Image1: Light and Sound Show at Golconda Fort.
Image2: Inside Ramoji Film City
Image3: Bangles at display at Churi Bazar
Image copyright: Tanya Munshi
Be it a trip for business or pleasure, few places offer you more sights, sounds, history and activities than Hyderabad. Here's a quick list of what you simply can't miss.
Bangles and trinkets
It would be a crime not to visit Chudi Bazaar (the bangle market), right next to the famous Charminar. It offers a mind-boggling variety of bangles in every conceivable colour and material -- glass, plastic, lacquer, gold, pearls and silver. A pair of glass bangles cost as little as Rs 10, while lacquer ones could cost about Rs 120. Do not leave without some Karachi mehendi or henna (Rs 5 per cone). Bangles look far more beautiful on hennaed hands.
Shopping tips
Check out a shop called 'Fine Bangles' for lacquer and heavily decorated bangles, and 'Meena Bangles' for glass ones. The lane is dotted with shops on both sides, open from 11 am to 11.30 pm. Remember to bargain hard.
Pearl shopping
No trip to Hyderabad can be complete without purchasing some fine pearl jewellery. Each shop has its specialities and it's better to check out several before making up your mind. For black and purple pearl earrings with zircon and platinum finish (priced between Rs 180 and Rs 250), visit a shop called 'Princess Pearls'.
Pearl junk jewellery costs between Rs 100 and Rs 200 at 'Sri Jagadamba Pearls', while pearl bangles cost around Rs 400. 'Krishna Pearls' is another place near Charminar known for genuine pearls. It has branches at most five-star hotels in the city.
Addresses
. Princess Pearls: Shop No 5-4-666/1Peshwari Plaza, South AbidsNear Hotel Saptagiri, Hyderabad.
. Motilal Jewellers and Pearls: Opposite Madina buildingPathergatti, Hyderabad.
. Sri Jagadamba Pearls: 2-4-26, MG RoadOpposite Mahatma Gandhi statue, Secunderabad-3.
Eating out
The word biryani usually springs to mind the minute someone mentions Hyderabad, but there's lots more cooking in its kitchens. The best biryani, of course, is served at Hotel Paradise Persis on M G Road. You could order some Mutton Kebabs to go with it.
Address: Hotel Paradise Persis, M G Road, Hyderabad -- 500 003. Phone: (040) 27843115. Dinner for two costs roughly Rs 200.
To savour the amazing range of cuisine Hyderabad offers today -- from biryani and Chinese to sizzlers -- visit Palace Heights on Abids Road. The roof-top restaurant offers an unique view of the old and new quarters of the city on either side. The manager will help you spot the Charminar and the Golconda fort while you wait for your dinner. Also admire the nawabi decor of the place, complete with portraits of nawabs and maharanis.
Address: Hotel Palace Heights, eighth floor, Triveni Complex, Abids. Dinner for two could cost between Rs 350 and Rs 450.
What to see
Few cities offer a bigger range of historic and modern sights.
Charminar
Synonymous with Hyderabad, the minar -- which stands for the intermingling of Hindu and Islamic traditions -- is imposing by day and breathtaking when lit up at night. Walk up the rather steep and narrow staircase for an exciting view of the city. Tickets: Rs 5 per person.
Golconda Fort
A marvel of military architecture, the fort was once considered impregnable. Today, of course, it welcomes you through its imposing gates, winding alleys and residential quarters before taking you to the Fateh Darwaza or Victory Gate. If you clap your hands at the portico, the sound reverberates miraculously inside the King's chambers on top of the hill. The story of the fort and the different rulers who walked there comes alive in superstar Amitabh Bachchan's voice, as part of an exciting light and sound show every evening (Rs 40 per person).
Salar Jung Museum
Home to one of the largest and most precious collections of art and curios in the world, belonging to the late Hyderabad nobleman, Salar Jung III. From his personal heirlooms to articles reflecting the history of the city, it includes the refined porcelain, bone china, sculpture, clocks, manuscripts and furniture. Admiring it all could take a whole day, but make time for the special museum clock. Like a cuckoo clock, a toy soldier pops out to sound the gong every hour. The clock draws a small crowd to a special viewing area, complete with seating arrangements and close circuit TV.
The museum is open from 9.45 am to 4 pm on all days except Friday. The entry fee is Rs 5. Cameras have to be deposited at counters outside though. Phone: (040) 2457643.
Ramoji Film City
Do not be surprised if you find yourself on a red London bus in Hyderabad , driving around the Taj Mahal and what looks like a Mumbai slum and Mysore's Brindavan garden. Suspend all disbelief for these are mere sets at Ramoji City, a unique theme park-cum-film facility.
Several movie hits, including the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Karan Arjun, were shot here. Situated on the outskirts of the city, its parks, joy rides and stunt and comedy shows make it a favourite picnic spot (Entry: Rs 250 per person).
Show timings. Opening Ceremony: 9.45 am. Alampana Theatre: 12.30am and 3.45 pm (two shows daily). Wild West Stunt Show: 1 pm and 4.30 pm. Closing Ceremony: 5.30 pm
Phone: (8415) 246555/ 246333
Web site: http://www.ramojifilmcity.com/
Laser show at Lumbini Park
Named after the birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini Park along the Hussain Sagar lake looks up at a giant standing Buddha in the middle of the lake. With its Japanese rock garden, dancing fountains and a huge floral clock, it attracts large crowds. Every evening, a laser-light show (Tickets: Rs 30 per person) uses a water screen to project and narrate the history of Hyderabad. After the show, take a stroll down Necklace Road to complete a perfect evening.
Published in Rediff.com, on August 22, 2006
Link: http://specials.rediff.com/getahead/2006/aug/22slid.htm
No comments:
Post a Comment