'''Hyderabad''' is a city in, Pakistan. It is the second largest city of Sindh, the "second less desirable Hyderabad."

The Hyderabad city takes its name from word _eHyder_f the title of Prophet Muhammad_fs cousin and son-in-law, Ali. Kalhora ruler, Mian Ghulam Shah built fort at the site of the old town of _eNirun Kot_f and gave it its name ? Hyderabad in mid 18th century. The city was made capital of Sindh under Kalhoras. It expanded, progressed and flourished more under the later Talpur rulers.

Traditionally, old city buildings are topped by _eManghu_f or _ebadgir_f which looks like chimneys on roof tops. They catch the cool breezes which blow steadily from south-west to north-east during the hot summer days beginning in late April. In few old sections of the town, cows still roam the streets giving it a distinctly medieval atmosphere.

Get in

Hyderabad can be reached from Karachi, where the international airport is located by (1) buses, (2) rented cars and taxis, (3) trains. Travel time by road through better and preferred _eSuper Highway_f is about two hours, whereas travel time through the road via Thatta is about three and half hours. Some travelers may prefer to come Hyderabad via Thatta as this picturesque historical city of Sindh is included in World Heritage List of UNESCO. Trains to Hyderabad start from _eCity_f and _eCant_f Train Stations of Karachi.

Travelers, coming from the north of Pakistan can come through (1) trains or (2) by road (buses or cars) through National Highway (on left side of River Indus) or Indus Highway (on right side of the River Indus). Travelers coming from Lahore, Punjab, would prefer to come through National Highway or by Lahore - Karachi trains, whereas travelers coming from Quetta, Balochistan would prefer to use Indus Highway or Quetta - Karachi trains.

Travelers from India can reach Hyderabad through train. The train from Indiain town of Monabao would enter Sindh near Khokhrapar and then reach Hyderabad via Mirpurkhas. Or one can stop at Mirpurkhas and then travel by road to Hyderabad.

Get around

In Hyderabad one can go to different parts of the city and suburbs by rented cars or taxis. Within city auto rickshaws provide cheap and quick transportation. Local buses are alternate cheap way to go to different areas, however, the bus system is not well developed and difficult for outside visitors to follow. Visitors should preferably take taxi for city tour and for going from one place to another auto rickshaws are fine (provided one is not afraid of dusty environment as there are no doors in auto rickshaws). Suzuki passenger pick-ups are yet another means of transport within city limits. This is however, more preferred way for going to Jamshoro, where University of Sindh, Institute of Sindhology and its museum and Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS) is located. The main and the largest tertiary care hospital of Sindh, outside Karachi, the LUMHS Hospital or the Jamshoro Hospital, as it is commonly known as, is also located in Jamshoro and accessible through these passenger pick-ups.

See

'''Hyderabad Fort (Packo Qilo)''': The fort built by Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro is the best landmark of the Hyderabad and a 'must see' for visitors.

'''Rani Bagh''' is the most famous park of the city.

In the north of the city are the '''tombs of the Talpur Mirs''' and the '''Kalhora rulers'''. The '''tomb of Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro''' is one of the finest, although its dome collapsed and has now been replaced by a flat roof.

Also worth to visit is the '''Institute of Sindhology Museum''' at the University of Sindh. It has dioramas which display many aspects of Sindhi history, heritage, music and culture. Some very interesting dioramas depict the lifestyles of the desert tribes of Thar and Kohistan.

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Do

In Hyderabad one can do many things. Some of these include:

'''Hyderabad Fort''' or _ePacko Qilo_f: One of the 'must do' in Hyderabad is to see the historic Hyderabad Fort or _ePacko Qilo_f. Though the _ePacko Qilo_f is not well maintained and in worst condition due to negligence, it is something one must not miss to see from outside. There is nothing to see inside as most of the area inside the compound has been inhabited by people who migrated from India in mass exchange of populations in 1947. The main gate of the fort and one building of the Talpur Mirs is still there for visitors to see and take photographs.

