Andhra Pradesh spells magic. For it combines the old with the new, retaining its old culture and hospitality while driving itself to conquer new frontiers, particularly in the realm of information technology as well as tourism. Over the past few years, Andhra Pradesh tourism has emerged as a frontrunner in regards to the creation of new tourist attractions and infrastructure.

Out of all the states of erstwhile Deccan - Bijapur, Berar, Bidar and Golconda - Golconda was by far the most powerful. Ruled by the Qutub Shahis, the capital Bhagyanagar was named after a royal beloved Bhagmati, who later as the wife of Quli Qutub Shah became Hyder Mahal and thus was born Hyderabad.

What started as a strong outpost of the Kakatiyas of Warangal has not turned into a fascinating city. Eight hundred years ago when they made the mud-walled fort on top a hillock that commanded the surroundings, they had little idea that one day it will form the nucleus of a great kingdom and city. Nor, perhaps, did Mohammed Quils Qutb Shah, fifth in line of Qutb Shahi rulers, know it when he fell in love with a village maiden that he was indeed laying the foundations of a unique culture.

Hyderabad, often called the gateway to the South, blends the north and south, blends the north and south Indian identities. Yet, from both it has developed a distinct personality of its own. Its language has melody, its riches were known throughout the world, its style was envied by many. the past still lingers in its present making it a delightful city with a lot to offer: history, culture, entertainment, crafts and above all a great holiday.


CITY SIGHTS

Char Minar
The most important landmark of the city, it was built, as the legend goes, by Mohammed Quli Qutab Shah in honour of his Hindu wife, Bhagmati, in 1591 AD. The 53 mts. tall structure now forms the centrepiece of the old city and is surrounded by crowded bazaars.

Mecca Masjid
Close to the Char Minar is the largest mosque of South India, the Mecca Masjid, with lofty colonnades and entrance arches made of single slabs of granite. The mosque was begun by Abdullah Qutb Shah in 1614 AD and completed by Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb in 1687.

Jami Masjid
Also near the Char Minar is the oldest mosque in Hyderabad (1597 AD)

Golconda Fort
Standing atop an isolation hill on the outskirts of the city, the fort is known for its acoustic effects in built in the architectural design. The original fort was built by the Kakatiyas of Warangal, some eight hundred years ago. The Qutb Shahi rulers of hyderabad adopted for fort and converted the mud structure into solid battlements and palaces with stone.

Qutb Shah Tombs
This cluster of graceful structures is the last resting place of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. Surrounded by well maintained gardens, the tombs are remarkable in their uniformity of design, each crowned by an onion-shaped dome?

SHOPPING
To leave Hyderabad without a material remembrance is nearly impossible, for the city has so much to offer. Pearls and diamonds are what the nobles in the mediaeval times sought here. The famed Kohinoor was mooned in these lands and it now adorns the British Crown. Cultured pearls in strings or set in jewellery is still a flourishing industry that employs a large number of craftsmen.

Birdiware-black metal inlaid with silver, Pochampalli sarees and fabric, handwoven in silks and cottons, glass bangles, are some of the other handicrafts and perfumes that have made Hyderabad a shopper's delight. And if one is looking for variety and bargains then the lanes of the old city around Char Minar are the best place.

ACCESS
By Air: The twin cities of Hyderabad and Secundrabad are linked by air services to most important centres of India.

By Rail: Hyderabad & Secunderabad are well covered on the extensive network of Indian Railways. Both the broad-gauge and metre-gauge services connect the two cities with all parts of the country with some of the fastest trains in operation in India.

By Road: Hyderabad is very well linked to all major centres of the region by regular bus services of Andhra Pradesh State Road.

A small village in Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh, Puttaparthi is today on the world map. And the person responsible for it is "Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba" considered as a living God by millions. Prasanthi Nilayam (Adobe of Peace) is an imposing edifice at Puttaparthi built by the devotees in reverence to the living God at his birth place. People seeking peace of mind and solace make a beeline to this village from all over the world.

Bhagawagn Sri Sathya Sai Baba
Born on November 23, 1926 Sathya Sai Baba's life has been a consistent manifestation of his divinity right from his childhood. His birth itself was accompanied by a strange phenomena. The musical instruments in the house started playing on their own & a cobra was found lying under the child's bed. He was against any form of violence and refused to touch meat. Even as a toddler, he identified himself with all living beings. At a tender age of 4 he displayed infinite compassion & generosity. By the age of 8 he organized groups of his age to sing the glory of the Lord and taught them bhajans composed by himself. At the age to 14 he declared to his family that he did not belong to them and set out with his devotees to launch his divine mission in the service of mankind. Right from childhood he was able to perform miracles and cure devotees of maladies not easily curable. To enchant his devotees he performed many miracles like distributing sweets from an empty bag, plucking a variety of fruits from a tamarind tree (since known as Kalpavriksha). Devotees overseas are spread across 155 countries covering about 1900 Sai centres and groups. In India there are over 6000 Sai Samithis and groups all over the country.

PLACES OF INTEREST INSIDE THE 'ASHRAM'
Prasanthi Mandir
This prayer hall was built in 1949. It is the centre of Prasanthi Nilayam. Omkar Suprabhatam at dawn, daily Bhajans and other spiritual activities are held in this hall. Ganesh Mandir: This was built around the same period as the main Mandir and is located at the entrance of Prasanthi Nilayam. Ganesh is the commander of Shiva's armym and as Vigneshwara obeisance is made to him for the removal of all obstacles.

Subramanya Mindir
Situated to the south of Ganesh Mandir, was constructed in 1977.

Gayathri Mandir
Situated opposite to the "Seva Dal" block this temple was consecrated by Bhagwan Baba on 9th October 1998. The five faced Goddess, Gayathri, the mother of the Vedas is the presiding deity here.

Sai Kulwant Hall
This is where the daily darshn takes place besides many other festivities. Divine discourses are delivered here. It has a seating capacity of about 20,000. On the northern side entrance to Sai Kulwant Hall, the exquisitely carved icons in white marble of Sri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman were consecrated by Bhagwan on 30th September 1999.

Meditation Tree
The banyan tree planted by Bhagwan has also a metal plate with inscription done with Divine Sankalpa embedded by him at the roots in 1950. Located on the left of the road uphill to the Spiritual success of those who meditate under it. Devotees are allowed to meditate during the day time only.

Spiritual Museum
It is located on the top of a hillock on the southern side of the Ashram-centered around the experience of spirituality in man's evolution. It displays fascinating artifacts to convey the eternal message of saints and sages of all religions of the world. Legends of Bhagwan's early life and his declaration of Avatarhood are emphasised in the displays. Sprawling over 20,000 sqft., it is designed to evoke the spiritual quest of man, regardless of chronology or country. The architecture of this building is in shikara style and is also the administrative building of the university. The museum is open between 10:00 AM and 12 noon daily.

Sarva Dharma Stupa
This 50 feet feet high pillar celebrating the unity of all religions is located on the south of Poorna Chandra Auditorium and was built in November 1975 on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the advent of the Avatar and the World conference of the Sri Satya Sai Seva organizations held in Prasanthi Nilayam.

ACCESS
Prasanthi Nilayam is located in Puttaparthi, Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is 80 kms from Ananthapur town and 120 kms from Bangalore.