Hyderabad's history goes back by many centuries before it even got its name "Hyderabad". Many clans and race ruled it but as legend goes, it was named Hyderabad during the time of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shahi. He during his reign named the city Bhaganagar after Bhagamati, a local dancing girl whom he had fallen in love with. It is believed that she had later converted to Islam and took the name Hyder Mahal and that's how the city got its name Hyderabad.
A historic city famous for temples, mosque, forts, old markets and food, culture, language is a delight for travelers. It is modern yet medium paced, has a royal heritage but is now a technology hub. Here is how you can make most of Hyderabad in just 48 hours, pretty much what I did.
Day 1
Salar Jung Museum
Timing: 10 00 to 17 00, all days except Friday
Entry Fee: Rs. 10 per person (Indian), Rs. 150 per person (Non-Indian)
Entry Fee: Rs. 10 per person (Indian), Rs. 150 per person (Non-Indian)
For a museum Salar jung is a beauty, an art museum located at Darushifa, on the southern bank of the Musi River, Hyderabad. It is one of the three National Museums of India and has a collection of sculptures, paintings, carvings, textiles, manuscripts, ceramics, metallic artefacts, carpets, clocks, and furniture from Japan, China, Burma, Nepal, India, Persia, Egypt, Europe, and North America. It is also one of the largest museums in the world. The Salar Jung Museum houses the largest one-man collection of antiques in the world and is well known throughout India for its prized collections belonging to different civilizations dating back to the 1st century. Don't miss on the clock show which happens every one hour.
It takes good 2 to 3 hours to see and enjoy the whole museum.
It takes good 2 to 3 hours to see and enjoy the whole museum.
Charminar
Timing: 09 30 to 17 30, all days
Entry Fee: Rs. 5 per person (Indian), Rs. 100 per person (Non-Indian)
Constructed in 1591 by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, it is a square-shaped monument and mosque located in Hyderabad. A global icon of Hyderabad, it is listed among the most recognized structures of India. On the east bank of Musi river, this monument is constructed on the "now" one of the busiest roads ever. Surrounded by many small shops, cafe and places of worship, on one side you will see small temples while on the other there is Makkah Masjid. The famous Laad Bazaar and Nimrah Cafe also adorns the area where Charminar stands tall.
Timing: 09 30 to 17 30, all days
Entry Fee: Rs. 5 per person (Indian), Rs. 100 per person (Non-Indian)
Constructed in 1591 by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, it is a square-shaped monument and mosque located in Hyderabad. A global icon of Hyderabad, it is listed among the most recognized structures of India. On the east bank of Musi river, this monument is constructed on the "now" one of the busiest roads ever. Surrounded by many small shops, cafe and places of worship, on one side you will see small temples while on the other there is Makkah Masjid. The famous Laad Bazaar and Nimrah Cafe also adorns the area where Charminar stands tall.
Makkah Masjid
Timing: 04 00 to 21 30, all days
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Places of worship teaches one to love, care, bow, keep calm & peace but never otherwise. Religion instate faith and confidence to do that. Makkah Masjid of Hyderabad is not only one of the oldest mosques in Hyderabad but also one of the larger & older ones in India. Constructed by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, who not only laid the Foundation stone but also commissioned bricks to be made from the soil brought from Mecca, the holiest site of Islam, and used them in the construction of the central arch of the mosque, hence the name (Makkah aka Mecca Masjid). The city was planned around Masjid's centerpiece. The construction was later completed by Aurangzeb when he conquered the city of Hyderabad. Mecca masjid is also a heritage building, residing in the old Hyderabad neighbouring the famous Charminar.
Nimrah Cafe & Laad Bazaar
When in Hyderabad don't forget to eat at the buzzing Nimrah Cafe & bakery, a very old eatery where you can enjoy some fine assorted biscuits with irani chai. Laad Bazaar is on its left and has some great collection of bangles among many other things. There are many pearl shops as well, big and small. Beware of the tricksters (Tip: You can buy pearls at Jagdamba Pearls).
Chowmahalla Palace
A palace of the Nizams of Hyderabad, it still remains the property of the heirs. It is unique for its style and architecture. It has two courtyards, fountains and gardens. Also a confluence of many architectural styles and influences, it is picturesque, it is royalty.
Day 2
Golconda Fort
Timing: 09 00 to 17 30
Entry Fee: Rs. 15 per person (Indian), Rs. 200 per person (Non-Indian)
Love is architecture, Love is forts. Golconda is the "Round shaped hill" fort. It is a citadel, a fort in Southern India and was the capital of the medieval sultanate of the Qutb Shahi dynasty (c.1518–1687). The region is known for the mines that have produced some of the world's most famous gems, including the Koh-i-Noor, the Hope Diamond and the Nassak Diamond. There is a particular place in the fort that if you stand there and clap, it will be heard around and in Echo. Post 17 30 no one is allowed inside and is believed to be haunted as per locals. There's a Mosque of Ibrahim on the top neighboring devi's temple. It's a place to explore at slow pace. The view of city from top is amazing.
