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| Hyderabad, India’s fourth biggest city, is fast becoming one of the most exciting visitor destinations in the country. Its booming tech scene is attracting global attention and transforming this ancient city into a cosmopolitan hotspot.
Click here to subscribe to The Economist on YouTube: http://econ.trib.al/rWl91R7 Discover Colombo: https://youtu.be/4COeTrjB6hA Once home to the richest man in the world and the center of the global diamond trade, Hyderabad is full of hidden gems – you just have to know where to find them. Three passionate locals are about to take you on a tour of their city, revealing the secret spots where you can experience the real Hyderabad. If you want to capture the vibrancy, colour and sounds of Hyderabad you’ll need to get up early just like the flower merchants of Gudimalkapur flower market. As flowers are an integral part of Indian life—this market attracts buyers and sellers from across the region. It’s also a favourite spot for keen photographers. Saurabh has taken his love of photography one step further and now shares it with visitors by running photowalks. By joining Saurabh it’s a chance to see this city and its people through a very different lens. So called ‘Cyberabad’ is the home to Hyderabad’s flourishing Tech and Startup community. The ambition is to create India’s answer to Silicon Valley—and it’s fast attracting a young cosmopolitan crowd. But when Srinivas has business visitors he doesn’t take them to the newest parts of town. He takes them to the oldest. The street markets of Charminar in the old city have been the beating heart of Hyderabad for four hundred years. This was the centre of the world’s diamond and pearl industry during the time of the Nizam’s who ruled over Hyderabad from 1724 to 1948. The diamond industry may have moved on, but the pearl trade is still alive and well giving the city its moniker “The City of Pearls”, attracting buyers from around the world. Since arriving in Hyderabad 13 years ago Jonty decided to set up her own business taking people to the true heart of the city, and a place where most travelers never get to visit – the authentic Indian kitchen. Home dining is becoming very popular with travelers but here at Usha’s they don’t just come to eat but to learn the secrets and skills of Hyderabadi home cooking. This is no five-star restaurant but it offers visitors an even rarer experience – the opportunity to really see how the locals do it. The Falaknuma Palace Hotel used to be the royal guest house for the richest man in the world Osman Ali Khan, the last Nizam ruler. For those in the know, tea here comes with a personal tour with the resident historian. At the top of Moala Ali Hill is a 16th century dargah – a Muslim shrine. The dargahs reputed healing properties turned it into a pilgrimage site and countless devotees climb the 500 steps to the top. But praying in Hyderabad isn’t all about quiet contemplation — it’s a chance to party too. And with over 50 religious festivals in the calendar year there’s always an opportunity to get involved. Every neighbourhood will hold its own festivities. And for Jonty, ___________________ Passport is an original travel series for the intellectually and culturally curious, exploring some of the most exciting city destinations in the world. The insiders’ guide to each city follows at the shoulder of three local characters as they reveal the experiences and places not covered in the guidebooks. Check out Economist Films: http://films.economist.com/ |
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