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

The city of Hyderabad

Hyderabad, the pearl city of India, 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.

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

Districts

Two important water bodies - the Musi river and the Hussain Sagar Lake - define much of Hyderabad's geography. They also influenced the city's history.

The Musi river flows from the west to the east, a few kilometers south of Hussain Sagar Lake. As you will read in the History section, the city was established on the banks of the Musi. The crowded bylanes of the Old City, as the district is now called, are steeped in history and home to many of the monuments that hark back to its glory days. Secunderabad, to the northwest of Hussain Sagar, is an army base first established by the British and which continues to serve that function today for the Indian Army.

Other than the above two clearly delineated named areas, none of the other major divisions of the city have commonly agreed upon names or boundaries. This guide, however, uses Hussain Sagar to refer to the region immediately surrounding the lake, where the government buildings of the new capital city are located. Jubilee Hills to Punjagutta is the district where the rich of Hyderabad dwell and dine. Cyberabad is the name we have appropriated for Hi tec city and Gachibowli, where most IT companies have their offices, and we have extended the term to encompass the entire western part of Hyderabad from Madhapur to Chandanagar on the grounds that these are the places where employees of these IT companies have their homes. Note, however, that the Cyberabad of this guide is not the same as the police commissionerate of the same name.

North and East Hyderabad are vast suburban, primarily residential areas that may not have much by way of attractions for the traveller.

Map of Old City, Hyderabad

Old City The Old City lies mostly along the banks of the Musi, Most historical attractions, including the Charminar and the Golconda fort lie in this district. It is also one of the most crowded areas of India, where, in some ways time has stood still since around 1800 while in other ways it has taken a few awkward steps forward. The crowded bylanes of the Old City are great areas to shop for bangles, henna, clothes or pearls.

Secunderabad The district lies to the north-east of the Hussain Sagar. At one point, Secunderabad was a separate city, which is why you often hear the appellation "Twin cities" to refer to the region. Like the typical Indian cantonment town, the roads are better maintained and broader. It has nice parks, open spaces like the parade ground, and some excellent restaurants.

Hussain Sagar The district around the Lake, particularly to the south of it, developed after Independence to house the government offices of the capital of the new state. The Lake itself and its surroundings have been beautified in the last two decades and you will find some nice amusement parks, promenades and restaurants around it.

Jubilee Hills to Punjagutta To the west of the new city are the prosperous suburbs of Punjagutta, Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills. Banjara Hills is where Hyderabad's swish set lives - the industrialists, movie stars and politicians. The neighbourhoods contain some good parks and restaurants.

Cyberabad 9 km to the west of the new city is the technology hub of Hi tec city and Gachibowli. Most information technology and business process outsourcing (BPO) firms have their offices here; some like Microsoft, Oracle and Infosys have large campuses. The crowd here is cosmopolitan, the restaurants and bars hipper, and the attractions worth seeing are newer.

North Hyderabad This is something of an industrial and suburban zone. Pharmaceutical companies have their factories, and their middle-class employees stay here. Other than the occasional park and the odd restaurant, the only time people from the heart of the city will visit this place is when they are driving to one of the resorts on the outskirts of the city

East Hyderabad Home to Osmania University, the eastern part of Hyderabad is a vast suburban area that has little to interest the traveler

Understand

If you are visiting 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 the metro is under construction.

The magnificent "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 industries, Cyberabad.

History

The Balahisar Baradari on the top of Golconda Fort

In the 10th century, the kings of the Kakatiya dynasty built the fortress of Golkonda about 8 km to the west of what is now Hyderabad’s old city. Over the next few centuries, the fort became a major centre of diamond trade fed by the mines of Kollur, so much so that the word "Golkonda" became synonymous with great wealth. The fort changed hands many times before it came under the control of Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk in 1463. He had quelled rebellion in the Telangana region and was appointed the subedar, or administrator of the region by the Bahmani sultan as a result. By 1518, he had become independent from the 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, moved 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 stopping a plague epidemic before it could do too much damage.

