Hyderabad-shopping-guide

Hyderabad has been at the heart of India's commercial industry for centuries. Shopping in Hyderabad's various bazaars and outlets allows visitors valuable insight into the local culture, as well as the opportunity to hunt for unique gifts and beautiful souvenirs.

Hyderabad is famed for its exquisite pearls, which are often embellished with gold and silver. Basra pearl is the most popular pearl, and is unrivalled in terms of color and luster. Bidriware is another Hyderabad specialty, and the bidri studded bangles clink on the arms of ladies throughout the city.

Plates, trinkets and vases are also crafted from bidri, and make fantastic gifts. The market around Charminar is the best location for bidriware shopping. Bronze and silver goods are also of a high standard in Hyderabad, and aside from ornaments, it is possible to find all manner of goods crafted from these metals.

Locally embroidered textiles are incredibly eye-catching � the small pieces of reflective mirror sewn into the design add signature Hyderabad sparkle. This type of embellishment isn't confined to clothing; it can be found on cushion covers, bags, bedspreads and many other items. Ikat weaving is another local tradition, and an array of items on sale displays this attractive design.

Basheerbagh/Abids/Namphally

This area of Hyderabad is considered the city's main shopping district. Large showrooms display a wide range of jewelry, leather, textiles and handicrafts. This area is constantly busy, but weekends are the most congested.

Charminar

The markets in this area are the best place to shop for pearls. Hyderabad pearls come in many formats, from strings of the popular Basra pearl, to gold and silver bracelets studded with cultured pearls.

Laad Bazaar

This longstanding shopping center tucked away in the Old City is a thriving shopping arena. Shoppers can find bidriware, perfume, pearls and stone studded jewelry in Laad Bazaar. There are lots of bargains to be found as long as you are prepared to elbow your way through the crowds.

Banjara Hills/Jubilee Hills

This swanky suburb is home to Hyderabad's mall culture. Gleaming shopping complexes in this area stock all the big name brands. Malls are often quite busy, but offer a much more relaxed shopping experience than other areas.

Mahatma Ghandi Road

This large shopping district in the Secunderabad area of the city is home to a string of trendy boutiques and clothing emporiums. The General Bazaar and the Cloth Market are the most popular haunts for bargain hunters.

Sultan Bazaar

This busy commercial center covers the entire spectrum of shopping, from dazzling showrooms selling modern goods, to rudimentary street side vendors offering everything from silk to sweets.

Hyderabad shopping tips

There is no shortage of pearls in Hyderabad shops but the market is saturated with fakes, so shoppers need to exercise caution. It is important to recognize the feel of a genuine pearl.

High quality pearls are very smooth, round and reflective. Rubbing the pearl against your teeth is a good way to check the authenticity of the pearl: the real thing will feel gritty, while a fake pearl will glide across.

Bargaining is they key to getting a good price; insist on a 30 percent discount but if your skills are sharp you could find a 50 percent knock down is within reach.

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