HYDERABAD-CITY OF PEARLS

It was in the year 1995 I got a chance to visit Hyderabad for work with my colleagues. Honestly I was not sure about the city and where we went around after our work. All I knew was Hyderabad is famous for pearls as my father once bought pearl jewellery for my mother when I was a little girl. 

Hyderabad is Telangana's largest and most populous city rich with history and tradition.

Hyderabad competes with Bangalore and Chennai with India's IT capital with headquarters of Microsoft, Amazon and Google in this city.

There is so much to explore and you can't miss on these things when in Hyderabad

HISTORICAL MONUMENTS

GOLKONDA

The city is famous for its monuments with its masterpiece of Charminar and the fort of Golconda.

 Golconda Fort, also known as Golkonda is an early capital city of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, in Hyderabad. Due to the area surrounded by diamond mines, especially Kollur Mine, Golconda flourished as a trade centre of large diamonds, known as the Golconda Diamonds. 

CHARMINAR:( Char means four Minar means minarets) constructed in 1591, is a monument and a mosque . This is a square-shaped structure built out of granite and lime mortar. The monument predominantly has an Islamic style architecture. 

 Charminar is one of the most famous buildings in Hyderabad India. It was built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shahi to celebrate the end of a deadly plague. The Charminar lies near the bank of the river Musi and is close to Laad Bazaar( Bazaar means Plaza) and Makkah Masjid( Masjid means Mosque a religious worship place of Muslims)

The Landmark is globally famous as a symbol of Hyderabad and is listed among the most recognized structures in India.

Charminar's four fluted minarets are built into the main structure. There are 149 winding steps to reach the upper floor. 

RAMOJI RAO FILM CITY

Ramoji Film City is a film studio complex located in Hyderabad, India.it is the largest integrated film city in the world and as such has been certified by the Guinness World Records as the largest which is spread over 1666 acres.

There are different types of packages available at the studio but

Ramoji Blockbuster Package is one of the best packages for family and friends. If you are looking for a vacation tour with your children or planning a fun trip with your friends, this is an ideal package that is full of entertaining activities, sports, luxurious stay and rejuvenating treatments. The live dance performance is said to be the best attraction in Ramoji and also the Light and Sound Snow.

HYDERABADI BIRYANI

If you are in Hyderabad there's no way you can come back without it's authentic Hyderabadi Biryani. 

Originating from the kitchens of the Nizams of Hyderabad, Biryani is a celebration dish of basmati rice , marinated mutton, with yoghurt, onions and special spices.

Loaded with flavours Hyderabadi Biryani has a perfect blend of Spices, taste and tender meat, the royal aroma of Saffron. 

Someone has rightly said " You eat with your eyes first" The layers of rice cooked in Dum. 

It is kind of similar to Lucknow Biryani as both biryanis belonged to the Mughal regime, yet down south the food is laced with local authentic spices and recipes. I have never tasted Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani but my friend who is a big foody of Biryani explains to me knowing that I am a vegetarian but I am also curious to know .

Hyderabadi Biryani is one of the most popular dishes of the city. It is distinctly different from other variations of the Biryani, The quality of rice and the spices are very important when preparing this dish. The Biryani should have that Royal taste and aroma.

SHOPPING- WHAT TO BUY

Pearls 

Hyderabad is known as The City of Pearls,

I remember Hyderabad for pearls  mainly because my father had bought it during his Hyderabad visit.

 In the villages outside Hyderabad, a significant part of the population is engaged in the art of drilling pearls, a skill known to them for generations, thus making these places a famous market for pearls.

You will find the largest variety of pearls in Pattherghaati which is a historic bazaar of the city located near Charminar and is a renowned market for pearls. Don't forget to take a chance to bargain as much as you can when shopping. 

 At one time it was the only global centre for the large trade of diamonds, emeralds and natural pearls. There are traditional and historical bazaars located around the city worth visiting. I suggest taking someone who has the knowledge of original pearls and can differentiate between real and fake pearls made of glass or plastic. 

Hyderabad acquired its name 'City of Pearls in India' due to its booming pearl processing and trading industry that has been supplying the finest of pearl jewellery to India and other countries. 

Some of the best places for pearl shopping are Laad Bazaar, Begum Bazaar. Pot Market,Pattherghaati and Basheer Bagh.

There are more things you can buy  when in Hyderabad such as 

Pochampally Sarees which have traditional geometric patterns in Ikat style of dyeing. The intricate geometric designs find their way into sarees and dress materials. 

Hyderabadi Bangles Stone Studded beautiful Bangles famous for its fine work is worth buying. If you think of care then let me tell you this is carefully packed in fine packaging options to ensure safety. 

Gongura Pickle is made of Gongura which is a plant(Kenaf or Roselle) grown for its edible leaves in India. These leaves are used in south central Indian cuisine to impart a tart flavour. The Gongura pickle is very famous in Hyderabad.

Banjara Embroidery The famous skills by Bank are the nomadic group who practice the craft of Banjara tribal embroidery with mirror work colorful weaving fabrics. This has beautiful motifs on fabrics and is famous inHyderabad

WHEN TO VISIT 

The best time to visit Hyderabad is during winters as Hyderabad gets very hot during summers. You should visit October to February

HOW TO REACH 

By Train- Hyderabad has three main railway stations, namely Hyderabad Railway Station, Secunderabad Railway Station and Kacheguda Railway Station. These railheads connect the city with prime destinations in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai and Bangalore 

By AIR-  A non-stop flight takes approximately 2 hours to fly from New Delhi to Hyderabad. The distance between New Delhi and Hyderabad is 1269 kilometers.

I visited in 1995 in Hyderabad and stayed at a very beautiful hotel Taj Krishna hotel which had an Excellent ambience, great service, good restaurant overall I enjoyed my stay here .Since I visited work related this hotel was at a perfect location and we could go around the city easily during the evening.

I always enjoy traveling and exploring different places. In Hyderabad my most favorite was Pearls shopping and my hotel stay. Looking forward to visiting again soon during my next visit to India.