Residing in Bangalore since last 6 years, have not been easy. When I say this, I think many like me (Typical college, work, 9-6 work schedule and lazy sleepy weekends) can relate to what I just said. Not like I do not like travelling, but the monotonous life makes you lousy.
This trip to Hyderabad was more than a trip to me. What happened before the journey was more important. I had already visited few places here and there around Bangalore, like a tourist but not as a traveller. So what happened was, I met one of my very dear Professor from college. While he was leaving to Peru for good,I was just enquiring about his short stay in India ( more specifically South India for 3 years). What follows was an eye opener, he takes out his collection of notebooks, which contained his discoveries about himself and places and asked me to read them.
Moments like this, that introspection hits you, whether you have found yourself or lost yourself in a long time of 6 years. The society we live in still values everything materialistic but the key to happiness is actually the time invested in knowing yourself. Every experience teaches you something good or bad, you get to know so much about yourself, it shapes our thinking, what makes us happy and most importantly, what to surround ourselves with in life.
While realising that I had to know myself more and better, this happened. The city of Kebabs and flavoursome Biryanis, Pearls and perfumes and the rich history. Where else can you find yourself better than in between some ruins?
This is the point where I started my trip from. Charminar is definitely the place which has made Hyderabad global. Once you reach the place, guides start asking you if you want to take them, I would prefer doing a pre-research on the place instead. Charminar actually means Four Pillars, constructed in 1591 CE, not only a monument but also a mosque. Only one entrance is open for the public. After waiting in the queue for a short while, you will have to start climbing the stairs to reach a top. The round staircases are dark, suffocated and have steep stairs. But once you reach the top, the view is worth. You can see Mecca Masjid and Laad bazaar from the top.
After Charminar, the place to hit next was Chowmahalla Palace. It was the official residence of the Nizams'. It is said that Nizams' were considered to be one of the richest people of their time. Evidently, you can witness their life in this palace. The Calmness of the place will soothe your mind. There is a Ticket counter, a cloakroom to keep your stuff and a small cafeteria inside. You can have a royal feeling in the main durbar. It has huge yet beautiful chandeliers, the pigeons roaming will just give you the feeling of being in that era. Starting from Cutleries to clothes, from shoes to coins, everything is kept. But sadly, the maintenance is not up to the mark. The best part about this place is the Vintage Car Museum. Nizams' did have a fancy car collection. 1912 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost,A spectacular Fiat limousine, A Napier, 1952 Packard 200 Deluxe Touring Sedan (others I do not even remember) and several carriages, it is just mind blowing. The mind-boggling fact is The seventh Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan used this Ford Tourer just for the purpose of going to the mosque at Public Gardens on a Friday. Yes, we are talking about the Nizams' who used a Rolls Royce to clean garbage over the city.
Eh well, it's said Paradise has the best biryani. This trip was incomplete without a biryani meal from Paradise. The staff is helpful, always trying to help you make the right choice and combination of food. I ordered a Mutton Dum Biryani. Well cooked mutton that melts in your mouth. By the way, the portion size is huge for any Biryanis in Hyderabad. One bowl of Biryani is good enough for two people. Not to forget the famous desserts, Qubani ka meetha, and Double ka meetha. Qubani ka meetha is a dessert made out of dried apricots and Double ka meetha is nothing but a bread pudding with a Hyderabadi twist.
This is one of the most peaceful places you can find in Hyderabad. It took 10 years to build this temple, it is mainly a Hindu temple, built on an 85-meter high hillock called Naubath Pahad. Birla Mandir, dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara of Tirumala Tirupati Temple. You can see the whole Hyderabad from the top, you can sit back and relax looking at the Hussain Sagar Lake. You are not allowed to carry your phone here and that is the best part. You get the time to spend with yourself. Outside the temple, the typical market scenes of Hyderabad exist. The pearls accessories and perfumes.
It was evening when I reached Hussain Sagar. It is located near the Necklace road and is very beautifully decorated and maintained. It is an artificial lake made by Hussain Shah and just in the middle of the lake, there is a huge Buddha statue. At night, the lighting of the same is mesmerising. Ferries and Jet boats are available for leisure and you can have a look at the statue by going near it by ferries.
Karachi Bakery has been serving the city’s best dilkhush (pie stuffed with dry fruit, grated coconut, and nuts) and fruit biscuits since 1953. You just can't get enough of this place, starting from french macarons to American bagels be sure to find a great quality at a very reasonable price. The variety available for biscuits is crazy, they are specifically packed to be couriered if needed. So thinking of sending home some biscuits? Go, buy. You don't have to be worried about in what condition will they reach, as they are just packed perfectly.
Shilparamam is an arts and crafts village located in Madhapur. Cumulation of arts and crafts, from all the ends of the nation, plus the yummy street food stalls. What else will you need? The rural museum is beautiful. You can also experience a bullock cart ride here. Interesting much? Then try the night bazaar too. Due to the presence of tech parks and long working hours around, the night bazaar is a fun thing to do in Hyderabad.
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