Hyderabad in India is gaining a reputation as a center for science and technology. “Cyberabad” has become known as India’s equivalent to Silicon Valley. Despite this emphasis on modern technology and industry, the city has managed to maintain a strong cultural heritage while preserving its natural resources. Hyderabad is full of historic landmarks and monuments and equally home to modern shopping malls and skyscrapers. Most importantly, the city is home to a number of important parks, lakes, and gardens that offer visitors respite from the hustle and bustle of the city concrete.

One of the most popular parks is Lumbini Park, located on the banks of Hussain Sagar (a man-made lake). The park hosts a nightly laser show and boat access to the lake. Hussain Sagar is famous for its statue of Buddha which rises 19 meters in the center of the lake. Also located at the lake is Tank Bund comprised of lovely gardens and statues. The lake is also known for water sports and boating.

The Public Gardens are known to locals as Bagh-e-aam which means “Garden for the commoners”). In addition to extensive park grounds, the Gardens are home to the state archaeology and history museum and surrounded by the Jubilee Hall and the State Legislative Assembly. The Botanical Gardens are a treasure trove of trees, plants, herbs, and flowers. Spanning 130 acres, they offer grasslands, meadows, and even several bodies of water. Other parks and lakes in Hyderabad include Lotus Pond which houses several rare bird species, Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali Park, the lakes of Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar, and Indira Park.

There are a number a places to view wildlife in Hyderabad. The Nehru Zoological Park is the large Indian zoo (by area). Kasu Brahmananda Reddy Park is located in Jubilee Hills. It is a sanctuary for anteaters, peacocks, snakes, monkeys, and other species. The Mriganavani Wildlife Sanctuary is a preserve for leopards and deer. The ciy has proposed the building of an Aquarium at Mir Alam Sagar, which is close to the main Zoo.

In addition to the natural beauty and historic monuments, visitors to Hyderabad can avail themselves of delicious traditional Indian food at the many restaurants and eateries throughout the city. Accommodations range from small hostels to five star Hyderabad hotels. And the shopping offers everything from traditional crafts and souveniers to designer boutiques and high tech items.

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