On any day when you just want to loiter and spend your day in leisure, just head to the Old City of Hyderabad, where the Charminar always welcomes you with its hustle and bustle. Come Ramadhan, and the place comes alive with its 24 hour open shops and eateries all the month through.
After breakfast, my family and my nephew's family decided to visit the Zoo, since it was many years that we hadn't visited the Zoo. The animals must be missing us. So we left home at 12.3o PM and on the way took a 'Family Pack of Chicken Biryani' and reached the Zoo around 01.30 PM.
We passed through the Madina Hotel from where we could have a glimpse of the Charminar. But decided to enter the area in the evening after visiting the Zoo. So, after entering the Zoo, we first opened our Family Pack of Chicken Biryani and relished it. Then gulped the 'Sprite' down our throats, and walked around the Zoo to see the birds and animals. The weather was perfect, since it had rained the previous night, and it was neither hot nor sultry. So we walked tirelessly till evening, photographing all the animals and the birds. We missed the safari ride because it was late and the closing time was 04.30 PM.
Coming out of the Zoo, we straight headed towards the Charminar. The traffic there was daunting. Driving a four wheeler around this place is too cumbersome. Two wheelers around you test your driving skills. Even a minor brush with any two wheeler, you are sure to land in trouble with the staring looks of the riders. Some how, we did drive through the area which was swanked with sellers of all kinds. Cups, Bowls, Glasses, Dresses, Dates, Fruits, Lassi and what not. The mannequins wore clothes that were inviting and which lured the customers to walk into the stores to buy them.
Though I have not visited this place at midnight, I am told that the place comes alive especially during the nights of this pious month of Ramadhan. After, iftar and the Ishan Prayers, all the people of the area and from other parts of the city, throng to this place to enjoy the mood of festivity all the month through. Haleem, a delicacy which is available only during this month is enjoyed by one and all. This dish is prepared right from morning and is ready by 04.00 PM. A few eateries like Pista House, Paradise, Shadaab etc do brisk business during this month, selling tonnes and tonnes of Haleem.
What I found interesting while passing through this area was that Haleem was also available for as less as Rs.20/- (Yes, I too could not believe what I read - Rs.20/-). But great work by the sellers, because why should someone who is poor be refrained from enjoying this delicacy?
Whether you are Hyderabadi or an outsider, do make it a point to visit Hyderabad once during this month and witness the fervor and the flavour of the Nawabi Hyderabad.
There are other attractions too like the Tank Bund, Birla Temple, Ramoji Film City, Snow World, Salar Jung Museum, Golconda and numerous other attractions.
This place can truly be called the "Biryani Capital of India" because nowhere else you can taste such authentic Biryani.
Come to Hyderabad if,...
You want to eat Haleem
You want to eat Authentic Hyderabadi Biryani
You want to see the biggest Film Studio, Ramoji Film City
You want to buy Pearls