What To Buy In Hyderabad, India

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 and will be the best gift for a special person.

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, and so, you can find plentiful souvenirs made out of Bidriware in many of the shops near the Charminar.

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.

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.

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

Photo is only for illustrative purposes

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

Photo is only for illustrative purposes

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, 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.