Wednesday, June 19, 2002

South India Tour - Hyderabad

18 June - Hyderabad 

Reached Hyderabad early morning. The water in the train had finished, so went to the 1st class waiting room on the railway station to freshen up. Kedia uncle, Bhaiya’s father in law, was there when I came out. I am bracing myself for formalities. Soon after then Vikas, brother in law, came and we all went to his house. He has a nice house in a nice locality. Shweta, Vikas’s wife, is really nice person (first time meeting her). Stayed home all day but went out in the evening for a little shopping.  It’s a nice bazaar but not that great. Came home, had dinner and slept!  Not much touring today. 

19 June - Hyderabad 

Had a good breakfast and made the program to see the museum and the fort today. 

Shweta, Bhaiya and I went to the bus station and took the bus to the museum. Saw the jewel show first. The collection was of the Nizam of old times. At one time, India was the sole producer of diamonds. And that is what is on exhibit here! Amazing jewelry. Now granted a lot of it was crudely cut, not shiny like we are used to seeing now, but nevertheless beautiful – and expensive! There was all sorts of jewelry – necklaces, rings, and crowns….and on and on. We finished around 1 pm. Waited for Vikash and then went to Rajdhani. Bought some chicken work suits and then had lunch. We had good lunch …. And good company. 

Then took an auto to Golconda Fort. 30 mins later we were there. The fort was quite broken down but still majestic. It was huge and went on forever and ever. I always wonder how people live in these stone forts. How did they decorate? On what did they sleep? What did they eat? And so many other questions. We walked up to the top, lots of stairs! Then just sat there and enjoyed the view of the city and the fort. We sat around till 6:30 pm until we could get the tickets for the light show. Each time we had to through some dark tunnels, the smell was awful from all the bats living there. I really wish they could charge some more money and keep the place clean. 



The night show was quite good. Very nice lights and sounds. The story telling was great. The fort was of a Hindu king and was destroyed by Mugals.  It did get a little windy and cold outside. 

After it was all over, went to the bus station and reached home by 9:30 pm. It was dinner and sleep after that. 

20 June - Hyderabad -> Bhubaneshwar

Got up in the morning and packed. Bhaiya was going back to USA while we were going to go on to Orissa. The entire day went at home eating and talking.  Papa and I were the first ones to leave by train (Bhaiya would be leaving next followed by aunty uncle). 

It was an overnight train to Bhubaneshwar. We were almost on the last leg of our IndRail pass. It was nice to have a few days left on it so we could get back to Dehra Dun in time.

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