Charminar

Fantastic view after a crazy claustrophobic climb!

Built in 1591, the Charminar @ 4 minarets, is a symbol of Hyderabad. It was built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, 5th ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, to celebrate the end of a deadly plague.

The Charminar bazaar

Built with granite and lime mortar

Entrance is expensive, 300 Rupees for a foreigner

149 winding steps that could fit one person at a time.

Famous Nimrah Bakery that serves Iranian tea and its homemade biscuits

Nimrah bakery was heavenly. Not so heavenly when we had to stand and have our hot Iranian tea. We had tents over our heads though. I must say this is the best tea I have ever tasted under the hot sun!!! We even bought biscuits to take away. Too good not to have extras in the hotel.

Laad bazaar -Bangles and Sarees

We enjoyed the Charminar very much. We found the climb challenging but was rewarded with a great view of the streets and colorful bazaars. We were asked to take photographs by groups of young people. We probably looked either like aliens or super stars!!! Quite honored though. 

Pu Yuen Hokkien Restaurant

Pu Yuen is a hidden gem. It looks like a deteriorated shack. Who would have ever thought that this place could cook up super delicious authentic Hokkien dishes! Well, visit Pu Yuen and find out for yourselves.

I have seen this place posted in social media so many times, however, it was only recently that I had an opportunity to hunt for it. And I did. It was quite an unbelievable sight even when I saw this place with my own eyes. Could this really be an eatery? Yupp!

It is quite homely once you are inside the restaurant. It is a humble set up; just about 10 tables. Write-ups from Chinese newspapers were on the wall. The menu (in Chinese) is also on the wall. Pu Yuen is famous for its sweet potato noodles and they are REALLY GOOD. They also serve a variety of authentic Hokkien dishes and a good variety of fish dishes as well.

Just look for SJK (C) Choong Wen in your Waze. If you are coming from Taman Desa, turn left into the arch and Pu Yuen is immediately on your left. You may find it difficult to park by the restaurant. I parked across the road, in front of the poultry factory. Whatever it is, when there is a will, there will always be a way!

Fried sweet potato noodles

Fried glass noodles

Fried glass noodles

Fried sweet potato noodles

Fried sweet potato noodles

Sweet potato leaves

Tofu

Qutb Shahi Tombs

I really enjoyed this heritage park although it is for the dead; the royal dead!

Located in the Ibrahim Bagh (garden precinct), here sits tombs and mosques built by various kings from the Qutb Shahi dynasty. 

There are actually 7 tombs dedicated to 7 Qutb Shahi rulers. However, this garden contains a lot more than 7 tombs. The rulers of Qutb Shahi had ruled Hyderabad for 170 years; started in the 16th century.
I could not differentiate the 7 tombs much as all of them, under a super hot sun, seemed similar to me! However, these tombs are of Persian, Hindu, Pathani and Deccani styles of architecture.

Imagine!
During that glorious age of Qutb Shahi dynasty, these tombs were grandly embellished with velvet canopies, carpets and chandeliers, and golden spires would mark the Sultans' tombs to distinguish them from the other royal family members.