The name "Hyderabad" reportedly had its origins in an affair between Mohammad Quli Qutb Shah and a local Telugu courtesan named Bhagmati. He named the city Bhagyanagar after her, and after she converted to Islam and took on the name of "Hyder Mahal", he named the city Hyderabad. Hyderabad was built on a grid plan with help from Iranian architects. French traveller Jean-Baptiste Tavernier favourably 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 a governor to rule the region and granted him the title of Nizam-ul-Mulk. However, 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 honour 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 a 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 the Nizam the richest man in the world. In 1947, with India's independence, 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 prophesy was fulfilled. On 17 September 1948, it was merged in to India. Hyderabad become the capital of Hyderabad state. In 1956, Telugu-speaking areas were consolidated into the state of Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad became the capital of this new state. The new capital's administrative buildings were located around Hussain Sagar Lake between Secunderabad and the "old city", as the Nizam's city came to be called.

In 1995, Chandrababu Naidu became chief minister of Andhra Pradesh. Among his key policies was a major initiative to turn the city into an IT hub. He cleaned up the streets, laid out IT parks and did much to attract technology companies into the city. 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 actually 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 agitations and disturbances shaking up Hyderabad. This dispute was resolved in June 2014, with the state of Telangana created. Hyderabad will be capital of both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for 10 years, after which Hyderabad will remain capital of Telangana.

The city of Hyderabad

Culture and attitudes

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 Telangana, 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, 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.

Climate

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 temperatures range 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

Telugu 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

By plane

1 Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD  ^IATA) is 22 km (14 mi) from the city. The sleek and well-organized airport is one of the best in India. The elevated expressway to the airport takes 20 minutes. There are direct international flights from many countries. International carriers are Air India, British Airways, Emirates, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Silk Air, Etihad Airways and Thai Airways. International destinations: Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Chicago, Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Hong Kong, Jeddah, Kuala Lumpur, London, Muscat, Sharjah, Singapore.

Excellent domestic connectivity is provided by Indian airlines including Air India, Air India Express, Indigo Airlines, Jet Airways, JetLite and SpiceJet.

From Hyderabad airport, one option is to take the air-conditioned buses run by the airport (Aero Express) to various designated points in the city such as (1) Begumpet (Paryatak Bhavan) (2) Secunderabad (Keyes High School) (3) Hi-Tec City (Opposite Shilparamam) at a fixed price of ₹ 180, and two designated points in the city (4) Charminar (City College) (5) Mehdipatnam (Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital) at ₹ 120 (travel time runs from 45-100 min depending on time of day and traffic conditions). The buses have a frequency of a bus every 30 min from 03:30-23:00and every hour at midnight, 01:00, 02:00 and 03:00. You can reach the designated points and then take an auto or metered cab from there.

Alternatively, you can hire metered air-conditioned radio cabs starting from ₹ 20 per km (see Get around section) Easy and Meru are approved by the airport @ 15₹/km 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 25% surcharge in the night (i.e., ₹ 18.75 per km). Hyderabad traffic police counter is on the ground floor with prepaid taxis. Beware of taxi soliciting touts at the airport greeting area; they will try to charge exorbitant rates.

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 enquiries including arrivals / departure information, facilities, transport availability, etc. Another option for cheap travel from the airport to Hyderabad city is: When you arrive at airport, go to the departure gates, where you can get a car that has just dropped off passengers and would otherwise return empty to the city. Such vehicles will drop you off in city for only ₹ 30. The same is true if you hail a taxi near Mehdipathnam, where the flyover starts.

By train

Wikivoyage has a guide to Rail travel in India

Indian Railways has service to Hyderabad from all over India.

There are three major railway stations serving the twin cities: 2 Hyderabad Station [HYB] (Decan or Nampally), 3 Secunderabad Station [SC] (Junction), 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. Trains to/from New Delhi (toward north via Nagpur, Bhopal, Jhansi, Agra, 1677 km, 26-29 hours ), Visakhapatnam (toward east via Vijayawada, Warangal, 710 km, twelve and half hours), Chennai (toward south via Vijayawada, Warangal, Ongole, Nellore, 790 km, ~14 hours ), Mumbai (toward west via Vikarabad, Solarpur, Pune. 790 km, 13h 45m), Kolkata (To east to Howrah Station via Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, 1592 km, over thirty hours), Trivandrum (toward south-southwest via Tenali, Ongole, Nellore, Tirupati, Chittoor, Katpadi, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Kayamkulam, Kollam 1568 km, thirty and half hours), Sirpur Kagaznagar, Bidar, Tirupati (toward south via Vikarabad, Guntakal, Kadapa. 732 km, 16 hours), Narsapur (toward west via Nalgonda, Vishnupuram, Mandavalli, Kaikaluru, Bhimavaram, Veeravasaram, Palakollu, Narasapuram, 461 km, ten and half hours), Kolhapur, Ajmer, Darbhanga, Purna, Aurangabad, Parbhani, Bijapur, Gulbarga.

