If you’re visiting Hyderabad it would be a crime to not visit the Churi Bazaar, which is just next to the famous Charminar. The bangles range from glass, plastic, lac, gold and silver plated and pearl imitations with intricate designs and a range of colours to choose from. A pair of lac bangles costs about Rs. 120/-, while glass bangles range between Rs. 10/- to Rs. 15/-. If you’re fond of henna or mehendi, do pick up the famous Karachi Mehendi which will cost just Rs. 5/- for a cone. Karachi Mehendi is a brand name to reckon with in Hyderabad. It is usually picked up during weddings and festivals and is known for the dark colour that enhances the designs on the palms. Guys might like this place where they can pick up bangles for their girlfriends at such reasonable rates.
You can also pick up some funky ear rings from other road side vendors for just Rs. 10/-
Your trip to Hyderabad will remain incomplete if you don’t purchase some fine pearl jewellery. Every shop has something unique to offer and hence it is advisable to look around several pearl shops till you zero down on a select few. For instance, at Princess Pearls you can buy black and purple pearl ear rings with zircons and platinum finish ranging from Rs. 180/- to Rs. 250/-. You can also visit Sri Jagadamba Pearls that offers a range of real pearl junk jewellery ranging between Rs. 100 to Rs. 200/- and above, while real pearl bangles costing about Rs. 400/- a pair. The junk jewellery makes it a popular pearl destination for youngsters. Krishna Pearls is another store for genuine pearl jewellery which is situated near Char Minar and has branches in most of the 5 star hotels in Hyderabad.
Visiting Hyderabad can never be boring as there is so much to explore in this city.
Laser Show at Lumbini Park – Lumbini is named after the birthplace of Buddha. In fact, en route to the park you will notice a massive statue of the Buddha, which is lit up at night in the centre of the Hussain Sagar Lake. The park has been done up in Japanese style of rockwork, cacti, pathways and lawns. As you enter the park, there is a huge floral clock at the entrance welcoming you. Lumbini Park offers its tourists a display of musical water fountain dancing to the tunes of the latest Hindi and English tracks, as well as the history of Hyderabad displayed on a screen of water. After the show, you can take a walk or drive along the Necklace Road that connects Lumbini Park in Hyderabad to Sanjeeviah Park in Secundarabad. Tickets per person Rs. 30/-. Shows are held only in the evenings, after sunset.
Ramoji Film City – This place is heaven for youngsters who plan trips just after exams and it is also best for office picnics. Apart from sightseeing and eating, you can enjoy rides at Fandustaan inside the film city. Red London buses inside the film city take you on a guided tour. Most of the things built at Ramoji are made of plaster of Paris and fibre glass. Don’t be surprised if you spot a railway station with a train, a dhaba, the Taj Mahal, Japanese gardens, Angel Fountain, a slum from Mumbai and Brindavan Gardens—they are simply readymade film sets! In fact, ETV serials, Bollywood flicks such as Karan Arjun and several television commercials are shot here. You can see the Wild West stunt show and a comedy show performed in sets and other variety entertainment with no extra cost. Tickets per person Rs. 250/- which is only the entry fee, additional charges are extra for food and other rides.
Golconda Fort – is known for its military architecture and was once considered a well protected fort that was very difficult for any enemy to break in. In fact, as soon as you enter the fort, you reach the portico of the Fateh Darwaza or the Victory Gate. If you clap your hands at the portico, the sound reverberates and is heard on top of the hills in the palace where the king lived. This served as a warning in case of an emergency. Even today, you will amaze yourself when you hear several echoes of your single clap. Right after sun set you can witness the Light and Sound Show at the Golconda Fort. The boulders and the hilly remains of the fort come alive through the narration by the super star Amitabh Bacchan along with light and sound effects. This light and sound show will take you through the history of Hyderabad and Golconda. Tickets per person is Rs. 40/-. Shows are held only in the evenings, after sunset.
Salar Jung Museum – This museum displays a priceless collection that belonged to the late Salar Jung III, the Hyderabadi noble who inherited them from his father and grandfather. The collection ranges from fine porcelain, bone china, carpets, figurines, sculpture, exotic furniture and manuscripts. You can see the life history of Salar Jung I, II and III, as well as, Salar
Jung III’s school books and rapid readers displayed at the museum. There are several rooms, where each room is dedicated to a particular theme, such as fine jewellery, clocks from all around the world, silver and ivory work and exquisite clothing and so on. The highlight of this museum is a clock which is a masterpiece in itself. There are two LCD monitors placed next to the clock, with seating arrangements that allow visitors to see how a little soldier inside the clock, pops out to strike the time on the dong. You can spend an entire day looking at the exhibits and munch on goodies at the museum’s cafeteria. You can also shop for curios, calendars and jewellery from the museum shop. Cameras are not allowed, in fact, there are counters where you can deposit your cameras before visiting the museum. Tickets per person Rs. 5/-. The museum is closed on Fridays.
The Char Minaar is synonymous and an inseparable part of Hyderabad. This minar which stands for Hindu and Muslim tradition offers a view of the entire Hyderabad city and looks amazing at night when it is all lit up. In fact, if you look carefully you will be able to spot the Golconda Fort amongst the busy city life. Just before visiting the Churi Bazar, you can make a trip to the Char Minaar. Be careful while climbing the stairs, as they are extremely steep and very narrow, which also makes it difficult to climb down. Tickets per person is Rs. 5/-.