Hyderabad - Wikitravel

Hyderabad

Contents

• 1 Districts
• 2 Understand
  • 2.1 History
  • 2.2 Orientation
  • 2.3 Culture and attitudes
  • 2.4 Climate
• 3 Talk
• 4 Get in
  • 4.1 By plane
  • 4.2 By train
  • 4.3 By bus
  • 4.4 By car
  • 4.5 By bike
• 5 Get around
  • 5.1 By suburban train
  • 5.2 By metro
  • 5.3 By bus
  • 5.4 By car
  • 5.5 By taxi
  • 5.6 By autorickshaw
  • 5.7 By Motorcycle
  • 5.8 On foot
• 6 See
  • 6.1 New city
  • 6.2 Old city
  • 6.3 Punjagutta to Gachibowli
  • 6.4 Churches
  • 6.5 Mosques
  • 6.6 Temples
  • 6.7 Lakes
  • 6.8 Parks
• 7 Do
• 8 Learn
• 9 Buy
  • 9.1 Jewellery
  • 9.2 Handicrafts
  • 9.3 Markets
• 10 Eat
  • 10.1 Budget
  • 10.2 Mid-range
  • 10.3 Splurge
• 11 Drink
  • 11.1 Bars
  • 11.2 Cafe
  • 11.3 Pubs
• 12 Sleep
  • 12.1 Apartments
  • 12.2 Budget
  • 12.3 Mid-range
  • 12.4 Splurge
• 13 Contact
  • 13.1 Post Office
  • 13.2 Landlines
  • 13.3 Mobile phones
  • 13.4 Internet
• 14 Stay safe
  • 14.1 Emergency Numbers
• 15 Cope
  • 15.1 Money changers
  • 15.2 Newspapers
  • 15.3 Hospitals
  • 15.4 Consulates
• 16 Get out

For other places with the same name, see Hyderabad (disambiguation).

Hyderabad is the capital of Telangana in Southern India, located on the banks of the Musi River and on the Deccan Plateau. Hyderabad and Secunderabad are "twin cities" near Hussain Sagar Lake (also known as Tank Bund in local parlance) but both cities have grown so much that now they have become one big metropolis. The city and district of Hyderabad are coterminous. Hyderabad district is entirely contained within the Ranga Reddy district of Telangana. Many of the suburbs of Hyderabad were recently merged into the city, now called Greater Hyderabad.

Districts[edit]

Many visitors never make it past the attractions in Old City, but you haven't truly seen Hyderabad until you have ventured out into the neighborhoods. The city is split into the north, west, east, and south of the central district. There are differences in culture visible throughout the city.

Central Zone (King Kothi, Abids, Lakdikapul, Mehdipatnam, Tolichowki, Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, Ameerpet, Punjagutta, Himayat Nagar, Kacheguda, Narayanguda, Chikkadpally and Nallakunta)The center of Hyderabad has upscale neighborhoods along with several venues of entertainment and dining. There is lots to see and do as well.

South Zone (Charminar, Patthargatti, Afzalgunj, Shalibanda, Falaknuma, Dabirpura, Yakutpura and Purani Haveli)This is where most of Hyderabad's famous historical sights are. Also called Old City or Purana Shahr, the South Zone is home to Hyderabad's most lively and authentic shopping experience. The Taj Falaknuma, an erstwhile palace now converted into a luxury hotel, is in the South Zone.

North Zone (Begumpet, Secunderabad, Malkajgiri, Trimulghery, Alwal and Kundanbagh)The North Zone is the erstwhile British Cantonment area of Secunderabad. Completely different from the South Zone, this zone is cleaner and more organized than the former.

West Zone (Kukkatpally, Miyapur, Bharat Nagar, Gacchibowli, Nanakramguda and HITEC City)This is home to the newer CBD of Hyderabad. If you're in Hyderabad for a business trip, you are most likely to end up here.

East Zone (Uppal, Kapra, Dilsukhnagar, LB Nagar, Gaddiannaram and Saroornagar)Home to a lot of educational institutes and recently also for some IT company's campuses as HITEC City has only little free ground left over.

Understand[edit]

A city rich with history and tradition, Hyderabad now competes with Bangalore and Chennai for the crown of India's IT capital; Microsoft, Amazon, and Google have their India headquarters here.

If you are traveling to Hyderabad on business — as is increasingly the case now — it is easy to miss the 400-year-old Hyderabad. The city that immediately hits the eye is a sprawling metropolis of shopping malls and office buildings with glass facades. The whole of the city seems to be under construction or renovation and the roads are jammed because flyovers are being constructed. It is a magnificent city in many senses.

The "old city" that was once the seat of the Nizam, the ruler of the largest and the most opulent "princely state", and the twin city of Secunderabad where the British maintained a cantonment to keep the army within striking distance of the Nizam can be seen only if you take the time out to see them.

Hyderabad's many epithets include the City of Pearls, the City of Nawabs, the Biryani City and, because of its high-tech draw, Cyberabad.

• Tourist Information Bureau (Gujarat Tourism), Balyogi, Paryatak Bhavan, Greenlands, Begumpet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500016, ☎ +91 4023400516, [x].

History[edit]

In 1463 Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk established the fortress of Golconda about 8 km to the west of Hyderabad’s present-day old city. He had quelled rebellion in the Telangana region and was appointed the subedar, or administrator of the region as a result. By 1518, he had become independent from the Bahmani sultan, declared himself the Sultan under the name of Quli Qutb Shah, and established the Qutb Shahi dynasty. In 1589, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, a grandson of Quli Qutb Shah, decided to move his capital from the Golconda Fort to the present-day location of Hyderabad due to water shortages at the old location. In 1591, he ordered the construction of the Charminar, reportedly in gratitude to Allah for cutting short a plague epidemic before it could do too much damage.

The name "Hyderabad" reportedly had been kept in honor of the 4th Caliph Hazrat Ali A.S. Hyder means Lion, and it is one of the Titles of Hazrat Ali A.S. He named the city Hyderabad, which was built on a grid plan with help from Iranian architects. French traveler Jean-Baptiste Tavernier favorably compared Hyderabad to Orleans.

The Qutb Shahi dynasty lasted till 1687, when the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb defeated the sultanate and took over Hyderabad. He appointed his governor as ruler of the region and granted him the title of Nizam-ul-Mulk. However, a Mughal rule was short-lived, and in 1724, the Nizam Asaf Jah I gained independence from a declining Mughal empire. Legend has it that while on a hunting expedition, he met a holy man who offered him some kulchas and asked him to eat as much as he could. Asaf Jah ate only seven, and the holy man prophesied that his dynasty would last for seven generations. Sure enough, the seventh ruler in the dynasty was the last. In honor of the legend, the flag of the Nizams featured a kulcha.

Around 1763, Asif Jah II, defeated by the Marathas and threatened by Tipu Sultan of Mysore, entered into a subsidiary alliance with the British. Hyderabad state became a "princely state", protected by and under the overlordship of the British.

The British maintained their army in nearby Secunderabad to protect the Nizam and to ensure that he did not do any mischief. Hyderabad state was the richest in the country, and in the 1930s, Time magazine rated Nizam the richest man in the world.

At the time of the Independence Movement of India, the State of Hyderabad was the largest of the princely states in India. The Nizams of Hyderabad ruled over lands extending to cover 82,698 mi² (214,190 km²) of fairly homogenous territory, bigger than Belarus but smaller than Guyana. The Nizam ruled over a cosmopolitan population of roughly 16.34 million people (as per the 1941 census). These advantages persuaded the Nizam of Hyderabad to attempt an Independent existence when the British withdrew from the sub-continent in 1947. He refused to join either a Hindu India or a Muslim Pakistan, preferring to form a separate Kingdom within the British Commonwealth of Nations.

In Hyderabad, where no official Referendum was held and where the ruler did not accede, the forced accession to India brought about by Military action was presumed to have the tacit approval of the predominantly Hindu population. It was one of several annexations by India, with various rationales. The seventh Nizam was reluctant to cede his principality to the newly independent India, preferring Pakistan instead. India sent in its troops, and the 200-year-old prophecy was fulfilled. On September 17th, 1948, it was merged into India. Hyderabad became the capital city of the Hyderabad state on November 1st, 1956. After the forced merger of Hyderabad state with Andhra state, and formed new linguistic state, Andhra Pradesh on Nov 1st, 1956. Thus, Hyderabad became the capital of the newly formed state of Andhra Pradesh. The new capital's administrative buildings were located around Hussain Sagar Lake, approximately between Secunderabad and the "old city", as Nizam's city came to be called.

Today, as Bangalore’s infrastructure is choked by the city’s rapid growth, Hyderabad's well-laid-out streets are proving to be a major attraction for software and IT-enabled companies. The technology enclave of Madhapur has been officially named Hi tec city, and "Cyberabad" is commonly used as an alternative name to Hyderabad.

In 2007, the suburbs of Hyderabad were merged with the city to form Greater Hyderabad. In 2009, the longstanding demand to have Telangana created as a separate state came to a boil, with low-intensity agitations and disturbances shaking up Hyderabad. While the traveler need not worry much (see the "Stay safe" section for more) it does call into question Hyderabad's future status, as Telangana includes Hyderabad city.

Orientation[edit]

The best way to orient yourself to Hyderabad is to think about two water bodies - the Musi River and the Hussain Sagar Lake. The Musi River flows from the west to the east, a few kilometers south of Hussain Sagar Lake.

• The New city, which contains the administrative offices of Andhra Pradesh lies on the north bank of the Musi, to the east and south-east of Hussain Sagar.

• The Old City lies mostly on the south bank of the Musi, though this guide will treat the Golkonda, which lies on the north bank, as part of the old city. Most historical attractions, including the Charminar, lie on this bank.

• Punjagutta to Gachibowli is a vast region to the west and north-west of Hussain Sagar, on the north bank of the Musi. This has developed in the past twenty years. Areas of interest here are Punjagutta and Ameerpet, which are enormous shopping areas. Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills are where Hyderabad's swish set lives, and contain some good parks and restaurants. The newly developed "Hi tec city" and Gachibowli are 9 km to the west of the new city. This is where most technology and business process outsourcing (BPO) firms have their campuses.

• Secunderabad lies to the northeast of Hussain Sagar Lake. This has historically been a military cantonment, which means that the roads are better maintained and broader. It has nice parks, open spaces, and some excellent restaurants.

Culture and attitudes[edit]

In many senses, Hyderabad is the meeting ground between North and South India. The city has a culture that is distinct from the rest of Andhra Pradesh, showing Islamic influences and a courtly presence imparted from its period as the capital of the Nizamate. This is more evident in the old city. The new city resembles many provincial state capitals in India. Secunderabad is more cosmopolitan, as the Cantonment area is located in this part of the city.

Due to a recent influx of young men and women from various parts of the country for better job opportunities, Hyderabad's culture and attitudes have taken a turn towards "modernity". However, it is good to keep in mind that the city is still a deeply conservative place and to dress appropriately, especially in the old city.

Note that people have a very indifferent attitude towards time and a very laid-back attitude.

Climate[edit]

Like many Indian cities, Hyderabad has a tropical climate. The best time to visit the city is from mid-November to mid-February. Temperatures are mild with abundant sunshine during this time and average temperature ranges from a low of 15°C (59°F) to a high of 29°C (85°F).

March to June is hot and dry with occasional thunderstorms. Highs can reach 45°C (113°F) or more and lack of air-conditioning can make it feel very uncomfortable. July, August, September, and October can be quite warm and humid and low-pressure systems from the Bay of Bengal during the monsoon season can cause heavy rain for days.

Talk[edit]

Telugu (the state language of Telangana and one of India's six living classical languages) and Urdu are widely spoken in Hyderabad, and most educated people speak Telugu, Urdu, Hindi and/or English.

English signs are common.

The city is one of the main places where Urdu developed, and the dialect spoken primarily by the large Muslim population is known as “Deccani Urdu” or Dakhani Urdu” (which both translate to Urdu of the Deccan). Because of the influence of Urdu, a dialect of Hindi is also spoken in the city and your Hindi phrasebook may still be useful.

Get in[edit]

Hyderabad is well connected to all parts of the country by air, rail, and road.

By plane[edit]

Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (IATA: HYD) [1] is located 22 km (14 mi) from the city. Note that the old airport at Begumpet is now closed, except for use by VIPs. The sleek and well-organized airport is one of the best aviation facilities in India. The elevated expressway to the airport is now open and takes 20 minutes. Direct international connectivity from Hyderabad is available for many countries. International carriers operating from Hyderabad are Air India, British Airways, Emirates, Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Silk Air, Etihad Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Thai Airways.

Domestic connectivity is excellent with Indian airlines operating from here including Air India, Air India Express, Indian Airlines, Indigo Airlines, Trujet, and SpiceJet.