From these major railway stations you can easily get connected buses or private taxis which will take you to the destination of your choice. You can also ask taxi drivers about getting around Hyderabad as they have adequate experience and guide you appropriate to save your significant amount of time.

By car

Hyderabad is well connected to other major Metros by road. Bangalore is connected by NH7 and is at a distance of 560 km. The road between Bangalore and Hyderabad is excellent, and the distance can be covered in 6 hours. 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.).

By bus

Hyderabad is well-connected to all parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and most parts of South and Western India.

• 4 MGBS Bus Station (Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station or Imliban or Gowliguda Bus-Station), ☏ +91 40 24614406, +91 99 59226257 (inquiry counter), +91 40 24613955 (ticket reservation office), toll-free: +1 800 200 4599 (24/7 Customer Support). This is said to be the largest bus station in the world with around 84 bus bays side by side. 

Buses going to Anantapur (350 km, 5-8 h, ₹ 380-600, 10+ per day), Ahmedabad (21 h, daily), Bangalore (ten-twelve hours, eight plus per day), Chennai (12.5-13.5 h, ten+ per day, from ₹710), Coimbatore (14 h, five+ per day, from ₹1610), Madurai (14-16 h, four per day, ₹1600), Puttaparthy (366 km 10-11 h, two evening buses, ₹600-₹700), Rajahmundry (422 km, 10-12 h, six+ per day, ₹500-₹750), Tirupati (570 km 10-13 h, ₹600-₹950, 15+), Vijayawada (270 km, ₹300-₹400, half hourly, 7-9 h), Wijayavada (five and half to six hours, every half hour, ₹200-₹330), Visakhapatnam (627 km, ₹600-₹1100, 12-14 h, twenty plus per day). 5 JBS (Jubilee Bus Station) is in Secunderabad. APSRTC, runs direct air-conditioned coaches to Mumbai, Bengaluru (Bangalore) and Chennai. A.P tourism runs air-conditioned 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. Bus Station Office, ☎ +91 40 27802203.

South India is largely well served by organised private bus operators. They run luxury buses like Volvo, Mercedes, Kinglong Cerita buses including multi axled 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 centre in Secunderabad and Dilsukh nagar. Luxury services run to many cities from these places.

It may be difficult to find direct buses from North India.

Bus companies

• Telangana State Road Transport Corporation is the most luxurious bus transport corporation in India and is run by the Telangana state Government: The bus stations of TSSRTC in Hyderabad and Secunderabad are MGBS and JBS respectively. TSRTC runs all types of buses including air-conditioned, non air-conditioned and Volvo, Garuda-Plus, Garuda-Sleeper, Indra, Super Luxury and express buses to all major cities in South India and all major cities around Hyderabad.

Get around

Auto-rickshaw/Auto

There are many ways to get around in Hyderabad. It has good bus service, passable auto-rickshaw and taxi services and a grossly inadequate local train service.

Multi-Modal Transport System MMTS

MMTS Local Train

Local trains called MMTS are available, albeit for only a few places in Hyderabad. The frequency ranges from 10 minutes to around 2 per hour, save 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 from the website or mmts train timings. It is advisable for foreigners to take first class. Daily and monthly passes are also available at the MMTS stations.

• 6 Falaknuma MMTS Station (FM, Telugu: ఫలకనుమ రైల్వే స్టేషన్) (Near to Taj Falaknuma Palace, Barkas Cemetery, Jama Masjid Farooq-e-Azam, Simhavahini Mahankali Temple, and Udden Gadda Commercial area, Chandrayan Gutta localities are accessible from here). 

• 7 Uppuguda MMTS Station (HPG) (Huppuguda Gurudwara, Chitragupta Devalayam temple, Aliabad suburb, Shalibanda suburb and Darushifa Jama Masjid, Masjid Haji Kamal, Masjid Naya Pul, Iqbal Hotel, Ajwa Hotel and Choice Hotel all last five in Darushifa, Charminar monument and mosque, Laad Bazaar bangles market, Pather Gatti pearls market, Makkah Masjidare accessible from here). 

