Posted 07 October 2022 in Food Tripping

Why Hyderabad is the perfect destination for a cultural getaway

Prepare yourself to be enchanted by the fusion of gastronomic flavour, regal culture, monuments and the rich history of Hyderabad. Planning for a new travel adventure in Hyderabad will allow you to discover many wonders of this historically important city. Being the capital city of Telangana, Hyderabad has so much to offer to visitors.

So, with that in mind, here are five reasons travelling to Hyderabad is awesome:

1. Extravagant mansions and palaces

Historically, India has not always been a unified nation; in 1724, Hyderabad was designated as a separate state with its sovereigns, the Nizams. The Nizams were exceedingly wealthy, with one of the later rulers being named the richest person on the earth by Time magazine in 1922. Simply looking at the throne chamber is a sight to see, with a total of 19 massive chandeliers hanging from the ornately decorated ceiling.

There are also a variety of other reasons to come:

Laad Bazaar: Close to the Charminar, Laad Bazaar in Hyderabad is one of the most popular markets for bangles and other attractive traditional items. From mouth-watering eateries to jewellery and traditional clothing shops, this marketplace has almost everything that will satisfy the shopaholic in you. It is an ideal place for both Indian and international tourists.

The design of the building: Getting around in Hyderabad is an exciting experience because of the city's unique blend of architectural styles. There is something for everyone, from the rough-around-the-edges old town to the luxurious palaces of long-gone monarchs to the ultramodern skyscrapers of the newly built 'HITEC City.' Make sure your camera is fully charged before you go!

Charminar: The Charminar, a monument and mosque erected about 1591, serves as the city's focal point. Several ideas have been advanced as to why it was constructed, but one of the most frequently accepted is that it was built to mark the abolition of the plague. These days, you can walk up the tower stairs to obtain 360-degree panoramic views of the city, with the lively market below you, and you can see for miles around.

Ramoji Film City: Ramoji Film City, located only a short drive outside the city, is India's version of the Universal Studios complex. You may visit the world's biggest film studio, where you can walk on set and witness where the best Indian films are created, as well as learn about filmmaking processes and go on rides and attractions. Thus, it is an excellent choice for families to consider.

Experience the height of luxury: Hyderabad positions itself as a luxury destination, with many cocktail bars, fine dining establishments and five-star hotels. For a genuinely luxurious experience, get yourself an Indian massage at the Park Hotel. Afterwards, you can relax poolside beneath an umbrella, preferably with a glass of freshly squeezed mango juice in hand or something a bit stronger if you are feeling very adventurous.