'''Sindh Museum''': The Sindh Museum has many nice items on display which depict the history and heritage of Sindh and Indus Valley Civilization. Items from various ruling periods of Sindh, including Sama, Soomra, Kalhora and Talpur periods can be found in the museum.

'''Old Houses of Hirabad and Amil Colony''': These areas are not well kept and victim of unorganized haphazard development in post-1947 period. However, one can still see the buildings or pre-1947 times with wonderful architecture and facades. The streets of these areas were washed with water containing rose and sandalwood essences in pre-1947 British times.

'''The River Indus''': See the River Indus, especially in the months of late July and August, when it flows full and weather is cloudy due to Monsoon season. It is worth to go there and eat fried or grilled _ePallo_f fish.

'''Badshahi Bungalow (Kings Bungalow)''': It is wonderful palace of Prince Mir Hassan Ali Khan Talpur, the son of the last ruler of Hyderabad, His Highness Mir Naseer Khan Talpur. It is owned by one of his descendent. His permission and appointment is required to see it from inside. However, one can see it from outside anytime. It is located a Tando of Talpur Mir near Latifabad Unit No. 4. If one can get appointment, one can have chat with Talpur Mirs and also see the palace from inside.

'''Resham Ghiti''' and '''Shahi Bazaar''': The visitor of Hyderabad must go to see and shop in these narrow lane bazaars which are several kilometers long . The word Shahi is derived from the word 'Shah' which means 'kings'. This bazaar is known as Shahi Bazaar because it was first established by Kalhora ruler who, when changed the capital of Sindh from Khudabad to Hyderabad, persuaded many traders to come and start trading at this bazaar. It starts from the very gate of the Packo Qilo Fort and extends up to the Naval Rai Clock Tower. The Reshm Ghati is lateral extension of Shahi Bazaar. Large variety of glass bangles, Sindhi 'Kundan' gold jewellery as well as imitation jewellery can be bought from Resham Ghiti.

A similar extension of Shahi Bazaar, albeit with different kind of shops is the Chhotki Ghiti, located at some distance from the ReshamGhiti. Electronics,electric items and crockery shops can be found in the Chhotki Ghiti.

'''The Bombay Bakery''': In Hyderabad, a visit to the Bombay Bakery is 'a must'. Try its speciality cakes. The Macaroon cake is their speciality, however, plain cake, coffee and chocolate cakes are equally wonderful in taste. One can keep these cakes for two weeks or more. Many bakeries have tried to copy the flavor and taste of the Bombay Bakery cakes but failed. They also make three types of cookies. The Bombay Bakery is located at a very convenient place in the Cantonment Shopping area.

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    Buy

  • Ajrak
  • Sindhi topi (traditional cap)
  • Embroidery
  • Handicraft
  • '''Garbi''' cloth
  • '''Lungi''' cloth
  • Glass bangles
  • '''Kundan''' gold Jewellery
  • Imitation jewellery
  • Sindhi '''Jandi''' Furniture (lacquered with mostly red color background with many designs in the foreground)
  • Eat

  • '''Bombay Bakery cakes'''
  • Grilled '''Pallo Fish''' at the Jamshoro bridge food stalls on the banks of River Indus
  • '''Pallay jo Pulah''' is rice with Pallo Fish
  • Fried '''Kur'ro Fish'''
  • Chicken '''Karhai''' - the most common fried chicken in the city
  • Lamb '''Sajji''' in nearby Tando Adam town (little more than one hour driving distance)
  • Rabri (Hyderabad's famous speciality sweet - plenty of shops around City Gate)
  • Drink

  • '''Thadhal''' drink. However, make sure the water used is filtered and ice used is clean.
  • Sleep

    There are many cheap hotels in Hyderabad. Main hotels suited for foreign tourists are (1) Hotel Indus (costly), (2) Hotel Faran (moderate), (3) Hotel City Gate (economical and fine), and (4) Hotel Ritz. For within country visitors, there are many very cheap hotels near train station and in 'Gaddi Khatto' area.

    Get out