• 8 Yakutpura MMTS Station (YKA) (Masjid E Elahiya, Masjid Hazarim, Hanuman Temple of Madannapet Colony, Madannapet Mandi Vegetable Market, Pisal Banda's Paigah Tombs, Jamia Masjid Arafaat Sunni Mosque, National Hospital and Apple Hospital, Zahra Abdul Rahman Mosque, Masjid-E-Quba are accessible from here). Yerra Gunta Pond with a Hindu crematorium, big Saidabad's mansions of nawabs, Ameen Manzil Royal Palace in Saidabad suburb, Venkateshwara Temple and Kankadurga Temple, Reliance Fresh store and Sunday fish market in Santoshnagar suburb, 

• 9 Dabeer Pura MMTS Station (DQR) (Chanchalguda Central Jail, Qabrastan Park, HEH The Nizam's Museum or City Museum , Purani Haveli Palace, Salar Jung Art Museum at Darushifa, Fateh Khan Bazar are accessible from here). 

• 10 Malakpet MMTS Station (MXT) (Masjid-e-Qadriya, Jagannath Temple, Sahifa Masjid, BSNL Telephone Exchange, Kothapet Fruit Market, Padmavamshi Textile Market, Victoria Memorial Home, Saroornagar Lake, East Zone Municipal Council, Gaddiannaram Mahalakshmi theatre, Asmangadh Fort /located near NH-9/; Birla Archaeological Museum /near Asmangadh/, Mini Tank Bund / along the banks of Saroornagar Lake/, Indira Priyadarshini Park /on this Mini Tank Bund/, Jain Mandir /on the Maruthinagar-Chaitanyapuri stretch, about 1.5 km from Dilsukhnagar Bus Depot/, Narasimhaswamy Temple /in Chaitanyapuri on high rocks on the banks of the river Musi. The temple is famous as the Konda Gudi in the Chaitanyapuri area/, Chaderghat bridge, APSRTC bus terminal MGBS /Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station is located 0.5 km from Chaderghat/ are accessible from here). 

• 11 Kachiguda MMTS Station (KCG) (Narayanguda's YMCA, Osmania University, book shops in Koti, Giriraj lane's electronic shops, Lord Krishna Temple on Giriraj lane, Hanuman Temple, Hyderabad ISKCON Temple, General Post Office, old Taj Mahal hotel, Samasthan Gadwal Handloom Shopping Centre, the Government Building of Andhra Pradesh State Financial Corporation, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation Office Building, Maheshwari Palace Shopping Mall, New Marketing complex on Tilak Road, Mubarak Bazaar in Abids and the President Plaza are accessible from here). 

• 12 Vidyanagar MMTS Station (VAR) (Ramaiah's Institute, City Central Library, Thyagaraya Gana Sabha Cultural Auditorium, Lord Venkateshwara Temple, Sri Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple all last four in Chikkadpally, Shivam temple on Shivam Road, Ahobil Mutt and Ayyappa Swamy temples both on Shivam Road, Sri Ramana Theatere, Sufi Amber Baba Dargah, Jama Masjid, Irani Hotel, Guruvaurappan Temple, Ali Cafe, Shivam temple, Sheraton Hotel, Indo Bright Seva at Patel Nagar all last nine in Amberpet are accessible from here). 

• 13 Jamia Osmania MMTS Station (JOO) (Ramnagar Chowrastha, Community Hall in Ramnagar are accessible from here). 

• 14 Arts College MMTS Station (ATC) (Kalyanam Shopping Mall, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Kakatiya Recreation Club, Ganesha Temple, Sri Sita Rama Temple, Sri Sai Baba Temple, Datta Mandir, Sri Rama Temple, Sivalayam, Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Mataji Temple //Velugu Gutta Hill - Green Hills Colony/, Masjid E Bilal, Mosque in Nacharam and Mosque at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium all in Habsiguda suburb, Arts college building, Masjid-E-Kousar, Masjid-E-noor-E-Mohammadiya, Sri Subrahmanyaswamy Temple, Mumtaz Hotel all six in Warsiguda, Hanuman temple in Adikmet suburb are accessible from here). 

• 15 Sitaphalmandi MMTS Station (STPD) (English and Foreign Languages University, Big Bazaar Shopping mall in Tarnaka suburb are accessible from here). 

