After breakfast we head out for a full day of touring, starting with the Salar Jung Museum established in the year 1951. This is the third largest museum in India with 43,000 art objects, 9000 manuscripts and 47,000 printed books spread in 38 galleries. Not to be missed are the veiled marble statue of Rebecca and the 19th C British Musical Clock to name a few. (The museum is closed on Friday).
Next, we proceed to Chowmahalla Palace the palace of the Nizams of Hyderabad. It was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty and was the official residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad while they ruled their state. The palace was built by Nizam Salabat Jung and this palace became the venue, where the Nizams used to entertain their important guests and special visitors and organize ceremonial ceremonies. Built in several phases by the Nizams between 1857 and 1869, the grandeur of the Chowmahalla Palace is a living witness to the luxury in the Nizam dynasty. The historic architecture was strongly influenced by the Mughal, the Mediaeval and the European style. The architecture of the palace is an imposing sight to behold. The complex is elegantly embellished with gentle fountains, expansive lush gardens, palaces, clock tower, roshan Bangla and the council hall. One of the most outstanding features of the palace is the Durbar Hall which is also known as the Grand Khilwat. The Courtyard here is a fairy tale venue to hold the most exquisite dinner parties, with the palace standing firmly in the background. It is also believed that this palace is a replica of Shah of Iran's palace, located in Tehran. (Chowmahalla Palace is closed on Friday).
Lunch recommendation : Hotel Shadab –famous for Haleem (a stew composed of meat, lentils and pounded wheat made into a thick paste.). This is served along with an Egg and Zaaan. Another option to consider could be the Shah Ghouse Cafe & Restaurant, Charminar- famous for Biryani, Haleem, Paya and Qubani ka meetha, an Indian sweet made from dried apricots.
Post lunch visit Charminar, undeniably the most prominent landmark of Hyderabad, and rightly referred to as ‘Arc de Triomphe of the East’ and the ‘Mosque of the four minarets’. Built in the year 1591 AD, by the fifth ruler of Qutb Shahi dynasty, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, Charminar is a monument and a mosque which celebrates the influence of the Muslim Turkomans era in India. It is a square-shaped structure built out of granite and lime mortar and predominantly has an Islamic-style design, but influences of Hindu architecture can also be seen in its ornamentation. It is flanked by four minarets on every corner which are 48.7 meters high. It is believed that the four minarets are symbolic of Islam’s first four Khalifas. Each minaret is four stories tall, and the floors are divided by beautifully carved rings around it. The mosque is located on the top floor, and visitors can enjoy a short climb of the 149 steps to get there. Charminar is at its best when it lights up at night in the lively neighbourhood of colorful bazaar and shops.
Another popular place to visit when at Charminar is the Laad Bazaar. Not just a place for shopping lovers, this historical market is an ideal place for photographers as well. Laad Bazaar or Choodi Bazaar is a very old market popular for bangles. It is located on one of the four main roads that branch out from the historic Charminar. Laad meaning lacquer is used to make bangles, on which artificial diamonds are studded and is a must buy for all the ladies visiting Hyderabad.
Another important site close by is the Mecca Masjid (100 meters from Charminar). One of the oldest mosques in the city, the Mecca Masjid is also one of the largest Masjids in India. This revered shrine was commissioned by Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutub Shahi Dynasty in the year 1614, while the construction saw completion in the year 1694. It is believed that he himself laid down the foundation stone of the edifice, and the arch embellishments over the main sanctum are made from the soil of the Holy Land of Mecca. It is due to this reason that it is called the 'Makkah Masjid' as well. With a capacity to accommodate as many as 10,000 people at any given time, the mosque also houses a hair belonging to Prophet Muhammad has been safely secured in the premises of the mosque. With its intricately designed architecture, rich history, and religious significance, the Mecca Masjid is indeed a humbling sight to behold.
The last stop on today’s agenda is a visit to the Golconda Fort. Around 11 km from Hyderabad, the impressive 16th century Golconda Fort is one of the most famous forts in India and was the capital of the erstwhile Golconda kingdom. The fort was the centre of the Golconda stronghold in the region, and was thus built as an impregnable structure. Its former glory and majesty can still be seen in the mighty ramparts and fortifications encircling it. Situated on a 120-m-high hill, it enjoyed a prominent vantage point from where a lookout for the enemy could be kept. Today, its high-rising position gives tourists sweeping views of the surrounding areas, where one can see almost as far as the horizon. Climbing further up, one can spot the stunning Deccan plateau and also get a bird's eye view of the bustling and lit-up city. Touring the fort, one can sample the rich flavour of its history, which saw the throne change hands among various dynasties. While the several beautiful palaces housed here echo the royal grandeur of times gone by, the famous Fateh Rahben gun, reminds one of the brutal onslaughts, that the fort experienced when Mughal emperor Aurangzeb laid seize to it. In the evening, a unique light and sound show takes one back in time when Golconda was full of life and splendour.
Dinner recommendation : Jewel of Nizam (In Golkonda Hotel) - a royal Hyderabadi fine-dining experience where the rich taste and unforgettable aroma of rare recipes handed down through the ages, will keep you wanting for more. The decor echoes the royal past and makes you relive the legacy of the opulent Nizams. The signature dishes to try include, Hyderabadi Kacchi Gosht ki Dum Biryani, Patthar ka Gosht, Dum ki Subzi, Bharwan Baghara Baingan and Anokhi Kheer.
Overnight at Hyderabad. (B)