Once a Hyderabadi, Always a hyderabadi....
Nagesh kukunoor’s Hyderabad Blues gives a good jhalak into hyderabadi tehzeeb and culture.
About my city
Hyderabad is the fifth largest city in India and is nearly 400 years old. With its confluence of cultures and traditions, the city is often described as a link between the north and the south with so many families from north India settling down here.
The city is noted for its mosques and minarets, bazaars and bridges, and of course, the Hitec-city. Being bought up in Hyderabad, it is but, natural for me to develop a strong bond with this city. A peaceful city without disturbing strikes or harthals or large scale communal violence. The typical hyderabadi language, is well known... For a stranger, it may sound a bit amusing, but, once you are acquainted, you can’t help falling in love with it.
Tourist Attractions
1) Ramoji Film City: A lovely place with huge studios, gardens, hotels, it was developed as a location for film shooting, but, because of it’s beauty, it attracts a big crowd. It is an excellent place but, is rather costly, Rs. 350 per head.
2) Mecca Masjid: The construction of this grand masjid was started in 1614 by the 6th Sultan Abdulla Qutb Shah and completed by Aurangzeb.It can accommodate 10, 000 personnel during prayer time and was built of enormous black granite slabs.
3)Golconda: It’s my favourite. There is something in these ruins which I find so attractive.Golconda fort stands as a backdrop to the sprawling city of Hyd. Built by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah in 1525, the Golconda Fort epitomises the opulent nawabi culture of the time. The fort has a sound and light show in the evening that brings the legend of Golconda to life. Adjacent to it, Qutub shahi tombs is also another interesting place.
4)Birla Mandir: An enchanting temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, the Birla Mandir stands in all its grandeur on the hilltop of Kalapahad. Made of pure white marble from Rajasthan, the Birla Mandir overlooks Hussain sagar. The BirlaMandir presents a colorful spectacular sight when illuminated at night.
5)Gandipet: It’s is a beautiful lake located about 20 kms west of Hyderabad city. This water body is a beauty to watch during the monsoon. But, other wise, it’s just a dry patch of water. Anyway, a good picnic spot, away from the city.
6)The Salar Jung Museum: One of the largest private collections in the World. Situated at Afzal Ganj, the museum has a collection of more than 43, 000 art objects and 50, 000 books in the 38 rooms spread over three floors of the building.
Apart from the above said, there are lot of recreational parks which make for an excellent weekend destination.Charminar, which represents hyderabad is a great monument, but, more than a tourist attraction, it is an excellent shopping destination.
Shopping
Shopping in this city is an experience in itself. From the streets of charminar, you get excellent jewellery, bangles, pearls, et all.. Koti is one of the most crowded shopping places with highly affordable clothes and very good bargains. Ladies are going to love bargaining for clips, rubber bands, nail paints , etc . It’s like.... The shop keeper goes... 10 Rs per piece and u ask, dus rupay me theen doge? And he packs it and gives it to u. If u r not good at bargaining, he may feel sorry for u and give it. Either way, it’s good..
If u r into costly designer wear and branded collection, you have huge malls like big bazaar, life style, shoppers stop, and the newly opened Hyderabad Central catering to the up market crowd.
Settling down???
Hyderabad is an excellent city to settle down. Pollution level is a bit high with so many vehicles on the road, but, it’s the same for all major cities, so it’s ok. Hitec city has so many companies and offers good job opportunities. The rent in hyderabad, is very less compared to other cities, so, it’ll be easy on your purse.
I could go on like this for ever...
Well, if u still don’t trust me, just pay my city a visit.. And, I bet u will be inclined to become a hyderabadi