• 16 Secunderabad (Railway Station) MMTS Station (SC) (Marredpally Cricket Ground in Marredpally, Swapnalok Complex, Minerva Complex shopping malls both in Patny, Sri Venkateshwara Swamy temple, Sai Baba Temple, 7 Temples (Edu gullu), Dattatriya temple, Tadbund Sri Hanuman Temple, Siddhidhatri Dhurgabhavani Temple, Ancient Lord Siva Temple behind Post office, Dattariya Temple, Sri Ganesh Temple, Lord Shri Ayyappa Swami Temple behind Sai Dham and Market Yard Veggie. Market in Bowenpally, RD Convention Center and the Cine Planet multiplex in Kompally, Rainbow Shopping Mall, old British Jail, the Medical college, Lord Thirumalaeshwara Ranganath Swami temple, Historic Gunrock Water Tank all last five in Trimulgherry suburb, Karkhana suburb, Balanagar suburb are accessible from here). Platforms #6 and 7: Used by Hyderabad MMTS and Suburban transits rail traffic. 

• 17 James Street MMTS Station (JET) (Paradise Hotel, Chermas retail store, Asrani Hotel, General Bazaar, Ramgopalpet Police Stationand Malani Building all on the M.G.Road, Al-Karim Trade Center, Hotel Balajee Palace, Bombay Hotel all last three in Rani Gunj suburb, Minister Road, Hussain sagar lake are accessible from here). 

• 18 Sanjeevaiah Park MMTS Station (SJVP) (On the banks of the Hussain Sagar lake. - Jogi bear Park, Sanjivaiah Park and Jalavihar Park, Eat Street and Water Front restaurants all at the Necklace road, Minister road, Pattigadda suburb are accessible from here). 

• 19 Begumpet MMTS Station (BMT) (Nizamia observatory, Saradhi Studios, HUDA Maitrivanam, Huda Swarna Jayanti Complex, Aditya Trade centre, Satyam Cinema Theatre, Ameerpet Gurudwara, Elephant House all in Ameerpet suburb, Greenlands suburb, Hotel Fortune Katriya in Somajiguda suburb, Panjagutta suburb and Brahmanwadi suburb are accessible from here). 

• 20 Nature Cure Hospital MMTS Station (NCHS) (Nature Cure Hospital, Hindu temple Balkampet Yellamma temple in Balkampet suburb, Sanjeeva Reddy Nagar suburb are accessible from here). 

• 21 Fateh Nagar MMTS Station (FNB) (D-Mart retail store, Sunday market at Sanathnagar-Erragadda main road, Hanuman temple, St. Theresa's Church, Baptist Church and St. Paul's church all at Czech colony, Jafri Masjid, Masjid-e-Quba & Masjid-e-Ibrahimia, all in Sanathnagar suburb, Balanagar suburb, Yellamma Gudi suburb are accessible from here). 

• 22 Bharat Nagar MMTS Station (BTNR) (Shoppers Stop, Hyper City, westside, brand Factory, coupons, woman's world, south India Mall, CMR, R.S. Brothers, Chandana Brothers, Chennai shopping mall, Asian Cinema and Cinepolis Multiplexes all in Kukatpally suburb, Moosapeta suburb, Seven Hills Venkateswara Swami temple, Abhayanjaneya Swami temple, Anjaneya Swami temple at Brindavan Colony, Hanuman Temple at Bandari Layout, Srisitaramalayam /1500's/ all these temples in Nizampet suburb are accessible from here). 

• 23 Borabanda MMTS Station (BRBD) (Allapur, Gayatrinagar, Tulasinagar, Mothi Nagar, Rajeev Nagar suburbs, Rythu bazaar for vegetables and Gokul Therater in Erragadda area are accessible from here). 

• 24 Hi-Tec City MMTS Station (HTCY) (Kukatpally Housing Board colony KPHB suburb, Hyundai Research and Development Center in Izzat Nagar, Novotel or HITEX Hyderabad Convention Centre, Hotel Avasa, Westin Hotel, LemonTree Hotel, Redfox Hotel, Shilparamam Auditorium, Arts and crafts center, State Gallery of Arts, Fortune Towers, Inorbit Mall, News Cafe, Hotel Daspalla all in Madhapur suburb, JNTU, are accessible from here.). 

• 25 Hafeezpet MMTS Station (HFZ) (Madhapur, Kondapur, Miyapur, PJR Badminton Indoor Stadium are accessible from here). 

