An old city, whose history dates back to the Qutub Shahis, Mughals and the Nizams, one can’t help but think of the delectable Hyderabadi Biryani when thinking of the city of Hyderabad. We’ve all been there guys. But this beautiful city is so much more than that, a touch of noisy and crowded lanes, along with a festive and old-world charm hard to find anywhere else. The people you meet and the food you eat is like a melting pot of many civilizations. Join me as I take you through all the iconic places here in Hyderabad.
As for my stay, Novotel it is! Only 3km from the Airport, this is the perfect place to set up at for after a tiring flight. The rooms are spacious with a fantastic view along with a most hospitable staff, what more could you ask for? The food you say? Well, they’ve got that covered as well with a wide spread of continental cuisine along with Indian food too.
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1. Go Straight To Explore The Beauty Of Charminar
To celebrate the eradication of a great plague of cholera that had hit the city and resulted in a lot of loss of human life, Charminar was constructed in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the 5th ruler of the Qutub Shahi Dynasty. At this time, the capital of the city had also been changed from Golkonda to Hyderabad. It is one of the most popular spots in Hyderabad, iconic and famous for the market places and food chains around the grand monument.
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2. Shopping At The Laad Bazaar
Hyderabad is also known as the city of pearls and at this bazaar, you will find out why. The shop owners will explain to you in detail how the pearls they use are straight out of the ocean and designed by them itself making this city famous all over the world for its exquisite pearls.
3. Enjoy Hyderabdi Irani Chai And Osmania Biscuits At Nimrah Café
This joint is more than 25 years old but is just as popular today as it was back in the day, always full of enthusiastic customers who have come to indulge in the special Irani chai and Osmania biscuits served here. The tea here is blended in house to bring out optimum flavours and prepared the Irani style. It is a most flavoursome snack that I would definitely brave the crowds again for!
Address: Nimrah Cafe, #20-4-1238/39, Beside Mecca Masjid, Charminar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002
Contact: 098480 89343
Avg cost for 2: Rs 250
4. Visit The Glorious Mecca Masjid
This is one of the 7 wonders here in Hyderabad, a mosque where over 10,000 people can gather and pray at once. One of the oldest mosques in Hyderabad, it is said that the bricks used to construct the mosque are made of the soil from the holy city of Mecca. What’s more, it took 77 years to construct this magnificent masjid!
Also Read: Visit Mecca Masjid In Hyderabad – One Of The World’s Largest Mosque
5. Soak In Royalty At The Chowmallah Palace
Known for its Forts and Palaces, I headed next to the famous Chowmallah Palace in Hyderabad. The name comes from Chow meaning 4 and Mahal meaning palace. It is surrounded by 4 gardens perfect for a nice walk down history. The Khilafat Mubarak marks the centre of the palace and is remembered for the coronation ceremony of the 8th Nizam that was held here along with many important events. You can also take in the mesmerising views of the vintage cars on display here including the earliest model of the Rolls Royce.
6. Relish Hyderabadi Biryani At Café Bahar
A blend of Mughal and Iranian cuisine, I cannot wait to relish the famous Hyderabad Biryani! The speciality of it is how the rice and the meat are both cooked together over some hours for a perfect balance of flavours. And Cafe Bahar gets it right with its chunks of soft meat with flavoursome and spicy rice.
Address: Cafe Bahar, 3-5, 815/A, Old MLA Quarters Rd, Avanti Nagar, Himayatnagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500029
Contact:040 2324 3798
Avg cost for 2: Rs 600
7. Discover Art & History At The Salar Jung Museum
Nawab Mir Yusuf Ali Khan also known as Salar Jung the third was a keen collector of antiques, becoming the single person with the largest antique collection. After his death, this collection was converted into a museum in 1951. It is constantly flocked by art enthusiasts and the collection will definitely evoke wonder.
8. Take A Trip Inside Ramoji Film City
Spread over 1666 acres, Ramoji Film Studios is the world’s biggest film studio certified by Gunnies World Book Of Records. It was made by a Telegu Film Producer in 1996. Many films have been filmed here such as Bahubali, Chennai Express, Om Shanti Om etc. If you’re a film buff like me, this place will definitely enchant you.
9. Splurge On Home Essentials At India’s First IKEA Store
Be the privileged one to shop inside India’s First IKEA Store in Hyderabad. Popular Swedish Company IKEA was launched in Hyderabad in 2018, this place is your one-stop shop for all your affordable furniture, décor and home essentials with 7, 500 Types of Items out of which 1000 are Rs. 300 and below. So, if you’re in Hyderabad don’t forget to shop at this Shoppers Paradise!
10. Relish Mouthwatering Dosas At Govind Ki Bandi
Older than 35 years, this stall is a customer favourite here in Hyderabad. Close to Charminar, They serve Dosas, Idlis and Vadas and all of their dosas are famous because they are drenched in butter and they are covered with the layer of their secret masala that makes them absolutely delicious. This masala is made by Govind Ji himself! And that’s why it has the reputation of the best street food in old Hyderabad. And if you are a butter lover like me, this place is a must try.
Also Read: Get Utterly Butterly Dosas at Govind Ki Bandi In Hyderabad
Address: Govind Bandi 8-2-309/7/1, Rd Number 14, Phase 1, GS Nagar, Nandi Nagar, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034
Timings: 7:30 am – 12:00 am
Cost: Rs 60-100
Well, that was the charming city of Hyderabad and you can follow my guide to experience the best that the city has to offer. And do let us know in the comments below if you know of more iconic places in Hyderabad that we should discover.
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