Day 1: Spicy Chats🌶
This trip was planned around one of my friends' weddings. My friend's wedding was held on Wednesday and Thursday, so we started our travel on Wednesday on the Basava Express train to reach our destination, which is Hindupur. We reached our destination by 6:30 p.m. We moved to our stay, freshened up, and visited Food Street in Hindupur.
CautionHindupur is famous for its chats. We entered the street with certain expectations, and Hindupur had lived up to those expectations. We ate masalpuri, panipuri, balepuri, savepuri, tomato masale, and many more. Each of the chats was spicy, and some tempted us to try again, and indeed, we did. But for me, out of them, Masalpuri stood out as a show star. Later, we drank sugarcane juice and went to our friend’s wedding.
Day 2: Travel is fun💭
The next day, I started my journey from Hindupur to Kurnool via the Jaipur Express train and reached around 9:30 PM. Then, we had dinner in the local restaurant near the bus stand and went to the bus stand to catch the bus for Srishilam. After a long wait, the bus arrived, but it filled up in a couple of minutes. So our wait continued after letting go of a couple of buses, and finally, we boarded the bus at 11:30 PM. The bus journey was not that good, and we reached Srishilam by 8:30 AM.
Day 3: Srishilam we will remember you💓
Srishilam It's just wow. Millions of devotees visit here, and this is part of one of the Jyotirlingas. Once we reached Srishilam, we found Kannada-speaking people, and we talked to them about where they were staying and how they planned the visit. They guided us and gave us a business card to contact them for our stay. We called them and got confirmation about the availability of the rooms, took an auto and gave him the business card, and he took us to the stay and charged us 50 rupees. Guess what? We were at the absolute wrong address, and the auto driver was convincing us that this was the exact address. Once we talked to the receptionist, he agreed that this was the wrong address. But we were lucky enough that we had some rooms available here too, so we settled ourselves into this stay. We finished our daily routines and went towards the "Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Varla Devasthanam.”.To know more about jyotirlingas, read our blog 12 Jyotirlinga - Their Name | Spiritual Significance | Mythology | Story | History | Festivals and Rituals.
After entering the temple premises, we need to surrender our phones and other electronic gadgets to the paid safety counter before entering the temple. After entering the temple, we were made to wait in a room for a couple of hours. After a couple of hours, we finally entered the temple. The architecture of the temple is amazing, and there are many other small temples in and around the main temple. Once we completed our temple visit, we went to the Ganesh food court to have our lunch, and I felt that the taste was good but that it was overpriced. After our lunch, we went to the side to see Srishilam, followed by vacating the stay and taking a bus to Hyderabad. We reached Hyderabad in the middle of the night since we had booked our stay earlier. We took an auto to reach our stay.
Day 4: Foodie Hyderabad🍲
After a good sleep, we woke up, freshened up, went to the dealer, and took two-wheelers for rent for two days. We had breakfast in the nearby cafe and started our journey towards the Salar Jung Museum.
Ah, the Salar Jung Museum! It's a true treasure trove of art and history, located in Hyderabad, India. Here's what I can tell you about it:
General Information:
- One of the largest museums in India and a National Museum of India.
- Originally a private collection of the Salar Jung family, it was gifted to the nation after the death of Salar Jung III in 1951.
- Houses a vast collection of over 43,000 artifacts from across the globe, including sculptures, paintings, carvings, textiles, manuscripts, ceramics, metallic artifacts, carpets, clocks, and furniture.
- Covers a wide range of cultures and regions, including Europe, Asia, the Far East, Persia, Egypt, and North America.
- It is renowned for its collections of jade, clocks, and European paintings.
Highlights:
- Veiled Rebecca: An exquisite marble statue acquired by Salar Jung I from Rome.
- A set of ivory chairs: a gift from Louis XVI of France to Tippu Sultan of Mysore.
- Jade Collection: One of the largest collections of jade is displayed for the public in India.
- Galleries: Explore dedicated galleries like the Indian Silver Gallery, Carpet Gallery, Flora and Fauna Gallery, and more.
