Hyderabad - City of Pearls
|
Wed, 09/22/2010 - 13:02 — admin
Hyderabad - City of Pearls Hyderabad is a perfect blend of technology and tradition. This city, which is an amalgam of old-world charm and happening new attractions, has something to offer everyone. Going by the cognomen of City of Pearls, Hyderabad has witnessed a resplendent history of kingdoms that flourished in the Deccan during medieval and modern times. Even today, the medieval flavour can be experienced in certain areas. It is adequately reflected in the monuments and minarets of this city of Nizams which has a 400 year old history. While on one hand, the city pushes you down the lanes of history, the other side of the city is totally opposite which represents technology, growth, enterprise and a foray into the future with immense confidence. The twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad offer an enriching experience to the visitor. Moving beyond the ambits of places to visit, Hyderabad has something else to boast about. The city is extremely well known for its mouth-watering delicacies like Hyderabadi Biryani (Rice-based dish made with rice, spices, chicken, vegetables), Haleem (thick Persian, Pakistani, North Indian dish including, wheat, lentils and meat), Paaya etc. It is a haven for the food connoisseurs. The weather at Hyderabad is normally pleasant during the months of December till February. Light woolen clothes are required during early mornings and late evenings. Local Language: Telugu. Other preferred Languages: English and Hindi GETTING THERE In terms of connectivity, Hyderabad is well-connected air, rail and road. By Air: The newly constructed Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad has all the world-class facilities that one can possibly require. Getting direct flights for Hyderabad is quite an easy task. By Rail: Secunderabad, the twin city of Hyderabad, is the head office of Southern and Central Railways. The city has three railway stations: The Secunderabad Railway Station; Hyderabad Railway Station (also known as Nampally); Kacheguda Railway Station All the trains leaving from Hyderabad and Kacheguda railway station have a stoppage at the Secunderabad Railway Station. Inter-City Railway Network: Hyderabad has a light rail transportation system known as the MultiModal Transport System(MMTS), running close to 30 services a day, connecting Secunderabad and Lingampally on the city outskirts. Its unique feature is the connectivity between rail and road transport for the facility of the commuters. It is quite an in-expensive mode of local transport. Local Buses: The city has a very well established network of local buses which are extremely efficient and ensure quick and safe travel. The presence of Lady Conductors in almost all the buses ensures that lady travellers do not find any troubles in commuting. By Road: Hyderabad city is well-connected to all the major states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Orissa. Some major national highways that pass through Hyderabad are NH-4, NH-5, NH-7, NH-9, NH-16, NH-18 etc. MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF THE CITY Golconda Fort: Situated about 10 kilometers of West of Hyderabad, it is one of the most magnificent fortresses in India. It is built on a granite hill 120 meters high, surrounded by massive crenellated ramparts. The fort dates from the time of the Qutub Shahi Kings, who had ruled this area in the 16th and 17th centuries. It took them 62 years to build the great fort that was completed in 1525. A typical tour of Golconda Fort starts with clapping your hands in the Grand Portico, the echo of which is heard almost a kilometer up. The fort is known for its acoustics, secret passages, ingenious water supply system and natural air-conditioning. Legendary gems like the Kohinoor and the Jacob Diamond have been unearthed here. A must-watch Sound & Light show is held in the evenings here. Charminar: It is one of the most important landmarks of Hyderabad. The monument was built by Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah in 1591 to commemorate the eradication of plague. Built to a height of 56.7 meters (186 feet) on a square base of 31.5 meters (100 feet), Charminar is said to be a prototype of Tazia, a representation of the tomb of Imam Husain. It is situated in the southern part of Hyderabad, south of Musi river. The bustling bazaars near Charminar sell pearls, bangles, dresses and typical Hyderabadi delicacies. There are many structures of historical and architectural significance in the vicinity. Visiting hours- 9am- 5pm Mecca Masjid: It is one of the largest mosques in India and the principal one in the city. The construction was started by Sultan Mohammed Qutub Quli Shah in 1614 but was completed by Aurangzeb in 1693. It can accommodate up to 10,000 people at a time. Falaknuma Palace: One of the finest palaces at Hyderabad, Falaknuma was built by Nawab Vikar-ul-Ulmara, the then Prime Minister of Hyderabad. Made with Italian marbles, the palace was bought by Nizam VI in 1897 and used as a royal guesthouse. Falaknuma houses a large collection of rare treasures collected by the Nizam, including paintings, statues, manuscripts and books. The Jade collection of the palace is considered to be unique in the world. The venue is occasionally opened for the general public as it is a private property. Salarjung Museum: It is the third largest museum in India, housing the biggest one-man collection of antiques in the world. Nawab Mir Yusuf Ali Khan Salar Jung III (1889-1949), former Prime Minister of the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, spent a substantial amount of his