Hyderabad

Hyderabad was established by Qutub Shahi dynasty. It was captured by Aurangzeb in 1681. It merged with Indian Union in 1948. Places of historical interest in Hyderabad are Charminar, Faluknuma Palace, Mecca Masjid, Golconda Fort and Hussain Sagar Lake.

Charminar was built by Mohd. Quli Qutub Shah in 1591in commemoration of the eradication of plague from Hyderabad. It is a gateway with beautiful stuccowork, which has become synonymous with Hyderabad.

Falaknuma Palace (Star of Heaven) built of marble, was constructed by Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra Bahadur, the 5th Amir of the Paigah in19th century. The ceiling of the state reception room is decorated with frescoes and gilded reliefs. The palace houses the Oriental and European treasures including a large collection of manuscripts and books.

Mecca Masjid, reputed to be among the largest mosque in the world, is made of single granite slab. It was constructed by Abdullah Quli Qutub Shah in 1614 but was completed by Aurangzeb when he captured Golconda in late 17th Century. The other historically important monuments in the complex are the tombs of Asaf Jahi rulers, the Nizams of Hyderabad.

Golconda Fort was built originally by the Hindu Kakatiyas in the 12th century. Later the Bahamanis reinforced it by masonry in 1363 and Qutub Shahi Kings expanded it into a massive fort. Aurangzeb besieged it in 1687. The main citadel is built on a granite hill surrounded by walls of solid stones.

Hussain Sagar Lake was built in 16th century by Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah. It is also known as Tank Bund, which connects Hyderabad with Secunderabad. A huge monolithic structure of Lord Buddha is installed in the center of the lake. You can see the historical places of Hyderabad with the tour of historical places of India.


Mysore
Mysore is rich in cultural history. The Ganga dynasty ruled Mysore from 4th to 10th century. The Cholas ruled it in 10th century. From 10th to 15th century, Hoysalas ruled it. It came under the Vijayanagar Empire from 14th century onwards. After that Mysore Wodeyar or Yadu dynasty ruled it. There are many historical places to visit in Mysore like Grand Mysore Palace, Lalitha Mahal, Palace of Tipu Sultan, Jagmohan Palace, Jaya Lakshmi Vilas etc. Mysore is thus called the Palace City. You can see the historical places of Mysore with the tour of historical places of India.


Cochin
Cochin now known as Kochi is the commercial capital of Kerala. The place is rich with historical places like palaces, forts, and old churches. Cochin was carved out in 196. Places of historical interest in Cochin are Fort Cochin, Portugese Fort (1503), Mattancherry Palace (1537), St. Francis Church, Santa Church and the Dutch Cemetery. You can see the historical places of Cochin with the tour of historical places of India.


Chennai
Chennai is a historic city established by the British East India Company. There are several places of historical interests in Chennai. Fort St. George was built by British in 1640. St. Mary Church is the earliest church of Chennai. Dovetan House, St. Thomas Cathedral and University Building belonging to 19th century are also historically important places. State Museum of Madras is a very well kept museum with relics from Stupas of Nagarjunikonda and Amravati. You can see the historical places of Chennai with the tour of historical places of India.


Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is 55 km from Chennai. It was established by Pallava ruler Mamalla and was called Mamallapuram, which later became Mahabalipuram. The places of historic interest are Descent of Ganga where Arjun is supposed to have done his penance. It is a huge relief carved out on two boulders. The Rock cut Mandaps are rock -cut shrines. The Pancha Rathas are famous temples cut out of rock in the shape of chariot. They are named Draupadi, Arjun, Dharamraja and Bima ratha. Shore temple was built in 7th century by Pallava king Narshimha Varman II Rajasimha (c.690-726). It is one of the World Heritage Sites of India. You can see the historical places of Mahabalipuram with the tour of historical places of India.