Nov 7, 2018, 12:00 PM ETOther

Discover Hyderabad

Hyderabad is rapidly evolving from an ancient center of wealth into a cosmopolitan hotspot, driven by its booming tech scene and renowned hospitality.
The city historically hosted the world's richest man (the Nizam) and served as the global hub for the diamond trade.
It is currently nicknamed the "City of Pearls" due to a thriving pearl trade, despite the diamond industry's historical decline.
The city attracts a young, cosmopolitan demographic, with an explosion of clubs, bars, and restaurants in the "Cyberabad" district.

T-Hub, led by CEO Srinivas Kolipara, is identified as India's fastest-growing startup engine, aiming to create an Indian equivalent to Silicon Valley.
Google is constructing its largest campus outside its Mountain View headquarters within Hyderabad's Cyberabad region.
Business visitors are often guided away from modern tech parks to historic sites to understand the city's dual identity.

The Gudimolkapur Flower Market is a vibrant early-morning hub integral to Indian life, particularly for wedding garland creation, where sellers also offer photography workshops.
Saurabh Chatterjee, a travel photographer, conducts photo walks to highlight the textures, colors, and daily interactions within the flower market.
Charminar's street markets have been the economic heart of Hyderabad for 400 years, historically serving as the center of the world's diamond and pearl industries.
The Golconda mines, located near Hyderabad, produced the Koh-i-Noor and the Hope diamond, contributing to the region's historical wealth.
Visitors are taught traditional haggling techniques at pearl markets, including strategies to "start low," "stand your ground," and walk away if prices are unreasonable.
Usha's Authentic Indian Kitchen offers home dining experiences that demystify local cooking, teaching that "curry powder" is a British invention rather than a native Indian ingredient.
Locals traditionally eat with their fingers to enhance taste and activate digestive juices, a practice visitors are encouraged to adopt.

The Taj Falaknuma Palace, formerly the royal guest house of the last Nizam Osman Ali Khan, now operates as a luxury hotel hosting high tea.
The palace dining hall features the world's longest dining table, seating 101 guests, and has hosted royalty including King George and Queen Mary.
Notable signatures in the guest book include those of Ivanka Trump, recorded during a dinner with the Prime Minister of India.
Mola Ali Hill offers a quiet refuge for reflection, topped by a 16th-century shrine known for reputed healing properties and attracting diverse pilgrims.
Devotees climb 500 steps to the shrine to fulfill wishes, regardless of their religious affiliation.

Hyderabad hosts over 50 religious festivals annually, with neighborhoods often inviting strangers to participate in local festivities.
The Ganesh Festival is the city's most popular celebration, culminating in the immersion of idols after up to 11 days of festivities.
A new trend in nightlife involves Ayurvedic cocktails designed to balance mind, body, and spirit based on individual body types to prevent hangovers.
Ted Jaswini operates a pioneering bar where cocktails are customized according to the patron's unique Ayurvedic body type (e.g., Kapha dominant).
The city is characterized as a contrast of eras, seamlessly blending ancient traditions with rapid modern innovation.