Living in this era of COVID 19, all you can do is take a virtual tour. Also, flick through the places you want to travel, things you want to do and even reminiscence about your past travel adventures and write about it.
So here I go into flashback and pen about this beautiful city, also known as the “City of Pearls” and the “City of Nizams.”
Formerly a part of Andhra Pradesh, and now Telangana after it split in 2014, Hyderabad serves as the joint capital of both the states.
Located on the Deccan Plateau in the southern part of India, this princely town has a whole lot to offer to all the travel enthusiasts. You would require a minimum of 4 to 5 days to explore most of its tourist attractions.
Come and look upon the beauty of its architecture and get astounded
Charminar
This landmark monument, located in the old city of Hyderabad is amongst the must-visits in the city. It has narrow and steep stairs to get to the top from where you get a bird’s eye view of its surroundings being the well-known Laad bazaar and the world-famous Makkah Masjid Mosque.
You can then head to the adjacent market areas and shop for bangles, clothes, juthis and much more. A lady wouldn’t walk out of this city without buying pearl jewellery.
“India is a curious place that still preserves the past, religions, and its history. No matter how modern India becomes, it is still very much an old country” – Anita Desai
An itinerary to your trip to Hyderabad.
Day 1:
Chowmahalla Palace
This former abode of the Nizams of Hyderabad gives you a glimpse of their royal life. The palace is adorned with chandeliers and stucco work.
Salar Jung Museum
This museum houses the artefacts collected by Nawab Salar Jung III from across the world & is one of the largest museums in India. Salar Jung III is believed to have spent a significant chunk of his income in hoarding these artefacts, and it is seen in the vast collection on display here. I was amazed by its extensity, definitely worth your time and visit.
Day 2:
Golconda Fort
This mud fort stands in ruins & I suggest you explore this place with the guides available here. It was once the treasury of the famous Kohinoor Diamond.
Qutb Shahi Tombs
This burial place of the royals is architectural excellence and is near the Golconda Fort. Built -in Persian and Indian Style with intricate stonework it has a majestic appeal.
Day 3:
Ramoji Film City
I would recommend you not to miss this place if you ever come to Hyderabad. It is a well maintained, and the largest film studio in the world spread across an area of 1666 acres. It has so much to offer in one place & is built by Ramoji Rao, a Telugu film producer in the likes of the studios in Hollywood. An entire movie can be shot here!
Numerous films like Krish, Chennai Express and Baahubali have been shot here.
You can take a bus tour around this place with an escort who will guide you on the various zones in this massive studio. It has gardens, fountains, Bird Park, streets replicating international & national locations and much more. The movie-making and action show hosted here are entertaining. These shows give you a glimpse of the way a movie is shot and also about the background sound effects.
This place is pretty crowded, and if you want to avoid waiting in queues for their popular movie-making shows, you can buy the express entry tickets.
Day 4:
Sudha Car Museum
If you are a car fanatic, this place will fascinate you. Founded by K Sudhakar, it houses cars designed by him in unusual make like a handbag, football and many more. It also displays vintage cars.
Nehru Zoological Park
You can take a safari trip around this zoo or walk around and see the different species of animals housed here. Are you visiting Hyderabad with kids? If yes, include this in your itinerary.
It’s a well-maintained zoo wherein you get a close view of the wild animals like the Bengal Tiger, Rhino, Asiatic lion and other wild species.
Hussain Sagar Lake
Ibrahim Quli Qutb Sha built this artificial heart-shaped lake. In the middle of the lake stands the world’s tallest statue of Gautama Buddha which is carved on a single granite rock. Splendid! Isn’t it?
You will have to take a boat ride to get to the concrete platform where this massive statue is erected amid the lake.
Day 5:
Snow World Amusement park
Being a south Indian this is the closest you can get to experience the snow in this part of the country & know what it feels to be at a freezing temperature.
By any chance, if you happen to visit this city during the summers, beat the heat by having fun here with the toboggan rides and other entertainment slides & drives.
Hyderabad has scorching weather during the summers. Hence, the best time to visit it would be during the winter months of November to February.
Food
When in Hyderabad you must indulge in Biriyani, Kebabs & Irani Chai which is the famous part of the cuisine here. If you are here during summer, you are lucky with the abundance of the famous Banganpali Mango & Ice Apple available here.
“And you will travel again
Explore every place on your wish list
Click new pictures and gaze upon its beauty
Make new memories & not just reminiscence of the past
Cause this too shall pass.”