Once you arrive at Hyderabad airport, one option is to take the air-conditioned buses run by the airport (Pushpak) to various designated points in the city such as Begumpet (Paryatak Bhavan), Secunderabad (Keyes High School), Hi-Tec City (Opposite Shilparamam), and two designated points in the city: Charminar (City College), Mehdipatnam (Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital). The buses have a frequency of a bus every 30 min from 3:30AM-11PM and every hour at midnight, 1AM, 2AM and 3AM and travel time varies from 45 mins to 2 hrs depending on the time of the day and traffic conditions. You can reach the designated points and then take an auto or metered cab from there.

Skycabs and Meru are approved by the airport and are available just after exiting the terminal building. For the rest, you need to call and book with a lead time of 15 minutes to 1 hour. These cabs charge a 25% surcharge at night (ie, Rs 26.25 per km between 23:00 hours and 05:00 hours). Hyderabad traffic police counter is on the ground floor with prepaid taxis. Beware of taxi soliciting tours at the airport greeting area; they might try to scam you into exorbitant rates (especially so in case of non-locals) The Hyderabad Traffic Police has partnered with the Airport authorities to run a counter for prepaid taxis. This is a safe option with all taxis being registered with the police. The police also run a SHE cab service now, especially for women travelers, with female drivers and safety equipment such as a GPS connected to the Police Control Room. One can also hire a cab from many app-based services such as Uber or Ola, whose fares are available on the apps and their websites (Please keep in mind that while these services are substantially cheaper than the radio cabs, they will charge Rs. 200 in addition to the fare as parking charges levied on them by the airport). This option is the best while traveling to the airport, as the parking charges do not apply for departures. (added new initiatives)

Hired cars are also available from a booth just before walking outside of the airport. This gives you the advantage of paying in advance, thereby avoiding any disagreements over price. The airport can be contacted on their (toll-free for BSNL/MTNL subscribers) number 1 800 419-2008 for all services and inquiries including arrivals/departure information, facilities, transport availability, etc.

By train[edit]

Indian Railways [2] has service to Hyderabad from all over India.

Three major railway stations are serving the twin cities: Secunderabad, Hyderabad, and Kachiguda, and a minor station at Begumpet. Most of the trains bound for South India and North India originate from Hyderabad and leave via Secunderabad. Hyderabad Deccan Station is popularly known as Nampally Station. Find all trains to Hyderabad[3].

By bus[edit]

Hyderabad is well-connected to all parts of Telangana and most parts of South and Western India. Both state government and private buses operate a large number of luxury and ordinary services across the state and neighboring states.

• JBS, (Jubilee Bus station), is in Secunderabad. TSRTC runs direct A/C coaches to Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai. Telangana tourism runs A/C coaches to, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru. You have to book the tickets in advance. There are many online bus ticketing portals to book bus tickets. Mybustickets is one such portal.

• MGBS or Imliban, is said to be the largest bus station in the world with around 84 bus bays side by side. TSRTC has pickup and drops points from various points in the city. In addition, government-run bus services of neighboring states also run buses to Hyderabad, as do various private companies.

• Private Buses. South India is largely well served by organized private bus operators. They run luxury buses like Volvo, Mercedes, and Kinglong Cerita buses including multi-axle buses. These are air-conditioned, semi-sleeper, or sleeper services with online ticket booking facilities. Important private travel hubs are KPHB Colony, Lakdi-Ka-Pool, Paradise center in Secunderabad, and Dilsukh Nagar. Luxury services run to many cities from these places. Non-metropolitan areas and towns are often connected by non-A/C buses but are still provided with comfortable seating.

It may be difficult to find direct buses from North India due to the large size of that part of the country.

By car[edit]

Hyderabad is well connected to other major Metros by road. Bangalore is connected by NH7 and is at a distance of 560 km. The city is 752 km from Chennai (using highways NH9 and NH5) and 800 km from Mumbai (NH9 till Pune and the expressway to Mumbai). The Bangalore North-South section is part of the North-South corridor which is being upgraded to a four-lane divided highway. Hyderabad is also known as the Hub of Business.

Vijayawada To Hyderabad to interstate connected between 270 km 4line roadway by NH65. The RTO Checkpost Of Telangana After Crossing The Kodada Town will find the State border.

By bike[edit]

• Boongg (Bike on rent in Hyderabad), H-No 4-46, MIG - 127B APHB Colony, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032 (Bangalore North), ☎ +91-8432113333 ([email protected]), [x]. Inquiry: 9AM to 9PM. Boongg is a Bike on the rent service provider in Hyderabad.

Get around[edit]

There are many ways to get around in Hyderabad. It has good metro and bus service, good autorickshaw service (although they never charge by meter and always overprice, making cabs cheaper), and well-developed Radio taxi services as well as new app-based services such as Uber and Ola. There is a local train service too, but it is grossly inadequate and unreliable. Travelers using smartphones should download the Hyderabad Police and Hyderabad Traffic Police apps from the app store, as these have some safety features such as an SOS button to the control room, as well as options to lodge complaints.

By suburban train[edit]

Local trains called MMTS are available, albeit only for a few places Places in Hyderabad, The frequency ranges from 10 to 30 minutes, except during the daytime and Sundays, when there are fewer trains. It is a fast way of travel to the few stations it covers, and the cheapest option as well. If you plan to travel through MMTS check out the schedule on the website MMTS Train Timings[4]. If you are a foreign traveler it is advisable to take first class. General classes tend to get overcrowded and you can never find a seat at intermediate stations. If you have to catch a train do not rely on the MMTS schedule, as it is rarely followed and usually late; Trains may also get canceled without prior notice. Daily and monthly passes are also available at the MMTS stations.

By metro[edit]

The metro[5] is a good choice when the network covers your desired route: It's air-conditioned, clean, not smelling, offers a high perceived security standard, is less densely crowded than autos and busses, slightly cheaper than autos (e.g. 35Rs for 9.5km), is reliable in terms of not being affected by traffic jams as well as due to the new, modern hardware. The trains move at 50-75km/h while road-bound vehicles can usually not go faster than 25-50km/h in the daytime. At each station, there are two ticket counters accepting cash, usually with short queues, while for a longer stay, you may get a digital card/subscription. The network consists of 3 lines covering a distance of around 73 km but not reaching the outskirts of the city - just get off metro stations at bigger crossings where shared autos will wait till full and then start. Out of this network, a part of 30 km was thrown open to the public on the 29th of November 2017 and the entire first phase of 66.56 km with 57 stations was due to be completed by December 2018.

• Line 1 - Red Line - Miyapur – L B Nagar - 29.21 km (18.15 mi), of which the stretch Ameerpet to Miyapur (11km) is currently operational.
• Line 2 - Green Line - Parade Grounds – MGBS - 15 km (9.3 mi), not operational as of 11/2019.
• Line 3 - Blue Line - Nagole – Raidurg - 29 km (18 mi), of which the eastern stretch Nagole to Ameerpet is operational as of 11/2019.

By bus[edit]

Hyderabad has good local bus connectivity and is run by TSRTC [6], a state-government-owned corporation. Most intercity buses start and end at the Mahatma Gandhi Bus Terminus more commonly known as Imlibun, and there are numerous depots where city service buses start and end. One can use Google Maps to plan travel by bus. There are five categories of buses (Ordinary, Metro Express, Metro Deluxe, AC, Volvo AC). The Volvo Buses are the most comfortable, with fares starting from Rs. 35. There are also monthly passes of Rs. 2100 that allow one to travel anywhere any number of times by any service across the city). Other buses tend to get extremely overcrowded and traveling on the footboard of a bus is very common.

The routes displayed on buses are normally shown in at least two languages, one of which is English. The best way to get to a location by bus would be to get to a bus stop and ask people waiting there. You could also get on a bus going in your direction and ask the conductor for help.

By car[edit]

Hyderabad lacks an expressway system, leading to traffic jams during rush hours. However, a 160 km Ring Road Expressway is currently under construction.

Driving is exciting in Hyderabad not unlike in the rest of India. You find cycles, motorcycles, rickshaws, hand carts, autos, share autos, mini trucks, buses, vestibule buses, double-deckers, and Volvos jostling along. There are long stretches of roads passing through thickly populated areas that have no median breaks, so vehicles, including motorbikes and cars, simply drive on the wrong side of the road. Several modern flyovers now link the arterial roads.

Several car rental agencies are available at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport as well in the following locations.

• Avis, Hotel Marriot Hyderabad,Tank Bund Rd (opposite Hussain Sagar Lake), ☎ +91 11 23890707 ([email protected]), [x]. Open 24 hours.
• Cabbazar (Cabs in Hyderabad), ☎ +91-7777-880880 ([email protected]), [x]. Inquiry: 24/7.
• Clear Car Rental (Car Rental Service), ☎ +91-88888 55220 ([email protected]), [x]. Inquiry: 24/7. Affordable and Reliable a Chauffeur Driven car rental services in PAN India including Hyderabad airport and City.

By taxi[edit]

It is best to use new app-based cabs such as Ola and Uber, which assure service and courteous drivers. However, there have been cases of misbehavior by drivers (although few) and it is advised to use the Hyderabad Police app and enter the details of the cab you are getting into, to be safe. Fares for these start at Rs. 6 per km and Rs. 1 per minute of ride time. (Ola Micro). Availability is very good at busy locales, and most apps have tracking features as well as SOS features. Metered Radio taxis are available, but they cannot be hailed off the street. One needs to call their centralized call center and book the service. Service is very good, especially if you are looking for longer distances. It can be next to impossible to be able to get a Radio cab without prior booking since demand far outstrips the supply. All metered cabs have digital meters that show the distance and fare.

Operators offering metered taxis at Rs 10 per km (Most of them are now charging Rs 12 per km for an Indica, Rs 10 continues in the case of Maruti Omni) with a minimum charge is Rs 80 in most cases. Many taxi services prefer not to book trips that are only a short distance.

It is preferred to use travel curators like Vayu Travels for customized itinerary planning and comfortable travel.

However covering the entire city with so many sightseeing locations will be costly on a CAB, whereas hiring a Full Day Taxi / Car is suggested, which normally charges on 8 hrs or 80 km and 10 hrs 100 km basis. One can easily hire cabs for local tours in Hyderabad with some prominent car rental services which would normally cost around Rs 9/Km (along with Driver).

By autorickshaw[edit]

Autorickshaws in Hyderabad should be metered, though it can be difficult for non-locals and locals alike to find an autorickshaw driver who ever agrees to a metered fare. (This is especially true when hailing an auto in front of a 5-star hotel, near bus stands, railway stations, and the Hi-Tech area.) However, Traffic police are very helpful and will help engage an Auto with metered fare. Autos can carry a maximum of 3 passengers excluding the driver, but it is common to find them being overloaded to carry up to six passengers when one. The minimum fare is Rs 20 which covers the first 1.6 km. Each additional km is another Rs 11. The waiting charges are Rs. 30 per hour. There are also shared 4-seater and 8-seater Maxi Vans available to and fro from the suburbs to the main location of the city in that direction. Fares are mostly 2 rupees more than bus fares but are far more comfortable and fast for short distances up to 5 km. Fix the fare before you step into the autorickshaw.

Auto Drivers in Hyderabad are a nightmare and are uncooperative. Finding a needle in a haystack is easier than finding an auto driver who agrees to go by the metered rate with a common excuse that their meter is not functioning. They always demand a much higher fare even though the fare has been increased from time to time. It is advised to keep extra change with you since most of the auto drivers will claim that they don't have change, even if they have. If you have a choice then always opt for a Prepaid Cab.

Reckless driving and accidents are very common here, as is the case with most cities in this part of the world.

Most of the auto drivers want you to check out pearl shops (which they claim are authorized by the Govt.) in exchange for less fare however they are okay if you don't buy anything from these shops, just sit there for 10 minutes. They are encouraged with incentives to bring customers into these shops. The pearl shops are notorious for persuasive sales tactics and they won't let you out easily. So pay the complete fare to auto drivers instead of being diverted to a pearl shop.

Auto drivers get some percent of the entry fees (around Rs. 10/-) if they take you to places like Chowmoholla Palace or Salarjung Museum for free. If you are around these areas get into some auto instead of walking down and ask them to drop you there.

Also in many parts of the city, it is easy to find a shared auto running, just reach the nearest bus stop and ask the locals for a shared auto, and they should readily guide you. If you see an overloaded auto-rickshaw, it is a shared one and you just need to wave at the next less-populated one.

Auto Drivers in Hyderabad are especially reckless drivers. Better book a cab than take an Auto, even at a higher price, for the air-conditioned comfort and protection from pollution, as well as for relief from the antics of the 'Auto wallahs'. There are exemplary auto drivers too, but unfortunately, the others outnumber them by far.

