North and South, though seemingly opposites, possess a magnetic charm that draws them together. I will not lie — being a North Indian traveller, I love visiting South India. Both places offer us a story of contrasts, each complementing and enriching the other. Let me share with you my recent story of visiting the South Indian city of Hyderabad. Come, let my take you through my journey!
*All pictures are subject to copyright – clicked by Deeksha Sharma
Whenever I’ve been a part of conversations discussing some of the best cities in India, I was always recommended to visit Hyderabad at least once. Being a Delhiite, I had already seen and experienced the ‘happy and happening’ vibe of Delhi, but to visit and experience the vibe of Hyderabad was a very unique experience for me.
Comparing Delhi and Hyderabad can be quite fascinating, especially from the perspective of a North Indian exploring the charms of South India. Recently, I visited Hyderabad and experienced this city firsthand.
Just like me, here are five aspects you might consider reflecting upon:
1. Language and Communication
Human connection transcends language barriers through gestures, smiles and acts of kindness. As a Delhi girl travelling to Hyderabad, I had a fun time noticing the difference in language and communication styles in Hyderabad.
While Hindi is widely spoken in Delhi, with English being commonly used for communication, Hyderabadis speak Telugu as their primary language, alongside Urdu, Hindi and English.
Appreciating the linguistic diversity of India, I felt great exploring the nuances of language and communication in Hyderabad. I never faced any problems in communicating with anyone here as a lot of people also communicated in Hindi. I strongly feel that compassion often bridges the linguistic gap between people.
2. People
It’s never fair to use an adjective or put a tag on the native people of a city. I believe that every city has a mix of people — the good and the not-so-good.
People from Delhi are often praised for their ‘big heart’ — which is true but not completely! Since a lot of people migrate to Delhi for work opportunities and better lifestyle, not everyone who stays in the city reflects the identity of a true ‘Dilliwala / Dilliwali’ (Delhiite).
Similarly, Hyderabadis are welcoming and are known for their hospitality — I experienced this firsthand. But to say that all Hyderabadis are cordial would be an overstatement.
It’s the warmth, resilience and collective spirit of the people of a city that imbues a sense of belonging, making them the heart and soul of their city.
3. Cultural Diversity
Delhi reflects an integration of different cultures. On the other hand, Hyderabad is steeped in the rich heritage of the Nizams, evident in its majestic Charminar, Golconda Fort and the intricate craftsmanship of the Salar Jung Museum.
You’ll also love visiting the Jagannath Temple in Banjara Hills and the Birla Mandir in Khairtabad. There’s also some good influence of Buddhism here and you should surely not miss visiting Lumbini Park, especially in the evening.
Both Delhi and Hyderabad reflect an integration of people, communities and cultures, offering a glimpse into the cultural diversity of India.
4. Food
As a North Indian traveller, the culinary experience in Hyderabad was a delightful surprise for me. While Delhi offers you the best chaat, chhole bhature, butter paneer and naan in the world, the iconic and aromatic Hyderabadi biryani is something that captures your taste buds and leaves an imprint on your palate.
Being a vegetarian, I realised that my dining options in Hyderabad were significantly less — but that is where I rely on one of my most favourite foods, dosa! When you’re in Hyderabad, you cannot miss eating the double ka meetha (sweet bread pudding). It’s a taste that I can relish forever.
Therefore, it would not be wrong to say that food transcends borders, languages and cultures, uniting people in a shared experience of taste and pleasure.
5. City and City Life
Delhi’s bustling streets, marked by its cosmopolitan vibe and fast-paced lifestyle, stand in slight contrast to Hyderabad’s laid-back charm. But it’s just a ‘slight’ contrast as both the cities have a lot in common like the bustling markets, vibrant nightlife and a mix of people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Though Delhi is often termed as one of the most polluted cities in India, I found Hyderabad no less. From the moment my airplane started preparing for landing to walking around the local streets in Hyderabad, I personally found the city had a huge air pollution problem.
Additionally, every big and small city has areas that are safe and unsafe for women (and men too). However, since I stayed in Hyderabad for less than a week, it would not be fair to generalise safety issues based on the very little time spent in this city.
Reflecting on the above aspects has enriched my travel experiences as I traversed from the North to the South. I do not think divisively between North and South India, however, I do acknowledge that both are unique in their own ways.
India, as a whole, is our cherished home, where each region contributes its unique essence to our collective identity.
Do you have a story from Hyderabad? If yes, with which city did you compare it with?
