Overlooking the Tank Bund, in Hyderabad, this magnificent shrine dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara offers a fantastic panoramic view of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Built entirely out of marble this magnificent structure stands atop the Kala Pahad presenting a colorful spectacular sight when illuminated at night.

Built over a span of ten years, by a Birla Foundation, the Birla Mandir is a beautiful modern temple overlooking the south end of Hussain Sagar, providing an excellent view over the city from the summit. One gets to view the intricate carvings of the temple, the ceiling and the mythological figures, which are a standing testimony to the dexterity and sculptural excellence of the craftsmen. This magnificent structure is a blend Of Orissan & South Indian Temple Art where a Rajagopuram built in the South Indian style greets the visitors. The tower over the main shrine of Lord 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. The consorts of Venkateswara, 'Padmavati' and 'Andal' are housed in separate shrines. Beautiful scenes from the great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharatha are finely sculpted in marble. A number of lofty steps lead the visitor to the sanctum sanctorum. Along the winding path are many marble statues of Gods and Goddesses of Hindu mythology located in the midst of some gardens, full of blossoms. The granite image of the presiding deity is about 11 ft. tall and a carved lotus forms an umbrella for this image. The brass flagstaff rises to a height of 42 ft.

A trip to Hyderabad remains incomplete without a visit to this enchanting Temple, which presents an irresistible sight! Timings: Open from 7 a.m. to 12 Am. and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. all days.

The famous Birla temple patronized by Mahatma Gandhi, who inaugurated this temple in 1938 after Raja Baldev Birla constructed it, is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. It is close to Connaught Place and is frequented by many devotees regularly. The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on the condition that people of all strata of society be allowed to offer prayers there on account of the large scale prevalence of untouchability at that time. One of the most important festivals of the Hindus Janamashtami coinciding with the birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great fervour in the temple with more than lakh visitors. At the entrance is a plaque welcoming people of all faiths and religions.

The highest tower in the temple reaches a height of 165 feet and the ancillary towers reach 116 feet. The Geeta Bhavan, a hall is adorned with beautiful paintings depicting scenes from Indian mythology.

Durga and Shiva are the other major deities housed in this temple. There is also a temple dedicated to Buddha in this complex with fresco paintings describing his life and work. The entire complex, the walls and the upper gallery are full of paintings carried out by artists from Jaipur in Rajasthan. The rear of the temple is developed as an artificial mountainous landscape with fountains and waterfalls.

Accommodation is available in the temple guesthouse for out of town travellers especially for international scholars pursuing knowledge in Sanskrit or in the Hindu religion.