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Hyderabad Travel Guide
Climate
Hyderabad's prominent climate is the hot steppe type, resulting in the fairly
warm weather throughout the year. The maximum temperature ranges between 40°C
and 43°C in May, and in most part of the region, the temperature sometimes
rises to 47°C. The monsoon falls in July through September during which the
humidity is high and rainfalls are often encountered. Although Hyderabad can be
visited all year round, the best season is between December and February during
which the weather became pleasantly cool. Temperature during the months of
winter can dip down to the range of13°C to 17°C.
Shopping
Hyderabad offers an excellent opportunity for shoppers as there is a wide gamut
of goods to choose from. Shopping centers can be found at different sites within
the city of Hyderabad and its twin town Secunderabad. One of the liveliest and
also one of the most ancient shopping centers of the city is Lad Bazaar, located
west of the Charminar. This bazaar is a paradise, especially for women. A riot
of exquisitely traditional bangles made of glass, metal, and other materials,
particularly, the Hyderabad's specialty of shellac bangles, crusted with
semi-precious stones and tiny pieces of mirror or gems, is the real draw of the
bazaar.
Fabrics are one of Hyderabad's specialties that can also be found in Lad
Bazaar. A wide variety of saris, silks, cottons, and readymade outlets are all
available to choose from. Moreover, cosmetics, henna, and bridal wear are ready
to cater any ladies.
The other sought-after of Hyderabad is pearls. As the city is reputed for its
finest pearl, there are a number of pearl shops scattering throughout the city,
but the best place is at the Charminar which encompasses an entire street,
dedicated to only pearls shops named Patther Gatti. Lad Bazaar also has a number
of pearl shops noted for their vivid and excellent quality pearls. Cultured
pearls studded in a gold or silver jewelry of intricate design are a specialty
of Hyderabad and can be bought at reasonable price.
Other interesting items include gold-coated articles, cosmetics, and
crockery. Black metal ware and wood crafted articles.
Cuisine
Hyderabadi cuisine has been existent along with its 400 years of its history and
culture, making it one of the most famous and most exquisite cuisines in India.
Hyderabadi cuisine is a legacy of the courts of the Nizams, praised for its
refine style and table manner. The main staple of Hyderabadi cuisine is rice and
meat. Hyderabadi food features the key flavors of coconut, tamarind, peanuts,
and sesame seeds, and of course chilly. Among a variety of delicious dishes of
Hyderabad, the most well-known ones are Biryani, a highly flavored rice dish
with liberal quantities of meat and spicy curries, Haleem, the Hyderabadi
porridge, a local favorite, and 'Gosht', which is kid or baby goat. Hyderabadi
delicacies can be tasted in restaurants or hotels throughout the city. The
western meals or fast-food restaurants are often found as well.
Festival
Hyderabad has a rich cultural heritage, which encloses within itself an amalgam
of various religious and cultural communities. While many are common with the
rest of the country, some are celebrated with a distinct touch that carries the
flavor of the city.
The most important festival of Hyderabad is Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrated
around late August to early September. The festival is a celebration of the day
when the elephant-headed God, Ganesh, the God of all good beginnings and
success, was born. The large idol of Lord Ganesh is installed at Khairatabad in
Hyderabad. Also, thousands of clay idols of Lord Ganesh made in all sizes,
positions, forms, and colors are taken in a large procession, accompanied by the
rhythm of bells and drums, and then they are immersed in the Hussain Sagar Lake.
Deccan Festivals is celebrated in the city center of Hyderabad. It is
the most awaited festival for the natives and visitors alike as this is time of
fun, shopping, and entertainment. Different cultural programs are held,
including music and dance. A pearl and bangle fair displaying shimmering pearls
and multi-hued bangles are also of the festival's highlights. The celebration
also includes a food festival, offering the best of Hyderabad's famous dishes to
visitors.
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