Tag: hyderabad

The year 2016 began for me in a new place — Secunderabad. I was here on medical tourism. After the medical requirements were fulfilled it was time to address tourism. I was here for nine days and this is Hyderabad-Secunderabad in my view.

Birla Mandir: Located on a hillock near the Hussain Sagar Lake, this white marble temple of Lord Venkateshwara offers a wonderful glimpse of the city settled around the lake. Sit here in peace and cherish God’s eye view of the buzzing city.

Birla Planetarium and Museum: Dinosaur skeleton, gold postal stamps, jewel-studded wall hanging and beautiful porcelain dolls this was all that attracted me here.

Lumbini Park & Buddha Monolith: To reach the tallest monolith of Buddha you have to set sail here. But there’s much more to do. The laser show is said to be one of the best (and I could not see it). The water cascades the rides — this is a place to hang out with friends & family.

KBR National Park: A national park within a city. They don’t offer a safari but you can take a jog/walk in the morning or evening. Peacocks rule this park.

Charminar: The pride of Hyderabad. Climb along the spiral staircase of the minarets to the first floor and get a view of the grand old city.

Mecca Masjid: The 17th century mosque.

Golconda Fort: The history of Deccan lies here and it comes alive every evening with the ghazals of Jagjit Singh and the voice of Amitabh Bachchan during the light and sound show. Advice: Don’t miss it.

Qutub Shahi Tombs: The king and his men rest in peace here. (P.S.: As of January 2016 a major portion of the park was under renovation and restricted to the public).

Nizam’s museum: The residence turned museum of the Nizam is a collection of gold and silver. But what’s more fascinating is the 176-foot-long two-level wardrobe. I just wonder if today somebody has a personal wardrobe of this size. The Nizam is said to have worn each costume only once and the officials here are trying to recollect them based on photographs to maintain authenticity.

Chowmahalla Palace: Another palatial museum from the Nizams. The best in the collection is the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost which is said to have done less than 356 miles. The grand Khilawat Mubarak or Durbar Hall with its chandeliers is just wow. The Khilwat clock has been running for more than 100 years with the most accuracy.

Salar Jung Museum: The largest one-man collection of antiques. My favourite: walking sticks, veiled Rebecca.

Sudha Car Museum: Truly the wackiest car museum as described by Guinness World Records. Cars in the shape of pens, pencils, desktops, books, Camera, football, bed and even condoms. The museum is the home to the world’s largest tricycle. The museum also houses a few vintage cars.

Additional locations:

LVPEI: Probably one of the best eye care facilities in India.

University of Hyderabad: It has its own reputation. It is listed among the top universities in Asia.

Check out the pictures from this trip on Instagram.