Anybody who has been on a tour of India knows there is plenty to explore. The country's rich history and culture has left it with many hidden gems, including Hyderabad's Old City. Replete with centuries-old buildings and populated with street vendors around every corner, the city's historic center is perfect if you're looking for a unique experience inside India.
Hyderabad is located in the southeast portion of India, and its Old City dates as far back as the 1590s, and many of the buildings located there are among the visually striking in India. There are many landmarks you should visit during your time in Hyderabad, but you can not leave without stopping by the Mecca Masjid.
An enormous mosque, the Mecca Masjid was completed in 1694 and is one of the biggest buildings of its kind in India. The mosque can house approximately 10,000 worshipers and stands as tall as 75 feet high in some places, making for an impressive center of the Old City.
In addition to visiting some of the most historic buildings in the Old City, you should also make a point to sample some of the local cuisine. Hyderabad uses a somewhat different blend of herbs and spices than the rest of the country, and no tour of India is complete without having some of the local fare. Specifically, you should try some of the Hyderabadi biryani - a rice dish made with chicken or lamb.
Before leaving Hyderabad's Old City, a visit to one of the section's bazaars is a must. The city has been a hub of trading activity for centuries, a tradition which has carried over to its many colorful shopping markets today.