Interesting facts:
The Salar Jung Museum's exquisite clock collection! It's truly a treasure trove of timekeeping marvels, with each piece showcasing the artistry and ingenuity of different eras and cultures.
The undisputed star of the show is the English Bracket Clock. This late 19th-century wonder, crafted in England and assembled in Calcutta, boasts over 350 intricate parts. But its magic lies in its captivating automaton: a bearded miniature man who emerges three minutes before every hour strikes a resounding gong with the number of chimes matching the hour and then retreats into his clockwork haven.
This whimsical clock isn't just a timepiece; it's a delightful performance that draws crowds every hour, their faces aglow with anticipation and amusement.
But the Salar Jung Museum's clock collection extends far beyond this charming automaton. The museum houses a diverse array of timekeepers, from ancient sundials shaped like obelisks to majestic grandfather clocks and delicate birdcage clocks. Each piece has its own story, reflecting the evolution of horology and the artistic styles of different periods.
Here are some other notable clocks from the collection:
Two magnificent clocks from the reign of Louis XIV of France, one of which belonged to Julien-Le-Roy, the king's horologist. These grand clocks, adorned with ornate Ormolu mounts, exude the opulence of the French Baroque era.
A collection of clocks spanning the reigns of Louis XV, Louis XVI, and Napoleon I, each showcasing the distinct artistic sensibilities of these French monarchs.
Curio-clocks from England, popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, feature intricate mechanisms and playful automata.
Whether you're fascinated by history or engineering or simply appreciate beautiful objects, the Salar Jung Museum's clock collection is sure to captivate you. So, if you ever find yourself in Hyderabad, India, be sure to add this museum to your itinerary and let yourself be enchanted by the symphony of time.
My favorite movements in Salar Jung Museum are the English Bracket Clock and the working around it, especially the chimes I witnessed—the longer chimes (12) and shortest chimes (1)—and Ravi Varma's painting work.
We went to Bawarchi for lunch and ordered mutton biryani, chicken biryani, pepper chicken, and chicken lollipops. Every dish was delicious. But Mutton Biryani stood out among them. Then we started our journey towards the heartbeat of Hyderabad.
Charminar is a historic monument and mosque in Hyderabad, India. It's a square-shaped structure with four towering minarets, earning it the name "Charminar," which translates to "Four Towers" in Urdu. It's a major landmark in Hyderabad and one of the most popular tourist attractions in India.
History:
- Built-in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth Sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty,
- The exact reason for its construction is still debated. Some theories suggest it was built:
- To commemorate the end of a deadly plague.
- To mark the founding of Hyderabad as the new capital of the Qutb Shahi kingdom.
- To mark the spot where the Sultan first met his future wife, Bhagmati.
- The mosque on the top floor has been in use for over 425 years.
Architecture:
- Indo-Saracenic style, blending Persian, Hindu, and Islamic architectural elements.
- Built with granite and lime mortar, it is adorned with intricate stucco work.
- Four minarets, each 56 meters (184 feet) tall, are decorated with ribbed bands and topped with lotus domes.
- The mosque can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers.
Significance:
- A symbol of Hyderabad and Telangana state.
- Featured on the official emblem of Telangana.
- A popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.
- Bustling bazaars surround the Charminar, offering a vibrant shopping experience.
Interesting facts:
- Construction of the Charminar took about 10 years.
- All four minarets were built simultaneously.
- The Charminar has become synonymous with the city of Hyderabad.
We had some Lassi, mango shakes, and fruit salad. We then visited Hussain Sagar Lake.
Hussain Sagar is a large artificial lake located in the heart of the city of Hyderabad, India. It was built in 1562 during the rule of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah, the fourth Sultan of Golconda. The lake is a tributary of the Musi River and was created to provide water to the city and prevent flooding.
Here are some key features and facts about Hussain Sagar Lake:
Island and Buddha Statue: In the middle of the lake, there is a large monolithic statue of Lord Buddha installed on an island called Gibraltar Rock. The statue, known as the Buddha of Hyderabad, stands at a height of 17 meters and is one of the largest monolithic statues of Buddha in the world.
