Hyderabad & Humidity: A Photographer's Slightly Sweaty Dispatch
okay, so hyderabad. it’s…a lot. i landed yesterday, and honestly, felt like i’d walked into a *sauna. i just checked and it’s hovering around twenty-nine and a half degrees, but feels like it’s trying to melt your face off. the air is thick enough to chew, honestly. humidity’s at thirty-five percent, which sounds low, but trust me, it feels like a hundred. pressure’s a solid one-oh-one-one, which, i guess, is good? i don’t know, i’m a photographer, not a meteorologist.
i’m here scouting locations for a potential shoot - a friend of a friend is directing a low-budget indie film, and they need something that looks “ancient but gritty.” hyderabad definitely delivers on the gritty part. the old city is insane. a total labyrinth. i spent three hours yesterday just wandering around charminar, getting hopelessly lost and taking pictures of everything that didn’t move.
i’ve been relying heavily on yelp for finding decent biryani (it’s a national obsession here, apparently), and so far, haven’t been disappointed. though, someone told me that Paradise Restaurant is totally overrated and just a tourist trap. “it’s good, but not that* good,” was the exact quote. i’m still planning on going, just to judge for myself. you gotta, right?
the light here is…challenging. it’s either blindingly bright or completely flat. finding the golden hour is a serious commitment. i’ve been experimenting with a lot of shadows and high contrast, trying to capture the energy of the place. it’s chaotic, vibrant, and a little bit overwhelming.
my guesthouse is…interesting. it’s run by a family who are incredibly welcoming, but also very curious about my life. they keep offering me chai and asking when i’m getting married. i’m dodging that question with impressive skill. the walls are thin, so i can hear everything - the tv, the cooking, the endless chatter. it’s a bit much, honestly, but it’s also kind of charming. if you’re looking for something quieter, check out some options on TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotels-g304557-Hyderabad_Telangana-Hotels.html.
i overheard some tourists complaining about the traffic. apparently, it’s legendary. i can confirm this. crossing the street is an extreme sport. you just have to commit and hope for the best. i’ve also heard that auto-rickshaw drivers will try to rip you off, so always negotiate the price beforehand. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/hyderabad/transport/getting-around has some good advice on that.
the neighbors are…loud. there’s a wedding happening down the street, and the music has been going since this morning. it’s not unpleasant, just…constant. if you need a break from the noise, warangal is just a short train ride away, i think. i’m also thinking of checking out golconda fort tomorrow. i’ve seen some amazing photos of it online. https://www.nativeplanet.com/travel-guide/hyderabad/golconda-fort/
i’m starting to think i need to invest in a portable fan. and maybe a dehumidifier. and definitely more chai. this place is exhausting, but in a good way. it’s forcing me to step outside my comfort zone and see things from a different perspective. plus, the food is incredible. i’m already planning my next trip back. maybe in winter, though. https://www.hyderabad.telangana.gov.in/ has some useful info if you're planning a visit.
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