Historic Hyderabad is better known as the City of Nizams and Urdu culture. It has recently developed to be the commercial/ IT hub of South India. The city is as famous as its arts, handicrafts and precious pearls. And on the food scene, it is famous for its lip-smacking and aromatic biryani.

Have you been to Historic Hyderabad?

I can proudly answer ‘Oh Yes!!’ In the year 2015, as a family, we took a short yet action-packed holiday. It is a historic city noted for its many monuments, temples, mosques, and bazaars. A multitude of influences has shaped the character of the city in the last 400 years.

We had planned our itinerary and were all set to explore this Nizam stronghold, this included monuments like Charminar, Golconda Fort, the Tomb of Quli Qutub Shah. The Ramoji Film city is one of the largest film studios in the world, where many Silver Jubilee hit films are directed and produced. We had also added an entire day for a visit to the Salarjung Museum for which I dedicated a blog post earlier.

Best time to Visit

The best time to visit Historic Hyderabad, is during the cool, dry season, between November and March. We visited in the month of December during Christmas.

Where to Stay

Hyderabad is well known for its luxurious hotels and five-star properties but you can easily find a good boutique hotel on a budget. We had booked Taj Deccan which is located in Banjara Hills, the heart of Hyderabad’s posh location. The hotel is more than 25 years old but very well maintained. It was well decorated and displayed a chirpy look as it was the time to be merry- Christmas.

Taj Deccan has well  furnished and spacious rooms. The Staff is very courteous and helpful, it’s close proximity to the shopping Malls & good Restaurants makes it more popular.  I would certainly recommend this hotel to my friends and fellow travelers.

The Ten Top Reasons to head to Historic Hyderabad

1. Charminar

It is situated in the very crowded area of Old Hyderabad. The traffic is slow and the area is lined with street shops of every kind. Eateries, gold, clothes, and niknaks. The Charminar is a historic structure. It was under repairs at the time we visited. A must visit by everyone who goes to Hyderabad.

2. Pearls and bangles

A visit to the Chudi Bazaar (the bangle market), will be a good option if you right near the Charminar. It offers a dazzling bright array of bangles in a different material — glass, plastic, lacquer, gold, pearls, and silver. A set of glass bangles will cost as little as INR 20, while the expensive ones could cost lots more.

3. Mecca Masjid

One of India’s biggest mosques, the Mecca Masjid is a 400year old monument. This Masjid derives its name from the fact that this place was built using the soil from Mecca. See me strike a pose outside Mecca Masjid. Haa haa !!

 

4. Golconda Fort

The Golconda fort at Hyderabad is an interesting fort to visit. A guide will make the visit worthwhile explaining all the places and significance of the fort. Location is away from the city center, and a gorgeous retreat. Wear shoes you can walk around in – some steep terrain. Wait for the best light and sound show with the enchanting voice of Amitabh Bacchan Sir. A very informative and interesting session, so good for history lovers.

5. Chowmahalla Palace

Our visit to Chaumala Palace was magnificent, this is the royal palace of Hyderabad Nizam. The rich lifestyle of the Nizam’s family can be witnessed from the belongings exhibits here.  Seeing the richness and grandeur of the Palace, I got transformed into another era.  I only hope tourists are more compassionate towards heritage and don’t litter the place with plastic and rubbish. The Vintage car collection was superb. Lawns and structures were great to grab pictures and selfies.

6. Ramoji Film City

Ramoji Film City holds the Guinness Book of World Records for being the world’s largest film studio complex. It offers well-organized tours, buses ply from one point to other dropping tourists very frequently. The place offers stunning glimpses of some famous shooting locations. Even if you do not love films do visit to experience clean air, lush green lawns, flora, and fauna.

7. Salar Jung Museum

The Salar Jung Museum is undoubtedly one of the best-known museums in India and is home to one of the finest collections of artifacts. The most fascinating displays, I enjoyed were The Clock Room. It is undeniably the most interesting feature of this museum showcasing some really mind-blowing clocks and is some 300 antique clocks you will never ever see in any part of the world.

8. Birla Temple

This beautifully Sculptured Birla Temple is situated on a hillock must be visited. It offers a beautiful view of the city and Hussain Sagar lake. You can spend time meditating in the peaceful environment of the temple.

9. Hussain Sagar Lake

Among the famous tourist places in Hyderabad, the Hussain Sagar Lake is one place that has the tourists spellbound by its beauty. We took a casual stroll at night. The December chill added some thrill.

10. Foodies Paradise

Hyderabad is extremely popular for its non vegetarian cuisine. Haleem and Biryani will make your mouth water and Hyderabad is just the right place to enjoy it. Besides kebabs, you get the most famous Irani Chai and Chand Biscuits at Nimrah Cafe And Bakery, Charminar. And don’t forget to savour ‘Double ka Meetha’ or the Hyderabad trip will be incomplete.

Lastly I will end by saying, ” Do what the Nawabs do when in Historic Hyderabad’. And yessss…. We did just that.

My post H- Historic Hyderabad is a part of the Blogchatter A-Z Challenge. Here is my post for letter  G- Great Wall Of China.