There is something in the air of this ancient city. It’s a place where every street tells a story, every meal leaves a memory, and every turn surprises you. A city that feels rooted yet restless, traditional yet thrilling, Hyderabad calls you.

Hyderabad greeted me with its familiar blend of heritage and hustle, a city where the past stands comfortably beside the present.

The Romance with History

The first stop was the timeless ‘Charminar’, rising like a stone crown in the heart of the Old City. As I stepped into LAAD BAZAAR, the air changed — it carried the scent of ittar, the sparkle of bangles, and the rhythm of a city that has lived centuries without losing its pulse.

Charminar, the iconic monument was built in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. Constructed at the heart of the newly founded city then, it marked the end of a deadly plague and symbolized hope and prosperity. The structure derives its name from its four grand arches and minarets, reflecting a blend of Indo-Islamic and Persian architectural styles. Charminar also signified the center of trade, culture, and governance, shaping Hyderabad’s identity for centuries.

Walking closer, the Charminar unfolded in all its symmetry. Its four graceful minarets framed the sky while the arches sheltered a whirl of life below. I climbed the narrow steps, worn smooth by time, and reached the lookout above where the city stretched out in waves of color, chaos, and charm. For a moment, history stood still — then the honking returned, the shops called out again, and Hyderabad resumed its music.

View of the market from Charminar

THE FANTASY WORLD OF RAMOJI

From the lanes of heritage, my journey took a cinematic turn as I arrived at Ramoji Film City, a world built on imagination. The contrast was instant: where Charminar whispered stories from the 16th century, Ramoji shouted action, fantasy, and spectacle. I wandered through film sets that felt strangely familiar — a railway station here, a palace there, New York on one side, royal gardens on the other. Every corner felt like a scene waiting to be shot, every prop a character with a backstory.

Ramoji Film City, located on the outskirts of Hyderabad, is the world’s largest integrated film studio complex and a major tourist attraction. Established in 1996 by media tycoon Ramoji Rao, it spreads across about 2,000 acres. The film city features elaborate film sets, sound stages, gardens, streetscapes, and post-production facilities used by Indian and international filmmakers. Beyond cinema, it offers theme parks, live shows, guided studio tours, hotels, and recreational activities. A blend of filmmaking magic and entertainment, Ramoji Film City attracts millions of visitors every year.

A tram carried me through vast backlots, and for a moment I felt less like a traveler and more like a character in someone’s screenplay. Between stunt shows, guided tours, and the grand Bahubali set, the day turned into a reel of vivid impressions.

A Set for shooting old Hollywood classic movies

A set for shooting of Ramayan or Mahabharat in Ramoji

Set of Bahubali

Grand Sets used for movie making at Ramoji

Hyderabad didn’t just show me places; it told me stories — of kings, creators, and dreamers. And I left carrying a little of all three.

HYDERABADI CUISINE

Your visit to Hyderabad is not complete if you have not had the famous BIRYANI. Its not just food, it’s an emotion layered with fragrant basmati rice, tender meat, saffron, and slow-cooked perfection. Among its many legends, Paradise stands iconic — a timeless address where generations have tasted Hyderabad’s most celebrated biryani, rich, aromatic, and unforgettable. The Shahi Tukda, a variety if sweet dish, prepared from bread, sugar syrup and embellished with saffron and cardamom will leave you yearning for more.

So happy Hyderabading…………..