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pennyglass
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Mocha Coffee House
Banjara Hills, Road No.7
With the tagline, “Coffee and Conversation,” this ambient café inspires far more than simple conversation amidst its lusciously and luxuriantly draped walls. Taking its decorative inspiration straight out of the Arabian Nights, you might be surprised not to find Aladdin or one of his cronies nursing a hookah next to you as you serenely sip a cup of Moroccan mint tea or indulge in one of its many specialty coffees or sumptuously bedecked desserts.
The place is situated in a 2-story converted haveli on a street shared with other posh homes in one of Hyderabad’s wealthiest, trendiest, most relaxed, see-and-be-seen neighborhoods.
For the weary westerner, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with some of India’s elite, whether it be out back amongst the leafy garden trees, billowing soft curtains and cushions on the uppermost floors, or one of the velvety couches to greet you as you step beyond its great blue door.
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Charminar, Old City Pt. 3
If you ever venture to do an image search on Hyderabad, by and large most of the pictures you retrieve are likely to be of Charminar--easily the city's most recognizable monument. Charminar itself stands at the geographic forefront of two other architectural masterpieces, the Mecca Masjid and Chowmahalla Palace, all three of which are situated at the center of Hyderabad's Old City. A buzzing whirl of activity, this part of the metropolitan area serves as a bold reminder of what was long before the days of wealth and western splendor brought on by India's technological bonanza.
Several features distinguish the monument and its environs. Firstly, as it is placed in Hyderabad's Old City, the flavor is particularly antique. Unlike the shiny facades of the city's other shopping districts, Charminar embraces the more prototypically Indian "bazaar" style of commerce. Vendors line the streets with carts and storefronts spill out of three hundred year old entryways and onto the road with their wares. Lanes and alleyways are congested with people and a plethora of goods from bangles to pots to pomegranates.
The monument itself, too, is a feast for the eyes in more ways than one. Its four magnificent spires reach high up into the air, and sturdily mark out a district square beneath its underbelly in a manner reminiscent of L'Arc d'Triumph, but with an Arabesque flair.
Should you decide to climb to the top, you will be met with a pleasant promenade that wraps around and in fact connects the four pillars. There one can gaze out across the expanse of the city, play with pigeons, and tussle with the others trying to get a nice photo shot of the sprawling metropolis. If you're lucky enough to be met with and smog and cloud free day, it truly is a treat for anyone' s aesthetic sensibilities.
One should note that the surrounding area is heavily Muslim and should therefore dress appropriately, covering all shoulders, abstaining from any tight clothing, shorts, or skirts above the knee.
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Golconda Fort, Old City Pt. 1
Though Hyderabad may be most recognizable for its participation in India's "I.T. Boom," the luminous and staggering immensity of its oldest monument, The Golconda Fort, is a striking reminder of this city's ancient, elaborate, and sometimes sordid history.
Indeed, one of the things that makes Hyderabad and its mother state Andhra Pradesh so unique is the relative degree of permanence enjoyed by its kingship (see cosmotip on "Chowmahalla Palace.") The Golconda Fort is yest another remnant of that royal tradition and predates it even further, harkening back to the industrial might of the Nizam's tribal precursors from whose grip the Nizam himself, and later the Mughals, assumed predominance in the region.
The Fort is notable not only for its size and grandeur, but also for its attractive location. Unlike some of India's other urban fortresses, Golconda is situated somewhat beyond the pale of Hyderabad's metropolitan melee and rests atop a sturdy piling of gigantic rocks. For this reason, to enjoy the panoramic view of the city from atop the structure's broad (and lengthy!) ascent is a sight not to be missed. You can then celebrate your accomplishment by lounging on one of Golconda's many lawns, which are surprisingly well kept, picking up an ice cream from the resident snack bar, or simply gazing upon its marvelously scultped stone sitting halls.
If you visit in the evening, it is certainly worthwhile to catch the sound and light show, conducted in both Hindi and English nightly. The fort's history is presented in an amusing narrative and accentuated by flashing fluorescent lights that both rile and amuse. Just remember to cover your nose and mouth when the Fort staff indiscriminately sprays the seating area with bug repellent!
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Shopping in the Land of Way More than Plenty
Whether you want to do it up western style for cheap, or roam the streets of the bazaar haggling for a shirt that will fall apart in 5 days, Hyderabad has a plethora of incredible spots for a good time with your pocketbook.
For those more inclined for a day of leisure and a high-end perusal of fusion fashion, hit up Fab India in the Uma Enclave of Road No. 9, Banjara Hills. There is also the popular mall, Hyderabad Central, located in the eternally packed riotous shopping area, Panjegutta.
But for the more bold, boisterous type who doesn't mind a good haggle, visit Charminar or Koti. The former is also a historic site in the old city of Hyderabad--its ancient pillars soar over the city and the district's sometimes narrow byways drip with all sorts of goods from bangles to bananas.
Either way, your in for a good time that will leave you yearning for sleep by the time you're done!
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