Escape to Hyderabad
WHAT YOU CAN'T STOP SEEING
Start your immersion in Hyderabad in the oldest part of the city by visiting the charminar , a monument and mosque from the end of the 16th century. Its four minarets or columns joined by arches have become a symbol of this city. From the top of them you will have a privileged view of the congested streets of this neighborhood and of the laad bazaar , famous for the sale of the very typical lacquer painted glass bangles . A walk through the market will also allow you to see part of the religious diversity of this city, mostly Hindu but with a large percentage of Muslims as well.
Go to the nearby Chowmahalla Palace to visit this former royal residence that now, in addition to having opened its doors to the public, can be rented for weddings and other celebrations . Its architectural structure, whose construction dates from the mid-eighteenth century, mimics that of Shah's palace in Tehran.
Chowmahalla: the 18th century building for weddings, baptisms and banquets
Kick off your shoes, put down your mobile phone, and begin your ascent up the white steps into the Hindu temple of Birla Mandir. There's nothing like feeling cold marble under your bare feet to know you're in India. Go at sunset and, In addition to taking a blessing from the Hindu priests, you can watch the sunset behind the profile of the city that extends at the foot of the temple. It is the perfect time to notice the peace and quiet of this sanctuary contrasting with the sound of urban traffic in the background.
Birla Mandir: take home a Hindu blessing
If you feel like visiting ruins, go to the strong golconda . Is 13th century fortress is famous for having resisted the attack of elephants and enemy soldiers. Today there is no trace of the gigantic-eared mammals, but it is still a good place to hear the sound effects caused by its ingenious architectural design. A clap under the dome of its entrance can be heard more than a kilometer away at the highest point of this building.
Fort Golconda: vestiges of the fights of the XIII
WHAT YOU NEED TO DARE TO DO
As fearsome as it may seem at first glance, in Hyderabad you have to dare to cross the street. A completely adrenaline proposal if we add the lack of traffic lights to the incessant procession of cars, motorcycles and rickshaws that populate the streets of this city. Do it as the natives do: without running. Cross slowly so drivers have time to see you and can stop to let you pass, making eye contact if possible. If they beep, go carefully, it usually means that they are going to speed up and have no intention of being polite on the road. An activity only suitable for pedestrians that they learned to cross in Rome and they want to achieve a new, highly advanced level in the art of not getting run over.
Rickshaw chaos in Hyderabad
Enjoy the game of looking and being looked at. Among families of four traveling without a helmet on a single moped, the color of the saris with which women wear at all hours or the quaintness of the shops and food stalls, it's impossible not to be a bit of a voyeur in India. Don't be shy, chances are that if you stare at someone you will be surprised by how much that person looks at you with the same innate curiosity.
Test your bargaining skills. Do it if what you have decided to buy does not have the marked price or you want to leave with the feeling of having done everything possible to pay an adjusted price. Keep in mind to do the conversion to euros often or you will end up in endless discussions for 20 cents to change.
Test your bargaining skills in the bazaars of Hyderabad
WHAT TO TASTE
One of the most typical and famous dishes of Hyderabad is the biryani, a basmati rice stew to which they add vegetables or mutton or chicken prepared and cooked in spices. Try it at Paradise Restaurant where they won't stop reminding you that they have a reputation for serving the best in the world.
just cook yourself shrimp, chicken or lamb on the griddles installed on the tables at Barbeque Nation. The perfect place if you want to enjoy a slightly spicy or spicy meal. Don't forget to save room for dessert and try a Kulfi (Indian ice cream) with mango or paan.
In the mid-afternoon, have tea on the terrace of Finjaan Tea Lounge to hydrate and relax from the incessant bustle of the city. It will be difficult for you to decide between the many varieties that are on their menu. For addicts to theine nothing like a Champagne of Darjeeling or an Assam.
For slightly spicy tastes
WHAT YOU CAN'T STOP BUYING
If you have already negotiated the price of a few glitter bracelets , you have also decided to keep some indigenous tea boxes to give away and you even have cardamom, star anise Y indian bay leaves in the suitcase , the time has come to pamper yourself with some clothes. Stroll through Lifestyle , something like the Indian version of El corte Inglés, to get yourself a summer dress with Indian influences and a very gypsy tone or something much more traditional like a shalwar kameez with matching leggings and dupatta included . Get the calculator out of your mobile, convert the price into euros and you'll end up taking two of everything.
Typical Hyderabad glass bangles
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A sunset in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: the other India, the real one