BELLA VISTA

Located on the Raj Bhavan Road, Bella Vista, which now houses the Administrative Staff College of India, was constructed in 1934. It was initially used as the official residence of the Crown Prince, Azam Jah, of the erstwhile Hyderabad State.

Built in the Indo-European style, the building is characterised by its sweeping arches and perfect proportions. There has been no permanent change made to the interiors and a conscious effort has been made to retain original decorations and finishes. It still has parquet (wooden) flooring in its major Halls, which were used as dance floors. The grounds are exceptionally well maintained and the building boasts of one of the best gardens of Hyderabad.

Image Courtesy : Ms. Anuradha Reddy

ARMY GOLF COURSE

Located in the Bolarum Cantonment area, the Army Golf Course was laid out in 1888. With 18 holes spread out over more than 197 acres of green with dense plantations of trees, the Golf Course is an excellent example of well-maintained open spaces and deserves to be acknowledged as a commendable effort. The care and pride is reflected in the perfect upkeep of the open space.

Image Courtesy : Ms. Anuradha Reddy

HYDERABAD PUBLIC SCHOOL

Located in Begumpet, the Hyderabad Public School is one of the leading examples of an architectural style which was to become the hallmark of Hyderabadi architecture of the early twentieth century. Built as a residential college for the children of nobleman of Hyderabad, the Hyderabad Public School – then known as Jagirdar’s College – was the most prestigious educational institution of the erstwhile Hyderabad State.

The glorious example of the Osmanian style of architecture has to a great extent retained its original character and settings, additions and alterations have been kept to the minimum. New constructions within school ground have been sensitively located so as not to detract from the original building.

Image Courtesy : Ms. Anuradha Reddy

BADRUKA HOUSE

The Badruka House – located at Toli Chowki near Golconda fort – is a residential building which harmoniously combines different architectural styles. Vernacular elements make subtle but strong impressions. A blend of colonial features, which include deep wrap around verandahs and a monkey top at the entrance reminds one of the Portuguese style architecture of Goa.

There has been a conscious effort on the part of the owners in maintaining harmony by retaining style and scale in the construction of additional structures in close proximity to the main building. The well-kept building testifies that the owners have made laudable efforts towards its upkeep. The surrounding garden and grounds are exceptionally well maintained and thus bring out the intrinsic beauty of the building.

Image Courtesy : Ms. Anuradha Reddy

MAHALAQA CHANDA’S STEP WELL

Located on the campus of the Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages in Tarnaka, the area was the garden of Mahalaqa Bai Chanda, a famous poetess in the times of the fourth Nizam, Sikander Jah [1803 – 29].

A step well was discovered a few years ago on the premises, which had a unique architectural style. Although constructed during the Asaf Jahi period, it has strong resemblance to similar step wells constructed during the Qutub Shahi era. A commendable effort has been made in consolidating a crumbling structure without interfering with the original style and design. A small railing is a delight for the appreciative eye. The authorities have come up with a novel idea of drawing attention to this grand edifice of the city’s architectural Heritage by an innovative reuse in the form of a mini open air auditorium where a number of dance programmes and musical concerts have successfully been organised in the recent past.

Image Courtesy : Ms. Anuradha Reddy

SITARAM BAGH

Located near Mangalhat, Sitaram Bagh is a vast complex of temples, samadhis, residential quarters and open areas. The main temple complex consists of a series of quadrangles. Each time one enters a courtyard there is a sense of being overwhelmed by the style, scale and grace of the various structures and architectural elements. Every new courtyard is sure to present a new facet, and thus the complex provides endless surprises.

The main temple has not been interfered with, and retains its original settings and grandeur. The most notable aspect of the Sitaram Bagh temple complex provides endless surprises. Sitaram Bagh temple complex is a rare blending of the Moghul-Rajput styles with Qutub Shahi architecture. Some of the structures in the complex are said to be about 200 years old.

Image Courtesy : Ms. Anuradha Reddy