By Motorcycle[edit]

In Hyderabad, you can rent motorcycles and scooters to get around the city and on outstation trips.

• Motorcycle rental (Moto Bikez), HIG -127B, 500032, APHB Colony, Andhra Pradesh Housing Board Phase-IV, Indira Nagar, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032 (near by Palleturi Dosa Line,), ☎ +91 7997994093. You can rent two-wheelers (motorcycles and scooters) on an hourly rental basis.

On foot[edit]

Hyderabad's interesting districts are fairly spread out but are enjoyable to explore by foot on their own. The Old City is composed of a maze of disorienting alleyways that expand outward from the Charminar. Getting lost in the markets (where you can buy anything from hand-sequined saris to freshly slaughtered goats) and alleyways in the Old City can make for a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. The famous Chudi Bazaar (Lad Bazaar) across from the Charminar is a chaotic tumble of goods, people, animals, and vehicles that are navigated quickly on foot. The Chowmahalla Palace and the Mecca Masjid are both easily accessed from the Charminar. Necklace Road, Sultan Bazar (Koti), and Abids are worth taking some time to wander around. Please note that walking can be hazardous in Hyderabad. It is common for roads to be missing pavement, or simply unpaved, and bikes and autorickshaws may go right up to the edge of the road and climb any barrier to get ahead in traffic. Walking alongside and crossing the road can be very dangerous and it is important to stay alert for erratic driving. It is always advisable to use the foot-over bridge if there is one available.

See[edit]

New city[edit]

• B.M. Birla Science Museum, 5-9-22/57, Naubat Pahad Ln, Near Birla temple, Ambedkar Colony, Khairtabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500063 (Very close to Birla Temple, Naubat Pahad), ☎ +91 4023235081, [x]. Museum 10:30AM-8PM, Planetarium English shows 11:30AM, 4PM, 6PM, More shows in Telugu and one show in Hindi. F-W. The show at the planetarium lasts 35 min and is moderately interesting. The technological museum, on the other hand, is poorly maintained. The Dinosaurium at the upper level is interesting. It contains a complete skeleton of a dinosaur Kotasaurus Yamanpalliensis discovered in the village of Yemanapalli in 1988. The lower level displays the personal collection of Nirmala Birla, also quite interesting. Museum Rs 40, Planetarium Rs 40, combined admission Rs 70, Parking Rs 20.

• Birla Mandir Hindu temple (బిర్లా మందిర్), Naubat Pahad, Ambedkar Colony, Khairtabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500063 (Two different routes depending on whether you want to drive right to the top or climb the stairs.). 10AM-noon, 2PM-8PM. The industrial house of the Birlas have the tradition of building magnificent marble temples in cities of India. This one is one of the best. Located on top of Naubat Pahad (mountain), this clean, sparkling white temple dedicated to Venkateshwara has viewing areas that afford a great view of the city. Birla Mandir on the Naubath Pahad is a magnificent Hindu temple of Lord Venkateshwara, entirely built in white marble located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The Birla Foundation has constructed several similar temples in India, all of which are known as Birla Mandir. The temple manifests a blend of South Indian, Rajasthani, and Utkala temple architectures. In its entirety, it is made of 2,000 tons of pure Rajasthani white marble. The granite of the presiding deity is about 3.4 m (11 ft). tall and a carved lotus forms an umbrella on the roof. The consorts of Lord Venkateswara, Padmavati, and Andal are housed in separate shrines. There is a brass flagstaff on the temple premises which rises to a height of 13 m (42 ft). Sadly, cameras and camera mobiles are banned; your bags are checked at the entrance. Shoes are not allowed, so come early in the morning so the ground will not be too hot. There is a free cloakroom available for both electronics and shoes. Nowadays it is filled with tourists, who come to marvel at its architecture rather than for spiritual purposes. One should observe the intricate carvings on the marble walls and dome of the temple. Free.
• Exhibition Grounds, Patel Nagar, Ghosha Mahal North, Nampally, Hyderabad, Telangana 500001, ☎ +91 4024603015, [x]. An exhibition that runs in January & February every year. It showcases various items made across India. It runs every year starting 1 Jan-15 Feb in the Exhibition grounds.
• Hyderabad Public School, 1-11 87 & 88, Sardar Patel Rd, Begumpet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500016, ☎ +91 4027761546, [x]. Formerly Nizam's palace and the Jagirdar's College. This Institution was founded in 1923 and is currently one of the oldest and largest public schools in the country. The campus is also an internationally recognized heritage site.
• High Court of Telangana, High Court Rd, Near Government City College, High Court, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500066.
• Nehru Zoological park, NH 44, Bahadurpura, Hyderabad, Telangana 500064, ☎ +91 4024477355. Has some rare and interesting exhibits. There is a Lion safari and a Tiger Safari. Adult -Rs 20.
• Telangana State Archaeology Museum (Hyderabad Museum), I Floor, H A C A Bhavan, P G Road, 5-10-193, Srinagar - Kanyakumari Hwy, near Control Room, Lakdikapul, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004 (North of Nampally station (train and metro)), ☎ +91 4023234942, [x]. It has 3 sections: Egyptian, Indian, and Gallery. Displays a stunning array of artifacts dating back to the 1st century to the 20th Century. Ranging from the Lotus Medallion of the 1st century to the Amazing Kalankari work that adorned the bed-spreads of the Nizams to a period room that displays the typical living room of the Nizam time to the Jain sculptures and Statues - this place has it all. (17.3992182,78.470274)

Old city[edit]

The Old City is the historical region of Hyderabad. Most of the historical attractions are situated in the old city.

• Charminar Masjid, Charminar Rd 23, Char Kaman, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002, ☎ +91 4066745986, [x]. M-Sa 9AM-5PM, closed on F 1PM-2PM for prayers. Literally "Four minarets", this structure was built at the very spot at which Quli Qutb Shah prayed for the end to the plague epidemic. The Charminar has long been the icon of Hyderabad. The towers rise to a height of 48.7 m above the ground. It has 140 steps. Graffiti on the walls has diminished the beauty of the Charminar. There is a mosque with 45 prayer spaces located inside the upper stories. The structure stands in the middle of a busy road with vehicular traffic, but a pedestrianization project is underway. Atop the minarets, you get a panoramic view of Hyderabad city. At the very bottom of one of the minar is a Hindu temple. The traffic is less than ideal. Plan an early morning trip around 9 a.m. if shopping is not on your to-do list.
• Chowmahalla Palace, Khilwat, 20-4-236, Motigalli, ☎ +91 40 2452-2032, [x]. Sa-Th 10AM-5PM, closed on National Holidays. Situated near Charminar, it was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty where the Nizam entertained his official guests and royal visitors.
• Falaknuma Palace, Fatima Nagar, Falaknuma, Hyderabad, Telangana 500053. Built by Nawab Viqar al-Umra in 1872, Falaknuma is a stunning piece of architecture and the most opulent of Nizam's palaces. The interior is particularly impressive and features the works of Florentine sculptors and a 100-seater Dining Table. The palace has been converted into a hotel run by the Taj group and is no longer accessible to the general public.
• Golconda Fort, Khair Complex, Ibrahim Bagh, Hyderabad, Telangana 500008, ☎ +91 1800 4254 6464, [x]. 7AM-8PM. The Golconda Fort was the capital of the Qutb Shahi kingdom. Set aside a minimum of 2 hr to do justice to your visit - the outer wall measures 10 km. Learning a little about the fort ahead of time is recommended as it is easy to get confused or lost in the massive space. If you accept one of the local guides - who hustle you at the entrance gate - try to pick one who knows his stuff (Rs 500 per tour and the guide will also ask you for tips in the end, however, it is entirely up to you whether to give tips or not), rather than someone who was just passing by, spotted you and will tell you bits he once read in a guidebook. The genuine old Muslim guide who gained his encyclopedic knowledge of Golconda as an infant from his 118-year-old grandmother knows the history of every inch of the place and will show you with expertise the echo/architecture system built into the fort that the ruler used as a communication/spying system. There is also a Light and sound show - the story of Golkonda - for an hour, which could be a little boring,(price for foreigners Rs 50/100 for normal/executive ticket) after sunset lasting ~1 hour that tells you the story of the fort and is worth seeing. The English show runs Nov-Feb 6:30PM daily and Mar-Oct until 7PM daily. Hindi and Telugu shows are run afterward on certain days. Afterward, have a wander through the tiny streets and shops surrounding the fort. The beautiful scruffy old shops and houses will sell you everything from naan bread to bangles, and the fading and gaudy old painted gates and houses are a delight, as are the friendly locals. Rs 100 all.
• Hussain Shah Wali Dargah Mausoleum & Shrine, H.S. Dargah, Shaikpet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500008.

• Mecca Masjid, Charminar Rd, Charminar, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002 (SW of the Char Minar), ☎ +91 4066745986. Mecca Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in the city and easily the biggest. Muhammed Quli Qutub Shah began building it in 1617 under the supervision of Mir Faizullah Baig and Rangiah Choudhary. Mughal emperor Aurangzeb completed the construction in 1694. The mosque is a granite giant with awe-inspiring innards. The main hall of the mosque is 75 feet high, 220 feet wide, and 180 feet long, big enough to accommodate ten thousand worshipers at a time. It is believed that Muhammed Quli commissioned bricks to be made with the soil brought from Mecca and inducted into the construction of the central arch of the mosque, which explains the name of the mosque. Women must have a dupatta/shawl to be granted entry into the premises.
• Moula Ali Dargah, Moulali Dargah Trail, Moula Ali Hill, Moula Ali, Secunderabad, Telangana 500040. 400 stairs brings you to a place of worship built by the Asif Jahis. The Moula Ali Dargah was built in memory of Hazrat Ali, the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. Legend has it that Yakoob, a eunuch in the court of Ibrahim Quli, went to the hill after he saw Hazrat Ali seated on it. To his surprise, he saw the impression of Ali's palm on a stone, which he had dream. He had the impression cut out and installed in a shrine. Ibrahim Shah later built a mosque beside the dargah. An Ashurkhana, a Baradari (pavilion), and an Nqqar khana (place for beating drums) were built during the Qutb Shahi period.
• Nizam's Museum, Purani Haveli Rd, Purani Haveli, Darulshifa, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002 (Behind Princess Durru Shehvar Children's Hospital), ☎ +91 40 2452 1029. Sa-Th 10AM-5PM. Home to the famous wardrobe of Mahbub Ali Pasha, who is said never to have worn the same thing twice. It is the world's longest wardrobe, built in two levels with a hand-cranked wooden lift(elevator) in place. This occupies the entire length of one wing of the palace. Hard to find, take a small road next to Princess Durru Shehwar Hospital, entrance gate at N17 22.002 E78 28.975 Rs 50, students & children Rs 15. (N17 22.002,E78 28.975)
• Osmania Arts College, Osmania University Main Rd, Osmania University, Tarnaka, Hyderabad, Telangana 500007, [x]. Built during the period of the last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan. The imposing facade of the building is a great sight.
• Paigah Tombs, Owaisi Nagar, Hasnabad, Santosh Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500059. daytime. These tombs belong to the 'Paigah' nobles (tied by blood and marriage to the Nizams) and are about 200 years old. These unique lime and mortar tombs are beautifully carved and have marble inlay work on them. Relaxing environment with bird singing. N17 20.639 E78 30.248 seems free. (N17 20.639,E78 30.248)
• Purani Haveli palace, Dewandevdi (SE of Afzalganj Bridge). Sa-Th 10:30AM-5PM. Originally, the palace of the Nizam's Prime Minister, later it was renovated and became the quarters of Nizam's son. It is a U-shaped complex with a single-storeyed building in the European style.

