Hyderabad, India is the capital of the Indian state of Telangana. It is a metropolitan city, attracting both leisure travellers and business travellers alike. A city touted as an emerging industrial hub; it still retains its unique traditions and cultures from the past. Colourful marketplaces, delicious cuisine, and beautiful landscapes make Hyderabad a wonderful place to visit.
Amongst other things, visitors flock to see the architectural marvel of the Golconda Fort. A fortress built in previous dynasties, it is a testament to the city’s glorious past. The cenotaphs of the seven Qutub Shahi rulers are another attraction. The tombs are decorated with stunning chandeliers and spiralling golden spires. These elegant beauties are a key Hyderabad attraction. Of course, the street markets of Hyderabad with its bustling, colourful stalls are their attraction. Most of the markets are clustered around the Charminar, an area with landmark heritage buildings. Each bazaar has its special character and product. With wholesale prices, everything is affordable. So where to go and what to buy in Hyderabad? Let this guide help you out!
1. Hyderabadi pearls
Hyderabad is considered the main centre for pearls, and there is even a village called Chandanpet on the outskirts of the city that has generations of craftsmen dedicated to drilling pearls into the perfect, exquisite shape. Therefore, it goes without saying that if you or your loved ones love pearls and jewellery, then Hyderabadi Pearls is a must-have. Sparkling and usually white, they come cast in different types of jewellery. They can also be amazing gifts for a special person as you explore the best romantic places in Hyderabad.
Krishna Pearls And Jewellers
Address: Shop No. 6-3-883/2/3, Near Topaz Building, Greenlands Road, Panjagutta, Hyderabad, 500082, India
Opening hours: 9.00am to 9.00pm
Website: Krishna Pearls And Jewellers
Prices: USD 50 to USD 200 depending on the number of pearls.
2. Bidri work
Bidri work is a craft that uses Bidriware. Bidriware is a metal formed from an alloy of zinc and copper inlaid with thin sheets of pure silver. Known as a symbol of wealth since its use by the sultans of the past, the unique metal is a popular export item of India and is made into many different items, including tableware and jewellery. Hyderabad is one of the main two export centres of Bidriware,. You can find plentiful souvenirs made out of Bidriware in many of the shops near the Charminar, which is also one of the historical places in Hyderabad.
Bidri Crafts
Address: Gun Foundry, Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad, Telangana 500001, India
Opening hours: 11.00am - 9.00pm (closed on Sunday)
Website: Bidri Crafts
Prices: USD 7 for a bangle to USD 200 for a vase.
3. Lac bangles
Lac bangles are made out of natural lac. The craftwork takes a lot of effort for the lac to be heated, shaped, and then the colour is applied to it. Normally embellished with pearls, semi-precious stones, mirrors, beads, the intricacy of the artwork depends on the designer, and so lac bangles can vary in price depending on the designer. The process requires great precision, and many women revere them for the beautiful colours and melodious clanging sounds they make as the wearer moves about.
Hyderabad Bangles
Address: 1232, Laad Bazaar Road, Near Charminar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002, India
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 11.30am - 11.00pm, Sunday 12.30pm - 11.00pm
Website: Hyderabad Bangles
Prices: USD 2 whereas the most elaborate one can cost USD 20.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
I recommend that you buy these colorful lac bangles at the Abids and Koti markets for prices equal to a hot cup of chai! A note of caution: though the bangles are sturdy, if you hit your against something really hard, say a wall, the impact might break these bangles. So ensure that you don't wear them while doing strenuous or outdoor activities.
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4. Kalamkari printed fabric
Kalamkari is a handprinted or block printed cotton textile. Designs are skillfully printed in organic colours that are extracted from tree bark, flowers, and plant roots. Prints usually depict sunny flowers and grassy vines, but can also depict religious icons from the famous Hindu epics. A comfortable material, it is worth buying the fabric for your own clothing or buying a ready-made sari in Kalamkari fabric.
Kalamkari Fabrics & Handloom Sarees
Address: H.no.17-1-391/v/46, Opposite to Sri Saraswathi Sisu Mandir High School, Saraswathi Nagar, Saidabad, Hyderabad, India - PIN 500059
Opening hours: 10.00am to 1.00pm & 4.00pm to 10.00pm
Website: Kalamkari Fabrics & Handloom Sarees
Prices: Depending on the design, it can cost USD 20 for a simple saree to USD 300 for a more elaborate one.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
If shopping is your therapy, I suggest visiting Shilparamam and Begum Bazar for beautiful Kalamkari dresses, blouses and more. Kalamkari dresses are especially great for the summer, since the cloth is usually made of cotton, and the print is created using natural vegetable dyes, which your skin will thank you for. The apparel is often stitched by local tailors; so you'll be supporting small businesses when making the purchases at Shilparamam and Begum Bazar. So, enjoy window shopping or take some bright and scintillating dresses back home for your family and friends!
