple that is illuminated during July and August for the festival of Mahankali Ammari Jathra with electric lights and decorated with garlands, buntings and festoons. Goddess Mahankali’s stone idol has four hands carved on it, each of which holds a Sword, a Damaru, a spear and an amrut vessel. She is seated in the Padmasana pose and covered in a layer of silver with Vendi Kavacham. Beside Goddess, Mahankali resides another Hindu deity called Goddess Manikyaladevi. According to a myth, In 1813, there was a cholera epidemic in present-day Secundrabad and many lives were lost. Suriti Appaiah, the Doli bearer who belonged to the military battalion, took upon himself to seek the blessings of the Goddess and rid people of their suffering. He went to the Mahankali temple in Ujjain and asked Goddess Kali to cure people of the epidemic misfortunes. He offered his devotion in the form of a temple that he built after reaching Secunderabad. Soon, people were healed and came to the temple to give their thanks. He set up a stone idol of Goddess Kali and worshipped her. The temple is open from 6 am to 12 noon and from 4 to 9 pm all days except Fridays when it’s open from 6 am to 1 pm and 4 to 10 pm.
The Nagamma Temple is one of the oldest temples in the area with intricately carved idols and ancient architecture. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Nagamma, a snake deity whom devotees believe will satisfy desires and reduce the issues with their horoscope. The temple, also known as the Naga Devata Temple, can be traced back to the period of British rule and was originally a small place of worship for locals. The construction of the grand temple that exists today, was commenced in the 1960s and was completed in 1970. Several strategically positioned smaller temples surround the Nagamma Temple. The temple displays South Indian influences in its design, featuring a recently incorporated marriage hall; ancient stone pillars from the Ujjain Mahankali Temple which are covered in intricate carvings of significant Hindu deities; a traditional prayer hall; life-like idols of snakes and associated gods and goddesses. There is also a tower-like structure known as a Vihmana, attached to the temple which showcases mythology related to the God of snakes or the Nag Devata through detailed embellishments. The temple is open from 6 am to 12:30 pm and then in the evenings between 5 to 9 pm.
The Subrahmanya Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Subramanyeshwara Swamy. The temple also has idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Bhaktanjaneya Swamy, the Navagrahas, a Shiva Linga, Lord Ganesha, Lord Dattatreya Swamy and Lord Sai Baba among others. The main porch of the temple, often referred to as a mandapam is supported by sturdy pillars fashioned out of stone and features an enormous banyan tree, strategically situated at the northern end of the temple which is a region dedicated to the Navagrahas, the planet deities. Dating back 300 years, the temple is surrounded by vast groves of banyan trees, and is also why the temple is known as Marri trees. On Fridays, the temple is open from 7 am to 11:30 pm while on other days, it is open from 7 am to 11 pm.
The Keesaragutta Temple is situated on the hill of Keesaragutta and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his companions Bhavani and Shivadurga. Lord Laxmi Narsimha and Lord Rama with his wife Sita have different shrines dedicated to them. A huge pristine Hanuman idol stands right beside the temple. The Temple has a Veda Pathshala where the students learn shlokas, rituals and Hindu scriptures. There are no records as to when the temple was built, but there is a fascinating story leading to the formation of the temple. Legend has it that Lord Rama wished to absolve his sins for killing Ravana, a Brahmin, he decided to establish a shiva linga on the beautiful hill of Keesaragutta. Lord Rama ordered Lord Hanuman to bring a shiva linga from Varanasi. Lord Hanuman was a little late in arriving with the Shivalinga and the auspicious hour was close by so Lord Shiva himself brought a Shivalinga to be installed. Hence the Shivalinga is Swayambhu or self-manifested and is called Ramalingeswara, which means Shivalinga established by Rama. Devastated that he couldn’t reach in time to provide Shivalinga, Hanuman threw them in the valley and even today many Shivalings can be seen scattered around the temple. Seeing this, Lord Rama placated Hanuman and promised him that he would be the first God worshipped in the temple and also named the hill after Hanuman, Kesargiri which was later changed to Keesaragutta. The temple sports Dravidian architecture which dominates a Gopuram. Archaeological excavations done around the temple show that the Shiva linga and brick remnants belong to the Chalukyan Empire which was found on a hill north of the temple and near the hill’s water reservoir and proof that Jainism and Hinduism co-existed during the reign of Vishnukundins in the 4th and 5th centuries were also found as well as prayer halls, a Yagya shala and fortification walls were unearthed on Keesaragutta hill. The temple is open daily from 6 am to 12:45 pm and from 3 to 7:30 pm.
The Moula Ali Dargah is located on the top of a hillock called Moula Ali with the Dargah or mosque dedicated to Hazrat Ali. The hill has 500 odd steps which aren’t too steep, leading to the top of the hillock where the dargah is located. There is a pavilion and a place specially allocated to beat drums in the dargah and it is one of the 11 heritage sites identified by the Heritage Conservation Committee. The dargah came into being during the Qutb Shahi times and it is believed that Yakoob, the courtier of the 16th century Sultan Ibraham Quli Qutub Shah dreamt of the imprint of Ali’s palm. He later found a similar imprint on a rock in the Moula Ali hill and so the dargah was believed to have been constructed around that rock.
In the shrine, there is a particular rock that is believed to have healing powers. On the doorway of the dargah, one can find locks hanging which is put up devotees if they wanted any of their wishes to be fulfilled. The Dargah is led through a chamber; inside, it is beautifully decorated with hundreds of frosted glasses in vibrant colours. On the inner side, there is an imprint of Ali’s palm, which is hidden behind a screen, and on the other side, there are scriptures and other framed pictures. The dargah is open daily from 5:30 am to 10 pm.
The All Saints Church falls under the denomination of the Church of South India, which was previously regarded as Anglican and is dedicated to the All Saints. Legend has it that before the church was entrusted to the Church of South India in 1947, it was a garrison church and the army chaplains presided over it. The church is known for its grand celebration of Christmas and other occasions like Good Friday, Palm Sunday and Easter. The church is surrounded by beautiful gardens where one can take a walk. The church is open between 7 am and 7 pm daily.
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption is one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in India and was earlier known as the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad and St. Mary’s Church. It is a minor basilica and is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Relatively simple from the inside, St. Mary’s church is an excellent example of the use of Gothic architecture with curved arches and pointed supports. The congregation has four bells which were bought from Italy in 1901 and has several side altars dedicated to specific saints. There is also a museum featuring the church’s history and pictures. The church is open from 8 am to 7 pm daily.
Memories and Such 