Below are links to the individual blog posts with pictures and details on my visits to Hyderabad, India. Hyderabad is the capital of the Southern Indian state of Telangana. It is known for Golconda Fort and the Charminar.
Golconda Fort, Hyderabad
The present fort was built by the Qutb Shahi dynasty (c. 1512–1687) that gave the world, the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond. The Golconda fort (detailed blog) is close to the city, and only 11 km from Gachibowli, where I had stayed.
Golconda Fort – The ticket was ₹25 per person (Indian resident)
The Charminar, Hyderabad
The Charminar (detailed blog) is always a beauty. Seeing it in real, it was more impressive than I had imagined. The Charminar (‘four minarets’) constructed in 1591, is the landmark of Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
On an evening during the Ramadan festival, it gets more colourful and buzzing with activity. When I visited a few days ago (Sunday, 3rd April 2022) the area was heavily crowded, which reminded me of Ranganathan Street, Chennai. There were hawkers selling everything imaginable. From Bangles, Necklaces, Ladies’ wear, Kidswear, Footwear, Handbags, Suitcases, Household items and more.
An evening during the Ramadan in Charminar
Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad
Salar Jung Museum (detailed blog) in Hyderabad exceeded my expectations with the variety and the nature of its collections. Everyone visiting the city should spend a minimum of half a day here.
The present-day building was inaugurated on 23rd July 1963, by India’s first Prime Minister Shri Jawaharlal Nehru. Earlier the collections were exhibited in a private museum in the Salar Jung’s Palace Diwan Devdi. Mr Salar Jung III was a man of fine taste, who had travelled around the world and collected furniture, fashion, artefacts, jewels, clocks, the Holy Quran, and many more items. Though he was never married, his collections of women’s fashion and jewellery were exquisite.
Statue of Equality – Sri Ramanuja big statue
Sri Ramanuja was a great proponent of equality for all in front of the almighty. It felt great to see this gigantic statue of the Vaishnavaite saint, called Statue of Equality (detailed blog) installed a few kilometres from Hyderabad Airport. Reminded me of the Big Buddha (Mount of Tian Tan) in Hong Kong.
Statue of Equality – Sri Ramanuja big statue
Ramoji Film City tour
You can travel around the Ramoji Filmcity (detailed blog) theme park, which is a functional film studio – one of the largest in the world. I went for a 3-hour (half-a-day) tour. The theme park is huge, you need to travel between the attractions only on their shuttle bus service, which keeps running throughout the day. I found the whole film city to be well maintained, with food courts in many places, and, clean restrooms located at convenient places (a rarity in India). If you happen to visit Hyderabad, spare a day and visit Ramoji Film city – kids will love the place.
Ramoji Film City tour, Hyderabad
Shri Jagannath Temple, Banjara Hills
Shri Jagannath Temple (detailed blog) in Banjara Hills. Modelled on the Puri Jagannath Temple, this is a smaller one, yet beautiful and well-maintained. We visited on a late evening and it was peaceful and divine. There are smaller shrines dedicated to Lakshmi, along with Shiva, Ganesh, Hanuman and Navagrahas.
Shri Jagannath Temple, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
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