5. Khada dupatta
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Khara dupatta is an elaborate wedding outfit that comprises a tunic and extra-long slim pants, with a veil. It is the traditional wedding dress of Muslim brides in Hyderabad. A very elegant dress that is draped on the wearer, not just brides-to-be gets to wear. Many in Hyderabad also custom make this dress to wear for weddings and formal events.
Khada Dupatta
Address: Masab Tank 500028 Hyderabad
Website: Khadadupatta
6. Osmania biscuit
Delicious Osmania biscuits are a type of tea biscuits in Hyderabad. Named after the last Asaf Jahi ruler, Mir Osman Ali Khan, he was also the inspiration of the snack as he wanted something sweet and salty which resulted in the creation of these cookies. Now, it is sold everywhere in cafes and people eat them with their evening chai. A box of these biscuits will surely delight even the pickiest guest.
Subhan Bakery
Address: Bazaar Ghat Main Road | Next to Asha Medicals, Nampally, Hyderabad 500001, India
Opening hours: 10.00am-11.00pm
Website: Subhan Bakery
Prices: USD 2 for a box of 1 kg biscuits.
7. Pootharekulu
This traditional sweet is wrapped in a wafer-thin paper-like starch layer and filled with sugar, dry fruits and nuts. A unique product made by the women of Atreyapuram village, the cooking of the sweet is a continuous process of heating and soaking, with the final product supplied to sweet manufacturer all over the Telegu states. A delicious treat for visitors, this is one sweet treat not to be missed.
G. Pulla Reddy
Address: 5 - 8 - 656 Nampalli Station Road, Hyderabad 500001, India
Opening Hours 9am-1130pm
Website: G. Pulla Reddy
Prices:USD$0.25 per kilogram
8. Gongura pickle
Gongura pickle is made from the green leaves of the Roselle plant and is commonly known as sour spinach. A mainstay of the traditional Telugu cuisine, it is usually eaten with chutney or relish. This pickle is commonly eaten not just in Hyderabad, but in many states in India. A jar of these pickles can certainly spice up your taste buds.
Deccan Achar
Address: Nampally Market Rd, Nampally Market, Bazar Ghat, Nampally, Hyderabad, Telangana 500001, India
Opening Hours: 9.00am to 11.00pm
Website: Deccan Achar
Prices: USD 2.70 per kg
9. Attar
Ittar (another name: attar) is an essential oil extracted from natural sources. These oils are used as natural perfumes. They are distilled first into sandalwood and then aged. The perfumes are traditionally sold in tiny crystal bottles known as itardans and can be customised based on your favourite scents. A customary gift by nobles of the past to their guests, now you can also buy them at most gift shops around Hyderabad for your own guests.
Nizam Attar Perfumes
Address: Mahboob Chowk, Khilwat, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002, India
Opening hours: 8.30am - 10.00pm
Website: Nizam Attar Perfumes
Prices: Depending on the number of scents, anywhere from USD 10 to USD 100.
10. Pochampally sarees
Pochampally saree are well-known for their bright dyes, that are a result of the special Ikat style of dyeing. Painstakingly painted in geometric patterns on natural woven fabrics, the Pochampally saree makers are highly revered throughout the textile industry for their meticulous, creative workmanship. A unique present for the visitor to take away from Hyderabad, these sarees when worn will have you admired by many.
Pochampally Ikkath Sarees
Address: Boodhan Pochampally, Nalgonda District, Telangana 508284, India
Opening Hours: 9.00am - 9.00pm
Website: Pochampally Ikkath Sarees
Prices: Depending on the complexity of the designs, from USD 150 to USD 300.
Hyderabad, India - a bustling city of food, jewelry, textiles
Indeed, Hyderabad is well renowned for many things - be it food, jewellery or textiles, even the most discerning visitor will leave feeling truly enraptured by the variety of local products available. In the midst of globalisation, the city has continued to retain its own distinctive cultural flavour, and so you will not find products here that can be bought easily anywhere else. This makes the city a worthwhile place to visit for your weekend getaway, to learn about its glorious past but also to try your bargaining skills or refine your artistic taste in the many shops selling wonderful products here.
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