Hyderabad, popularly referred as the ‘Pearl City’ or the ‘City of Nizams’, is the shared capital city of Andhra Pradesh and the newly formed state of Telangana. This city has a blend of rich culture and historic tradition which has been passed on and preserved from generation to generation for over 400 years.
In recent times, Hyderabad has gained popularity due to its palatial hotel 'Falaknuma Palace' which used to be the Nizam's palace and was taken by the Taj group of hotels to be restored into a living palace hotel. The entire grandeur of the Nizam's time can be experienced at this property - be its royal chariot ride or the grand library or the grand dining hall that can seat around a hundred guests at a time.
Apart from these touristic sights, Hyderabad is also known for its cuisines, especially, the world famous ‘Hyderabadi Biryani’ due to its aromatic taste and exotic flavor. It is a dish of Indian origin, more significantly considered the dish of ‘Nizams’. It is basically a rice Pilaf mostly made with meat and sometimes with vegetables too. Other native dishes include bagharabaingan, qubanikameetha and kaddukikheer (a sweet porridge made with sweet gourd).
What to See
Some of the historic and popular tourist sites of Hyderabad are the Charminar, the Mecca Masjid, the Salar Jung Museum & the Golconda Fort. Hyderabad's arts & crafts are well known across the world. They are housed in various museums including the Salar Jung Museum which has one of the largest one-man-collections in the world. The city also offers great shopping opportunities as well. Items with Bidri work are quite popular amongst women tourists and it is a perfect place for shopping pearls, bridal wear & the traditional glass bangles.
Best Time to visit
September to February are the cooler months to visit this city. Summers with high temperatures around forty degrees Celsius are not recommended. December and January would be the most ideal to visit, climate-wise.
