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India.com
14 hours ago
- General
- India.com
6 Most Surprising Birdwatching Spots In Hyderabad City
Hyderabad, the thriving capital of Telangana, is a city rich in traditions and heritage. Its landmarks like the Charminar, Golconda Fort, and the Hussain Sagar Lake are some of the most popular and these along with its unique flora and fauna often leaves tourists awestruck. On the outskirts of the city, there exists a paradise for bird lovers, where several green untouched areas can be found, which are home to a multitude of stunning bird species. Hyderabad contains astonishing bird watching locations which will leave every traveling birdwatcher, whether novice or expert, with cherished memories. Before explaining the particular areas, let us first understand what makes birdwatching an activity of interest to many people across the globe. Birds are integral to ecosystems as they help with pest control, pollination, and seed dispersal. Their observation develops the love for nature and builds concern towards nature. However, in a city like Hyderabad, where unchecked urbanization is constantly endangering natural surroundings, going bird watching is a contemplation of how the city has to manage development and protection in equal measures. 1. Hussain Sagar Lake While most tourists go to Hussain Sagar for boating, few realize it is a birdwatcher's paradise. This artificial lake, which spans over 5.7 kilometers, attracts a variety of aquatic and terrestrial birds, especially during the winter season. Hussain Sagar acts as a temporary home for migratory birds like Northern Pintail, Common Teal and Garganey during winters. Egrets, Purple Swamphen, and Indian Moorhen are residents of the lake and can be seen throughout the year. Birdwatching is great here in the early morning and late afternoon when the peaceful waters reflect the vivid plumage of these birds. Although there are concerns in regards to pollution, the efforts of NGOs and the local authorities have improved the lake's condition. These measures have made the lake more hospitable to wildlife. A stroll around Necklace Road or Lumbini Park can make it easier for birdwatchers to observe the exotic birds. 2. KBR National Park Bird enthusiasts will appreciate Kasu Brahmananda Reddy (KBR) National Park located in the heart of Jubilee Hills. It is an urban forest covering 156 hectares of land and is home to eucalyptus trees, native shrubs, bamboo, and tall densely-packed shrubs. The park's canopy consists of many birds which, combined with the beauty of nature, make it a perfect escape from the chaos of the city. Paradise Flycatcher, Golden Oriole, and Asian Koel are some of the birds that KBR features while Shikra and Black-winged Kite are known to hover above the forests. The monsoon season adds a whole new variety of birds including cuckoos, drongos, and bulbuls. KBR is unique because it is very reachable. The park is located close to the city center which makes it ideal for city-dwellers looking for a quick nature escape. 3. Mir Alam Tank Another beautiful addition to Hyderabad that is rich in history is Mir Alam Tank. The tank stands as one of the oldest artificial reservoirs across the country. Constructed in 1804, this reservoir serves a dual purpose today; functioning as a water supply for the city and a sanctuary for avians. The tank supports a variety of migratory and resident birds such as Painted Storks, Spot-billed Pelicans, and Grey Herons. These different species of avifauna along with the shallow waters are great for photography. The bushes nearby also encourage the growth of smaller birds including Sunbirds and Warblers. While Mir Alam Tank is relatively more peaceful than the other tourist attractions, it still has its downfalls. The tank is less populated with tourists which makes it a perfect destination to capture stunning visuals of birds. Amenities are not guaranteed though, so carrying water and snacks is advisable. 4. Chilkur Balaji Temple Area Chilkur Balaji Temple area is primarily known as a spiritual destination, yet it captures the attention of many birdwatchers. Located right next to Osman Sagar Lake, this region is rich in religious as well as ecological history. Birds like the wooly-necked stork, little grebe, and pied kingfisher are attracted to Osman Sagar. This temple is also surrounded by tall trees and open space which most fruit eating birds like Myanos, Barbets, and Hornbills are fond of. Sightseeing in the area can easily be added onto a spiritual journey. It is blissful to go during early morning hours when the atmosphere is lively, with fresh air and chirpy birds. With a little luck, you might spot some interspecies action that would be perfect for your camera. 