I am spending 2 weeks in Hyderabad (my wife is on a business trip, and I tagged along), and I just found out that Diwali is this weekend. That explains the explosions I’ve been hearing off and on at night.
Here’s the thing - this is my first ever trip to India, and I’m almost, but not quite, as ignorant about local food, culture and customs as the typical American WASP. So, any suggestions for things to do, particular foods to eat, any other hints as to how to in some way experience the festival? If you know of anything particular to Hyderabad, that would be a bonus (our hotel’s in Banjara Hills, if it matters).
Thanks, and Happy Diwali to those of you who celebrate it.
I spent the summer in Hyderabad! Well, Secunderabad. Anyway. I recommend Cafe Mocha - it’s very close to the GVK One in Banjara Hills. They have wifi, and shisha, if you’re into that.
Have you been to Charminar yet? The bazaar around it is a great place to get inexpensive gifts for friends and family. I got cheap (but cute) bangles for all my friends there. Oh, and kurtas and dupattas at the Fabindia in GVK. Inexpensive and very nice stuff.
BTW, India is pretty much all festival all the time. I bet Diwali is special, but there is ALWAYS something going on. Usually at about a gazillion decibals.
I am an Indian living in the US and keep going to Hyderabad often on work. The last time I was there was Dec 2008 so some of my information would be dated. Check out Hussain Sagar at night, there might be some nice display of fireworks with the water as a backdrop. Lot of special sweets are prepared for Diwali so see if you can get some (G Pulla Reddy sweets is a good place to go and buy some).
I used to like hanging out at the Sports Bar opp the City Centre mall, the above mentioned Mocha etc. Do check out Charminar and the bangle market, Golconda fort and the Nizam’s museum.
Hyderabad is the land of pearls and you can get them for fairly cheap (atleast as compared to the US). There are some reputed shops opp Hyderabad Central, make sure you ask for the Corporate discount which goes up to 30%. PM me if you need any additional information. Happy Diwali!
Thanks for the suggestions, maleinblack. I’m actually right next door to that sports bar (I’m at the Taj Krishna), so I’ll probably stop by.
We’re renting a car and driver for Sunday (the guy my wife’s company uses - he’s pretty cool) and planned to hit the normal spots - Golconda Fort, the Charminar area, etc. One of my wife’s co-workers and her husband are going to take us out on Saturday, so hopefully we’ll get to see a little more local, off-the-beaten path stuff. My wife is going shopping for another sari and a salwar or two; I guess I’ll have to get some male garments to accompany hers.
We have a nice view of Hussain Sagar from the hotel room (I’m looking at it now), but yeah, I think we’ll make a trip out to the Buddha at some point as well.
There are some cheap places which serve you fantastic biryani. Check with a local cab driver.
The Biryani in your hotel is great too. But if you want to experiment in food outside the hotel,try those. They serve some great mutton (lamb) dishes too.
Hyderabad chutney is VERY VERY hot . Do try a miniscule amount first, before deciding on further quantity.