Hyderabad is a happy choice for golf. The course is spread over 160 acres, founded in 1888 - making it one of the oldest courses in the world; the subscription then was the measly sum of one rupee. The golf club was merged with the Secunderabad recently in 1939, and then brought under the Army's management in 1983, The old browns have since been converted to regular greens.

The 6,434 yard course has two equal halves of 36 strokes each, and holes with historic, macabre names. The first is named Genesis; the reference is to the Almighty's effort and not to the pop group. The 12th takes its name from young Winston Churchill's bungalow near the green. The next is called the Graves, possibly due to the fact that for the third shot you could use a driver, a wedge or any one of the clubs in between. There's a par three called Perfection-your tee shot better be just that, otherwise you might land up in the GOC's bungalow, out of bounds and in a lot of trouble. (Incidentally, it is called Joshi's bungalow by the caddies). An intriguing one is the 14th, which is called Waterloo in memory of a golfer who took 6 to sink from 2 feet away. However, on the card it's put down as Water Loo. Of course that could be a reference to the vastly improved facilities of the course, which is now lush with immaculate greens.

The charms of Hyderabad as a tourist destination are unique. Hyderabad exudes a cultural amalgamation of northern and southern India. Its language is a curious blend of old Urdu and many regional languages, spoken with a peculiar ac-cent that sets a Hyderabad! apart. Under its rulers, Hyderabad developed a distinct style in almost every facet - its richly flavoured cuisine, its etiquette, its handicrafts, its festivals and fairs - which it borrowed from all over the country and abroad, and then coloured in its own hue.

Hyderabad is an important centre in the air transport network of south India. Hyderabad Airport at Begumpet is surrounded by residential areas of the twin cities of Hyderabad/Secunderabad. It has excellent hotels to offer by way of accommodation, with the recent addition of eateries and pubs.

Hyderabad is synonymous with pearls. Cultured pearls studded in gold and silver jewellery of exquisite design are a speciality of the city.