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HYDERABAD
The seat of the erstwhile dynasty of Qutb Shah,
the city has two distinct personas. It is adorned
with historical forts, majestic palaces and grand
mosques in one half, and artificial lakes, modern
skyscrapers and gourmet restaurants in the
other. Climb up to the granite hill of Golconda
to admire the fort’s architectural beauty, walk
through the bustling streets of Old Hyderabad,
shop for the city’s namesake pearls and delve
into its delicious biryanis from Cafe Bahar or
Paradise. The location of Hyatt Hyderabad
Gachibowli, close to the airport, makes it the
perfect combination of access and comfort.
Another Hyatt hotel in the city, Park Hyatt
Hyderabad, located in the upmarket Banjara
Hills, is known for its stunning art, sumptuous
suites, a lavish spa and famous restaurants.LUCKNOW
The home of kebabs and nawabs, Lucknow,
deserves more attention than it gets. The capital
of India’s largest state, the city has the finest
architectural marvels from the Mughal era.
Visit the famous bhool-bhulaiya—a labyrinth
of narrow corridors—in Imambara, built in
1784, or stop over at Constantia built by French
General Claude Martin. Shop for chikankari
in the Chowk area or at SEWA that empowers
women through its business. If you haven’t had
enough mutton kebabs through the day, then
go to Azrak-Lebua or The Spice Factory for a
perfect fine dining experience. To make your
time in Lucknow more indulgent, stay at Hyatt
Regency Lucknow, located centrally. Enjoy its
two restaurants, lounge, and luxury spa—Siddh.While the city has its charms, nothing beats the
laid-back vibe of India’s smaller urban hubs.
You’ll love the warmth of genuine hospitality
as experienced in these quaint places, say
Divya Behl and Vikas Plakkot.
Small,
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A BIT ARTSY
With a rapidly growing art
scene, Hyderabad hosts some
outstanding art galleries. Visit Srishti Art
Gallery for contemporary Indian art and
the Kalakriti Art Gallery for not only its
artwork, but also a great
gastronomical experience
at its cafe.40 travelandleisureindia.in