A Rajagopuram built in the South Indian style greets the visitors. The tower over the main shrine of Venkateswara called the "Jagadananda Vimanam" is built in the Orissan style, while the towers over the shrines of the consorts are built in the South Indian style. Thus Birla Mandir displays a mixture of architectural styles. The granite image of the presiding deity is about 11ft tall and a carved lotus forms an umbrella for this image. There are several carvings in marble, in the adjoining 'Mukha Mandapam' - depicting scenes from Indian mythology. The brass flagstaff rises to a height of 42ft. The consorts of Venkateswara, 'Padmavati' and 'Andal' are housed in separate shrines. The Birla Mandir presents an arresting sight when illuminated in the evening. The temple is open for visitors from 7.00 am to 12.00 am and 3.00 pm to 9.00 pm on all days of the week.

Ever travelled across the milky way ducking some wayward asteroids that threatened to bump right into you, steering your way in air-conditioned comfort around stars that blaze away at zillions of degrees centigrade, and in general "boldly going where no man has ever gone before"? Unless you're in the select NASA team that will next tour outer space, this is the closest that you can get to being Captain James Kirk. Close to the Birla Temple stands the grand structure of the B M Birla Planetarium. It’s one of the few technically advanced and modern science planetariums in the country and a place of pride for the Hyderabadis. The shows give you the feeling of actually being 'out there'. The place is slowly being developed into a fine center for the study of astronomy.

Whether it is summer or winter, the one place that is crowded with streaming visitors is Osmansagar, popularly known as Gandipet. It is a beautiful lake located 20 km. west of Hyderabad. Mir Osman Ali Khan formed this water body as a result of damming of the river Musi in 1920. The idea was to supply water to Hyderabad. The lake is spread over an area of 46 sq.km. and is the main drinking water for the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

Gandipet is the most sought after picnic spot for Hyderabadis. It has been developed as a public recreation area with well-laid out lush green gardens and swimming pool. Throughout the year - weekdays or weekends - Gandipet beckons holidaymakers from every nook and corner of the twin cities. Anyone visiting Gandipet is pleased to see a vast stretch of placid water that shimmers golden in the morning sun. The breeze is cool and soothing and the ambience serene. Sprawling lawns with colourful flora and youthful trees towards the lower side of the dam make the place picturesque. The lake offers boating facilities to the visitors who look forward to a pleasant ride. People who come with family and friends to Gandipet spend a whole day amusing themselves and having a lot of fun. Usually people carry delicious varieties of food to Gandipet. They can also buy snacks and drinks from the only cafeteria at the place. The Andhra Pradesh Tourism provides a guesthouse called "Sagar Mahal" which was the summer resort of the erstwhile Nizam. It has about ten double rooms. People also visit Gandipet after the rainy season when the reservoir is full. During this period swimming and boating are a common sight.

Located about 25 km. from the heart of Hyderabad city is the picturesque Sanghi Nagar. Seen from several kilometers away is the Sanghi Temple complex with its 15 ft. tall sacred Raja Gopuram. The aura of divinity and the verdant slope around the temple complex is panoramic and breathtaking. This beautiful temple complex atop the hillock Paramanand Giri beckons the faithful devotees who seek God's infinite blessings.

As one approaches the road leading to the Paramanand Giri, a huge Maha Dwaram or gateway welcomes the visitors. A little further away, a long flight of steps leads to the entrance of the temple complex. Stone elephant heads form the banisters of the stairway. Standing at the foot of the hillock, one is awestruck to see the three Gopurams towering into the blue sky. And before ascending to the temple complex on top, one stops by at the shrine of Lord Anjaneya, son of the wind God, who is believed to guide the devotees to the abode of Gods. The red-faced Lord Anjaneya is the embodiment of death to the demons and his very name drives away all evils.

The road straight ahead from Jubilee Hills leads to Hi-Tech City and then to Madhapur. At Madhapur are located two attractive spots of Hyderabad — Shilparamam and Durgam Cheruvu. Shilparamam is an arts and crafts village set up in an area spanning 30 acres of land. The place is famous for its annual festivals and bazaars. It provides ample space for the artistes and artisans from across the country to meet at one place to exchange their views with each another and also with customers.

Durgam Cheruvu — located in the vicinity of Madhapur — is a lake surrounded by huge rocks, popularly known as the Hyderabad rocks and dating back a few centuries. The place provides the visitors with pedal boating facilities before the sunset, organized by the APTDC. Don’t forget to take a dekko at the Hi-Tech City on the way!