Hyderabad, Andhara Pradesh India

Charms of Hyderabad as a tourist destination are unique, exuding 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 & fairs - which it borrowed from all over the country and abroad, and then coloured in its own hue.

The Bolaram Golf Club course in Hyderabad offers a good golfing facility in this important tourism destination of the country. The course, founded way back in 1888, is spread over 160 acres. The army takes care of the course now and old browns have been converted into regular greens.

Lending itself beautifully to the surroundings, the Course boasts of a natural lake and stretches into the Naya Quila.

Creatively designed to accentuate the historical setting whilst preserving the ecological balance, the spectacular 18 hole Golf Course will be an experience.

The 6.434-yard course plays to par 72. The 12th green is situated next to the bungalow once stayed in by the young Winston Churchill. An intriguing hole is the 14th, which is called Waterloo in memory of a golfer who took six putts to sink from less than three feet.

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 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.