Charmed minar

by prateeti barua (India)

I didn't expect to find India

The bus dropped us in the hustle bustle of the city of Hyderabad. Streets lined with stores, life brimming at its seams, crowded cacophony of people in various garbs. We maneuvered through the tiny streets blocked with traffic of cars, bikes, hawkers selling various foods and jwellery items at discounted price. Clothes in the stores were brimming out the streets hung in hangers. It felt like a river of humans. I was all too divulged in absorbing the aroma and vibe of the market and dodging debris strewn in the roads. I was in Charminar Market in Hyderabad. As the clock struck 1:30pm the afternoon azaan was blared from the speakers of the Maszid. After asking around we all found the ever so pretty Charminar. The best thing to buy in the market are pearl jwelleries, one can find shops in a large number and perfumes sold in pretty little glass bottles. And in the jumble of craziness and crowd one can find some gems for eating. Just opposite the magnificent Charminar, we all went to a restaurant or more like house in shambles. The storefront could be seen with cooks, cooking paranthas, masala dosas. All half hearted in unable to find a better restaurant we all settled there and we had one of the best Hyderabadi Biryani and amalgamation of rice, spices, meat and love. It was one good bowl of love. The market boasts places where one can find Irani Chai, Galoti Kebab and amazing biryanis. Fruits in very less price and a lot of variations. The Charminar stands as the testament of time, craftsmanship and the cities rich history. The very steep stairs will definiy take ones breath aways but it wall worth it at the top floor where one can see the market in nearly it's entirety and a beautiful mosque nearly that is compared to Jama Masjid in Delhi. It was unexpected to find such gems hiding in nooks and corners.