Moula Ali!

In a span of 15 days in Hyderabad at the beginning of 2016, knowingly-unknowingly I visited Moula Ali precisely 4 times including one at the sunrise! That is some miracle for me for I usually not very attached to holy places as I believe Allah is present just everywhere. But then this is not about God I assume. Truly something else which I am still discovering.

The steps

Boulders with inscription and names of Hazrat Ali's family

From the Dargah at the sunrise

Khadam-E-Rasool

Moula Ali located about 10 kilo-meters from Secunderabad railway station, stands on top of a hill consisting of Moula Ali Dargah dedicated to Hazrat Imam Ali, son-in-law of Prophet Mohammed.

Built during the Asaf Jahi era the bargah is one of the 11 heritage sites identified by the heritage conversation committee of Hyderabad.

Brace yourself to climb some 500 odd steps to reach the top of the hill where the actual dargah is located. Halfway up just turn around to see the most breathtaking view of the Secunderabad area. The city has definitely stretched beyond your imagination. Its also interesting to note how seamlessly the heritage structures have collaborated with modern structures around you. One has to look at the interiors of this place to believe it. Simple, quiet striking green and white facade the place glows due to its sheer placement of hundreds of tiny mirrors all over the walls of the inner chamber. There is a satin silk curtain that only muslims are allowed to go behind it to touch the imprint of the right hand palm rumoured to be Hazrat Ali's.

A lady who looks after the place

The main chamber

The entrance to the chamber

breathtaking view of the Secunderabad area

By the sunset

sunset

After paying our respects we stepped out and walked down at the nearby rocky slope of the hill to view the sunset. One of the best spots in the city I guess to see one of the most spectacular sunset unveiling before your eyes in pure 360 degree!

I was lucky enough to witness three sunsets and one sunrise.

Night view is beautiful. We suggest you go towards the evening, watch the lights come on and climb down before it gets too dark as it could get a little isolated after that. Don’t venture too far away from the Dargah steps in the dark.