5. Shamirpet Deer Park and Lake Many locals from Hyderabad make weekend trips to Shamirpet with the city just 25 kilometers away. The local deer park attracts numerous families while the lakes in Shamirpet provide an excellent place for bird watching. Lake Shamirpet is one of the migratory stops for certain ducks like the Red-headed Pochard and Gadwall. At the same time, there are stationary birds like the White-breasted Waterhen and Bronze-winged Jacana that enjoy the reeds and marshes around the lake. Besides, this beautiful lake is picturesque as it is surrounded by rugged hills and scrub forests which provides a diversity of eco habitats. Shamirpet is a unique location as it has many raptors that are not so common such as the Crested Serpent Eagle and Changeable Hawk-Eagle. These birds of prey notably spiced up birding field trips. Moreover, being located next to cultural areas makes the park less populated and eases observation in nature. 6. JP Park Located in Banjara Hills, Jalagam Vengal Rao Park, more commonly known as JP Park, is a large area for recreational activities. JP Park is popular among joggers and those who work out, while the small ponds and gardens allow for ample bird watching as well. Some small passerine birds that can be spotted here are Ashy Prinia, Tailorbird, and Magpie Robin. In addition, Rose-ringed Parakeet and Spotted Dove are also spotted quite frequently. Every once in a while, you might see a Barn Owl sitting completely still on a tree branch. No doubt, JP Park is one of the most suitable places for beginners to start bird watching as it is centrally located. The manicured lawns and shady pathways always make the long walks enjoyable. Conclusion Even though the city is famous for its rich cultural and technological history, the pristine beauty of Hyderabad is often overlooked. With stunning historic lakes and newly built urban parks, the city has many hidden treasures for bird enthusiasts hoping to explore. Apart from the amazing birds, these places highlight the significance of preserving the urban ecosystem. These astonishing bird watching spots located throughout the city are a true joy to discover for any nature lover, whether local or visitor. It's time to take your binoculars outdoors and see what secrets the wonderful city of Hyderabad has hidden in its skies and waters. Each and every beholding flutter and chirp reveals a great story that needs to be cherished.
The Hindu
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Charminar-themed stamp presented to Miss World 2025 contestants in Hyderabad
The Department of Posts, Telangana Circle, on Monday, presented a customised 'My Stamp' sheets featuring the Charminar to Miss World 2025, Opal Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand, and 19 other international contestants at an event held at a hotel in Hyderabad on Monday (June 2, 2025). My Stamp is a personalised postage stamp initiative by India Post that allows individuals and institutions to feature their photographs, logos or images alongside themed designs. The Charminar-themed stamp, specially curated for the occasion, highlights Hyderabad's architectural legacy and historical charm. The stamps were handed over by Chief Postmaster General of Telangana Circle P.V.S. Reddy in the presence of Rippan Dullet, Director of Postal Services (HQ) and other senior officials from the postal circle. Ms. Chuangsri expressed appreciation for the initiative, lauding India Post's efforts in preserving cultural heritage through creative outreach. 'It is inspiring to see how tradition and innovation come together in such a beautiful way,' she said, praising the department for its unique approach to global cultural representation. Miss Wales Millie Mae Adams took to social media to share her excitement, calling it an incredible honour to receive the personalised stamp. Her caption, 'Telangana, where dreams are crowned', reflected the warmth and cultural grandeur she experienced during her visit. Each sheet of My Stamp, priced at ₹300, contains 12 stamps and is available for purchase at the Hyderabad General Post Office (GPO), as per a press release.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Child artiste Chandan Raj turns lead actor
Chandan Raj , who has acted as a child artiste n the films like Charminar, Sidlingu, has turned hero with commercial flick Rajaratnakara. The movie which has Apsara as a feamel lead has Nagaraj Rao, Yamuna Srinidhi, Chetan Durga, Siddu and Dingri Naresh are seen in the significant roles. The project has the story of a middle class guy who hails from Bengaluru is an arrogant person. The height of arrogance that comes from laziness. But the story of how he makes a living in the future is portrayed in Rajaratnakar. There are two action sequences in this film. Vikram has directed the project. There are three beautiful songs and Harshavardhan Raj has composed the music. V. Nagendra Prasad and Manjunath Rao have written the lyrics. Vijay Prakash, Haricharan, Antony Dasan and many others have lent their voice to various songs. The movie is set to hit the screens soon. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
