the next exit 2011 Vijaya Lodge HOTEL $ (%2501222; fax 2446864; Station Rd; s/d from 150/240) About 100m from the train

In 1724 the Hyderabad viceroy, Asaf Jah, took advantage of waning Mughal power and declared Hyderabad an independent state with himself as leader. The dynasty of the nizams of Hyderabad began, and the traditions of Islam flourished. Hyderabad became a focus for the arts, culture and learning, and the centre of Islamic India. Its abundance of rare gems and minerals the world-famous Kohinoor diamond is from here furnished the nizams with enormous the next exit 2011 wealth. the next exit 2011 (William Dalrymple s White Mughals is a fascinating portrait the next exit 2011 of the city at this time.)

Vijaya Lodge HOTEL $ (%2501222; fax 2446864; Station Rd; s/d from 150/240) the next exit 2011 About 100m from the train station, the Vijaya is well organised with helpful staff, but the rooms are becoming a little dreary.