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Got A Day In Hyderabad? Here's What To Do

Got A Day In Hyderabad? Here's What To Do
The stunning interiors of the Charminar in Hyderabad Photo credit: Kalaam Faiz/ Shutterstock,
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While your mind might be preoccupied by your plans to eat biryani, here's how to spend the rest of your time in the city

OT Staff
March 14 , 2023
03 Min Read

So much is said about the 400-year history of the city of Hyderabad that you might be forgiven for believing that this Deccan settlement appeared magically on a wild plateau four centuries ago. In fact, habitation in this region apparently goes back to more than 4,000 years. Here's how you can spend a day in the city. 

The first place to lead a newcomer in Hyderabad is obviously the Charminar.  Built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah (the 5th sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty), the monument is a grand presence amidst the buzzing streets of the city. As the name suggests, the mosque is a structure identified by its four towering pillars (minars). Ornate and intricate, the interiors of the landmark are truly a visual treat, reflecting the architecture popular during the Mughal rule.

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Charminar's Laad Bazaar: In the Charminar area, is one oriental bazaar you must not miss. Shop for bangles, wedding accessories and an unimaginable assortment of embellishments.

Food: From Irani chai to biryani, the city is a culinary hotspot.  Thanks to its historical association with the Nizams, known for leading lavish lives and a penchant for food, the city is famed for its food carts known as bandis, which typically serve delicious butter dosas, tawa idlis, and vadas. Each of these enjoys a substantial fan following, with the most popular being Ram Ki Bandi. To catch a whiff of the city’s culinary scene, the best place to head to is the Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills stretch, which is dotted with numerous restaurants serving everything from continental fare to local delicacies. And, as we know, there is no visit complete in the city without a large serving of the famous biryani. An irresistible combination of rice, meat, spices and garnishes cooked in a high-pressure vessel, it is only appropriate to indulge in the dish every chance you get.  There’s a constantly evolving Top Ten list for the best biryani in Hyderabad but you can’t go wrong with Bawarchi and Paradise  Both places also offer vegetarian options for those who do not wish to partake in the traditional meat recipe.

Go Rock Spotting: The amazing rock formations of the Deccan are about 2,500 million years old. These are disappearing as they are being destroyed and made into homes. The rock formations are older than dinosaurs or even the Himalayas.

 Chowmahalla Palace:  The palace where Nizams of Hyderabad lived for generations, Chowmahalla Palace has still maintained its elegance and grandeur through decades. A visit to this iconic location not only lets one enjoy the sophisticated architecture and the construction overall, but also gives the visitor a look into the history of the city and its previous rulers. The property still belongs to Barkat Ali Khan Mukarram Jah, the heir of the Nizams. Various courtyards, the clock tower, the council hall and Roshan Bangla; all unfold cultural and political ambitions of the Nizams. The name Chowmahalla itself means four palaces.

Hussain Sagar Lake:  After following the gruelling schedule, we would suggest a more relaxing activity for sundown. Opt for a serene view at the Hussain Sagar lake and watch the sea dip in the still waters. A large statue of Gautam Buddha dominates the centre of the lake. Built across a tributary of the River Musi, the lake is lit up at night, providing a tranquil way, perfect to end the day.

Golconda: Devote a morning to this magnificent 11sq km fort, or better still, make a day of it by including the impressive sound-and-light show in the evening.



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