Hyderabad is a beautiful demonstration of the modern and traditional living side-by-side in sweet harmony. Hyderabad is the capital of Telangana, also known as the Pearl City of India owing to its reputation of once being the hub the diamond and pearl trading in India. The Old City is the origin of two rich Muslim Royal Houses: Qutb Shahs and Asaf Jahs whose legacy can be felt all around you as you visit Hyderabad.
Day : 1
We reached Hyderabad at around 10 in the morning. We spent our leisure time in The Park, Hyderabad. We decided to start our journey with Salar Jung Museum. The entry ticket is for nominal amount and if you are carrying the camera, please do take a ticket so that you can freely capture, as there is lot to capture. Also, do try to reach before noon, WHY? Will let you know in a bit.
DID YOU KNOW - Salar Jung Museum is the world’s largest one-man collection of antiques!
There are over 40 galleries housing incredible sculptures, fine art, manuscripts, and all sorts of other items from the past. It is a remarkable collection that will leave you in awe. Also, it is closed on Fridays, so plan your trip accordingly.
Major Attractions at SalarJung:
1. Musical Clock: Now, back to where I left. If you reach around noon, you will witness a long queue at the entry because people are curious to see the musical clock, so I would request you to reach little before. This musical clock is 200 years old. The clock has more than 350 parts. It contains a mechanism by which a small toy figure of a bearded man comes out from the enclosure three minutes before every hour and exactly at 60th minute strikes the gong as per time (eg. Twelve times at 12′ o clock) and then goes back inside. There is another toy man visible who is a blacksmith seen holding a hammer and striking the seconds without any break.
2.Amazing Wooden Double Statue: A piece of impeccable workmanship - Wooden double statue. It stands before a mirror and in the front is the male figure and a female figure at the back.
3.Veiled Rebecca: The Veiled Rebecca is a sculpture created by an Italian sculptor and is a star attraction at the museum.
We then had our Lunch at Hotel Shadab. It is the oldest and iconic restaurant that offers one of the best Hyderabadi Biryani. So, Biryani Lovers - Mark this on your list.
We then went to Charminar. The landmark is known as the symbol of Hyderabad. Lad Bazaar is the market that exists around Charminar, known for its jewelry and local purchasing. The monument is divided into four floors. We climbed 149 steps (very narrow and fun to climb) to reach the top floor. From the top floor, you can enjoy the peaceful ambiance and panoramic views of the bustling city.
We spent the evening at Hussain Sagar Lake & Lumbini Park (Perfect picnic spot). The entry ticket is for nominal amount. We spent our leisure time here and enjoyed the laser light and sound show at Lumbini Park. Other activities offered here are Speed boat rides and parasailing.
[So much on Day 1, Tiring day]
Day : 2
After having a lavish breakfast at The Park, we started our day by heading to Qutub Shahi tombs. The large cluster of 21 elegant domed tombs is the resting place of all but the last Qutb Shahi Sultans. This burial place was also reserved for favorites of the Sultan and being buried here was an incredible honor to them and their families. We hired a guide to know about history so we could connect with the place. It is also closed on Friday, so plan accordingly.
Qutub Shahi Tombs consists of tombs of seven Qutub Shahi rulers. Smaller tombs have single storey while the bigger tombs have two storeys. The tomb of Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah who was the fifth king of the Qutub Shahi dynasty is the largest of all the Qutub Shahi tombs.
After that we headed towards IKEA Home furnishings in the Hitec city. Since, it is the first store that IKEA opened in India, we thought of visiting it. It is a 13 acre complex, bigger than a shopping mall, offering a variety of decor items, home essentials, furniture, safety products, and whatnot. I was amazed to look at the variety, the creativity and the quality of products, that couldn't stop myself from buying stuff. I would certainly recommend visiting this store once, you will find everything from a pin to plane.
We spent the rest of the day at Golconda Fort. Situated on a 120-m-high hill, its high-rising position gives tourists sweeping views of the surrounding areas, where one can see almost as far as the horizon. Climbing further up, one can spot the stunning Deccan plateau and also get a bird's eye view of the bustling and lit-up city. Take a guided tour if interested in knowing the history.
The sound and light show is held at the beautiful area around and within Rani Mahal. The sound and light show is counted among the primary attractions of Golconda Fort. The show is presented in 3 different languages – English, Hindi, and Telugu and runs for an hour long. The history of the Fort is described in a beautiful light and sound effect. Because of mosquitos there, the tourists are provided with mosquito repellent, carry your own also, in case not provided.
"Deewaro ke bhi kaan hote hain" - We have always heard this but I saw that in the fort. There was this place in the fort where if you whisper in one of the corners of the wall, it can be clearly heard at the opposite corner. I was amazed to see that. p.s. No talk was private there. We had dinner at Chutney's and back to the hotel.
The new year's eve was near, so our Hotel was organising gala parties, Dj's so had fun in the hotel.
Day : 3
This day was super fun as we headed towards Ramoji Film City - The largest film city in the world. It is a must visit if you planning for Hyderabad. With a capacity to accommodate close to 50 film units at the same time, Ramoji Film City offers umpteen numbers of film sets such as London Street, Hollywood sign, Japanese gardens, airport, hospital, etc. , landscapes and buildings as well as laboratories. The self sufficient film city with its facilities and setting is enough to make a complete movie. Various famous movies shot here include Bahubali, The Dirty Picture, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Krissh 3, Dilwale, Nayak and many more.
We booked our tickets online for Ramoji Star Experience from the official website. This complex includes many attractions including the amusement park, shows and tours of the vicinity. Once we reached there, we were welcomed with Souvenir Chocolate Box and water bottles at Premium Lounge. Our tour was facilitated by AC coach and King size lunch buffet, evening tea, complimentary rides were included in our package.
We had an express Entry at Ramoji Movie Magic - Action Theatre & Space Yatra. The guide was provided for the entire day. We had super fun at the entertainment shows at Eureka- Spirit of Ramoji, Fort Frontier Wild West Stunt Show, Dada jinn’s Live TV Show & Lights Camera Action (Hollywood Black Light Spectacular Show). Then, we witnessed the huge set of Bahubali movie where most of the movie was shot. The set was so huge and we could relate the set with the entire film. It was one of the best experiences during the trip. Then, we visited the ecozone including Butterfly park, Exotic Bird Park – WINGS & Bonsai Garden. We also did the rides- Ranger, Breakdance, rain dance, Twister, Superjet, Carousel & Frisbee Coaster, and also saw the spectacular carnival parade. The entire day was full of surprises and it was just WOW experience.
Also, since we booked the premium tickets, we had the privilege of going before than the rest of the people for the shows and rides. This was the plus point. We did not have to stand in the queue and wait for our turn. Since, it was new year's eve and the peak season, it was very crowded than the normal time, so it helped us to cover the entire Film city and experience the most of it.
Day : 4
This was our last day of the trip. We spent some leisure time at the hotel and then went for Shopping. The city is famous for Pearls and Silk collection. The entire day was at leisure. Also, do not miss having brunch at Cafe Niloufer. I am not a tea person, still, I loved it at Cafe Niloufer.
So, it was our time to say Goodbye to Hyderabad. You were too good.
Hope you had fun reading this and this will somehow help you in planning your trips in the future.
