My Hyderabad Chronicles
I went to Hyderabad over the last weekend to attend the HYREX 2015 Renewable Energy expo and write about some interesting solar/renewable energy-based products/companies I found there in my renewable energy blog. I completed my work in one day, and had one and a half days left! So I thought why not meet some blog/author friends? That’s what I did 🙂
First, I met the popular author Rasana Atreya. She is perhaps the most popular Indie-published fiction writer in India. In spite of having a busy schedule, she spoke to me for 1.5 hours! We spoke a lot about fiction writing, publishing tools, book marketing, etc. Did you know her daughter is already an author of a children’s book and her son is the illustrator/cover designer for the same? Literary talent runs across the family, I guess! 🙂
Then I met the aspiring author and a fellow blogger, Manogna. While there, I ate the special Gajar Halwa prepared by her mom and loved it! For some reason, the interaction turned out to be very humorous and I am sure all of us had a lot of fun 🙂
Then I met the “Knowledge Powerhouse” Ushasri. This was the right opposite of the previous meet and we had serious discussion on diverse topics ranging from literature & life to solar energy. Usha can just talk about any topic under the sun and you know what – she can speak many languages.
Here are photos from two popular restaurants I visited while in Hyderabad:
Chutneys, Hyderabad: (Excellent food, Decent ambiance Good value for money)
Basera, Secunderabad: (Good food, Excellent ambiance, Expensive)
I used Airbnb.co.in to book a home stay. It was a good experience as I was able to live with a family in Hyderabad who, for a little extra cost, even provided me with healthy home cooked meals. In fact, a neighbor brought in food cooked at his home one night and all of us ate food together in the dining table. I spoke for a long time with each member of the family, and we spoke about various things. Uncle even suggested how I could save money by using buses on some routes, instead of auto.
There were two small issues I faced – this particular house/accommodation was my third choice. Before that, one person did not respond, and another said he was unable to accommodate me on the days I was there. So one needs to book in advance anticipating these delays.
Another minor issue was, I had to wait for 30 minutes outside the house as the family had gone out when I had come back. But since there was a park and a tea shop nearby, I went there and chilled out 🙂 Not a big deal, really.
I think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of home stays during travel. So based on my experience (only one though) I think you too can give it a try.
Destination Infinity
I am glad you had a good time and able to meet fellow bloggers in Hyderabad.
Thanks. This year, I plan to travel to four cities for the RE expos there. So I guess I can plan to meet more ppl. over time 🙂
Destination Infinity
Glad your Hyderabad visit went well. Its always nice to meet one’s blog and writing buddies. Have heard a lot about home stays. My cousin brother is a big fan of home stays and keep suggesting I give it a try once.
It’s good and a different experience. But it’s more like staying in a relatives place, and hence we can’t expect professional services like what we find in hotels. Occasionally, when we have the time, I guess home stays should be fine.
Destination Infinity
I ca n see you enjoyed this trip! It is nice to meet fellow bloggers whom until then you knew them only through their writings! It was nice meeting you here, at home, Rajesh! Enjoy meeting more people!
Same here, Maami. I was happy to meet you after so many years of knowing you through blogs, even though we live in the same city! I think I was a bit reserved earlier, but after becoming an author, I have (sort of) come out of my shell 🙂
Destination Infinity
yup. I think we talked so many things which made us laugh.
That’s why even i felt i was not meeting you for the first time.
🙂
good that you enjoyed your stay in Hyderabad.
I think it is about time i met the other blogger friends from my own city!
😛
I met a few blogger friends from my city, only a few months back. That is, after publishing my first book 🙂 It’s good that I am opening up and not so reserved, nowadays.
Destination Infinity
This looks like a pretty cool place.
Yes it was. Well, except the traffic 🙂
Destination Infinity
Hope you enjoyed your visit in Hyderabad …..!!! Yeah, chutneys is one of my favourite and suggest my friends to visit it!!!
Yes, Chutneys is a very good restaurant 🙂
Destination Infinity
Glad you enjoyed the trip along meeting fellow bloggers! I no need to say how it would feel as we have experienced in past… but i hope it is memorable with each. Nice to know you shared space with a family and make me wish for a stay similar like that 🙂
Drinking from copper tumble will increase the taste of water. I like having coffee in that and the plate, as well the place inviting
Yes, it was a great experience this time as there was a lot of interaction instead of the usual TV watching and sleeping kinda trips.
Destination Infinity
Wow! You had a good time at Hybd! Staying at Bed and Breakfast accommodations is mostly a good experience.
Once, we booked a B&B at Shimla and it was such a contrast from the pics shown on the web. I mean the pics were of their place only but it looked so glam and elegant in pics while in reality it was an ordinary house. The saving grace was that the food was awesome and the family were great hosts!
Yes, that can happen. I guess home-stay is more like staying in a relative’s house, and that alone makes the stay worthwhile!
Destination Infinity
excellent DI.. hey come over to punjab in first week of APril , I will be there then
I will try, Bik. I could have met you in Bangalore when you visited the place before a couple of years. But sometimes work keeps us rooted in one place. Only this year I have started traveling, that too for work!
Destination Infinity
wow you are meeting so many bloggers these days. We should meet someday, hopefully 🙂
I don’t have a passport. So the only option to meet is when you come to India 🙂
Destination Infinity
Beautiful photos.
Mouth watering photos!
I guess at least one of the photos is mouth watering, yes! 🙂
Destination Infinity
Love that Thali meals. And nice to hear about the home stay!
I too miss that Chutneys thali meals now. Need to go to Hyd again just for eating that! 🙂
Destination Infinity
Thanks for sharing…
I have noted Chutneys… Will visit when I go to Hyderabad next time!
Do visit. The food is good 🙂
Destination Infinity
I envy you for meeting some of my inspirations all in half a day! If at all you meet them again please give them a lot of love and praise from my side! Also the food pictures you have posted from hotels in Hyderabad are making my mouth water!