states maps Devotees flock to Tirumala to see Venkateshwara, an avatar of Vishnu. Among the many powers attribut

Devotees flock to Tirumala to see Venkateshwara, an avatar of Vishnu. states maps Among the many powers attributed states maps to him is the granting of any wish made before the idol at Tirumala. Many pilgrims also donate their hair to the deity in gratitude for a wish fulfilled, or to renounce ego so hundreds of barbers attend to devotees. Tirumala and Tirupathi are filled states maps with tonsured men, women and children, generating big money from exports to Western wig companies.

Everything about Sai Baba was big: the Afro hairdo, the big-name devotees, and the big controversies allegations of sexual misconduct states maps had led some devotees to lose faith. Others, however, regarded the controversy as simply another terrestrial test for their avatar.

HEH the Nizam s Museum MUSEUM (Purani Haveli; Map p900; adult/student 70/15, camera 150; h10am-5pm Sat-Thu) The 16th-century Purani Haveli was home of the sixth nizam, Fath Jang Mahbub Ali Khan (r 1869 1911), rumoured to have never worn the same garment twice. His 72m-long, two-storey Burmese teak wardrobe, the first room you ll enter, certainly seems to substantiate the claim. In the palace s former servants quarters are personal effects of the seventh nizam, Osman Ali Khan (1886 1967) and gifts from his Silver Jubilee, lavish pieces that include states maps an art deco silver letterbox collection. The museum s guides do an excellent job putting it all in context.

Qutb Shahi Tombs TOMBS (off Map p894; admission 10, camera/video 20/100; h9am-5pm) These graceful domed tombs sit serenely in landscaped states maps gardens about 1.5km northwest of Golconda Fort s Balahisar Gate. Seven of the nine Qutb Shahi rulers were buried here, as well as members of the royal family and respected citizens from entertainers states maps to doctors. You could easily spend half a day here taking photos and wandering in and out of the mausoleums. The upper level of Mohammed states maps Quli s tomb, reached via a narrow staircase, has good views of the area. The Qutb Shahi Tombs booklet ( 20) may be available at the ticket counter.