Hyderabad, India

A variety of influences have shaped the 400 years of history that still lives on in the city’s monuments, temples, churches, mosques and bazaars. The city’s glory begins with the Qutb Shahis.

As their fortunes rose during the 16^th and 17^th centuries, Hyderabad saw a vibrant diamond trade and became one of the leading markets in the world for diamonds, pearls, steel, arms, and printed fabrics. The sultans were great patrons of learning and architecture, and the development of local Telugu culture and monuments like the Char Minar and the Purana Pul beautified the city along with the sprawling baghs [gardens] and agreeable climate. Hyderabad saw a passing decline with the Mughals under Aurangzeb’s repeated attacks who thirsted for the income from the diamond trade. But the city returned to its former glory after the emperor‘s death. Even the British and the French were held in the balance as the successive Nizams played a delicate diplomatic game that won the imperialist friendship without bequeathing their individual power. Hyderabad was considered the senior most princely-state with its own currency, mint, railways and postage system.  It tried to stay autonomous even after India’s independence but soon joined the Indian union where it is now the capital city of the Andhra Pradesh State.

The city keeps you on your toes with the variety of sights and sounds it offers.  To ingest the religious and cultural diversity you could visit the Mecca Masjid, one of the oldest mosques in India or marvel at the pristine white marble at the Birla Mandir. You too could pay homage to ancient plague victims at the Charminar as its graceful minarets flag the old city. Gaze at the 19 Belgian Crystal chandeliers that adorn the heart of the Chowmahalla Palace or stroll through its Durbar Hall. The rare combination of Italian and Tudor architecture styles in the shape of a north ward facing scorpion, could be admired at the Faluknama Palace with its stained glass windows and the Nizam’s collection of antiquities from all over the world. For a further assimilation of the historical treasure trove that Hyderabad is, spend a day at the Salar Jung Museum which has the largest collection of antiques in the world.  You could also enjoy the gentle breezes as you relax at the boat clubs at the Hussain Sagar Lake. If you choose to take a ride around it, it will delight you with the panoramic attractions that surround it. Lumbini Park and its musical fountains, the Necklace road with its gardens and recreation centers and the monolithic statue of Lord Buddha atop a rock of Gibraltar are at the center of the lake.

But what’s a city without shopping? Hyderabad’s vast expanse of luxury malls and ancient Bazaars won’t leave you disappointed. Shop for the city’s renowned pearls at the Charminar markets, Begumpet and MG Road or maybe indulge in the array of Indian hand crafted stone sculptures, temple art, luxurious weaves of cotton, silk and gold thread and the refined Dhaka muslin. You could round up your visit with an adrenaline rush at the Ramoji Film City which is the world’s largest integrated film studio and theme park.

The city offers a plethora of options for accommodation from heritage hotels, luxury resorts and business hotels to budget hotels and guest houses. Choices can be difficult since pampering is a specialty in Hyderabad. Tourist guides are helpful, easily available and will put the puzzle of the wide network of transportation available together.  The city leaves no stone unturned in allowing you to explore its expansive culture.

Since the city doesn’t see harsh winters the best time to visit Hyderabad is between the months of September and March when the climate is moderate and cool sea breezes waft through the shores.  The city is hospitable to everyone, making it a tourist’s paradise where the inhabitants are fluent in English, Telugu, Urdu, Marathi, Kannada and Punjabi. This amalgamation of cultures and customs has evolved to a cosmopolitan soul with a harmony of Hindu and Muslim traditions.

Among the festivals is the Ganesh Chaturthi which is a spectacular public carnival ending with the immersion of Ganesha idols on the 10^th day of celebrations.  Ramzan is the holy month for the Muslims ending with the Eid-Ul-Fitr which celebrates peace and joy with a royal feast.

Speaking of feasts, the cuisine of Hyderabad has a character, history, culture, and is a tourist attraction in its own right. It is truly a gastronome’s delight! The blend of Mughal and Persian cuisine sees its finest culmination in the iconic Hyderabadi Biryani. Iranian café’s with their unique caffeine blends and Osmanian biscuits and traditional Indian sweet vendors tempt from all corners as the global palate may also try the desi versions of Italian, Mexican, Chinese and Continental cuisine.

