Hyderabad is also about doing as the Hyderabadis do, which means getting an equal dose of shopping and glamour interspersed with the culture and the art. While it is a celebrated destination for pearls, you can also shop for attars (Indian perfumes), jewellery, bangles of lac and glass as well as traditional Pochampalli sarees. You can explore the meandering streets dotted with seller’s kiosks in motorized tuk tuks, perhaps the best way to get under the skin of this ancient 400-year-old-city.

At 180 feet, The Charminar is one of India’s most revered monuments. Built by Quli Qutub Shah in 1591, it attracts tourists from every corner of the globe and is the architectural masterpiece which is most synonymous with the history and the ethos of Hyderabad.

The 400-year-old Mecca Masjid stands just across from the Charminar and has the distinction of being one of the world’s largest mosques. At any point in time, this holy shrine can accommodate up to 11,000 worshippers.

Built atop a hill in the 13^th century, Golconda Fort is a fortified mud edifice with some the best views of the city. For those of you familiar with the story of the Kohinoor Diamond, the Fort was where it originated from. The monument is also renowned for its exceptional acoustics and its brilliantly advanced and scientific network of water supply.

Inspired by the Shah of Iran’s palace in Tehran, Chowmahalla Palace was owned by the Nizams of Hyderabad and was the seat of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty. The Palace was the place where all ceremonies of significance were conducted, including the coronation of the Nizam.

Ramoji Film City is the place where dream merchants spin their dreams and is meant for those who love their films. Spread over a mammoth 2000 acres, this is one of India’s largest film cities and is located 25 km outside the city limits.