• 26 Chanda Nagar MMTS Station (CDNR). Chandanagar, Madinaguda, Sai Baba Temple are accessible from here 

• 27 Lingampalli MMTS Station (LPI) (BHEL township, University of Hyderabad, Huda Trade Center are accessible from here). HEADSTATION for Lines: Lingampalli - Hyderabad (daily 23 trains), Lingampalli - Falaknuma (daily 28 trains) 

Same way to Begumpet, further

• 28 Necklace Road MMTS Station (NLRD) (Raj Bhavan Road, Somajiguda, Panjagutta, M S Makhta, Katriya Hotel & Towers are accessible from here). 

• 29 Khairatabad MMTS Station (KQD). Banjara Hills, Raj Bhavan Road, NTR Gardens, Chintal Basti, Lake View Guest House, Taj Deccan Hotel are accessible from here 

• 30 Lakdi-ka-pul MMTS Station (LKPL) (State Assembly, Red Hills quarter, Public gardens, Masab Tank, Nilofer Hospital, Birla Mandir, Chacha Nehru Park, Lumbini Park are accessible from here). 

• 31 Hyderabad Deccan MMTS Station (HYB, Nampally, Telugu: నాంపల్లి రైల్వే స్టేషన్), Nampally Station Rd, Red Hills, Lakdikapul (Andhra Pradesh State Museum, Salar Jung Museum, Charminar, Hyderguda, Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium Cricket Ground, Moazzam Jahi Market, Dargah Yousufain temple, Devi Bagh, Criminal Courts are accessible from here). Headstation for Lines: Hyderabad - Falaknuma (daily 3-5 trains), Hyderabad - Lingampalli (daily 23-26 trains), 

By bus

Hyderabad has good local bus connectivity and is run by APSRTC, a state-government owned corporation. Most buses start at the Mahatma Gandhi Bus Terminus more commonly known as Imlibun. Apart from normal local buses, you have a choice of Metro Express and Metro Deluxe aka Veera. There have also been Air-conditioned buses all over the city (minimum fare ₹ 22/-). Local buses tend to get extremely overcrowded and traveling on the footboard of a bus is very common.

As of 2011 a fleet of new, more comfortable, buses include blue-liveried Tata Marcopolo buses of the Metro Deluxe class and the City Sheetal buses (Volvo or Tata Marcopolo). They are air-conditioned and have limited stops. They are not crowded and you can get a seat most of the times.

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 into a bus going in your direction and ask the conductor for help.

• 32 Dilsukhnagar Bus Depot, Santhoshi Maatha Temple Rd, Krishna Nagar, Dilsukhnagar. 
• 33 Koti Bus Depot, Turrebaz Khan Rd, Esamiya Bazaar. 

By autorickshaw

Autorickshaws in Hyderabad should be metered, though it can be difficult for non-locals and locals alike to find an auto-rickshaw driver who ever agrees to a metered fare. (This is especially true when hailing an auto in front of a 5 star hotel and near 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. The minimum fare is ₹ 20 which covers the first 1.6 km. Each additional km is another ₹ 11. There are also shared 8 seater Maxi Vans available to and fro from the suburbs to a main location of the city in that direction. Fares are mostly ₹ 2 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 auto-rickshaw.

Auto Drivers in Hyderabad are a nightmare and are absolutely 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 ₹ 12-14. 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 in this city.

Most of the auto drivers want you to check out Govt. Authentic pearls shop in exchange for a lower fare; however, they are okay if you don't buy anything from these shops, just sit there for 10 minutes. They get 25 kg rice if they take 15 customers to 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 ₹ 10/-) if they take you to the places like Chow Mahal 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.

By taxi

Metered taxis are available, but they cannot be hailed off the street. One needs to call their centralized call centre and book the service. Service is very good, especially if you are booking for longer distances. It can be next to impossible to be able to get a taxi without prior booking since demand far outstrips the supply. All metered taxis have digital meters that show the distance and fare.

