Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh

Charminar : Charminar, landmark of Hyderabad, was built by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 to commemorate the end of a devastating epidemic. Standing 56 m high and 30 m wide this four columned structure creates four arches facing the cardinal points. There's a minaret sitting atop each column.

There is a small mosque in the 2nd floor from which spiral staircase leads up the columns, which has a fine city view. Charminar is illuminated from 7 to 9 pm daily.

Laad bazaar : Located west of Charminar, has everything from the finest perfumes, fabrics and jewels to musical instruments and kitchen implements. You can see artists creating their works of fine bidri (inlaid silverware), large pots and musical instruments. It is the main centre of India's pearl trade.

Mecca masjid : One of the world's largest mosque, which can accommodate 10,000 worshippers. It is near Charminar and it's construction began in 1614, during Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah's reign. Several bricks above the gate are made with soil from Mecca, hence the name.

The colonnades and door arches, with the inscriptions from the Quran, are made from single slabs of granite that were quarried 11 km away and dragged here by a team of 1400 bullocks.

To the left of the mosque, an enclosure contains the tombs of Nizam Ali Khan and his successors.