Vignettes of its 400-year-old history present themselves behind the very corner as you trawl the streets of Hyderabad.

The Sound and Light Show at the legendary Golconda Fort unspools the history of Hyderabad and its fate at the hands of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who plundered its legendary treasure. The Golconda mines, you will recall, were famous for their diamonds.

While waiting for the show to begin, head for the nearby Qutb Shahi necropolis. It’s interesting to note that the final resting place of Hyderabad’s Qutb Shahi rulers’ features tombs commissioned and designed by the kings themselves.

Find any excuse but do visit the gorgeous Falaknuma Palace, now converted into the glamorous Taj Falaknuma Palace Hotel. Though the commissioned and beautifully furnished and owned by the Paiga noble, Viqar ul-Umara, who was the Prime Minister, he willingly transferred it over to an envious Nizam, Mir Mahbub Ali Khan, as a loyal servant! Chowmohalla, a smaller but exquisite palace built on the lines of Shah of Iran’s palace, has been refurbished entirely and is a venue for cultural events in the city.

Feed the pigeons in the courtyard of the Mecca Mosque, the largest mosque in the country, built by Sultan Muhammad Qutb Shah. It is named so because it features bricks brought from the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia for its central arch. Commissioned by the Qutub Shah rulers, its construction was only completed by the Mughal Aurangzeb in 1694.

The Salar Jung Museum is a smashing place to browse over the enormous private collection of the Nizam Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, Salar Jung III. Feast your eyes on the star attraction— the Nizams’ Jewels—173 pieces, including the 184-carat Jacob Diamond and 22 uncut Columbian emeralds. Also notable are the Chinese porcelain and the statues of the Veiled Rebecca and Marguerite, and Mephistopheles.

Hyderabad city, few may be aware, is listed as a UNESCO creative city of gastronomy. Long revered by foodies for its culinary delights, its greatest temptations are its biryani, a dish which is a delectable mix of meat and rice cooked with spices, and the best Halim.

Retail therapy in Hyderabad takes on an even richer meaning when you step into Laad Bazaar – a paradise for the shopaholic. Located in the old city, it is a treasure trove of delights. A string of exquisite pearls for your neck, lac bangles for your wrist and a gorgeous patola /pochampalli saree and you are all set for a night on the tiles.

Visit Pochampalli, a little village 45km from Hyderabad, and meet with members of the Padamshali and Devangas community who craft ikat weaves and dyes.