• Qutb Shahi Tombs, (1 km north of Golconda fort, approached via Banjara Darwaza), [x]. Sa-Th 9:30AM-5:30PM. The Qutubshahi mosques in Hyderabad are so named because they were built by the Qutubshahi dynasty. Most of them were built by Quli Qutb Shah, the founder. Sadly in May 2010, local newspapers revealed that shoddy 'restoration' work allegedly using unskilled labor with road drills (bought in by one government department that didn't bother to seek professional advice or inform the local archaeological or environment departments) has been damaging these beautiful buildings. There is also a museum here.
• Raymond Tomb, Asmangadh Rd, LIC Colony, New Malakpet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500059, ☎ Asmangadh Rd, LIC Colony, New Malakpet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500059, India. Michel Raymond, a French mercenary, was a military commander in the service of the second Nizam and also his close friend. His tomb is located at Saroornagar and is made of black granite with a beautiful sky view of the area
• Salar Jung Art Museum, Naya Pul, Afzalgunj (Turn left once you reach the south bank of Musi using the Nayapul), ☎ +91 40 2452 3211, [x]. Sa-Th 10AM-5PM, ticketing closes at 4:15PM. This collection belonged to the Salar Jungs, Prime Minsters of Hyderabad, but has been augmented since. The collection includes articles mostly from medieval and modern times, with a concentration of articles from the Islamic era. The western wing on the second floor is interesting. It contains paintings, furniture, and other objects that the Salar Jung got from the West. The collection of Nizam jewelry is displayed only on special occasions. It is one of the best private collections and museums in India. Free guided tours lasting two hours each are available at scheduled times, four times a day. Inquire at the entrance. Cameras, bags, and liquids are not allowed, but mobile cameras are winked at. Deposit your contraband at the free lockers available near the ticketing area. Rs 10 for Indians and Rs 150 for foreigners.
• Toli Masjid Mosque, Karan Singh Marg, Kphs Colony, Ramsingh Pura, Girkapalli, Karwan East, Hyderabad, Telangana 500006. 300 years old. Known for its splendid architecture.

Punjagutta to Gachibowli[edit]

• Alankrita Art Gallery, Kakateeya Hills, Ext. of Jubilee Hills, 41 A, Rd Number 36, Kakatiya Hills, Guttala_Begumpet, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081, ☎ +91 8331098765, [x].
• Gallery Space, plot no 259/c, Lane No. 12, Near Lotus Pond, MLA Colony, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034, ☎ +91 9849161384, [x].

• Shilparamam Handicraft centre, Hi Tech City Main Road, Madhapur Rd, HITEC City, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081, ☎ +91 8886652009, [x]. 11AM-8PM. Designed as a contrast to the futuristic Cyber tower that lies across the road, the crafts village of Shilparamam ("sculpture village") guards the entrance road to Hi tec city. The intent is to showcase and preserve the old. There is a bazaar where you can buy assorted handicrafts and artwork. There is also an entire village where you can find realistic-looking sculptures of villagers carrying out their traditional crafts. You can also find a rock museum that contains natural rock formations that allegedly look life-like. Make sure you carry cash to buy anything you like - credit cards are not accepted by most shops. You can bargain the price up to 1/3 of the quoted price. If you are a foreigner they try to fleece you, you need to bargain even more for a fair price. Also next to Shilpa Ramam is Shilpa Sandhya Vedika, a location for eating and shopping. Rs 40.
• State Gallery Of Art (Chitramayee), D Mart, police station, Road No.1, Kavuri Hills Jubilee Hills, near Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033, ☎ +91 9100022958, [x].

Churches[edit]

• St. George's Church, 4-1-1111, King Koti Rd, Bogulkunta, Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad, Telangana 500001. St. George's Church is one of the oldest churches in the city of Hyderabad. It was built in the year 1844 AD. The church was originally an Anglican church but is now under the auspices of the Church of South India.
• St Joseph's Cathedral, St. Josephs Cathedral, 5-9-305, Gun Foundry Street Number 1, Gun Foundry, Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad, Telangana 500001, ☎ +91 1422679593. Established in 1820, this is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad.

Mosques[edit]

• Darush Shifa Mosque (ama Masjid), Salar Jung Rd, Darulshifa, Hyderabad, Telangana 500024.
• Jamia Masjid Mushirabad Mosque, 337, 1-4-337, Bakaram Inside Rd, Musheerabad, Bakaram, Kavadiguda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500020.

Temples[edit]

• Ashtalaksmi temple, Plot No.52, 55, W Road No. 4, Ramakrishnapuram, Kothapet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500102, ☎ +91 4024030888, [x]. Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Ashtalakshmi, with ornate idols, illuminations & floral displays. Free. (17.34839,78.39883E)
• Balaji Hindu Temple (Visa Balaji), Balaji Temple Ln, Chikkadpally, New Nallakunta, Hyderabad, Telangana 500020. 5AM-8PM. Chilkur is an important pilgrim center in Hyderabad, Telangana (India). The Lord here is Sri Venkateswara Swamy in a standing posture, beside whom is Goddess Sridevi and Goddess Bhudevi. People with wishes, take 11 rounds around the core of the temple. Once their wish has been fulfilled, they return to perform 108 more rounds. You will find people ticking away at the pieces of paper with the numbers to track the count. The god here is also referred to as Visa Balaji because people usually come here wishing for their US Visas to be approved. Free. (17.34839,78.39883E)
• Iskcon Temple, Old Kattal Mandi, Abids, Hyderabad, Telangana 500001, ☎ +91 9849104991, [x]. Free. (17.34839,78.39883E)
• Karmanghat hanuman Hindu temple, 8-2-61, Inner Ring Rd, Virat Nagar, Champapet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500079. Free. (17.34839,78.39883E)
• Puri Jagannath Hindu Temple, bus stand, opp. Santoshi Mata temple, opp. lane of Dilsukhnagar, Champapet, Esamiya Bazaar, Koti, Hyderabad, Telangana 500027.
• Sri Peddamma Talli Temple, Road Number 55, CBI Colony, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033, ☎ +91 9087254477, [x]. Free. (17.34839,78.39883E)
• Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Devasthanam Temple, 3-4-30 to 40, Mahankali Temple Rd, General Bazaar, Kalasiguda, Secunderabad, Telangana 500003, ☎ +91 4027814744, [x]. Temple founded in the 1810s, with colorful idols in prayer halls & regular religious celebrations. Free. (17.34839,78.39883E)

Lakes[edit]

• Hussain Sagar Lake (Tank Bund), Hussain Sagar, Khairtabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500003. 24 hrs. The artificial lake is a historical landmark, built during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah in 1562 by damming the Musi. This forms the boundary between Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Surrounding the lake are various parks, temples, statues, and historical buildings. This is one of the few walkable places in the city. At the center of the lake stands a famous statue of the Buddha installed in 1992. Boat rides to Budha Statue are available from Eat Street and Lumbini Park, and fares are low. Speedboats, however, do not stop at the Buddha statue. low.
• Saroornagar Lake. It is in a suburb of Hyderabad This lake is very famous as it has been lined by a solid strong wall on one side recently. A two-lane undivided road is laid over this wall. The road is neat and exciting to drive. It has abundant lighting during nighttime and a large pedestrian space. A problem is 'eutrophication' which is caused due to water hyacinth. A pleasant space for young couples to spend their evening. Smells sometimes, but that is the nature of any waterbody in a metropolis. Another important event that takes place is 'vinayakachaturthy', (a festival for Hindus in which Lord Vinayaka's statues are immersed (and thereby dissolved) in water). All roads lead to Saroor Nagar Lake on the day of Lord Ganesh's nimajjanam.

Parks[edit]

• Indira Park, Lower Tank Bund Rd, Domalguda, Kavadiguda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500029. Near the Tank Bund is a huge 76-acre park with a beautiful pond and boats.
• Krishna Kanth Park, Street Number 4, Jawahar Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500045. Wide green space with plant beds, open lawns & tree-lined paths, plus fountains & play areas.
• Lumbini Park New Gate, Hussain Sagar, Khairtabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004 (opposite Secretariat Road). A popular park on a lake with gardens, musical fountain shows, a large Buddha statue & boat rides. It also offers nice Laser Shows in the evening which is first in India.
• NTR Memorial, Central Secretariat, Khairtabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004.
• Public Gardens, Public Garden Rd, near Bangaru Maisamma Temple, Public Gardens, Red Hills, Nampally, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004. Known as the Bagh-e-aam (Garden for the commoners), it has well laid out gardens and is surrounded by the imposing State Legislative Assembly building, the Jubilee Hall, the Jawahar Bal Bhavan, the Health Museum and the State Archaeological Museum. This was the old zoo and now is a beautiful place for both children and adults. Free.
• Sanjeevaiah Children's Park, Hussain Sagar, Khairtabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500003. Bordered by a lake, this tree-filled park features gardens & grassy areas for recreation. Maze Garden.

Do[edit]

• Aalankrita Resort And Convention, Thumkunta Village, Shamirpet, Secunderabad, Telangana 500078, ☎ +91 8418309999, [x]. Rs 5057.
• Ace Tennis Academy, Arya Samaj Centre, Methodist Colony, Begumpet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500016, ☎ +91 94404 22920.
• Art Of Living Meditation Center, Naveen Nagar Colony, Community Hall Rd, no-1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004, ☎ +91 9948312121, [x].
• Biking (Hyderabad Bicycling Club), Lumbini Avenue, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081 (Near Bio-diversity park). 5 AM to 9 AM, 4 PM to 6 PM, Closed on Mondays. It is popular on weekend mornings to rent a bicycle for up to 4 hours. The bicycles are decent enough for a 50km ride but not great. Most people take the service road of Outer Ring Road and ride the scenic Gandipet Lake route.
• Bodhi Yoga Therapy & Wellness Center, 401, 4th Floor, Lumbini Rock Dale, 6-3-570/1, Venkataraman Colony, Khairtabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500082, ☎ +91 9133281555, [x].
• Cooking class (Culinary Lounge), Plot 15 , Bharani Layout , Narne Road, Jublee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500092, ☎ +91 9000010770, [x].
• Dhola ri Dhani, Kompally, Medchal Rd (11 km from Secunderabad at Kompally on Medchal Highway), [x]. Ethnic Rajasthani village. A unit of Gupta's Hotel & Motels and is recognized by the Telangana Government as a Theme Restaurant and Tourist Attractions: shows, camel and boat rides, zipping, bungee, climbing, archery, and swimming. In the evening, the whole village is lit up with 2,000 lanterns, and a village fair is staged.
• Golf (Emaar MGF Boulder Hills), Madhava Reddy Colony, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032, ☎ +91 4066123456.
• Great Hyderabad Adventure Club (GHAC), Inside A.K Enclave, Road No 3, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad (Lane Next to Almond House), ☎ +91 7729988784 ([email protected]), [x]. 9:30 am to 6:30 pm. Hyderabad's own nonprofit community-based adventure club. Here you can meet local adventure professionals, and amateurs and participate in many adventure activities like trekking, rock climbing, rappelling, and adventure sports conducted in and around Hyderabad and the rest of India.
• Heritage walk, Char Minar. 7AM-9AM every Sunday and 2nd Saturday. They are organized by the TS tourism department and led by a knowledgeable guide and Tourist Police. There are two flavors of walks so far, one that starts at Salar Jung Museum and ends at Chowmohalla Palace, and the other that ends at Badshahi Ashoorkhana. Bonus - breakfast served too! Ticket price is Rs 1174 per head and can be bought at char minar on the spot.
• Hyderabad City Tour (Hyderabaddarshan), Pillar No, Metro Station, 1272, Public Garden Rd, Mahesh Nagar Colony, Abids, Hyderabad, Telangana 500001 (opp. Nampally), ☎ +93 9000 8686, [x].
• Hyderabad Golf Club, 9-4-187/GOLF, 7 Tombs Road, Golconda Fort, Hyderabad, Telangana 500008, ☎ +91 9030032700, [x]. Public 18-hole course set within the grounds of Golconda Fort, with a driving range & clubhouse.

