Although the city of Hyderabad can be traced back to 500 B.C.E., today the city is a model of modern development. There are a number of carefully preserved historic sites and visitors will see examples of ornate architectural from previous eras throughout the city. However, the energy and focus of the city is on modern technologies and growing into the future rather than staying mired in the past.
Hyderabad has earned the nickname of Cyberabad since it is considered the “Silicon Valley” of modern India. The city is a center of IT, biotechnology, software development, ITES, and modern pharmaceutical industries. It is one of India’s fasted developing cities and has recently become one of the preferred locations for holding conferences and conventions, attracting businesses and associations from throughout India and across the world.
The largest film studio in the world is located in Hyderabad. Ramoji Film City, which is part of the Telugu Film Industry of India. Known affectionately as “Tollywood,” it is the second largest film industry in India. To support this center of Telugu art and celebrity, Hyderabad has developed a thriving entertainment sector. Celebrities can stay in five star hotels in Hyderabad, dine at world-class restaurants, and party at trendy dance clubs and bars.
In recent years, Hyderabad has seen its skyline change shape. Glass and steel skyscrapers and shopping malls are beginning to define the city. However, there are still numerous historic landmarks that protect the city’s ancient past. the Golconda Fort, Charminar, the Qutb Shahi Tombs, and teh Falaknuma Palace remain popular tourist attractions. Throughout the city are a multitude of mosques, monuments, churches, temples, and palaces that offer glimpses of what Hyderabad used to be. The city also maintains a number of gardens and parks and is home to state-of-the-art venues for cricket, football, hockey, archery, boxing, and cycling.