The only thing missing is you! 

A variety of influences have shaped the 400 years of history that still lives on in the city’s monuments, temples, churches, mosques and bazaars. The city’s glory begins with the Qutb Shahis.

As their fortunes rose during the 16^th and 17^th centuries, Hyderabad saw a vibrant diamond trade and became one of the leading markets in the world for diamonds, pearls, steel, arms, and printed fabrics. The sultans were great patrons of learning and architecture, and the development of local Telugu culture and monuments like the Char Minar and the Purana Pul beautified the city along with the sprawling baghs [gardens] and agreeable climate. Hyderabad saw a passing decline with the Mughals under Aurangzeb’s repeated attacks who thirsted for the income from the diamond trade. But the city returned to its former glory after the emperor‘s death. Even the British and the French were held in the balance as the successive Nizams played a delicate diplomatic game that won the imperialist friendship without bequeathing their individual power. Hyderabad was considered the senior most princely-state with its own currency, mint, railways and postage system.  It tried to stay autonomous even after India’s independence but soon joined the Indian union where it is now the capital city of the Andhra Pradesh State.

The city keeps you on your toes with the variety of sights and sounds it offers.  To ingest the religious and cultural diversity you could visit the Mecca Masjid, one of the oldest mosques in India or marvel at the pristine white marble at the Birla Mandir. You too could pay homage to ancient plague victims at the Charminar as its graceful minarets flag the old city. Gaze at the 19 Belgian Crystal chandeliers that adorn the heart of the Chowmahalla Palace or stroll through its Durbar Hall. The rare combination of Italian and Tudor architecture styles in the shape of a north ward facing scorpion, could be admired at the Faluknama Palace with its stained glass windows and the Nizam’s collection of antiquities from all over the world. For a further assimilation of the historical treasure trove that Hyderabad is, spend a day at the Salar Jung Museum which has the largest collection of antiques in the world.  You could also enjoy the gentle breezes as you relax at the boat clubs at the Hussain Sagar Lake. If you choose to take a ride around it, it will delight you with the panoramic attractions that surround it. Lumbini Park and its musical fountains, the Necklace road with its gardens and recreation centers and the monolithic statue of Lord Buddha atop a rock of Gibraltar are at the center of the lake.

But what’s a city without shopping? Hyderabad’s vast expanse of luxury malls and ancient Bazaars won’t leave you disappointed. Shop for the city’s renowned pearls at the Charminar markets, Begumpet and MG Road or maybe indulge in the array of Indian hand crafted stone sculptures, temple art, luxurious weaves of cotton, silk and gold thread and the refined Dhaka muslin. You could round up your visit with an adrenaline rush at the Ramoji Film City which is the world’s largest integrated film studio and theme park.

The city offers a plethora of options for accommodation from heritage hotels, luxury resorts and business hotels to budget hotels and guest houses. Choices can be difficult since pampering is a specialty in Hyderabad. Tourist guides are helpful, easily available and will put the puzzle of the wide network of transportation available together.  The city leaves no stone unturned in allowing you to explore its expansive culture.

Since the city doesn’t see harsh winters the best time to visit Hyderabad is between the months of September and March when the climate is moderate and cool sea breezes waft through the shores.  The city is hospitable to everyone, making it a tourist’s paradise where the inhabitants are fluent in English, Telugu, Urdu, Marathi, Kannada and Punjabi. This amalgamation of cultures and customs has evolved to a cosmopolitan soul with a harmony of Hindu and Muslim traditions.

Among the festivals is the Ganesh Chaturthi which is a spectacular public carnival ending with the immersion of Ganesha idols on the 10^th day of celebrations.  Ramzan is the holy month for the Muslims ending with the Eid-Ul-Fitr which celebrates peace and joy with a royal feast.

Speaking of feasts, the cuisine of Hyderabad has a character, history, culture, and is a tourist attraction in its own right. It is truly a gastronome’s delight! The blend of Mughal and Persian cuisine sees its finest culmination in the iconic Hyderabadi Biryani. Iranian café’s with their unique caffeine blends and Osmanian biscuits and traditional Indian sweet vendors tempt from all corners as the global palate may also try the desi versions of Italian, Mexican, Chinese and Continental cuisine.

The only thing missing is you!