Hyderabad Diaries: Spice, Laughter, and Irreplaceable Memories

I'm basically a travel enthusiast, though have not travelled much yet. But to travel somewhere always is a delightful thing for me and the best and longest trip I had yet was the trip to Hyderabad with my collegemates and teachers. For many of you, this can be a very usual and simple occasion, but for me, who has got very little opportunities to fly out and visit places, that too with my friends beside, was a dream come true moment ! 

As mentioned earlier, the trip was to Hyderabad, which was decided by all the 31 students in my class and the staffs. The discussions on the trip started months ago as we needed to arrange the things as early as possible in the best and convenient way. And to be honest, I was actually not so interested in deciding Hyderabad as our destination. I was much interested in the other packages provided by the travel agency Appas Holidays, which include Coorg-Chikmangalur and Goa, as I felt there would be more exotic places to experience and activities. 

Well, the final decision was based on majority and we decided to go to Hyderabad on January 23rd 2024. We booked our train tickets and counted our days down to finally make it up.

After all ours awaitings, the day finally arrived and we all were over the moon to travel together. We, the 31 students along with our teachers, Sr. Sarupya (our HOD) and Megha ma'am, boarded the Sabari express on exactly 3.00 pm on 23rd of January and thus began our journey.

Train as always gave me curiosities and the experience gave me nostalgia of the time I used to travel on travel long back, during my childhood, to my uncle's place in Bangalore. We all actually vibed alot singing and laughing with my loved ones. It was a never-had experience for me and truly felt like leaving behind all my tensions and worries. The food we carried were prepared and packed by one of our loved teachers, Lavanya ma'am and it was heavenly delicious, that got off our hungers.

 

The night was too cold and it gave me chills, also by realizing that I'm finally travelling! 

The next day, we reached there exactly at 12.45 pm and yes; we touched our foot on the land of Nissam! It felt so surreal that our dreams have come true. We at first checked into the hotel we stayed and the rooms were shared by 4 members. On the same day, we went on for sight-seeing that afternoon.

The first place we visited was Birla Mandir. My whole focus was to enjoy the moments, along with capturing the visuals.

Unfortunately, electronic devices were prohibited inside. Yet, the art made me wonder of its magnificence! Our tour guide, Mr. Mojo (fondly called as Mojo chettan by us) explained about the temple further. Also, the architecture of the temple was so beautiful that made us wonder of it. 

Later on, we visited NTR gardens and tried some rides with friends. It was so adventurous that we enjoyed alot.

 

Then we visited Lumbini Park, where we went on boating on Hussain Sagar Lake.

 

Also there we saw a laser show which was mind blowing! We then saw the famous Amaraveerula Stupam of Telangana, Ambedkar Statue and the Secratariat.

 

We also went on shopping for pearls. Afterall, Hyderabad is the city of pearls right!

The next day began with a desi-vibe as we visited Golconda Fort. What a great monument it was!

 

My complete focus was on capturing its beauty through my lens, though I was not much satisfied. To climb the fort was really interesting and exciting. We then visited Salar Jung Museum, where there were a lot of interesting things to explore.

 

Yet, we couldn't explore much due the time limitations. After having the famous delicious Hyderabadi Biriyani that noon, we visited the industry, CCMB.

 

We saw a lot of advanced instruments and the works they perform there. Further, we went on shopping at the Kotty street, which is actually famous for thefts and pick-pockets. Although, we walked through the street and bought some jewelleries and accessories there.

 

The most interesting part was that I spoke in Hindi, though I was not so confident or fluent. I gave it a try and it was a proud moment for me!

The next day was the most-awaited day for me. Our destination was Ramoji Rao Film City; the paradise for movie lovers! Being a cinephile, I was so thrilled to see the locations of many of my favourite films.

 

And yes; we got the whole day to explore there! We reached there pretty early in the morning, yet having a lot of people, especially Malayalis around! We entered and explored various film sets and locations inside, among which the most exciting was the set of Baahubali.

 

What a great set it was! I managed to capture as much pictures as possible and we all took many photos together. Our lunch was arranged inside the film city, which we enjoyed really well. Later on, we saw various shows presented over there with utmost curiosity.

 

It was Republic Day and hence there was a parade presented that evening and there was a DJ night. What a great time it was! We all danced and vibed like never, that all our pains and worries were forgotten! Later when we left that place, I really felt like the day should've never end. For me, that was the best day of the trip!

The next day morning, we visited Charminar and Mecca Masjid.

 

There was a bangle street over there and we all shopped a lot there. Such a wonderful place it was! That noon, we boarded our train back. Exactly at 12.20 pm, we boarded the Sabari Express to return to Palakkad. And yes, our hearts were heavy thay we're leaving, but yet was satisfied that it is filled with a lot of things to remember. 

The travel back hence was also on train and the best part of it for me was my 'vibe-alone' time during nightfall, sitting near the window with the head leaned on and earphones playing my favourite songs. Trust me, I would have sat the whole night like that! 

We arrived at Palakkad the next day at 9.00 am and we landed back with heavy hearts and tears. We hugged each other and cried on each others' arms that the most memorable days are over now. On the way back home and for the next few days, all I had to talk about was about the trip and the places visited, with my family. Literally, I was just physically present here, but mentally still stuck at Hyderabad, especially at the Film City! 

It's been over a month now and when I go through my gallery, I could still smell and feel those moments. I'm so grateful to many, for making this possible; our parents, teachers, etc. Special thanks to Sr. Sarupya & Megha ma'am; you were so cheerful and supportive throughout the journey. And Mojo Chettan; we had a great time with your guidance. I'm sure, yours will be the first face to appear in our minds whenever we remember Hyderabad.

 

And thank you my friends! You made me enjoy and laugh alot. Hopefully we'll have a lot of fun and journeys in future too!

First journey is always a special experience  with lots of special memories. And Hyderabad, you hold a special place in my heart. The best part is that along with the visual experience, I laughed a lot with my loved ones, thus forgetting all my worries. You indeed was a therapy for me! I hope this to be a beginning for lot more in the future!🤞

Wish you all to have a great day.

Thank you :)