2. Foods to try in Hyderabad

Biryani: If you were to rank Hyderabadi food according to popularity, the biryani of Hyderabad would unquestionably be at the top. The fragrant aroma and flavour never fails to attract people to return for another helping! However, chicken biryani is a popular choice for a lighter meal.
Haleem: This slow-cooked dinner is made mainly of mutton, nuts and spices. This meal is perfect for Muslims who observe a strict fast, refusing to swallow their saliva, during the 40 days before the Islamic festival of Ramzan, as this dish is called. When Ramadan arrives, everyone forms a queue to claim their fair share of this delectable delicacy.
Marag of Hyderabad: Suppose you have always thought that traditional mutton soup is the only cuisine that can appease your taste buds and your soul. In that case, you can have the Hyderabadi Marag, a unique soup created exclusively for Hyderabad. Hyderabadi Marag is a spicy soup that is very popular among individuals who want their soup spicy and meaty.
Keema Samosa: Samosas are quite famous around the globe. Samosas, as they are often referred to, are deep-fried pastries packed with meat or vegetables, most frequently peas, potatoes and carrots. In Hyderabad, you must try the keema (minced mutton) samosas, which are sold as a snack around the city.
Kebabs: Kebabs are a traditional grilled meat dish that originated in Middle Eastern cuisine and has gained worldwide popularity. In Hyderabad, the meat dish is trendy, with huge queues developing outside Hyderabadi eateries for a plate of juicy, smoky kebabs and mint chutney. It is often thought to be a non-ideal vegetarian's paradise and is immensely popular across India.
Mutton Dalcha: This particularly Hyderabadi dinner, made with ubiquitous mutton, pulses and spices, will tickle your mouth and leave you completely enamoured with its flavour. Traditionally, it is prepared with chickpea lentils and mutton, although it may also be made with vegetables.
Pukht Dum: Dum Pukht, which translates as "slow-oven cooking", is a technique that involves cooking meat or vegetables for a longer period over a very low, slow flame. Dum Pukht cuisine, which originated in Persia, is characterised by a strong emphasis on roasting vegetables or meat in their juices rather than flavouring them with various spices. When in Hyderabad, must try dum biryani, dum aloo or dum gosht prepared in the dum pukht manner, a kind of Mughlai cuisine in which a heavy-bottomed pot is covered with dough to prevent the escape of even the faintest aroma.
Khubani Ka Meetha: This dish, prepared with dried apricots, is another renowned Hyderabadi delicacy. This dinner is gently flavoured with just the proper sweetness and is finished with slivers of pistachios, almonds and cashew nuts.
Meethaka Double: This is another popular dessert choice in Hyderabad, appearing on almost every dessert table, including weddings and social functions. Although the name may seem deceptive, it is critical to note that the region's phrase for bread is 'double roti', and that this delicacy is mainly made of fried bread and sugar syrup, garnished with slivers of almonds. It will be served at almost every dinner, regardless of the occasion.
Irani Chai: Irani Chai is an intriguing variation on your typical cup of tea for individuals who like a nice cup of tea in the evening. Iranian Chai is served with a thick, sweet biscuit and is very milky and bitter in flavour. It is boiled for hours at low fire, giving it a unique taste. Irani Chai is highly famous in Hyderabad, and whole booths are dedicated to selling it.
Falooda: Falooda is prepared by mixing the correct ingredients in the right amount, including rose syrup, vermicelli, sweet basil seeds, jelly, milk and ice cream. Falooda, which is both delectable and aesthetically appealing in its preparation, is offered at various restaurants in Hyderabad.
Sheer Korma: Sheer Korma is a delectable vermicelli pudding prepared with sweetened milk and dates. The sweet, like porridge, is cooked for a lengthy period, resulting in a creamy and white texture. Sheer Korma is a portion of famous Indian comfort food that is often served at festivals and celebrations and on quiet afternoons. Request dry fruits to compliment the nutty flavour if you like crunchy accompaniments to your nutty meals.

3. Luxurious accommodation

Increasingly, Hyderabad is establishing itself as a place where you can expect exceptional treatment, which is true of the city's excellent hotels.

For a contemporary luxury stay with unique design elements, go no farther than the Park Hotel. In India, Park Hotels are considered pioneers in the design and boutique hotel industries. Its Chairperson Priya Paul has been compared to the Ian Schrager of the subcontinent, making it a distinctive pick for the stay in Hyderabad. In addition, it boasts a spectacular rooftop pool with views over Lake Sager and the surrounding mountains.

4. Nightlife in Hyderabad

The nightlife in this city is thriving since it is a youthful city with a large working population. Aqua hosts pulsating rooftop DJ events, which are a fantastic thing for the nightlife in Hyderabad, while Kismet is a full-fledged multi-room club with a diverse selection of music.

5. Bracelets and bangles

Hyderabad is the place to go if you want to buy bangles. While taking a stroll through the alleys of the Old Town, you will see people hard at work, creating their crafts over traditional iron furnaces. Whatever your style, colour preference or financial constraints, there is something for you.

How to reach Hyderabad?

By Air: Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is the closest major airport to the city. Moreover, you can travel with the best airlines providing great discounts. You can choose the IndiGo flight to Hyderabad to plan your trip for an excellent experience.
By Train: With Hyderabad serving as the headquarters of the South Central Railway, the city is well-connected to all major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru, Kochi and Kolkata, among others. In the towns of Nampally and Kachiguda, there are railway stations. Aside from these two stops, trains departing from Secunderabad Railway Station may also be boarded there.
By Road: Regular services on state highways and privately operated buses departing from the city's bus terminal are readily accessible. The roads connecting major cities and states are in excellent condition. You may also hire a leased automobile or a taxi to transport you to your selected location.
Best time to visit Hyderabad: Winter months, which begin in November and go until February, are the best time to visit Hyderabad. During this time, it has a pleasant climate, ideal for sightseeing and shopping in the city. Thus, it is advisable to visit Hyderabad between October and March.

The bottom line

Hyderabad is famous for biryani and other incredible places that will enlighten you. You will surely love to visit Hyderabad because it has a lot to discover. Hence, plan your trip to Hyderabad to enjoy and explore the most. Pack your bags and rock on for your journey!