An important centre of Islamic culture in a Hindu-majority state, Hyderabad is southern India's counterpart to the Mughal splendour of Delhi, Agra and Fatehpur Sikri. Quick to embrace technology, Hyderabad is also known as 'Cyberabad', as a growing class of techies and cyber kings make their  mark.

Hyderabad, the sixth largest city of India, with its own ancient civilization and culture, is the capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh. Attached to the city is its twin, Secunderabad, which is part of  Hyderabad. The twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad are separated by the Husain Sagar, an artificial lake constructed during the reign of Ibrahim Quili Qutb Shah Wali in 1562 A.D.

The city is nearly 400 years old and is noted for its natural beauty, mosques and minarets, bazaars, bridges, hills and lakes. Perched on top of the Deccan Plateau 530 meters above sea level, it sprawls over an area of about 260 sq km.

A multitude of influences have shaped the character of the city. Its palaces and houses, tenenments, gardens and streets have a history and architectural individuality of their own, making Hyderabad a city of enchantment.