• High View Swimming Pool, Bus Depot, ECIL Main Rd, beside Kushaiguda, Moula Ali, Secunderabad, Telangana 500040, ☎ +91 9985392413.
• Jalavihar Family Water Park, 22/9, PV Narasimha Rao Marg, Hussain Sagar, Khairtabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004, ☎ +91 4029883366. Water Park featuring slides & a massive wave pool along with lakefront lawns & food vendors.
• Lamakaan Performing Arts Theater, Off Road No. 1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034 (Opposite GVK One), ☎ +91 9642731329, [x]. For an insight into the contemporary cultural landscape of the city, do visit Lamakaan where various theater groups perform in Telugu, English, and Urdu/Hindi languages. This is also a good place to meet localities.
• Meghavi Wellness Spa, 26 A, Lane No. 12, MLA Colony, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034, ☎ +91 9122309999, [x].
• Mystery Escape Room Games (Lock N Escape), Aztec Towers, 3rd Floor, 6-3-249/6/1, Rd Number 1, beside Taj Krishna, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034, ☎ +91 9121030033, [x].
• NTR Gardens, NTR Marg (West of Hussain Sagar lake). 2 PM-8:30PM. Built in memory of N T Rama Rao, ex-Chief Minister, this is an amusement park which houses some nice attractions like a mini-train, a haunted house, a boat ride, etc. There is a cafe where the seating is in the shape of vintage cars. You can either spend money on the rides or generally stroll around and gape at the fountains and the giant insects. For rides, the Rs 45 combo you can buy at the entrance is a good deal. Rs 15 for entry, rides extra..
• Ocean Park, Amusement park Survey No: 166, 167, College 21, 168 & 169 8, Osman Sagar Rd, Kokapet, Gandipet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500075 (near Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology), ☎ +91 9989 396 379, [x]. A large water park and recreation area with various attractions, slides, and pools.
• Papyrus Port Resort, Lakdikapul Rd, Taj Enclave, Khairtabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004 (opposite Global Hospital), [x]. Egyptian theme luxury resort.
• PVR Preston Prime, Gachibowli Hyderabad Movie theater, No: 62, Hitech City Main Rd, Lumbini Avenue, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081, ☎ +91 8800900009, [x].
• Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, Telangana, 501512 (It's a 1-hour drive east of the city.), [x]. Launched in 1996, the 1,666-acre (674-hectare) Ramoji Film City is the world's largest film complex though most of the shooting takes place outdoors. Many Telugu and Hindi films are produced here. Tourists can tour the studios and there are two hotels. Tour studio lots, sets, and gardens to see where Bollywood and film celebs have shot scenes.
• Rock climbing gym (Crag Studio), Suadaraiah Vignana Kendram, Survey No 91, Gachibowli Rd, Madhava Reddy Colony, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032, ☎ +91 9100944539, [x].
• Roller Skating (International Roller Skating Bank Track), Indira Park Skating, RTC Cross Road, Kavadiguda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500029.
• Symphony Orchestra from Hyderabad, F.No. 205, Hiline Complex, Road No. 12, Sai Enclave, Bhola Nagar, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034, ☎ +91 9704109059, [x].
• Snow World Indoor snowcenter, Survey No. 54, Lower Tank Bund Rd, Lower Tank Bund, Kavadiguda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500029, ☎ +91 4029702978, [x]. Asia's largest Snow Theme Park. Entry ticket Rs 650 Telephonic reservations.
• Xtreeme Fitness, C61, Mahitha enclave, 3rd Floor, Madhura Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500038, ☎ +91 9966626387.

Learn[edit]

• Outlife Outbound Training (Outlife Outbound Training), Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, ☎ +91 9603473470 ([email protected]), [x]. 10 am to 7:00 pm. Group Adventure Outings, Outbound Training, Team Outings, Team Building events in Hyderabad.

Buy[edit]

The Golden Mile of Hyderabad for shopping, consisting of shopping plazas, Malls, Designer Boutiques, and upmarket shops - Starting from Lifestyle near the Begumpet Flyover and extending to Road No.1 Banjara Hills.

• Almond House, Rd Number 36, inside Almond house, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033, ☎ +91 9121241834, [x]. Quality Indian sweets.
• G Pulla Reddy Sweets, Nampally Station Road, Abids, Hyderabad, Telangana 500001 (Opp. ISKON Temple), ☎ +91 9121077959, [x]. It is an iconic chain of sweet shops. The outlets are found all over Hyderabad and are so popular that it has spawned imitators who copy the distinctive yellow signs and choose some variation of "Reddy" (a common last name in Andhra Pradesh) as the name.
• Ladida - Exclusive Lingerie Nightwear Nighties & Hosiery Store (lingerie, ladies wear, nightwear), #6-3-349 Nagarjuna Circle, Road # 1 Banjara Hills, Punjagutta, Hyderabad, Telangana 500082, ☎ +91 40 40020267, [x]. 11AM-9PM. Exclusive lingerie store where you can for shop lingerie and lounge wear. Rs 300-2,500.

Jewellery[edit]

• Jagdamba Pearls & Jewellers, Door No. 5-9-58, Gupta Estate, Circle, Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004, ☎ +91 9948327726, [x]. Jagdamba Pearls, is one of the oldest and the largest pearl companies in India.
• Lalithaa Jewellery Mart Limited, SBR Souk, Circle, 6-3-883, Punjagutta Officers Colony, Somajiguda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500082 (opp. Rajiv Gandhi Statue), ☎ +91 4067486677, [x].
• Modi Pearls, 22-5-92, Road, beside Gulzar Houz Circle, near Charminar, Char Kaman, Pathar Gatti, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002, ☎ +91 4066806502, [x].
• Sri Kamakshi Jewellers & Pearls, Inside Kassani G.R, Hitech City, Guttala Begumpet, Madhapur, Telangana 500081, ☎ +91 9948170355.

Handicrafts[edit]

• Bidri Crafts, Gun Foundry, Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad, Telangana 500001, ☎ +91 9849156921.
• Celebrations Gift Shop, 1-2-56/62, Besides pooja sweets, Domalguda, Gaganmahal Rd, Advocates Colony, Himayatnagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500029, ☎ +91 9989656622.
• Kalanjali Arts & Crafts, Marghadarsi, 5-10-195, 2nd, Hill Fort Rd, Saifabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004, ☎ +91 4023231147, [x].
• Lepakshi Handicrafts Emporium, Road No. 69, Nandagiri Hills, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033, ☎ +91 9849900935, [x].
• Vishwakarma Arts Gallery, 6-3-456/20,G1 & G2 , Esteem House, Dwarakapuri, Punjagutta, Hyderabad, Telangana 500082, ☎ +91 4066615039, [x].

Markets[edit]

• Begum Bazaar, Afzal Gunj, Hyderabad, Telangana 500012. An old retail and wholesale market for household commodities.
• General Bazaar, Kalasiguda, Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Telangana 500003. Budget clothes shopping.
• Jambagh flower market, 5-2-200/A/28, Risala Abdullah Colony, Jam Bagh, Hyderabad, Telangana 500095. All varieties of flowers are available here.

• Laad Bazaar, Char Kaman, Ghansi Bazaar Hyderabad, Telangana 500002 (next to Charminar). Exotic lacquer and glass bangles market. The name of the bazaar, Laad, means lacquer, used to set artificial diamonds on bracelets.
• Madina Market Bazaar, #, Madina Market, 78, High Court Rd, near masjid, Mirday, Munawwar, Madina Market, Rikab Gunj, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002. 12 a.m.–10 p.m.. Old bazaar with not so "old" products and wares, but amusing to walk.
• Monda Market, 3-337, Clock Tower Second Bazaar Area, Maruthi Veedhi, Shivaji Nagar, Secunderabad, Telangana 500003. Fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other things.
• Mozzam Jahi Market, Mojamjahi markit, 34, Mukarram Jahi Rd, Chandra Vihar, Hanuman Tekdi, Abids, Hyderabad, Telangana 500001, ☎ +91 9121903932. It is well known for fruit ice-creams. You get 150 varieties of ice creams.
• Osmania Bazaar, Charminar, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500066. This is the tableware market.
• Siddiamber Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500012. It is a wholesale market for Spices, Dry Fruits, Kirana Items.
• Sultan Bazaar, 5-1-473, Sultan Bazar Rd, Hashmath Gunj, Gandhi Nagar, Badi Chowdi, Koti, Hyderabad, Telangana 500095 (opposite Swethamber Jain Mandir). There is a big shopping center mainly for women's clothes and silverware. There are more than 100 shops here, selling textiles, fashion etc.

Eat[edit]

This guide uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink:
Budget	< Rs 250
Mid-range	Rs 250-750
Splurge	> Rs 750

Street food, in Hyderabad is better than most other cities in India and it is cheap. Gokul Chaat in Koti is a well-known and pretty popular joint for snacks like Samosa Chaat, Dahi Puri, and Sev Puri. Amazingly tasty Rajasthani street food (Kachori, Samosa, and Aloo Mirch) is served by Rajasthan Namkeen Bhandar, also located in Koti (diagonally opposite Womens College bus stop).

No visit to Hyderabad would be complete without sampling its unique cuisine - a rich blend of royal Mughlai flavours, Nizams special, and spice-up culinary traditions of South India such as Hyderabadi biryani, pathar-ka-ghosht (a lamb dish), nihari (stew), haleem (thick stew), double-ka-meetha (dessert with bread), khubani-ka-meetha (dried apricots dessert), seviyon-ka-meetha (vermicelli dessert), and kheer (pudding).

A popular dish in Hyderabad is biryani (basmati rice with goat meat). Ask anybody about their favorite dish in Hyderabad, and they will tell you about Hyderabadi biryani. It is prepared with a blending of the Mughal kitchen and the style of cooking practiced by the Nizams. Hyderabadi biryani has a distinct aroma. Beautifully garnished with pudina, fried onion & boiled eggs. Mostly it is served with dahi-ki-chutney and mirchi-ka-salan. Biryani has many variants like mutton biryani, chicken biryani, biryani khaam, biryani zard or zafrani, or the most exotic of all joban malti biryani in which mutton, partridges, and quails are cooked with rice.

• Double Ka Meetha is a dessert made from bread, milk, and dry fruits.
• Gosht which is made from a buck/billy/young goat, and is associated with the Hyderabadi cuisine. Hyderabadis prize the meat of a male goat.
• Hyderabadi dum biryani is where dum refers to the baking process and basmati rice and meat or vegetables are mixed in a pot and heated for a long time. During the Nizam's time, the biryani was made with lamb carefully cooked with rice. Culinary delicacies of Hyderabad include:
• Hyderabadi Haleem is another dish that is available only in the month of Ramadaan (Ramzan).
• Kachchi gosht ki biriyani of Hyderabad, where raw meat is stir-fried with spices (masala) for a couple of minutes and then covered with rice and put on dum. Today, Biryani is also made using vegetables, chicken, seafood, and beef. The beef Biryani is known as Kalyani Biryani, available at many small eateries in the city. Although any Irani cafe might serve this delectable dish, there are a few places better known for tasteful food than their hygiene.

• Khubani ka meetha is Hyderabad's preferred dessert sweet. It is made from apricots boiled in sugar syrup till they achieve a thick consistency. It looks similar to but tastes different from gajar ka halwa (carrot halwa). It is often topped with ice cream or cream.
• Lukhmi is a spicy & crispy savory stuffed with mincemeat (kheema) served with tea or a party starter.
• Mirchi ka salan is served with spicy chilly gravy, which is another dish that serves as a tasty accompaniment to any rice item.
• Osmania biscuits are the most famous treat in Hyderabad. A sip of Irani chai is incomplete without a bite of Osmania biscuits. A must-try item on the bucket list of every visitor.

Hyderabad has a large number of outlets that are positioned as bakeries. These are primarily takeaway places, where one can buy sandwiches, burgers, biscuits and puffs to go (called parcel in local parlance.) Usually, there are a few chairs and tables thrown in as an afterthought.

Many Western chains have set up shop in the posh areas of Hyderabad. Among these are Texas Chicken, McDonald's, KFC, Pizza Hut, Dominos and Subway. Most of these have multiple outlets and all of them have Indianised their fare to varying extents. The Indian pizza chain Pizza Corner also has many outlets. Barista[7], or Cafe Coffee Day[8] outlets are good places to have coffee and conversations.

In recent times, there has been an explosion in the number of restaurants in Hyderabad, fueled by demand from young professionals with money to spend. Quality and variety of food, however, have not kept pace. There are a disproportionate number of restaurants that claim to be called fine-dining restaurants, but the food they serve is usually indifferent. In general, keep away from restaurants that call themselves "multi-cuisine" or if you see multiple cuisines on the menu, as the chances are that they are attempting to serve every kind of palate and will not satisfy any.

The older areas of Hyderabad are better places to find good and cheap food. Places close to Hi tec city, such as Madhapur and Kondapur, tend to have expensive and bad food, while in Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills, you will find restaurants that are expensive, but which sometimes serve good food. Those misled by the fact that Hyderabad is in South India and expecting South Indian food may be disappointed. While there are excellent South Indian restaurants in some of the older areas like Koti and Abids, the average South Indian food served here is quite bad.

Budget[edit]

• Baawarchi Restaurant, Plot No. 44, RTC X Rd, Beside Sandhya Theatre, Chikkadpally, New Nallakunta, Hyderabad, Telangana 500020 (Opposite Sandya Theatre), ☎ +91 40 2763 4490. 11:30AM-11PM. Biryanis Rs 150.
• Bahaar Cafe, 3-5, 815/A, Old MLA Quarters Rd, Avanti Nagar, Himayatnagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500029, ☎ +91 40 2323 7605. Biryanis and meat curries, moderately priced.
• Bowl O'China restaurant, NTR Circle, Nagam Towers, 1-8-303/33/A, Sardar Patel Rd, Sindhi Colony, Begumpet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500003, ☎ +91 8790061666. This is a chain restaurant started by the same folk who run Hyderabad House. It is present in multiple locations all over the city. Average Indian Chinese food. Rs 200.
• Chutneys South Indian restaurant, 1133, 8-2-293/8, A/13, Rd Number 36, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033, ☎ +91 9390234234. Vegetarian, and quite well-known in Hyderabad. South Indian dishes like dosas, idlis, and uttappas. "North Indian" is also good. Is extremely crowded on weekend nights, and there is a waiting time of up to 30 min. Does not serve alcohol. Rs 150.
• Deli 9 Bistro, Ground Floor Anvi Eco Grand, Nanakramguda Rd, beside Wipro Circle, Financial District, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500036, ☎ +91 9618116000. 9:30AM-10:30PM. Bakery and cafe. Cakes, pastries, quiches, and puffs. 2 locations. Rs 200.

