baylink schedule Hyderabad has one of the world s largest freestanding stone Buddha statues (Map p 898 ), completed i

Hyderabad has one of the world s largest freestanding stone Buddha baylink schedule statues (Map p 898 ), completed in 1990 after five years of work. However, when the 17.5m-high, 350-tonne monolith was being ferried to its place in the Hussain Sagar, the barge sank. Fortunately, the statue was raised undamaged in 1992 and is now on a plinth in the middle of the lake. It s a magnificent sight when alit at night. baylink schedule

Birla Mandir & Planetarium HINDU TEMPLE, MUSEUM (Map p898) The Birla mandir baylink schedule (h7am-noon & 2-9pm), constructed of white Rajasthani marble baylink schedule in 1976, graces Kalabahad (Black Mountain), one of two rocky hills overlooking the Hussain Sagar. Dedicated to Venkateshwara, the temple is a popular Hindu pilgrimage centre and affords excellent views over the city, especially at sunset. The library (h4- 8pm) here is worth a visit

In 1724 the Hyderabad viceroy, Asaf Jah, took advantage of waning Mughal power and declared Hyderabad an independent state with himself as leader. The dynasty of the nizams of Hyderabad began, and the traditions of Islam flourished. Hyderabad became a focus for the arts, culture and learning, and the centre of Islamic India. Its abundance of rare gems and minerals the world-famous Kohinoor diamond is from here furnished the nizams with enormous wealth. (William Dalrymple s White Mughals baylink schedule is a fascinating portrait of the city at this time.)