India.com
2 days ago
- Business
- India.com
10 Must-Know Facts About Hyderabad That Will Amaze You
The Indian state of Telangana holds its capital Hyderabad as a place which exhibits history alongside cultural traditions and contemporary development. People find diverse opportunities throughout Hyderabad due to its historical roots and its thriving food culture alongside its active information technology sector. This article presents ten intriguing pieces of information about Hyderabad city that all visitors should learn. 1. A City With Over 400 Years of History Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah established Hyderabad city as his capital in 1591 through his role as the fifth Qutb Shahi ruler. The establishment of Hyderabad as the Golconda Sultanate capital occurred when it located itself alongside the Musi River. Throughout history the city retained its royal heritage through monuments like Charminar and Golconda Fort. During the Nizam rule until 1947 Hyderabad functioned as a leading commercial and political and cultural center of the region. 2. The Iconic Charminar The Charminar stands as India's most famous landmark which faces the center of the Hyderabad district. The structure known as Charminar now stands as a commemoration of the decline of a plague epidemic after its completion in 1591. Multiple minarets extending from its four corners shape this remarkable Islamic building design. Shoppers and tourists find the lively Laad Bazaar encircling the Charminar because it displays its renowned collection of bangles and jewelry and traditional handcrafted items. 3. The City of Pearls Since pearl trading took place in Hyderabad its residents earned the title 'City of Pearls' throughout history. The Nizams invited global traders to conduct their pearl business here resulting in the city becoming a universal leading trade center for precious stones. Today Hyderabad continues to attract buyers who seek extravagant pearl jewelry while its markets display high-quality pearl items to several visitors. 4. A Melting Pot of Cultures Hyderabad exists as an intercultural mix of ethnic communities together with numerous linguistic communities. Each ethnic group including Telugu together with Urdu and Marathi and Kannada and Hindi speakers forms part of Hyderabad's population. The city shows its diverse cultural elements in both its social events along with its traditional foods and artistic expressions. Unique cultural customs known as the Deccani culture emerged from the united living of Hindus and Muslims and combines Persian and Turkish elements with Indian traditions. 5. The Birthplace of Biryani Hyderabadi biryani possesses its status as Indian cuisine's most famous food while earning a reputation as the birthplace of this celebration dish in the city. This signature Rice dish contains basmati rice which marries with aromatic spices and tender mutton or chicken to form a distinctive literary presentation. Two distinctive versions of Hyderabadi biryani exist: Kacchi Biryani that cooks raw marinated meat alongside rice and Pakki Biryani where finished meat and rice layers create the dish. The traditional recipe represents Hyderabad's noble eating traditions. 6. India's Silicon Valley The city of Hyderabad developed into a leading IT destination which secured its position as 'Cyberabad' during recent years. HITEC City serves as a vast technology park within Hyderabad accommodating Microsoft and Google and Amazon and Facebook as well as numerous multinational corporations. Hyderabad's rapid development in the IT sector established it as one of India's fastest-growing metropolitan areas that pulls people from all areas of India and international locations. 7. Ramoji Film City – The Largest Film Studio in the World Ramoji Film City stands as the largest film studio complex which exists worldwide in Hyderabad. This enormous entertainment facility extends across 2,000 acres to provide advanced production infrastructure which includes artistic installations as well as production spaces and entertaining amusement parks. The location hosts a large number of film shooting projects from Bollywood studios and Tollywood studios and additional filmmakers from Indian regional industries. Ramoji Film City welcomes visitors who want to see its facilities while taking them through their production operations. 