• Durga Mess restaurant, Thurka Yamjal, X Road, Sri Surya Sai Nagar Colony, Hyderabad, Telangana 501510, ☎ +91 9705842547.
• Hyderabad House, Srinagar - Kanyakumari Hwy, Brindavan Colony, Shamshabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 501218, ☎ +91 9246155310. This is a chain of restaurants, serving Hyderabadi style food all over the city. Some outlets comprise just a takeout counter. Try the Lukhmi. Vegetarians will have few choices. Rs 200.
• K & C Bakers & Confectioners, Shop 6-907, Beside SBH Bank Street Number 3, RTC Cross Rd, Himayatnagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500029, ☎ +91 4066615444.
• Karachi Bakery, Unit No. 30, Khanchand Towers, Inner Ring Rd, Shyam Rao Nagar, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004, ☎ +91 4066660909, [x]. It is famous for biscuits.
• Kholani's Kitchen, Needs Arcade, 16 & 17, Ramkoti, Bogulkunta, Koti, Hyderabad, Telangana 500001, ☎ +91 40 2475 3444, [x]. 11AM-11PM. Try the excellent malai kebabs (chicken) and apollo fish. Rs 200.
• Minerva Coffee Shop restaurant, 3-6-199/1, Opp Fashion Factory, AP State Housing Board, Himayatnagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500029, ☎ +91 9652818866, [x]. This is a bit of a local institution, serving tasty vegetarian South and North Indian snacks and food. It is present in 4 locations. Rs 150.
• New Astoria Restaurant, No.5-9-8 c/1, RTC X Rd, Chikkadpally, Hyderabad, Telangana 500020 (Opposite Sandhya Theatre), ☎ +91 9642948658.
• Ofen Bakery, 49, Ground Floor, Road No. 10, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034, ☎ +91 9666717123, [x]. 8AM-11PM. Excellent place for bread and related foods - especially for health conscious. Includes bread like whole grain bread, ragi bread, and sugar-free cakes. Rs 150.
• Safeena Bakery, 17-2-170, Charminar Rd, Kotla Alijah, Yakhutpura, Hyderabad, Telangana 500023 (near Alijah Kotla), ☎ +91 7207406786. 8AM-10PM. Baked biscuits, cakes, and burgers. Has 3 outlets:
• Sarvi Bakers and Confectioners, K K Heights, First Lancer Rd, Owaisi Pura, Masab Tank, Hyderabad, Telangana 500028, ☎ +91 40 6663-1113. Place for sandwiches, burgers and puffs. Rs 50.
• Vellanki Foods, Vellanki Foods, location_onNear Vellanki Foods, Guttala_Begumpet, Sri Rama Colony, Jubilee Hills, Guttala_Begumpet, Sri Rama Colony, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033 (Opp. Community Hall), ☎ +91 9121222307, [x]. 10AM to 9PM. Famed for their traditional sweets and pickles, primarily Pootharekulu, Ariselu, Bobbatlu and avakaya pickle.
• Wang's Chinese Kitchen, Ambedkar Nagar, Hafeezpet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500049 (opp. Old Police Station Road), ☎ +91 9292909098. 12:30PM-3:30PM, 7PM-11:30PM. An upmarket Chinese restaurant, present at two locations. Rs 500.

Mid-range[edit]

• 4 Seasons Middle Eastern restaurant, 9-4-77/3/D/4/5/6, Tolichowki Rd, Yousuf Tekri, Toli Chowki, Hyderabad, Telangana 500008 (opposite R.T.A Office), ☎ +91 40 65578671, [x]. Serves multiple cuisines, but raved about for its Arabic and Lebanese food. Lunch and dinner. Credit cards accepted. Around Rs 800 for two.
• Aangan Multicuisine Restaurant, Yatri Niwas, 1-8-180/B, Sardar Patel Rd, Jogani, Ramgopalpet, Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500003, ☎ +91 40 2781 6881, [x]. 10:30AM-11:30PM. Mughlai, Chinese, and Hyderabadi dishes. Rs 300.
• Angeethi Restaurant, City Center, 5th Floor, Road No. 1 & 10, Banjara Hills, Rd Number 1, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034, ☎ +91 40 6525 5550. 12:30PM-3:30PM, 7:00PM-11:30PM. The ambiance is of a Dhaba, complete with a pan shop, a well and a quack peddling herbal remedies for "marital problems". Interesting variations on traditional Punjabi dishes, but the dessert selection is meager. The beverage menu has a quirky location at the end of the main menu. Rs 500.
• Barbeque Nation, 1st Floor, ANR सेंटर, Plot No.6-3 5, Rd Number 1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034, ☎ +91 8069028720. Happy hours(before 8 pm). Enjoy unlimited starters on a barbecue grill right on your table. Desserts are just okay.
• Chinese Pavilion, Rd Number 1, Dwarakapuri, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034 (opposite Vengal Rao Park), ☎ +91 9848344518. 11:30AM-3:30PM, 7:30PM-11:30PM. Attempts to move away from Indian Chinese. Rs 500.
• Chung Hua Restaurant, Hira Mansion 5-9-29G, Palace Colony Rd, Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad, Telangana 500063 (opp. Paigah Plaza), ☎ +91 4023222295. 11:30AM-3:30PM, 7PM-10:30PM. Try out the Thai varieties, nice, cozy place. Present at 2 locations Rs 300.
• Exotica Banjara Hills, 5th Floor, 12th Square, Building, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034, ☎ +91 9652115500. 11AM-3:30PM, 7PM-Midnight. A rooftop restaurant with an exotic ambiance. Serves Mughlai and Chinese. Rs 500.
• Firangi Bake Banjara Hills FC, 1st Floor 8-2-227/23 (New No. 313 Union Bank of India Colony, Banjara Hills Rd Number 3, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034, ☎ +91 7710090007, [x]. 12PM-11:30PM.
• Mainland China restaurant, Survey No - 64P, Hitech City, Plot no. 1 & 2, Hitech City Rd, Madhapur, Telangana 500081 (Opposite Rohini Layout Opp Shilparamam), ☎ +91 9392746144. 12:45PM-3:30PM,7:30P-11:30PM. Excellent Chinese place, though it tends more towards Indian Chinese. Try the dim sums and the darsaan for dessert. Good ambiance and excellent service. Rs 700.
• Ming's Court Chinese restaurant, Door No. 5-9-30/16-20, Ohri's Cuisine Court, Basheerbagh Rd, Hyderabad, Telangana 500029, ☎ +91 9866001443, [x]. 11:30AM-3:30PM, 7PM-11:30PM. Mostly Indian Chinese. Rs 500.
• Nanking Chinese Restaurant, 103, Park Ln, Sandhu Apartment, Kalasiguda, Secunderabad, Telangana 500003 (near Hussian Travels), ☎ +91 40 2784-8986. 11:30AM-3:30PM, 6:30PM-11PM. Hyderabad's oldest Chinese restaurant.
• Olive Garden Restaurant, Narsingi, Hyderabad, Telangana 500075, ☎ +91 9885310999. 11:30AM-3:30PM, 7PM-11PM. Do not be missed by the name and expect Italian. It serves passable Mughlai and Punjabi fare. So, this is an option if you are looking for a quick place to eat.
• Paradise Biryani Restaurant, X Roads, Masab Tank - Banjara Hills Rd, Masab Tank, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004, ☎ +91 9014206735, [x]. 11:30AM-11:30PM. This restaurant is branch of one of the oldest places serving Biryani and of late has lost some of its sheens owing to the explosion of business. Also serves the best falooda in Hyderabad. It has both a sit-down restaurant and a takeaway. They do have branches, but confusingly imitators with similar names have sprung up all over the city. A new branch has recently opened up at Masab Tank crossroad & Hitec City near Shilpakala Vedhika.
• Pista House Biryani restaurant, Ashok Nagar, Golden Habitat, Whitefields, Kondapur, Telangana 500081 (beside Bata Showroom), ☎ +91-93965-00786. 10AM-11PM.
• Rayalseema Ruchulu Andhra restaurant, FTCCI Marg, Red Hills, Lakdikapul, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004, ☎ +91 9246206475, [x].
• Serengeti North Indian restaurant, 8-2, Door No. 8-2-682/3, Ohri's Banjara, Road No. 12, Banjara Hills, 682-3, Road No. 12, Fortune Enclave, Sri Ram Nagar Colony, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034 (Ohri's Banjara), ☎ +91 9866018122, [x]. 12 noon-3:30, 7PM-11:30PM. Cuisine is from the Northwest Frontier Province while the decor tries to create the ambiance of an African safari. The food is good, the wine list is extensive and quite good. For a change, the dessert menu does not suck. Rs 600.
• Tulips Buffet restaurant, Hotel Green Park, Leelanagar, Ameerpet, Begumpet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500016, ☎ +91 40 6651-5151. 24 hr. Famous for its midnight biryani and buffet.
• Ullaasa Family Restaurant, 7159/9/A/3, Dharam Karan Rd, Divyashakti Appartments, Ameerpet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500016, ☎ +91 9121014649. 10:00AM-11:00PM. Nice ethnic ambiance and the rooftop setting is amazing, and the food is excellent. Rs300.

Splurge[edit]

• Fusion 9 Italian restaurant, T01 & 3, 5th Floor, Inorbit Mall, Mind Space, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081, ☎ +91 7731019988, [x]. 12AM-11PM. Lounge bar and restaurant, with an astonishing range of cuisines from different parts of the world.
• Golden Dragon Chinese restaurant, 116, 1st Floor, Chenoy Trade Center, Park Ln, Kalasiguda, Secunderabad, Telangana 500003, ☎ +91 7893031832, [x]. 12:30PM-2:45PM, 7:30PM-11:45PM. Opulent Chinese restaurant. Rs 800.
• Little Italy Bar and Restaurant, 3rd Floor Aryon, F550, Road No. 92, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034 (opp. KBR Park, at Applo Crossing), ☎ +91 9701367087, [x]. 12 noon-3:30PM, 7PM-11:00PM. Italian style, completely vegetarian. Rs 700.
• Taj Mahal Restaurant Hotel, 4-1-999, Abids Road, Sultan Bazar, Abids, Hyderabad, Telangana 500001 (Part of Taj Mahal Hotel), ☎ +91 4066120606, [x]. 11AM-11PM. One of the original "Udupi" style restaurants, this is strictly vegetarian and does not serve alcohol. It is part of the Taj Mahal Hotel. The food in the restaurant is tasty and good, and like Udupi restaurants, serves South Indian, North Indian, and "Chinese". You are advised to stick to South Indian. The ambiance in the A/C section is old-school. Rs 200.
• Waterfront, 6-3-1240/225/23, PV Narasimha Rao Marg, beside Eat Street, Raj Nagar, Khairtabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004, ☎ +91 40 6527 8899. 12:00-23:00. Has a nice view of Hussain Sagar lake, but the food, at its best, is passable. Rs 700 (cover charge of Rs 300, Rs 500 on weekends).

Drink[edit]

Falooda is a favorite drink of Hyderabad. Traditionally it is made by mixing rose syrup, vermicelli, and sweet basil seeds with milk, often served with ice cream.

Irani chai is the tea of Hyderabad, available at any of the ubiquitous "Chai" shops. However, not all of them have the best hygiene and it is best to go with a local. The crowd at the stalls is composed mainly of blue-collar workers and college students so expect a noisy environment with conversational topics that range from movies to politics.

Alcohol is available easily from numerous Liquor Shops, known as wine shops in local parlance, spread across the twin cities, in restaurants with bars attached (including most upscale ones), and in pubs.

There is plenty to do at night in Hyderabad, though local regulations have most places serving the last drinks by 11 PM. On weekdays, drinks in some of the pubs have the best offers, as most clubs are empty until Thursday or Friday nights when the clubbers emerge. But the sheer number of nightlife spots makes it hard to choose which ones to list. As a general rule, they tend to be clustered around Begumpet and Road No.1, Banjara Hills.

WARNING: Drunken driving is not tolerated and police enforce the rule strictly. After 11 PM almost all the roads have police patrols and check drunk driving. If caught you may end up paying fines, apart from a vehicle being seized and a couple of rounds to the police station in worst scenarios.

