A . A trip from Bangalore to Hyderabad -a three month training session for the entire team landed us in the Land of the Nizams!
Two friends who snare at each other, then it becomes really difficult to maintain order. Harper, usual self, his looks-can-kill attitude and Aarthi who just reached in time to hop onto the train. The train took off around 1800 in the evening; reached Hyderabad early morning. For someone from Bangalore, the first thing that comes to mind would be the wide and neat roads and the slower traffic as compared to Bangalore."Our office was situated somewhere near the Gatchi bowli stadium; we used to catch the huge commuter rickshaws which could easily more than twelve people."
Loads of Beer and Rick rides:
Loads of beer and meat with Harper and Jeevan and then cramping into rickshaws at night on our way back.....The nights usually ended up like this.
The Multiplex,Book shoppes and the PanchaGutta
That was one big happening place at that time. It was around Christmas time and Xmas bells were ringing at most of the stalls. Well, all malls have the same story..so nothing else happened other than window shopping.Another thing distinct in memory are the numerous second hand bookstalls around Pancha Gutta. This place was classy, different from the old city image but we did not visit inside.
Charminar and the Mecca Masjid
Unaware of the riots that broke out near the Mecca Masjid, we went to visit both the Charminar and Mecca Masjid! Just below the Charminar, I could see the smaller Devi mandir created at the corner. Its anyones guess why riots do happen over here in this part of the city. The visit to Mecca Masjid asked for more. I had gone with Shivraj and was just peeking inside the mosque, when someone invited us inside for prayer. Was thinking of a way to escape the situation when all of a sudden Shivaraj starts questioning the person on the very existance of Islam. I do wonder why he ever opened his mouth then! Our luck, the person answered calmly and even took us in to visit the graves of the former kings that were buried there. He even blessed us , though later on when he asked for a fee of 200 did I realize what his motive was;he finally settled for a 30. Outside the mosque people were selling old coins, most of which were forged, bangles,corals and other jewellery items.
Koti and the Jain temple
Went to Koti to get some of the famous coral stone necklaces for home. On the way , saw a Jain temple and decided to visit. It was the first time to a Jain temple, though I did get confused amidst the numerous gods all across the place. Took a walk in the crowded area. Made up my mind to visit Charminar some other day again, but alone....
Walk along the Gallis ...Alone.
Came alone this time. Went stright to the smaller streets behind Charminar. It was around 1400 then. No one was there to bother , so became more courageous and ventured far within into the community. Amidst the muslim houses , did see a few houses sporting the saffron flags and few smaller temples . Walked well for an hour and then went back to hotel. It was a good experience for me; bemusedwith the life among the smallest of the streets behind one of the most famous monuments of the country.
Golconda fort...Attacked by the Bees
The fort seemed majestic to me, though it was completely in ruins. It was the first fort I had been to and the immense expanse did show the importance of the fort in those times. I do remember reading the boarding there , saying it belonged to the Warangal tribe and then changed hands until Aurangzeb conquered it.
Along with Shivraj, ventured a bit away from the group. We climbed upon a few rocks and lo we were in between dried vegetation and grasses. Moved a bit more and glimpsed a man and his two kids carrying bottles of honey with them.Little did we realize what was to happen next. A swarm of bees emerged and filled the air. I could just glimpse Shivraj running for cover. Got caught in the swarm, could listen to him shouting at me to run over, but couldnt budge; was in total shock!. Pulled the shirt over the head and just laid down on the ground. In another minute, the commotion ended and they were gone as fast as they had come.Am still amazed why we never received even one bee sting!
Birla Mandir, Hussain Sagar Lake and Salar jung Museum
Climbed up all the way to the Birla Mandir. The view from the top was good since it covered the twin cities of Secunderabad and Hyderabad; the Hussain Sagar lake was in full view as was the Buddha statue in the middle. Salar Jung Museum is one good place to learn about the history of the city and the Nizams. Spend well over two hours there for there were countless treasures that one could feast upon!
Nehru Zoological Park and the Rural Handloom Fair at ShilpaRamam
It was big enough, but definitely not well maintained. Tried my ricks to identify animals through there pug marks, dried faeces and territory markings. Shivraj did believe me, much to Harpers agony and ever since hes been complementing me for this wild behavior. Then there was the Jurassic Park! I don't really want to comment on it. At the exit there was this museum which was showing videos of animals. We made the mistake of paying to watch the so called Documentary. There was just another family with a wailing child.....
The rural hand loom fair was our last stop before catching the train back.Bought a lot of art works, a woodwork painting, some kurtas, some clay work and there was also this amazing tableau of a rural village set up. Amazing it was to watch each hut representing each community that had existed in the past....Good time we had o'er here -the trip was overall, well, - dry and painstakingly silent one!!!!