income over 35 years to make this priceless collection of more than 43,000 art objects and 50,000 books and manuscripts. Timings: 10am to 5pm Ramoji Film City: It is the world’s largest integrated film studio complex and Asia’s most popular tourism and recreation centre. It has ousted Hollywood studios to earn a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest film studio complex. Timings: 8am to 5pm Hussain Sagar Lake: This placid lake stretching over 24 sq kms was built in 1562 by Hazrat Husain Shah Wali on a tributary of the Musi River, to meet the water and irrigation needs of the city. With numerous parks, recreation spots, temples (Birla Temple) and a host of other tourist attractions around, it has emerged as the most sought after tourist destination in the city. Main attraction is the huge Buddha statue right in the middle of the lake. Boating and water sports are regular features at the Lake. Eat Street: A long stretch of road forming a loop around the Hussain Sagar Lake is called the Necklace Road. The Necklace Road has many good eating places, but one prominent hub of good food is Eat Street. It has a wide array of delicacies made available at one place. Eat Street allows one to sit by the lake peacefully, gaze at the necklace road lit in the darkness, and enjoy the sumptuous meals or light snacks at leisure. One can even get temporary tattoos if desired. Osman Sagar Lake: A popular picnic spot, it was formed in 1920 by Mir Osman on the river Musi. A very pleasant place to hang out as one can connect with nature and feel fresh as never before. Located 20 kms west of Hyderabad city in Gandipet. Runway 9: A place for car and racing enthusiasts, it is situated on the outskirts of Hyderabad. As the name suggests, the place is meant for go-karting and racing sessions. Lumbini Park: Lumbini is a finely landscaped park situated on the shore of Hussain Sagar. The major attractions are huge floral clock, play pool and cascading mini-waterfalls. It is also famous for the Laser show, boat rides and cruises offering a wonderful view of the giant monolithic Buddha situated in the center of the Hussain Sagar. Timings: 9am to 9pm SHOPPING AT HYDERABAD Pearls: Hyderabad is an ideal place to shop for cultured and real pearls and exquisite precious and semi precious stones. Famous shops that can offer a huge variety of pearls can be found scattered in the areas in and around Old Hyderabad, Charminar area. Lacquered Bangles: The stones/glass studded colourful bangles made from lacquer are a must have when in Hyderabad. Available in Lad Bazaar near Charminar Kalamkari: Kalamkari refers to a method of painting natural dyes onto cotton or silk fabric with a bamboo pen or Kalam. This pen painted fabric is then used for clothing and wall decorations. Find it at Central Cottage Industries Emporium, S.D Road, Secunderabad; Crafts Museum Calcutta Emporium, Gunfoundry, Hyderabad; and Kalanjali Arts & Crafts Himroo: Himroo is one of the oldest fabrics used as dress material by the nobility. It is an extra weft figured fabric, with a solid ground of satin or twill, woven from cotton or viscose rayon yarn and decorated with figures and motifs. It is used mainly for shawls, bed spreads and furnishing. Handloom Fabrics: Hyderabad is also famous for its handloom textiles, available in both cotton and silk. Shop at MG Road; Patny Circle; General Bazaar; Abids, Nampally; Somajiguda; and Koti, Sultan Bazaar. Bidri Work: Intricate carving done on ornaments and utility items. Can be shopped for at: Nirmal: A type of lacquered woodwork used in toys, hangings and decorative items. Can be found at: Kondapalli Toys: These colourful figures of animals and human beings are typical to Hyderabad and also make interesting decorative pieces. Puppets: Fashioned out of pure leather, the puppets of Andhra have been narrating mythological tales to rural folk for centuries. Can be found at Kalanjali Arts & Crafts, 5-10-194, Hill Fort Road, Saifabad, Hyderabad. Silver Filigiri: Silver Filigiri, a speciality of Hyderabad, is manufactured by the age-old artisans in the Karimnagar district, 150 Kms north of Hyderabad. The articles which include miniature Charminar, jewellery boxes, cigar boxes and other intricately designed pieces of pure silver, can also be made on order. There are only a few artisans left in the town practicing the craft. Perfumes: The perfumes of Hyderabad, called as ‘Attar’ or ‘Itr’, are famous all over the world. Apart from the hundreds of exotic blends to choose from, there is also the facility of getting perfumes concocted according to personal preferences. Visit Lal Bazaar located near Charminar for your special blend. NIGHT LIFE AT HYDERABAD Hyderabad is no less when it comes to its happening night-life. There are many clubs, pubs and popular hang-out places for the young crowd out here. Clubs like Xcess, Ahala, Liquids, Touch, FireFly etc provide the much needed respite to the overworked and stressed out individuals. There are regular performances by popular DJ’s and artists from all over the world in these clubs. Entry charges are also not exorbitant, so one can go in couples or stag without bothering a lot about the moolah involved. Although if one wishes to enjoy not so loud evenings with a few friends or someone special, then places like Firangi Pani, Xtreme Sports Bar etc, can be a perfect retreat. Most of the above mentioned places are located in Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills and Hi-Tech City which are the main hubs for all the pubs, clubs, malls and restaurants. All in all, Hyderabad is a complete city and has something to offer to everyone. An Indian Backpacker |