Tank Bund: The Tank Bund is a boulevard that runs along the lake and connects the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. It is a popular recreational area, and people often visit the Tank Bund for walks and relaxation.
Boating: The lake offers boating facilities, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty of the surroundings. Boating is a popular activity, especially during the evenings when the lights around the lake create a beautiful atmosphere.
Necklace Road: Necklace Road is another promenade that runs along the Hussain Sagar Lake. It is named for its shape, which resembles a necklace when viewed from above. The road is lined with parks, gardens, and entertainment centers.
Musical Fountain: Lumbini Park, located on the banks of Hussain Sagar Lake, features a musical fountain that attracts visitors with its synchronized water and light shows.
Connectivity: The lake is strategically located in the heart of Hyderabad, making it easily accessible from various parts of the city.
Historical Significance: Besides its recreational aspects, the lake has historical significance as it was built during the Qutub Shahi dynasty's rule, contributing to the city's water supply.
Hussain Sagar Lake has become an iconic landmark in Hyderabad and serves as a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The combination of historical significance, recreational facilities, and the scenic beauty of the lake makes it a must-visit place in the city.
We had quite a bit of food for dinner while traveling to our stay.
Day 5: Pit Stops at Pearls City 🛵
We started our day fresh with the Birla Mandir. The Birla Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. It is also known as Birla Mandir or Birla Temple and is a prominent landmark in the city. The temple is located on a hill called Naubath Pahad, which is in the southern part of Hyderabad.
Here are some key features and details about the Birla Mandir in Hyderabad:
Construction: The temple was constructed by the Birla Foundation, a prominent industrial and business family in India, in 1976. The construction of the temple took around 10 years.
Architectural Style: Birla Mandir is built in the traditional South Indian architectural style, using white marble. The architecture blends various influences, and the temple reflects a mix of Dravidian, Rajasthani, and Utkala styles.
Deities: The main deity of the temple is Lord Venkateswara, a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple complex also houses shrines dedicated to other deities, including Padmavati and Andal.
Temple Complex: The complex includes a large hall with carved pillars and an imposing tower, or shikhara. The temple's architecture is characterized by intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
Panoramic View: One of the highlights of visiting Birla Mandir is the panoramic view it offers of the city of Hyderabad, especially in the evening. The temple is illuminated after sunset, creating a stunning visual spectacle.
Open to All: Birla Mandir is open to people of all religions. Visitors are required to follow certain guidelines, such as removing their shoes, before entering the temple premises.
Visiting Hours: The temple is generally open to visitors from early morning until late evening. However, it's advisable to check the specific visiting hours before planning a visit.
Festivals: The temple observes various Hindu festivals, and special celebrations are organized during major events like Diwali and Vaikunta Ekadashi.
Birla Mandir is not just a religious site but also a popular tourist attraction due to its architectural beauty and the serene atmosphere it offers. It stands as a symbol of religious tolerance and architectural grandeur in the city of Hyderabad.
We had our breakfast at the streetside food stall. The food was amazing. We had idle and vada with chutney and a special chutney masala. It was delicious, and we had paneer masala dosa too. Later, we went to meet our friend located in Hyderabad, had a good chat, and went out for lunch together at Blue Fox. The Blue Fox ambiance and food are good; it is worth trying here. One of our friends asked us to bring Osmania biscuits. Unfortunately, we were not able to bring Osmania biscuits for him. We went to Karachi Bicsuts and bought tea biscuits and special chocolates. Later, we visited Pulla Reddy Sweets and took a mix of sweets packs of one kg. We came back to our stay and did the packing, made the checkout, and took the bus to our hometowns.
FAQ's
How many days are sufficient to tour Hyderabad?
I would say if you plan properly, 2 to 3 days are more than sufficient.
What's the entry fee at the Salar Jung Museum?
50 Rs for Indian adults, 500 Rs for foreign visitors, and 50 Rs for still cameras.
What bakery items are famous in Hyderabad?
Although Hyderabad is famous for biryani, some of the bakery biscuits were delectable too.
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