Bars[edit]

• Air Live Jubilee Hills Bar, Rd Number 36, Above Jaguar Showroom, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034, ☎ +91 9160610001. Live music
• Atrium Bar, Taj Deccan, Rd Number 1, Balapur Basthi, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034, ☎ +91 40 6666 3939. 11AM-11:30PM.
• Club8 Bar, my home tycoon, House Block I, Greenlands Flyover, Begumpet Rd, Kundanbagh Colony, Begumpet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500016, ☎ +91 9550608646.
• Fat Pigeon - Bar Hop, Plot No, 1335/A, Road No. 45, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033, ☎ +91 9100666101, [x].
• Joint Bar Cafe, Road No. 8, Zahara Nagar, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034, ☎ +91 8858716666.
• Lucky Bar, 1103, 1103, Paparayadu Nagar, Kukatpally, Hyderabad, Telangana 500072, ☎ +91 8009284482.
• Seventh Heaven Restaurant & Bar, Venkat Plaza, 6-3-833, 1st & 7th Floor, Punjagutta, Hyderabad, Telangana 500082 (opposite to Joyalukkas), ☎ +91 8886667357. 11AM-11:30PM. Nice rooftop bar and restaurant.

Cafe[edit]

• Chocolate Room Cafe & Lounge, Ground Floor, Shop No. 8, Bizness Square, Jubilee Enclave, HITEC City, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081 (near Madhapur Police Station Crossing, Opp Hitex Entrance, Jubilee hills), ☎ +91 8465842222, [x]. Wonderful drinking chocolates and crepes. It is a good place to hang out and have a conversation, though it does get crowded on weekends during the evening. Rs150.
• Habitat Cafe, Terrace, Vimbri Boulevard, Road No 4, Green Valley, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034, ☎ +91 8121685645.
• Hard Rock Cafe, Salarpuria Sattva, Plot 2, Knowledge City Rd, Guttala_Begumpet, Silpa Gram Craft Village, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081, ☎ +91 7207911032, [x].
• MoMo Cafe, 1-3-1024, Lower Tank Bund Rd, Bhagyalaxmi Nagar, Kavadiguda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500080, ☎ +91 4066522450. 24 hr. Mughlai, Chinese, and Hyderabadi dishes. Rs 300-500.
• Sreejs's Home Foods Indian takeaway, B-43, Journalist colony, Apollo Road, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, ☎ +91 40 6663 2373, [x]. 10AM-9:30PM. Nice Andhra sweets and hot items, tasty carryout curries every day.
• Toops Coffee Coffee shop, Plot no, 1316/A, Rd Number 66, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033, ☎ +91 8919287841.
• Universal Cafe & Bakery, UG Floor, Rd 3, Film Nagar, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033, ☎ +91 4066838777.

Pubs[edit]

Some of the good pubs and bars are part of hotels, and they have been covered along with their hotel.

• 10 Downing Street - Gachibowli, SLN Terminus, 133, Botanical Garden Rd, Jayabheri Enclave, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032, ☎ +91 9866000078, [x]. 11AM-11PM. Expensive place, nice music, good crowd, but small dance floor. Good atmosphere and food. Rs 300-1,000.
• By The Bottle, 1217/A, Rd Number 36, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033, ☎ +91 9100920231. A sleek, contemporary watering hole that combines beer, wine, and cocktails with Indian bar snacks and pizza.
• Cock & Bull Hyderabad Irish pub, The Skyview 10 Towers, Upper Ground Floor, Raidurg, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081, ☎ +91 9154285001. The ambiance gives off a very European vibe. The service is very fast.
• Zero40 Brewpub, 271/A, Road Number 10, Venkatagiri, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033, ☎ +91 7330840040, [x]. Craft beer, bar snacks & pizza served in a large microbrewery/co-working space with outdoor seating.

Sleep[edit]

This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:
Budget	Under Rs 1,500
Mid-range	Rs 1,500-4,500
Splurge	Over Rs 4,500

Accommodation in Hyderabad is unlikely to bust your budget, especially when compared to cities like Mumbai or Bangalore, and rooms are usually easily available. However, because the city sprawls so much, you must be careful about the hotel location if you want to avoid a long commute and traffic bottlenecks.

Plentiful budget accommodation is to be found around the Nampally railway station and in Abids, Koti, and other new city areas for a few hundred rupees a day, and tourist attractions aren't very far off. However the facilities tend to be basic, the towels aren't necessarily clean and air-conditioning tends to be extra. It might make sense to pay a little more and choose mid-range accommodation. The area around Hussain Sagar Lake, Begumpet, Punjagutta, Somajiguda, Banjara Hills, and Lakdi-ka-Pul are close to both tourist attractions of the old city and the business areas of the new city. Hotels in Secunderabad might be slightly far for the tourist, but may still work for the business traveler.

Unfortunately, hotel rooms tend to be expensive and scarce closer to Hi tec city, and commuting from any of the above areas, except perhaps Banjara Hills, is not a good option because of the traffic. Areas around Hi tec city are Madhapur, Kondapur, and Gachibowli. For longer-term stays, you might want to consider serviced apartments.

Apartments[edit]

Typically, serviced apartments have tie-ups with corporate professionals and give good rates to them. Companies may hire apartments on a semi-permanent basis to house even their short-term visitors. Like hotels, you reserve rooms by calling or writing to the property, you follow a check-in and check-out schedule, and you don't have to pay extra for services such as housekeeping, maintenance, and utilities. Serviced apartments are usually 40-50% less expensive than hotels.

• Alcove Service Apartments Hyderabad, Plot no 42, 46, Colony, Sri Shyam Nagar, Telecom Nagar, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032, ☎ +91 89510 89510 ([email protected]), [x]. Single room, A/C in each room, cable TV. Independent 2-3 BHK apartment, refrigerator, microwave, washing machine in each flat, free breakfast, free WiFi.
• Blobb Serviced Apartments (Service Apartment in Hyderabad), 8-2-334/41 Near Golden Glory Guest House, Rd Number 3, Green Valley, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034, ☎ +91 98492 33988 ([email protected]). checkin: 24 hours. Facilities with Unlimited Free Wi-Fi connectivity, Complimentary Breakfast and many such essential amenities.
• Skyla Serviced Apartments (Service Apartment in Hyderabad), 8-2616/3e, B/1, Rd Number 11, Mithila Nagar, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034, ☎ +91 98492 82828 ([email protected]), [x]. 24 hours Check-in / Check-out facilities with Unlimited Free Wi-Fi connectivity, Complimentary Breakfast, and many such essential amenities.
• Treats Serviced Apartments, Flat 305, Anand Nilayam Apartments, Anndorai Choudary Street, Ameerpet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500016, ☎ +91 4040203562. Rs 2,000.

Budget[edit]

• Ahwanam Hotel, Troop Bazaar, Koti, Hyderabad, Telangana 500001 (Opp. Ramakrishna Cinema Hall), ☎ +91 4024740302. checkin: 24 hr; checkout: 24 hr. Basic budget hotel. Most rooms are not A/C. Rs 600-1,000.
• B C Boys Hostel, 4-1-637, Wanaparthi Colony, Troop Bazaar, Koti, Hyderabad, Telangana 500001, ☎ +91 4023319254.
• Comfort Zone Hostel, BK Guda, Sanjeeva Reddy Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500038 (behind BK guda Masjid), ☎ +91 9391369792. Student dormitory
• FabHotel Sai Prakash, 5-4-427/434 Nampally Station Road Nampally, Abids, Hyderabad, Telangana 500001, ☎ +91 7042424242, [x]. On the way to the airport, strictly adequate. Rs 1,085.
• Geetanjali Hotel, 4-1-938, New Marketing Complex, 26/A, Tilak Rd, Sultan Bazar, Abids, Hyderabad, Telangana 500001, ☎ +91 9908137666. checkin: 24 hr; checkout: 24 hr. A/C and non-A/C rooms. Budget hotel, offers room service, clean & economical rooms and free wifi, online reservations, rated environmentally friendly, no restaurants. Close to transportation. Rs 1355-1,500. (17.392477,78.477294)
• Youth Hostel, Rani Gunj, Rani Gunj, Secunderabad, near Boats Club, Hyderabad, 500003, ☎ +91 4027540763, [x].

Mid-range[edit]

There are plenty of Budget hotels at Kachiguda Near Venkutramana Theater. The price generally ranges from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1500 for A/c Rooms. Kindly bargain at the hotels to get a better price.

• Alpha Hotel, Station Road, Shivaji Nagar, Secunderabad, Telangana 500003 (opposite Secunderabad Railway Station), ☎ +91 9573024212, [x]. Hotel with stores & restaurant. Popular for beja fry, which is available only in the morning and served for breakfast.
• Anmol pride@ hotel, 500063, 5-9-20/A, Secretariat Rd, Saifabad, Khairtabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004, ☎ +91 4023242999, [x].
• Asrani International, Plot Number 179, M G Rd, Secunderabad, ☎ +91 9908872034, [x]. checkin: 24hr. Has most basic facilities you'd expect from a business hotel. Located in Secunderabad, which is far from Hi-tech city, but close to the main city. Hosts a popular pub called Spanish Fly. Rs 2,500-3,500.
• Baseraa Hotel, 1-9-167/168, Sarojini Devi Rd, Secunderabad, ☎ +91 40 2770-3200. checkin: 12PM; checkout: 12PM. If the location fits, this is an excellent choice for a good, reasonably priced hotel. It has been recently renovated, and the rooms are plush without being opulent. Free WiFi and a complimentary breakfast. Dining is available at Mehfill a restaurant with live ghazal shows every evening. It also has a coffee shop and a cricket themed pub. Rs 2,500-6,500 (extra for foreigners paying in dollars).
• Central Court Hotel, 6-1-71, Lakdikapul Rd, beside HDFC Bank, Saifabad, Khairtabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004, ☎ +91 4023232323, [x]. Centrally located and targeted at the business traveler who needs a place to sleep. Provides complimentary internet and most other business facilities. In addition, it has a couple of reasonable restaurants.
• Falcons Nest Merlin Studios, Plot no.79, Kakatiya Hills, Guttala_Begumpet, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081, ☎ +91-9550 25 8899, [x].
• Grand Solitaire Hotel, 1-2-261/1, SD Road, Kalasiguda, Secunderabad, Telangana 500003, ☎ +91 40 4433-3999. Clean and functional hotel, suitable for business travelers. Rs 1,800-4,500.
• Haridwar Hotel, 15-2-364/1, Jambaug 9th St, Kishan Gunj, Jam Bagh, Hyderabad, Telangana 500012, ☎ +91 4024656712, [x]. checkin: 24hr; checkout: 24 hr. Basic functional hotel with an attached vegetarian restaurant. Caters mainly to visitors from North India. Rs 300-900.
• IK London Residency, 6-3-656, Kapadia Ln, Sangeet Nagar, Somajiguda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500082 (in the lane diagonally opposite NIMS), ☎ +91 4067285777. checkin: 24 hr; checkout: 24hr. IK London caters to business travelers and has easy access to Punjagutta, Begumpet and the secretariat areas. Complimentary breakfast, WiFi, and most other facilities you'd expect from a business hotel are available. Rs 1,900-4,000.
• Jaya International Hotel, 3/1&3, 2, Hanuman Tekdi Rd, Hanuman Tekdi, Abids, Hyderabad, Telangana 500001, ☎ +91 9951242929, [x]. Chic hotel located at the market area of Abids and well connected with city and other business centers. Good for both business and leisure travelers and is very close to the airport. From Rs 3,070.00.
• Kamat Hotel, 6-1-60/1 Sectt Road Sf Bad, NH 44, Khairtabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004, ☎ +91 4023298689. checkin: 14:00; checkout: noon. Adequate place to stay for the average traveler who isn't looking for frills. Has a pretty good restaurant which offers vegetarian food. Free breakfast, though the menu heavily favors South Indian vegetarians. Rs 2,500-3,500.
• Karan's Inn, 1-2-261/1, S.D. Rd, Secunderabad, ☎ +91 97563 92931, [x]. checkin: 24 hr; checkout: 12PM. Good mid-range business hotel in Secunderabad. Wheelchair accessible. Rs 2,500-3,500.
• Mango Suites - Viera, 11A, Road No 3, Film Nagar, near Apollo Hospital, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033, ☎ +91 4023331236. Rs 3160.
• Minerva Grand Banjara, Door No 8 NO:- 11, 2-616, ROAD, Mithila Nagar, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034 (opposite Care Hospital Line), ☎ +91 9502307777, [x]. checkin: 12:00. This is a newer property. It has Stir, an all-day coffee shop. Rs 3,000-6,000.
• Minerva Grand Seunderabad, 1-2-166 to 193, Mahankali St, behind Old Manju Theater, Kalasiguda, Secunderabad, Telangana 500003 (Bhuvana Towers), ☎ +91 9502346666, [x]. This is closer to the city center. It has a lounge bar Enigma and Fiesta a 24-hour coffee shop. Rs 3,880-8,000.
• OYO Athithi Inn, 7159/9/A/3, Dharam Karan Rd, Divyashakti Appartments, Ameerpet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500016, ☎ +91 1246201614, [x]. checkin: 12PM; checkout: 12-noon. Cozy hotel, slightly far from the city center. Room service and laundry are available. Has conference room facilities. Houses 2 restaurants. Rs 1,265-4,000.
• Parklane Hotel, 115, SD Road, Kalasiguda, Secunderabad, Telangana 500003, ☎ +91 40 2784 0466, [x]. 30 years old and looks its age. Rooms are comfortable, with both A/C and non-A/C options. Breakfast is complimentary. The hotel caters mainly to senior government officials. Park Lane has a vegetarian restaurant Madhura. Rs 2075.
• Quality Inn Residency, Public Garden Rd, Mahesh Nagar, Abids, Hyderabad, Telangana 500001 (Railway Station), ☎ +91 40 3061 6161, [x]. checkin: 24hr; checkout: 24hr. Business hotel, internet, conference facilities. Venue, a vegetarian restaurant is part of the hotel, as is One Flight Down, a basement pub. The location is more suited for access to the main city rather than Hi-tech city. Rs 4,155-11,000.
• Shah Ghouse Hotel & Restaurant Gachibowli, Raidurgam, Madhura Nagar Colony, Gachibowli, 8-191/15, Gachibowli Rd, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032 (Opposite Bio Diversity Park), ☎ +91 9700150828.
• Sitara Paradise, 6-3-788/34, NH 65, Punjagutta Officers Colony, Ameerpet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500016 (opposite Lane Of Chandana Brothers), ☎ +91 4066844446, [x]. Small hotel, bang in the middle of the Ameerpet shopping district. Don't expect a quiet stay, but the rooms are spacious and elegant. This hotel is geared more towards weddings and celebrations, not for business travelers or tourists. Rs 1,896.

