The city of pearls, the city of nawabs, the city of Mughals, the capital of Biryani, the hub for Haleem, Irani Chai ka shehar, the metropolis with Charminar and the list goes on. This city of numerous exquisite things has many nametags always attached to it. It would be apt to call it ‘a living legend’.

Hyderabad is the fusion of two twin cities namely Hyderabad and Secundrabad. It has another elderly city living in the corner of the city, that is the old city. The old city is the historical element of Hyderabad and can be called the ‘real Hyderabad’. This city is 400 years old. The area south of the Musi River is what is referred to as the Old City. Its nucleus is the Charminar, a famed landmark and the symbol of the city. This is the part of the city where the Mughals lived and ruled from. Today, though the Mughal rulers don’t exist but the buildings and monuments built by them have been preserved by their offspring. The old city is amalgamation of things for which Hyderabad is known worldwide.

Firstly, this old city is known for its Laad Bazaar. This market has a huge range of bangles made up of glass, lac, metals, semi-precious stones and pearls. Among all, lac and pearl bangles are the most sought out ones. These bangles are in demand everywhere, but you can buy them only in the lane beyond Charminar. It becomes very difficult for a person to pick and choose from several colourful bangles. The price is also cool, that is only if you bargain. A person who is good at bargaining can purchase these bangles at half the price that was originally quoted.

Next to bangles is the Zardosi Embroidery done here. It is handmade embroidery and both young girls and older women do it to earn their living. Beautiful shararas are made by doing Zardosi Embroidery. Sharara is a bridal dress and can also be worn for special occasions.

Shararas can be named as the traditional bridal dress of the Muslims here. Its top is usually long, knee length. Ghaghra is the bottom with a heavily embroided Dupatta. Heavy embroidery is one phrase that describes shararas. When talking of Hyderbadi attire, how can we leave Khada Dupattas? These Dupattas have heavy embroidery and sitar work done on it. These are usually worn on plain Salwar Suits. It is the Mughal style of dressing.

The Surma, that is the residue left after burning charcoal is also sold in the lanes of the old city. The Surma man of Gulzar Hauz applies different kinds of kohl to your eyes depending on the ailment for which you have come to see him. Medicinally Surma is supposed to be good for eyes. It stabilizes eyesight and removes dust from the eyes.

Another attribute of this happening city is its staggering variety of pearls - cultured, white seed, coloured seed, button coloured rice, round, flower and coloured. Whole range of pearls can be found in one single line of shops in the old city. Pearl from all over the world are said to come to Hyderabad because the artisans here are skilled in piercing and stringing pearls without damaging them.

But it is not only pearls that the Old City has to offer. It is a fantastic market of Itars and Perfumes that will make you smell and feel nice. They come in various kinds of fragrances like jasmine, rose, chameli, light lemon, lily etc. These Itars and Perfumes are famous throughout the country.

Trust me guys once you taste it, I bet you will want more of it. Mornings in Hyderabad start with drinking this Irani Chai, which energizes the soul; that is what people say here. There is a unique way of drinking this tea. It should be poured in the saucer and then drunk making shhhlurpp noise. I know it sounds a bit weird, but people say in order to savor its original taste, it should be drunk in that way. After food and drinks, dessert is the only thing left unmentioned. Pulla Reddy sweets are one of the favorites known for its different varieties. These sweets are specially made in pure ghee that makes the sweets taste rich and heavenly. Besides this sweet shop, one more kind of sweet dish is available in the old city, Pheni. Pheni is had with milk or else with sugar sprinkled on it. Also, a sweet dish is made out of it.

Finally, embroidery jootis with sitar work done on it are sold here. These jootis when worn with salwar kameez add a royal touch to one’s attire. A very indianised look is the best part of it.

In short, if a person goes back without visiting the old city, then as I mentioned the list imagine what not would one miss. Do visit this lovely city to experience some hyderabadi life.