|
|
 ith one leg in cyber-age and the other steeped in its rich heritage, Hyderabad beyond doubts is fast turning into
India’s most dynamic city. A shopper’s delight, a gastronome’s paradise, a technocrat’s haven and a cultural connoisseur’s ultimate dream Hyderabad scores full marks in every respect. Distinctiveness is its biggest asset,
from its typical accent of Urdu language to the mystical beauty of its ladies Hyderabad personifies everything it has in its own mould.
Hyderabad has since long been known for its extremely rich, spoiled and stylish
Nizams. Gossips and fables about their luxurious passions and unusual indulgences into opulence are till date very popular. They were the first to possess the fabled
diamond –Kohinoor. Till India’s independence before Hyderabad
was finally merged into India
the Nizams were considered among the richest individuals in the world. What remains today of those days of opulence is itself quite suggestive. The palaces like
Purani Haveli and Falaknuma Palace though closed to the public are extremely
 opulent. The unique
Salar Jung Museum houses the largest collection of exhibits by a single person Mir Yusaf Ali Khan (Prime Minister of the seventh Nizam). Recently a huge collection of Nizam’s diamonds has been taken out from Reserve Bank of India and shall be soon displayed in Hyderabad. The collection includes a huge Jacob Diamond, which the Nizam used as his paperweight!
There are several notable monuments scattered all over the city. Architecture having dominant Mughal influence is
visible on the impressive buildings like High Court, City College, Mecca Mosque, Osmania University and General Hospital. The state Assembly building and the stunning white
Birla Mandir are product of several form of architecture fused together. There is a huge Buddha monolith at the center of
Husain Sagar Lake, the promenade at side of lake is a pleasant place to be in the evenings.
Charminar is the signature monument of Hyderabad city. The unusual four-faced monument stands on the crossroads of the old city around which the whole gamut of old city life moves. The area around Charminar is a complete heritage zone. Bustling
c rowded bazaars radiate in each
direction, they are lined by very old houses that exhibit architecture of old times. The great fun of shopping is realized here only. The colorful
Laad bazaar has uncountable shops selling Hyderabad’s famous bangles. Hyderabad is also famous for its
pearls, diamonds and bidriware. The crowded bazaars are also treasure for
Ponchampally silks and perfumeries.
The tasteful heritage of Hyderabad appeals to the tastebuds as well. Hyderabadi cuisine is an absolute delight having a blend of hot n spicy Andhran cuisine and Shahi Persian influence. The tear-jerking hot biryanis and non-vegetarian dishes of Hyderabad have now become a must in every restaurant of India, but eating the same at the street side of Hyderabad is an
inimitably relishing experience!
A short distance out of Hyderabad is Golconda. The fort here
was the capital of
Qutb Shahi Kings from 1507 to 1687 though it is originally much older. The fort
i s a unique example in strategic planning having several wartime precautionary features
like having holes to pour hot oil, bunkers and a unique sound relaying system through which a simple clap from the main gate is well audible at the palace on top of the hill. Golconda during old times had been famed for its diamond mines. Nearby are the impressive Qutb Shahi
Tombs, almost identical to each other. Interesting visits around Hyderabad may include the artists’ village of
Kondapalle and the fort of Bidar. All around Hyderabad in the countryside is the bizarre spectacle of granite rocks arranged in unusual fashion- the larger ones above the smaller ones- a
unique feature of the Deccan plateau.
Hyderabad’s distinct identity still seems well preserved. While you get mesmerized by its richness, the city slowly grows on you, captures you and recreates you.
| QUICK FACTS |
| Getting there |
Hyderabad has a busy domestic airport, a few international flights serve its
international terminal. Hyderabad is very well connected by railways and roadways. |
| Further connections |
Tirupati, Puttaparthi, Waranagal, Nagarjunsagar, Visakhapatnam, Amravathi and Bidar. |
| Best time to visit |
Being located in rocky Deccan plateau, climate of Hyderabad is dry and warm. It gets pleasant for a few winter months. During monsoons, there are occasional heavy showers. |
| Important Festivals |
Pandit Motiram- Maniran memorial music festival,
Mrigasira, Mahakali Jatra and Id. |
| TOURS TO HYDERABAD | |
|
|
)
)
)
)
