Often called the city of pearls, the historic city of Hyderabad is truly multifaceted. While the booming IT industry in the last decade and a half has given the name Cyberabad to the city, the good old charm of the city is still intact despite changing times.
This is especially evident in the area of the “old city” or “real Hyderabad” as it also known. Founded by Qutb Shahi Sultan Muhammed Quli Qutb Shah in 1591, Hyderabad was originally built on the southern banks of the river Musi. With time the city grew in all directions, but the area south of the Musi remained the “original” Hyderabad and is often referred as ” Old City” or “shehar” (Hindi for the word city).
With heritage structures, bustling markets and authentic food, the area is literally the heart and soul of the city. Bursting with people and teeming with activity, it is one of the best areas to experience the eclectic flavors, colors and culture of this magical city.
Here is a slice of what you can expect to see in this truly fascinating vicinity.
Charminar:
One of the most well known structures of the country, Charminar is the global landmark of Hyderabad. The iconic structure which is a renowned monument and mosque literally translates in English as “four towers”. The magnificent structure is square with four orante arches each facing and opening into four different streets in four directions. Almost 184 feet in height, each minaret ends in a bulbous dome. There are close to 150 steps to reach the upper floor of the monument. Built using granite, limestone, mortar and marble, the monument has a mosque is located at the western end of the open roof. The architecture is exquisite and has a distinctive Islamic influence. The area surrounding Charminar is also known by the same name and is home to the famous markets of the city.
Other heritage structures in the old city:
The skyline of the old city is dotted by numerous other heritage structures that have been built in the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. With a Persian influence, these monuments stand testament to the glorious days of the Qutub Shahi and Nizam dynasties who ruled the city for centuries. Here are some of them:
Traditional Bazaars:
Hyderabad has been a trading center for pearls and diamonds since centuries. The city’s trademark markets like Sultan Bazaar and Lad Bazaar have existed since time immemorial and are tourist hot spots. Located to the west of Charminar, the bangle market is a riot of colors with rows of shops selling the signature lacquer bangles studded with stones. Apart from this, the place is a treasure house for all kinds of jewellery, pearls, fabrics and perfumes. Choc-o-block with activity, the place is a picture of bling, glitter and gloss.
Delectable Hyderabadi cuisine:
If you are a fan of sampling the local fare do not miss out on the delectable street food that includes everything right from dates and dosas! In addition there are popular joints like the Agra hotel known for its mouth watering samosas and kachoris, the Madina hotel that serves one of the best teas in the city and Nayaab where you can savour the famous Hyderabadi biryani.
In addition, there is Pista house, a bakery that is known to be the world’s largest seller of Haleem. The outlet also sells the choicest of cakes, biscuits, kababs and sweet meats.
This article has also been published on GPSmyCity here.
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Lovely captures of a lively city
Thanks Swami:)
That mystical old world charm vividly captured in these lovely pics Rashmi and so are the intricate details on the architectural marvels such as the Charminar …lovely post
Thanks so much Sunita!
Charming post on charms of Hyderabad.
Thank you Sir!
That jewelry looks just exquisite!
Yes and if you buy, am sure you can carry them off very well too:)
Aww, well thank you! 🙂
Would love to the pearls. The bangles are very glitzy!
Would love to see the pearls. The bangles are very glitzy!
Yes it is a nice city, infact one of the largest and most populous in India:)
Great post on Hyderabad…my mum grew up in Secunderabad and I’m very keen to visit…perhaps next year..
Thank you! It is a great place; I lived there for many years too:)
Wow! Great post Rashmi. You have captured the essence of Hyderabad so well!
Thank you so much Arun!
The charminar is beautiful… Great captures Rashmi!:)
And I didn’t know about Cyderabad!
Hi Rashmi
The charminar is beautiful..you’ve captured it so well! Enjoyed reading the post! And I didn’t know about Cyderabad:)
Thanks Divya!
Awesome read, very nice shots. thanks a lot for sharing.
Thanks a lot Jyotirmoy!
Such lovely bangles! I want to revisit just for those.
lovely pics.
Thank you Indrani!
What a beautiful location! Thank your for sharing!
My pleasure:)
Those bangles! And your attention to detail, like that clock in the Charminar complex- fantastic!
Thank you for your kind words Priyanka!
The bangle market tops on must visit list in Hyderabad. There are so many patterns and colours available there!! Lovely captures of the Charminar, Hyderabad is truely magical.
Absolutely! It is a great city:)
its a pity i was in Hyd for a month and saw nothing…next time surely…i am bookmarking this post…awesome pictures and post Rashmi 🙂
Thank you so much Shweta; hope you can visit soon!
Was in Hyderabad for nearly 1.5 years. This post made me smile.. 🙂 Clicks are good as well.. 🙂
Thanks Prakash!
These are truly wonderful ideas in about blogging.
You have touched some pleasant things here.
Any way keep up wrinting.
Lovely city. However I can not help to feel why aren’t all the cities taken care of in this manor.
I watched the life of Mother Theresa and she lived and cared for the poor, starving and dying and lived in Calcutta for many years. Surely the Indian Government can help make that city as beautiful as Hyderabad and other beautiful cities in India. Why is that do you think.
Thanks Patricia! Every city has some pockets that are different from the other parts. Guess it is the same through out the world:)
Yes I suppose, but do you think they live there by choice?
Cannot say Patricia; may or may not:)
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nice post