Hyderabad has a charm that attracts people of all kinds. Whether you are a foodie or an architecture enthusiast, the city, with its bustling bazaars, regal structures, and traditional dishes, will win you over. However, Hyderabad is not only about beholding the grandeur of the Charminar, walking around the historic Golconda Fort, gorging on Hyderabadi biryani and haleem, or taking in the old-school grandeur of Ramoji Film City. It offers many more fun experiences that will make your trip to the "City of Pearls" one of a kind. Here’s a list of five unique spots to visit on your next trip to the city:
The Golconda Fort premises are home to ‘Hathiyan Ka Jhad’ (translating to elephant tree), a centuries-old baobab tree. Its trunk resembles an elephant that gives it the name in local parlance. Protected by the ASI, this towering tree has origins in Madagascar. According to legends, it found itself in Hyderabad when it was planted by wandering friars during their stay in Golconda. The cavernous trunk of the tree can accommodate around forty people at once. According to history, forty thieves took refuge here during the day while they wanted to rob the Golconda Sultanate.
Address: 9CV6+584, Naya Qila, Golconda Fort, Telangana, 500008, India.
Timing: 10 am to 5 pm
Entry Fee: Free
What if we told you that you don't have to travel all the way to Egypt to see a mummy and you can simply visit Hyderabad instead? The Telangana State Archaeology Museum, which boasts an extensive collection of imitations of Ajanta paintings, beautiful bronze artefacts, Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, and historical manuscripts, is also home to an Egyptian mummy, which is believed to be that of Naishu, the daughter of Egypt's sixth Pharoah. This mummy has been on display since 1930, when it was bought for thousand pounds from an open auction by the son-in-law of the sixth Nizam. It was handed down to his successor who then donated it to the state museum.
Address: I Floor, H A C A Bhavan, P G Road, 5-10-193, Srinagar - Kanyakumari Highway, near Control Room, Lakdikapul, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004
Timings: 10 am -5.30 pm (closed on Friday)
Entry fee: Rs. 10 (per adult), Rs. 5 (per child)
The Nizam's Museum, which also once served as the palace of the Nizams, sits in the very heart of the city. It is home to the many riches of Hyderabad's seventh and prominent Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, who ruled over the erstwhile princely state for 37 years after taking to the throne at the age of 25.
The museum features an extensive collection of paintings, swords, daggers, and aeroplane models, giving visitors an insight into the many passions and interest of the final Nizam. It houses several unique artefacts, such as the opulent gold throne, the 150-year-old lift and the 176-ft. long walk-in wardrobe made of Burma teak. The wardrobe is especially interesting as it stretches across the entire palace. This wardrobe belonged to the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Mahbub Ali Khan, who, as per legends, never repeated his clothes.
Address: Purani Haveli Palace, Old City, Purani Haveli Darulshifa, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500002, India
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm (only closed on Friday)
Entry fee: Rs.100 (for adults), Rs 15 (for children)
With the aim of democratising art and bringing it to open and accessible spaces, Street+ Art took to the quiet neighbourhood of MS Maqtha in Hyderabad and converted it into a playground for artists from all over the world. This quiet residential neighbourhood now doubles up as a colourful art district, with bright pinks and calming blues breathing vibrance and life into the walls. You can spend hours looking at the brilliant street art murals that drape the buildings in the area in their beauty and colour. Tucked away from the bustle of the city, we would highly recommend a walk through the different gullies of the Maqtha Art District for a magical experience.
The bustling township of Barkas in Hyderabad has been home to Yemeni immigrants since the 17th century. Formerly an area where Arab soldiers and their families lived, it is now an area that is home to around 2,00,000 Arab descendants across 150 tribes, with most of them belonging to Yemen. This neighbourhood, also called "Mini Arab," derives its name from the English word 'barracks.'
While the rustic atmosphere sets it apart from other urban areas in Hyderabad, giving visitors a flavour of the local life, a visit to Barkas is must if you are a foodie. You should not leave this area without tasting two things: the pink guava, which is also called Barkas ka jaam and Mandi, the traditional Yemeni dish of meat and rice served on a large platter for sharing. While for Barkas ka Jaam you need to make your way here early, between 6 to 10 am, restaurants serving Mandi are plenty and remain open till late evening. Al Mandi restaurant, Mandar, and The Joint Al-Mandi are some of the best stops in the neighbourhood.
