Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Hyderabad

I just happened to go through my stash of photographs tonight. Well here are two of them which I want to share with you. Both are of the City of Hyderabad, a city which is more than 400 years old. The culture, languages spoken and the cuisine are unique to this city. This is a place which has a blend of both South Indian and North Indian cultures. But still it has evolved into a unique one of its own.
Actually Hyderabad is a twin city-Hyderabad and Secunderabad.


This is a lake which used to cater to the city's water requirement till some years back. But land grabbing and constructions obstructing the flow of rain water into this lake has drastically decreased the inflow of water , so much so that we had drought just two three years back.  This used to be a very famous and perhaps one of the few picnic spots we had. As a child we used to love to go there for picnics. Even now people do go there for picnics especially during the rainy season.  But it has lost its charm now and is much neglected spot.
This photograph was taken on a very cloudy day when we visited there. Every time I visit this place its quite nostalgic. I remember the picnics we had as children with our family, friends and relatives.
 
This is the lake man made, which connects the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. This was developed by one of our late Chief Ministers, Shri NT Rama Rao. On a bright sunny day, one can see the little boats sailing in the waters from the local sailing club. At nights, its is beautifully lit with lights, and has two flotels. During the summer, this place is thronged by masses who want to escape the confines of their flats and also to relax in the cool breeze.They sell ice creams, corn cobs and other such snacks. One one side we have Eat Street, which contains some small eateries. We also have various exhibitions conducted here; like the book fair, arts and crafts, kite festival and so on.