Travelling to Hyderabad? It's worth taking time out for these!

When Tukila Sharma moved to Hyderabad, sparks flew and she immediately fell in love with the city. ‘The city of Nawabs’, which is well-known for its rich heritage, multi-cultural mix of people and a grand past, promised her a successful future in the city.

Moved to Hyderabad about five years ago, Tulika tell us her favourite things about the place she calls home.

From old bazaars and mosques to new malls and office buildings, the city is a perfect harmony. It’s these contrasts and glimpses that make Hyderabad a city worth visiting and living. I first made my visit to Hyderabad about five years ago. The heady mixture of modernization and spectacular historical monuments, the people who are ready to lend a hand and the food makes Hyderabad the best place to live in.

Hyderabad has a long and intriguing list of places to visit and a huge number of activities to indulge in.

When someone comes to visit me, the first place I take them is Old City to get a crash course on the city. In addition to the iconic Charminar, Hyderabad, the Pearl City, has other interesting places like the Mecca Masjid, Purani Haveli Museum and Chowmahalla Palace which are all are stone’s throw away.

Known as a notable monument and mosque, Charminar reflects the indo-islamic architecture of its times. The archways of Charminar are open out on to the streets for a panoramic view.

Being one of the largest mosques, Mecca Masjid is a 400-year old monument and the holiest pilgrim of Islam. Tombs of the Nizam and his family are placed in canopied houses in the courtyard.

Purani Haveli museum is a must visit for History buffs and architecture lovers. The museum houses artifacts and is a display of personal collection of Nizams. The most interesting part is the wardrobe of the Nizam, which is one of the largest in the world.

One of the finest architectural monuments in Hyderabad, Chowmahalla Palace is a replica of the Shah’s Palace in Iran. Once regarded as centre for entertainment in Hyderabad, the magnificent Palace was the space where the Nizams entertained their guests and their royal visitors.

The world’s largest Film Studio complex, Ramoji Film City makes its way to every travelers list because of its magical theme around cinema. From sets of airports, hospitals, lavish bungalows, streets, temples, jails and all the generic scenes you find in numerous serials, films and commercials are propped here for use.

One of the most magnificent places to visit in Hyderabad is the Golconda Fort. One of the most outstanding features of Golconda Fort is that if you stand at a particular place at the entrance to the dome and clap your hands, you can easily hear its sound a km away at the hilltop pavilion. The majestic halls, drawbridges, stables and mounted canons hold great tourist attraction. The mines of the fort are said to have coveted world’s most precious gems like the famous Koo-i-noor, Darya-i-noor, The Hope Diamond and the Idol’s Eye. The Golconda Fort once housed the famous Hope and Kohinoor diamonds.

While at Golconda, do attend the light and sound show at Golconda Fort showcasing the fascinating history.

The Salar Jung museum houses an astonishing collection of more than a million objects of historical and artistic significance from India and around the world. It is the world’s largest one-man collection of antiques. The museum is paradise for history buffs but for layman as well, it has a lot to offer. The biggest attraction is the striking pendulum clock wherein a man comes out every hour to strike the gong and a man-woman statue.

Although Hyderabad is one of India’s fastest growing metropolises and IT hubs, the real pearl of this city is its colourful 400 year old history and tantalizing melting pot of cultures and religions. Take time to join a heritage walking tour or simply wander the narrow, atmospheric lanes of the Old City, learn about the Nizam rulers through Hyderabad’s collection of imposing Islamic monuments, mosques, bazaars and palaces and of course eat your way to the real heart of the city through its famous biryanis.