8. Home to Osmania University Established in 1918 Osmania University stands as a distinguished Indian institution which holds the title of being one of the oldest universities in the nation. Hyderabad was the first institution of higher education in India to gain patronage from Mir Osman Ali Khan who served as the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad. The campus of the university houses Indo-Saracenic architectural masterpieces that currently function as a nominee site for UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage. Osmania University maintains its standing as an academic and research center which continues to excel in present times. 9. The Hussain Sagar Lake Hussain Sagar Lake emerged as a man-made reservoir in 1563 through the rule of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah in Hyderabad. The Buddha statue stands in the middle of the lake as it unites Hyderabad and Secunderabad into a united urban region. People can either take boat tours on the lake while also having the opportunity to spend time relaxing at the Necklace Road along its borders. 10. A Thriving Handicrafts Industry Hyderabad maintains a worldwide reputation for two traditional handicrafts which include Bidriware and Kalamkari art. Bidriware consists of detailed silver inlays applied to blackened metal products alongside Kalamkari which utilizes two practices for making textile art – hand-painting and block-printing. Generations have preserved these handicrafts which acquired high value throughout India and internationally. The local artisans through their work maintain ancient techniques which grow Hyderabad's cultural wealth. Conclusion Hyderabad exists as a place where lordly heritage perfectly merges with contemporary progress. You will find countless compelling reasons to discover the multifaceted metropolis of Hyderabad because it offers beautiful architecture and tasty cuisine in addition to its successful technology sector and creative arts community. Hyderabad presents an extraordinary series of attractions that entertain both historians and food enthusiasts and technology professionals showing the diverse energy of Indian culture.
United News of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- United News of India
If one sets goal and work hard, success is guaranteed': Miss World 2025 Suchata
Hyderabad, Jun 1 (UNI) Thailand's Miss World 2025 winner Opal Suchata Chuangsri on Sunday said she believes that 'if one sets a goal and works hard, success is guaranteed'. Last year Miss World Krystyna Pyszková of the Czech Republic crowned Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand at the final colour event held at the Hitex Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad on Saturday night. This is the first time Thailand has won in the history of the pageant and the second Southeast Asian country to receive the title. Speaking reporters at the Trident Hotel here, Suchata while describing her victory, said it is not just her personal win but a victory for every contestant and their purpose. ' I have been working on breast cancer awareness and fundraising in Thailand for the past three years', she said that she plans to work on her purpose project as well as other contestants' purpose projects under the Miss World organization, focusing on women's empowerment and related issues. She mentioned that her service initiatives are expanding worldwide. Expressing her heartfelt gratitude to the Telangana state government, she said "Hyderabad is a very beautiful city. The people here are very friendly. Having such a wonderful experience will be an unforgettable and sweet memory in my life." She stated that this is Thailand's very first Miss World crown, and winning this crown is not only a matter of pride for her but also a great responsibility. "I am indebted to the people of my country as well as everyone who worked for us in Hyderabad," she said. She mentioned that the moment the crown was announced, she was overwhelmed with emotion. 'not only every moment that she spent in Hyderabad, but also his fellow contenders', she said that she would come back to Hyderabad again. The government's hospitality has been amazing from the moment the airport landed, she said and thanked the police and security staff for their hard work. Telangana government has organized such a large event. On behalf of Miss World and Thailand, Suchata said special thanks to the state government. She said the hospitality of the people of Telangana is unforgettable, and the love and affection they showed will always remain in her heart. She mentioned that the dreams, traditions, dance, and music here were very captivating. She remarked that the construction of Ramappa and Charminar is a testament to artistic grandeur and has stood the test of time. Similarly, she praised Ramoji Film City and said she loved the Baahubali set. The 'She Teams' established here for women's safety is a great innovation, she also appreciated the innovations by women in fields such as education, healthcare, and IT. The Hyderabad experience will remain a lifelong memory, she added. UNI KNR GNK