Operators offering metered taxis at ₹ 10 per km (Most of them are now charging ₹ 12 per km for an Indica, ₹ 10 continues in case of Maruti Omni) with a minimum charge is ₹ 80 in most cases. Many taxi services prefer not to book trips that are only a short distance. - Red Cabs , ☎ +91 40 22552255 [1] Minimum charges: Per hour, ₹250/- for km, taxis at ₹ 10/- per Km. Detailed tariff on website. All types of cars available. - 4Meru Cabs, ☎ +91 40 44224422 offers taxis at ₹ 40/- for first two km and ₹ 21/- per km after that. Night tariffs (23:00-05:00) are higher. - Green Cabs, ☎ +91 40 24606060 offers taxis at ₹ 10/- per km. Detailed tariff on website. - Genie Cabs, ☎ +91 40 33993399 offers hatchback cars at ₹ 100/- for the first six km and ₹ 16/- per km after that. Night tariffs (23:00-05:00) are higher. - Hyderabad cabs, ☎ +91 40 20005000. - Dot cabs, ☎ +91 40 24242424, , offers taxis in two variants, each with point-to-point fares and metered fares. Detailed tariff on website. The two variants are a sedan (usually Renault Logan), or a family car (Toyota Innova). - ZipaRide, +91 040-2333 3356.

By car

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

Driving is exciting in Hyderabad not unlike in the rest of India. You find cycles, motor cycles, rickshaws, hand carts, autos, share autos, mini trucks, buses, vestibule buses, double deckers, 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.

Rent a car

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

• Avis, Hotel Marriott Hyderabad, Tank Bund Rd (opposite Hussain Sagar Lake), ☏ +91 11 23890707, crs@avis.co.in. Open 24 hr. 

• Budget, Plot Number 902, Road Number 46, Jubilee Hills, ☏ +91 44 2355 8807, fax: +91 40 23558809, customer.service@budgetrentacar.co.in. 24 hr. Budget car rentals are also available at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and the Hampshire Plaza Hotel 

• Savaari, Hyderabad International Airport, ☏ +91 1 800 40 7282274, info@savaari.com. 

On foot

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 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 auto-rickshaws may go to 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

Old City

Charminar

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

• 1 Charminar. Mon-Sat 09:00-17:00, closed on Fri 13:00-14:00 for prayers. Literally "Four minarets" (Char means four and Minar means minarets). Quli Qutb Shah built the Charminar in 1591 at the very spot at which he prayed for the end to the plague epidemic. The Charminar, made of pulverized marble, limestone, mortar and granite, 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 have diminished the beauty of the Charminar. There is a mosque with 45 prayer spaces located inside in the upper storeys. The structure stands in the middle of a busy road with vehicular traffic, but a pedestrianization project is under way. Atop the minarets, you get a panoramic view of Hyderabad city; to reach the top of the monument, there are 149 winding steps to the upper floor. At the very bottom of one of the minar, there is a Hindu temple. The traffic is terrible. Plan an early morning trip around 9AM if shopping is not on the to do list. There is a separate entry way for foreigners. If taking trains, you can take an auto (₹ <25) or walk from Yakutpura (~25 minutes). ₹ 5, Children below 11 free (for Indians), ₹ 100 (for foreigners), Video cameras are charged ₹ 25 extra. 

• 2 Chowmahalla Palace, Khilwat, 20-4-236, Motigalli, ☏ +91 40 2452-2032. Sat-Thur 10:00-17:00, 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. ₹ 25 (for Indians), ₹ 150 (for foreigners), camera permit ₹ 50. 

• 3 Falaknuma Palace. Built by Nawab Viqar al-Umra in 1872, Falaknuma is a stunning piece of architecture and the most opulent of the 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. 

• 4 Golconda Fort. 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 actually knows his stuff (₹ 500 per tour and the guide would 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 actually just passing by, spotted you and will tell you bits he once read in a guidebook. The genuine old Muslim guide who gained his encyclopaedic 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 ₹ 50/100 for normal/executive ticket) after sunset lasting ~1h that tells you the story of the fort and is worth seeing. The English show runs Nov-Feb 18:30 daily and Mar-Oct until 19:00 daily. Hindi and Telugu shows are run afterwards in certain days. Afterwards, 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. ₹ 100 all. 

• 5 H.E.H The Nizam's Museum, Purani Haveli, Hyderabad-2 (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 small road next to Princess Durru Shehwar Hospital, entrance gate. ₹ 50, students & children ₹ 15. 

• 6 Hussain Shah Wali Dargah, Madhapur. 

