The capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad is the fifth largest city in India with an ancient civilisation and culture. Secunderabad is a twin city of Hyderabad. The twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad are separated by the Husain Sagar, an artificial lake constructed during the time of Ibrahim Quli 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 and bridges, hills and lakes. It is perched on the top of the Deccan Plateau, 1776 ft., above sea level, and sprawls over an area of 100 Sq. miles.
A multitude of influences have shaped the character of the city. Its palaces and buildings, houses and tenements, gardens and streets have a history and an architectural individuality of their own, which makes Hyderabad a city of enchantment.
Language
The main languages spoken in Hyderabad are Telugu, Urdu and Hindi. English is widely spoken except in most rural areas.
Local Time
Indian Standard Time (IST) is 5.5 hours ahead of GMT.
Climate and Weather
Summer Max 40oc Min 25oc Winter Max 25oc Min 11oc Annual Rainfall 400 mm to 2,500 mm
In December, the weather is likely to be mild, with an average temperature of 14 degrees C. However, as the weather is not predictable, it is advisable to bring a sweater and a light raincoat. Daylight is from 0800 to 1800hrs.
Hyderabad Marriott Convention Centre - Conference Venue
The Hyderabad Marriott Hotel boasts for being one of India's biggest, most advanced venues for conventions, conferences, seminars premium weddings and many more. 15425 sq. ft. of main convention Hall, banquet space that accommodates 20 pax to 1800 pax, well appointed meetings rooms, boardrooms and private dining room.
Please check with your local travel agent for the latest schedule
Currency
The currency in India is the Rupee, which comes in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000. Please use authorized money changers and banks to change currency. They will issue a certificate of exchange which is required at the time of re-conversion of any unused currency. Under the Foreign Exchange Management Act 1999, it is an offence to exchange foreign currency other than through authorized money changers or banks.
Insurance and Liability
The Organizers do not take responsibility for any individual, medical, travel or personal insurance. Participants are advised to secure their own insurance policies before departure in their countries as necessary.
While every attempt is made to ensure efficient, trouble-free hospitality, including hotel accommodation, sightseeing and tours, participants are advised that no liability accrues to the organizers in case of any necessary modifications such as change in itineraries for tours due to delays or cancellations of flights/other exigencies beyond the organizers' control.
Health
Please consult with your physician regarding health precautions prior to visiting India.
If you are coming from or have visited Africa, South America or an area infected with Yellow Fever within five days prior to your arrival in India, proof of inoculation against Yellow Fever is required.
Electricity
The voltage in India is 220 volts. Should you wish to use appliances of 110 volts, most Conference Hotels will provide adaptors on request but it may be useful to carry your own for convenience.
Smoking Policy
All conference rooms are non-smoking areas
Tips
There is no compulsion to tip anyone for any service rendered. If you choose to do so, the traditional tip is in the region of 10%.
Taramati Baradari
Taramati Baradari is about the
legendary romance and the elegance of the Qutub Shah dynasty. Taramati
was to Abdullah Qutub Shah, what Bhagmati was to his grandfather
Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah, the Founder of Hyderabad. Abdullah Qutub
Shah’s, the 7th Sultan of Golconda, epic love for his favorite
courtesan, Taramati.
But for Taramati, the relatively
lesser known singer-dancer, did not get the kind of honour what
Bhagmati got when Mohammad Quli, who named the city of Hyderabad he
founded in the Deccan after his lover.
All that
Taramati could grange in her memory was an open pavilion, made of lime
and mortar with a terraced garden, which had 12 doorways (baradari). It
came to be known as the Taramati Baradari.
Abdullah
used to enjoy Taramati’s song even while sitting in Golconda fort. Her
melodious voice would be carried on the breeze, reaching the prince’s
ear far away at the fort, thanks to the perfect acoustics in the
structure as well as that of the fort. The baradari with 12 doorways
were to allow cross ventilation, which was the most ingenuous
arrangement at a time when there were no fans/air-conditioners.
The
complex is spread over a vast land at Ibrahimbagh, near Vasavi
engineering college, on the way to Osmansagar and close to Golconda,
just after the Artillery Centre. The AP Tourism Development Corporation
(APTDC) sensed the potential of the structure to draw tourists and has
done a commendable job in its renovation and developing the various
facilities..
It has spacious parking lot. No Problems
at all. An open air auditorium, which can seat 1,600 people, an
air-cooled theatre that can fit in 500 persons banquet hall.
The
’Punnami’ Multi Cuisine Restaurant is fully air-conditioned and is
tastefully done up to provide facilities for dinner and for events to
be performed. But food is just right. Nothing great. Don’t expect to
get 3 star type of food. But nice cosy place to be left alone to grab a
bite.
Saqi the bar sets mood to bring out the Omar
Khayyam in the most drinking individual, especially the night
environment. And I did not get in, I just peeked in.
The
corporation has been using the Taramati Baradari complex as a venue for
the Golconda Music and Dance Festival, the Taramati Music Festival, the
Premavathi Dance Festival and other festivals with folk dances and arts
from other parts of the country.
The view from the
Baradiri is awesome especially of the Golconda fort and the surrounds
as sun goes down. Most of our time was spend atop this baradiri until 8
PM. The structure looked equally beautiful after the lights were
switched on, which were dancing and changing colors. It was great to
see the structure display different shades.
Taramati
Baradari is an amalgation of the romance and the grace of the middle
ages. The 7th Sultan of Golconda Abdullah Qutub Shah ode to his
favorite courtesan Taramati through the Baradari the open pavilion with
12 doorways. The Taramati Baradari has become the centerpiece of an
ultra modern convention and culture complex.
The wide
range of services at Taramati Baradari include Air Cooled Theatre with
capacity of 500 peaople, Open Air Auditorium with capacity of 1600
people capacity, Banquet Hall with capacity of 250 people,
Accommodation Unit, Board Rooms, Multi-Cuisine Restaurant, Bar,
Swimming Pool / Billiards / Fitness Center,