Splurge[edit]

• Amrutha Castle, 5-9-16, NH 44, Ambedkar Colony, Khairtabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500063 (opposite State Secretariat), ☎ +91 40 6663 3888. Designed after castles from medieval Bavarian Europe. All-suite accommodations, meeting and event space, onsite restaurants, a fitness center, and a swimming pool. Close to important attractions. Rs 5300.
• Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad, 1-3-1024, Lower Tank Bund Rd, Bhagyalaxmi Nagar, Kavadiguda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500080, ☎ +91 40 2752 1222, [x]. checkin: 3PM; checkout: 12PM. Opened in December 2009. Business hotel, many rooms have a view of the lake. Rs 7400.
• Golkonda Hotel, 10-1-124, Masab Tank Crossroads (opposite Polytechnic), ☎ +91 40 6611 0101 (toll free: 1800 425-0202), [x]. Free breakfast and free internet. Has a fitness center and a swimming pool. Suitable both for business travelers and tourists. Rs 4,695-9,000 (extra for foreigners paying in dollars).
• Green Park Hotel, Begumpet Rd, Leelanagar, Begumpet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500016, ☎ +91 40 6651 5151, [x]. checkin: 12PM; checkout: 12PM. Close to the city's business areas. Rooms are well-furnished, free breakfast coffee shop, internet, and access to the minibar. Once upon a time is the specialty restaurant. The Mustang Bar and Torque pub. Rs 5,870-11,000.
• Hampshire Plaza Hotel, 6-1-79 & 80, Telephone Bhavan Rd, Lakdikapul, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004, ☎ +91 40 2333 5555, [x]. checkin: 12PM; checkout: 12PM. Well worth a stay if the location is right. Well-appointed rooms, with WiFi and all the amenities you would expect at the price. Rs 4,155-11,000.
• Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre, Tank Bund Rd, Bhagyalaxmi Nagar, Lake, Hyderabad, Telangana 500080 (opposite Hussain Sagar), ☎ +91 40 2752-2999, [x]. checkin: 3PM; checkout: 12 noon. The more expensive rooms have a view of the Hussain Sagar Lake right across the street. WiFi and wired internet are available in all rooms, charged extra. There are 3 restaurants and a bar, including Bidri an Indian restaurant serving Hyderabadi cuisine. Rs 7,000-16,000.
• ITC Kakatiya, 6-3-1187, Begumpet, ☎ +91 4023400132, [x]. a Luxury Collection Hotel. If price is no object, this is the place to stay. Located in the centre of the business district. It has 3 full-service restaurants. Deccan Pavilion is open 24 h, and serves up a Sun brunch from 12:30PM-3PM. South Indian restaurant Dakshin and an Irish-themed pub Dublin. Rs 9,500-30,000.
• Manohar Hotel, Begumpet Airport Road, Motilal Nehru Nagar, Begumpet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500016, ☎ +91 9246228341, [x]. Rs 3430.
• Novotel Hyderabad Airport, R. Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad, Hyderabad, Mamidpally, Telangana 500108, ☎ +91 40 6625 0000, [x]. checkin: 3PM; checkout: 12PM. In the unlikely case that you need to stay close to the new airport. Rs 12910.
• Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, Bag 1101 Cyberabad, Post Office, Novotel & HICC Complex, P.O, near Hitec City, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081, ☎ +91 4066824422, [x]. Rs 8400.
• Taj Hotels Hyderabad, [x]. Taj, a famous Indian hotel chain has 4 iconic hotels in Hyderabad, 2 of them on the same street in Banjara Hills, Begumpet, and Falaknuma. Rs 6490-45000.

Contact[edit]

Post Office[edit]

India Post[9], a government-owned enterprise, has its headquarters at Abids known as GPO. And its second biggest center is located in Secunderabad.

Landlines[edit]

The dialing code for Hyderabad is 040. When calling from overseas, dial +91 40 XXXX XXXX. If you have a non-working phone number with only 7 digits try to add "2" in front of it. There are public booths scattered around the city.

Mobile phones[edit]

One can get a mobile with a calling rate of 1 paise/second for a local/national call. It is very easy to get a Prepaid mobile, which is very cheap to get for calls. One needs to give a Photo ID proof and a photograph for prepaid as well as postpaid connection as per the Govt. regulations.

• Aircel[10] - GSM 900, 1800
• Airtel [11] - GSM 900, 1800
• Reliance Com[12] - CDMA, GSM 900,1800
• Tata Teleservices[13] - CDMA.
• Uninor[14] - GSM 900, 1800
• Vodafone Idea[15] - GSM 900, 1800

Internet[edit]

Indian Railways is offering free WiFi to passengers for a half-hour duration at Secunderabad Railway Station per day. 17 WiFi locations have been set up between the Cyber Towers - Madhapur Police Station area, the Cyber Towers - Kothaguda junction area, and the Cyber Towers – Raheja Mindspace Circle areas. After selecting the public Wi-Fi network, a one-time password (OTP) password will be sent to the mobile user, who can enjoy internet services of up to 750 megabytes (MB) per day.

For a longer stay with a laptop, it's better to get a Data plan either from Reliance Jio or Act fibernet[16], which are around Rs 1,000 a month or if you have WLAN (Wireless LAN or WiFi) enabled laptops. There are many wireless public WiFi networks available in Hyderabad for free access to high-speed internet.

Stay safe[edit]

Hyderabad has remained safe from terrorism however there have been incidents of terrorism in the past These blasts have taken place at Mecca Masjid, Lumbini Park, and Koti, places often frequented by travelers. Though the chance that you will be in danger is quite low, you should make your own risk assessment. Rather than physical danger, it is more likely that the intrusive security will dampen your enjoyment of your Hyderabad vacation. Every shopping mall, cinema theatre, and palace has metal detectors and security guards patting you down.

Previously, the area was known as a communally sensitive zone and a venue for religious riots between Hindus and Muslims. It was common for the police to impose a curfew in that area while the rest of the city went about life without any problems. Due to its "Fast Developing Infrastructure Structure, IT Sector, and Real Estate" people are migrating from nearby states to Hyderabad for better professional opportunities. Hyderabad also has a Hugh CCTV cameras network Surveillance.

While there were fears of law and order issues before the formation of the Telangana State, such fears have been put to rest by the exemplary police forces here, who are both well-equipped and citizen-friendly, even taking complaints via Whatsapp, mobile app, and Facebook, and keeping complainants updated on the status of their complaints via the same media. Hyderabad also has an extensive network of CCTV cameras whose feed is used very frequently to swiftly solve crimes.

Outside of these, Hyderabad is a rather safe metropolis. Muggings and violent crime are uncommon, most crimes involve thefts. Avoid staying out late at night, especially if you are a single woman.

The usual tourist-oriented scams in India are not as bad in Hyderabad as they are in other places. However, foreigners should be more cautious while traveling and avoid talking to strangers. Just ignore the beggars and they will go away.

Avoid wearing expensive Jewellery while traveling or at tourist spots. Chain-snatching incidents are common in the city. One has to be watchful while going into crowded areas.

Should tourists run into any kind of problem they should immediately contact the police at "100" or the emergency services at "108". The police personnel are extremely helpful and for foreign tourists, it is even better. Traffic police can be found nearly at all major junctions and can be more effective than "108".

Emergency Numbers[edit]

• Toll Free Number for Medical, Police and Fire ☎ 108
• Police Control Room 100 (The response is very swift.)
• Child Line Facility ☎ 1098
• Fire ☎ 102
• Railway Enquiry ☎ 131, 135

Cope[edit]

Money changers[edit]

Many hotels will change money for you at the front desk. However, they may not offer the best rates.

It is better to change money at the city-based money changers than the ones located at the airports. You'll find many money-changing operations located in Saifabad, some with doorstep service. It's also possible to call them and agree on a rate before the transaction.

• Jain Forex Private Limited, Munawar Chamber, Shop No. 1, Ground Floor, Munawar Chamber, Raj Bhavan Road, Somajiguda, Raj Bhavan Rd, Somajiguda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500082 (Opp Reliance Foot Print), ☎ +91 9963410111. Currency exchange service.
• Secure Forex Private Limited, Nasir Arcade (beside RBI Saifabad), ☎ +91 9177121272 (fax: +91 040 2721 2733). Money transfer service

Newspapers[edit]

Eenadu is the most popular local language (Telugu) newspaper as is Andhra Jyothy. The Deccan Chronicle is Hyderabad's oldest newspaper, and indispensable if you need to look up classifieds for, say, renting a house. The Times of India with its new office in Hyderabad has good local content and is increasingly widely read. For events, business listings, and movie listings, fullhyderabad.com is popular. Siasat and Munsif are the main Urdu newspapers for the Urdu-speaking population.

• Andhra Jyothy [17]
• Eenadu [18]
• Full Hyderabad [19]
• Hello Hyderabad [20]
• Indian Express [21]
• Munsif [22]
• Sakshi [23]
• Siasat [24]
• The Times of India [25]
• Vaartha [26]

Hospitals[edit]

• Apollo Hospital, Near, Plot No. 3-5-836 to 838, Hyderguda-Basheerbagh Rd, Old MLA Quarters, King Koti, Hyderguda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500029, ☎ +91 4023231380, [x]. Apollo Hospitals is the largest and most technologically advanced hospital in the city. The Apollo group of hospitals is the second largest in the world and provides healthcare comparable to Western standards.
• Ctomatodont Dental and Orofacial Clinic, 5-12, Geetha Nagar, Malkajgiri, Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Telangana 500047, ☎ +91 7981710965, [x]. 10:00-13:30& 17:30-21:30. Emergency Dental Care
• Omega Hospital (Oncology - Cancer Specialty Hospital), MLA Colony Main Road (Road No - 12 in Banjara Hills), ☎ +91 40 23551034 ([email protected], fax: + 91 40 2355 0327), [x]. 24.
• Osmania General Hospital, 15-5-104, Begum Bazar, Afzal Gunj, Hyderabad, Telangana 500012, ☎ +92 21341 23450, [x].
• Owaisi Hospital & Research Centre, DMRL Cross Rd, Santosh Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500058 (Kanchanbagh), ☎ +91 40 2444 3129, [x]. After Santosh Nagar. This Hospital is one of the largest hospitals in Asia.
• Yashoda Hospital, 6-3-905, Raj Bhavan Rd, Matha Nagar, Somajiguda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500082 (Also at SP Road, Secunderabad and Malakpet), ☎ +91 6366920627, [x].

Consulates[edit]

• United States, Survey No. 115, 1, Financial District, Nanakramguda, Telangana 500032, ☎ +91 4069328000, [x].

Get out[edit]

• Bhuvanagiri
• Sangareddy is located about 55 km from Hyderabad

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