Hyderabad: How and where to spend 24 hours

Hyderabad the 450-year-old historical city founded by the Qutub Shahi dynasty is a great city to visit for a day; there's a lot you can do within the span of 24 hours, from visiting historical sights to sitting by the Hussain Sagar lake and dining on delicious Hyderabadi biryani.

Sightseeing

Wake up early in the morning and head to Golconda Fort and Seven Tombs -- spend some time soaking in the local culture and climb to the top for a view of the bustling city if you're feeling adventurous.

Then you can set off for Charminar, Mecca Masjid, and Salar Jung Museum for a glimpse of the Veiled Rebecca, a sculpture by Italian artist Giovanni Maria Benzoni -- it's a must-see. Then finish off with a visit to the Hussain Sagar in the evening before hitting those bars. It's also worthwhile to get a sense of Tollywood by either visiting Ramoji Film City or catching a Telugu flick in the city's posh multiplexes.

Eating Out

Truly a food lover's paradise, Hyderabad has something for every palate and wallet. The city's local cuisine is a blend of Persian and Mughlai culinary styles. Try the legendary Paradise Hotel that is said to serve the best Hyderabadi biryani in the city or the consistently good Hyderabad House. There's also the Three Cheers Restaurant behind Amrutha Castle at Saifabad. Not to miss the authentic hyderabadi restaurant Shadab at Charminar. If you're up for a bit of adventure, stroll down the streets of the Old City, especially the Charminar area and settle down at one of the eateries there.

Shopping

If you have some time on your hands, I would recommend the markets around Charminar for cheap steals. This is also where you will find the famous bangles and pearls of Hyderabad. Or, for a less local experience, you could head for the expensive malls around the Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills areas. If it's value for money you want, you should visit the Ameerpet, Abids and General Bazaar areas.

Nightlife

When the sun sets and its time to clink those glasses, remember that Hyderabadis change their loyalties every two weeks. This is not just because of the city's limited and interconnected social circuit but also the constant influx of new clubs in town.

Currently, the most happening spots in town are Excess (Hotel Novotel), On Lounge, Touch, 360 Degrees and Ahala (Taj Krishna), subject to change depending on the number of new clubs launching this weekend!

Popular old-time favourites are Bottles & Chimney, 10 Downing Street and Firangi Paani which offer more of a pub experience, one that is greatly lacking in an otherwise party-loving city.

Getting around

To get around the city, I would suggest you use the auto rickshaws, since public transport (except for the local metro) is undependable, not well-connected and is always jam-packed. You can usually ask for the metre rates, but sometimes it is worthwhile to pay 5 or 10 bucks over and above.

Man with no bad habits

Once a man was waiting for a taxi.
A beggar came along and asked him for some money.
The man ignored him.
But being a professional, the beggar kept on pestering him.
The man became irritated when he realized that the beggar would not leave him alone unless he parts with some money.
Suddenly an idea struck him.
He told the beggar, "I do not have money, but if you tell me what you want to do with the money, I will certainly help you."
"I would have bought a cup of tea", replied the beggar.
The man said, "Sorry man. I can offer you a cigarette instead of tea".
He then took a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and offered one to the beggar.
The beggar told, "I don't smoke as it is injurious to health."
The man smiled and took a bottle of whisky from his pocket and told the beggar, "Here, take this bottle and enjoy the stuff. It is really good".
The beggar refused by saying, "Alcohol muddles the brain and damages the liver".
The man smiled again. He told the beggar, "I am going to the race course.Come with me and I will arrange for some tickets and we will place bets. If we win, you take the whole amount and leave me alone".
As before, the beggar politely refused the latest offer by saying, "Sorry sir, I can't come with you as betting on horses is a bad habit."
Suddenly the man felt relieved and asked the beggar to come to his home with him.
Finally, the beggar's face lit up in anticipation of receiving at least something from the man.
But he still had his doubts and asked the man, "Why do you want me to go to your house with you?".
The man replied, "My wife always wanted to see how a man with no bad habits looks like."

Social Networking in the times of recession

Use social networking efficiently in these tough times to your benefit. Use services like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Orkut to market yourself. Actively participate in group discussions and give your valuable inputs. They might impress a prospective employer watching the discussion. Tweet your achievement, get recommendations from your present and past colleagues on LinkedIn. Recession is not the end of the world, slowing down of economy is not the death of economy. Be creative, believe in your strengths and sell your skills. Do remember always, do not love a company, love the job. You never know when the company might stop loving you. Grab an opportunity that's coming your way, do not skip it for the present employer. He might not skip your name from the list of layoffs.

Networking tips in tough times:
1. Get on to the social networks
2. Have your complete professional profiles up there
3. Scream about your achievements at the top of your voice
4. Get in touch with everybody in your contacts list
5. Get in touch with your ex-colleagues and long forgotten friends
6. Get recommendations on your public profiles at these social networks
7. Let them know if you are looking for a change
8. Actively participate in forums and give your expert inputs
9. Do not love your company, love your job. Do not skip any opportunities for the company
10. A bird in hand is better than two in the bush.

Blogging for the sake of blogging is not blogging

Yeah! Thats the tip for most of the bloggers who are out here in the blogosphere. Few tips for the bloggers:

1. Be unique and creative
2. Create your identity
3. Create your fan following
4. Write at the right time
5. Do not copy paste from other blogs
6. Make a point in your posts
7. Write about anything under the sky, but write meaningful stuff
8. Promote your blog in your circle of influence
9. Ensure you have return visitors
10. Give value to the visitors

Janay kab hongay kam

A song wondering when there would be an end to all the violence and terrorism and when there would be peace all over the world. When there would be and end to the sufferings of the common people across nations.

Janay kab hongay kam
Is duniya kay ghumm
Jeenay walon pe sadaa
Be jurm khataaaa
Hotay rahain hain sitaaaam
Janay kab hongay kam
Is dunya k ghum
Kiyaaa jis nay gilaa milii orr sazaaa
Kaee baar hua yahan khoon-e-wafaa
Koi aaaas nahe ye saaaans nahee
Deryaaa bhi mila bujhi pyaas nahe
Ek hum he nahe jisay dekho yahaan
Wohe aankh hai numm
Janay kab hongay kum
Is dunyaaa k ghum
Jeenay walon pe sada
Be jurm khataa hotay rahay hain sitaam
Janay kab hongay kam is dunyaa k ghum !