Qutb Shahi Tombs
Entry Fee: Rs. 10 per adult
Tombs have a different kind of aura. The structural beauty talks with you in a different language which only a few can understand. Qutb Shahi Tomb Complex comprise of Seven tombs. Located in the Ibrahim Bagh (garden precinct), close to the famous Golkonda Fort, the tombs and mosques here were built by the various kings of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. The galleries of the smaller tombs are of a single storey while the larger ones are two storied. In the centre of each tomb is a sarcophagus which overlies the actual burial vault in a crypt below. The domes were originally overlaid with blue and green tiles, of which only a few pieces now remain. Beware of the guides, they won't tell you about the charges and get along with you to explain about the place and later ask for money.
Tombs have a different kind of aura. The structural beauty talks with you in a different language which only a few can understand. Qutb Shahi Tomb Complex comprise of Seven tombs. Located in the Ibrahim Bagh (garden precinct), close to the famous Golkonda Fort, the tombs and mosques here were built by the various kings of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. The galleries of the smaller tombs are of a single storey while the larger ones are two storied. In the centre of each tomb is a sarcophagus which overlies the actual burial vault in a crypt below. The domes were originally overlaid with blue and green tiles, of which only a few pieces now remain. Beware of the guides, they won't tell you about the charges and get along with you to explain about the place and later ask for money.
Chutneys
When in Hyderabad, don't forget to try Hyderabadi Biryani and the veg thali. So scrumptious. You can go for lunch at Chutneys at Jubilee Hills. It is sometimes so crowded that people stand in line to get one seat.
Hussainsagar
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee but one has to pay for boating depending upon the boat and activity type.
A heart shaped lake built by Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah in 1563 is spread across 5.7 sq km. It gets it water from Musi river. It now houses a huge monolithic structure of Gautam Buddha which was erected in 1992. As part of development and its beautification the fountains and light show were brought in which attracts many visitors. One has to take the boat to reach the centre. There is a magnificent Birla Temple near by which had taken 10 years to complete. Spent an evening at Hussainsagar.
Tips & Tricks
1. Hyderabad is mostly hot to okay weather all around year. Carry light cotton clothes.
2. Shop: Bangles from Laad Bazaar, souvenirs can be bought from either Golconda or the market near Charminar, not much variety though. Pearls from Jagdamba Pearls. You can also take away assorted biscuit boxes from Nimrah Cafe and Brownies from the famous Labonels.
3. Auto walahs usually don't go by meter but insist on one or check beforehand on the fare to negotiate well.
4. Visit Golconda early morning.
5. Drink lot of water.
Excursion
1. Ramoji Film Studio - Takes one full day.
2. Mallikarjun - One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, Takes one full day. The famous Srisailam dam is built very near to the temple.
Hope you have a great trip. In case you have any queries, I am just a mail away.
Cheers!
Hi
ReplyDeleteLovely article ..definitely worth book marking
Thank you Sumit ☺️
DeleteWow, Stuti, beautifully written travelogue! Lovely pictures. And I guess, you know, I'm always a fan of your photography :) I was in Hyderabad for 4 years and visited all these places. My office was on Necklace road. I loved spending time near Hussainsagar lake on weekends. Your post reminded me of those lovely times. Keep writing.
ReplyDeleteI feel overwhelmed. You love my photography!! I am seriously humbled.
DeleteThank you anjali 😊
Wonderful post and photos are at par. Didn't knew so much existed in Hyderabad. The food looks so appealing no wonder why people wait for their seat.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you liked it. Thank you ☺️
DeleteVery nicely written and I am in love with your pictures. My sister and best friend are in Hyderabad and they keep on pestering me to visit there. Seems like that I have to visit there soon! And yes, I love the Hyderabadi Biriyani!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you liked it. Thank you ☺️
DeleteVisit in winters, Hyderabad is usually hot.
Very well written blog. Have been to Hyderabad twice. Golconda fort amazed me.
ReplyDeleteThank you abhinav. Golconda was highlight of the trip.
DeleteDid you visit Ramoji or not? For the filmy keeda in me that was a bigger priority than everything else in Hyderabad when I visted few years ago. Haha..
ReplyDeleteAlso there is this Sudha Cars Museum. I loved it too.
I was introduced to Karachi Bakery in Hyderabad and love their biscuits so much. Now they have opened shops in Mumbai and Delhi too, so the unique charm is no longer there.
Had kept a day for ramoji but then I did not go. Not a movie buff either, so wasn't keen. Didn't know about this museum.
DeleteI loved Nimrah cafe, Sherna had suggested and it's biscuits are amazing. Labonel is another fine, high end bakery which I was introduced by my junior colleague who's from Hyderabad. You should try labonel.
Beautiful photographs! we should totally cover more aspects of Hyderabad the next time we visit.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah.. we should 😊
DeleteThank you anyway ☺️