hyderabad
Hyderabad is the second largest city in Sindh. It was founded in 1768 by Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro upon the ruins of a Mauryan fishing village, along the bank of the Indus River, known as Neroon Kot. The last Battle of Amir Talpur and the British took place in the city in 1843. Before the creation of Pakistan, it was known as the Paris of India or "Paris of Sindh", as its roads used to be washed with river water.
Hyderabad has been a staging point for literary campaigns particularly oriented towards the Sindhi language and the birthplace of a number of influential poets and Sufi dervishes. Rich with culture and tradition, the city is the largest bangle producer in the world and serves as a transit hub between rural and urban Sindh. It is also home to one of the oldest universities in the region, the University of Sindh. Traditionally, old city buildings are topped by ‘Manghu’ or ‘badgir’ which are wind-catchers fixed on housetops and look like chimneys on roof tops. They catch the cool breeze which blows steadily from south-west during the hot summer days. |
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The breeze entering the wind-catchers would penetrate into the room and keep it cool. Due to the numerous wind catchers, Hyderabad became famous as manghan jo shaharu or the city of wind catchers. This tradition started to wane with the advent of electricity during World War II.
How to Get There
Fly:
Fly to Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, from any domestic or international location and drive to Hyderabad. |
Train:
Take a train to Hyderabad or Kotri railway Station from almost all Pakistani cities and towns. Travel time varies on train's speed and stops. Railway Schedule |
Drive:
Take the M-9 highway from Karachi. Take N-5 or N-55 highway from north or northwestern regions. Take N-120 highway from Thar. |
Sights |
Pacco Qillo or Pakka Qilla or Hyderabad Fort, is an early modern fort constructed on the hillock by Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro around 1768.
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Kacha Qila is also called Makki Shah Qila as there is a shrine inside the fort. The fort was built by Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro using unbaked clay bricks.
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Tombs of Talpur Mirs (also called Cubbas and Miran ja Quba) are a collection of tombs of the ruling Talpur Mirs of Sindh, who reigned from 1784 to 1843.
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Tomb of Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro (1757-1772) is a religious shrine and burial place of Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro - founder of Hyderabad.
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Food
Bombay Bakery is over 100 years old and is renowned as one of the best bakers in the world. Their most famous cakes are Coffee Cake and Macaron Cake.
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Hyderabad's famous specialty sweet made from milk since 1948. They also serve other sweets: Halway, other kinds of Rabri, Doodh Dulhari, Lab e Shireen, Ras Malaee, Sugar-free Rabri, etc.
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Royal Taj Restaurant (RT)
Royal Taj Restaurant, Autobhan Rd, is an upscale restaurant. Menu consists of Pakistani, Barbecue, Chinese and Continental.
Ph: +92 22 381202/3/4, and +92 22 111-555-825 |
Midway Hill Restaurant
Midway Hill Restaurant, National Highway (Opposite Central Jail), is an economical restaurant serving Pakistani food.
Ph: +92 22 2610205 |
De Gravity
De Gravity located on Main Autobhan Road, Latifabad is a fine dining restaurant cafe serving continental food. It is popular with young people.
Ph: +92 22 3821349 |
Fried Kur'ro Fish
Find fried fish near Giddu Chowk area near overhead railway crossing at the end of Thandi Sarak.
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Pallo Fish
Grilled Pallo Fish at the Jamshoro bridge food stalls (Al-Manzar Restaurant) on the banks of River Indus.
Pallay jo Pulao is rice with Pallo Fish. |
Shopping
Shahi Bazar is one of the longest bazaars in Asia, running about 2km long. It starts from Pakka Qila and ends at Market Tower. Adjacent are Resham Gali and Chhotki Ghitti.
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New Hala Handicrafts
New Hala Handicrafts, located at City Gate, is a large shop dedicated to quality handicrafts and souvenirs of Sindh - especially Ajrak and Sindhi caps.
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