Mecca Masjid

• 7 Mecca Masjid (SW of the Char Minar). 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 worshippers at a time. It is believed that Muhammed Quli commissioned bricks to be made with the soil brought from Mecca and inducted them into the construction of the central arch of the mosque, which explains the name of the mosque. Women must mandatorily have dupatta / shawl to get entry into the premises. Women can not wear skin-tight pants or leggings into the mosque, so wear something loose-fitted. 

• 8 Moula Ali Dargah. 400 stairs brings you to a place of worship built by the Asif Jahis. The Moula Ali Dargah was built in the 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 Ali's palm on a stone, which he had dreamt. He had the impression cut out and installed in a shrine. Ibrahim Shah later built a mosque beside the dargah. A Ashurkhana , a Baradari (pavilion) and an Nqqar khana (place for beating drums) were built during the Qutb Shahi period. 

• 9 Osmania Arts College (Osmania University Arts College), Osmania University, Amberpet (Bus stop Manikeshwari Nagar). Built during the period of the last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan. The imposing facade of the building is a great sight. 

• 10 Paigah Tombs, Santoshnagar (Pisal Banda). 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. seems free. 

• 11 Purani Haveli, Dewandevdi, Pathar Gatti (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 the Nizam's son. It is a U-shaped complex with a single-storeyed building in the European style. 

Qutubshahi Tombs

• 12 Qutb Shahi Tombs (1 km north of Golconda fort, approached via Banjara Darwaza), Seven Tombs Colony, Shaikpet. 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 labour 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. ₹ 10, camera ₹ 20. 

• 13 Qutub Shahi Tombs Site Museum, Seven Tombs Colony, Shaikpet, Toli Chowki, Hyderabad-8, ☏ +91 40 2351 341. Sa-Th 9AM-4:30PM. ₹ 2. 
• Raymond Tomb, Dilsukh Nagar, Asmaan Gadh. 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 beautiful skyview of the area 

• 14 Salar Jung Museum, Naya Pul, Afzalgunj (Turn left once you reach the south bank of Musi using the Nayapul), ☏ +91 40 2452 3211. Sat-Thur 10:00-17:00, ticket office closes at 16:15.. 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 jewellery is displayed only on special occasions. 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. ₹ 20 for Indians and ₹ 500 for foreigners. 

• 15 Toli Masjid, Karwan. 300 years old. Known for its splendid architecture. 

New city

• 16 AP State Museum. 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 Archival Museum (A.P. State Archives and Research Institute), Rajya Abhilekha Nlym, Upl Road, Tarnaka, Hyderabad-7, ☏ +91 40 2701 8371, +91 40 2700 2373. 

The Birla Mandir.

• 18 Birla Mandir, Adarsh Nagar, Naubat Pahad (Two different routes depending on whether you want to drive right to the top or climb the stairs.). 10:00-noon, 14:00-20:00. The industrial house of the Birlas have the tradition of building magnificent marble temples in cities of India, all of which are known as Birla Mandir. This one is one of the best. The temple manifests a blend of South Indian, Rajasthani and Utkala temple architectures. It is made of 2,000 tonnes of Rajasthani white marble. The granite of the presiding deity is about 3.4 m 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 flagpole in the temple premises which rises to a height of 13 m. 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. 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. Free. 

• 19 B.M. Birla Planetarium, Science & Technological Museum, and Modern Art Gallery, Secretariat, AG Office Rd, Adarshnagar, Hyderabad -63 (Very close to Birla Temple, Naubat Pahad - Next to Aranya Bhavan. -AG Office Bus Stop), ☏ +91 40 2324 1067. Museum 10:30-20:00, Planetarium English shows 11:30, 16:00, 18:00, More shows in Telugu and one show in Hindi. Fri-Wed.. 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. Modern Art museum is now located near the Dinosaurium (ignore the signboard near parking directing to lower level). It's the personal collection of Nirmala Birla; also quite interesting Museum ₹ 40, Planetarium ₹ 40, combined admission ₹ 70, Modern Art Gallery ₹ 40. Parking ₹ 20 for car, ₹ 10 for motorcycle. 

• 20 Exhibition (S. N. Vanita Maha Vidyalaya - Exhibition Grounds), Nampally (Vanitha College) (Gandhi Bhavan Bus Stop), ☏ +91 40 2460 3266. An exhibition that runs in the months of January & February every year. It showcases various items made across India. It runs every year starting 1 Jan-15 Feb in the Exhibition grounds. 

• 21 The High Court of Andhra Pradesh, High Court Rd, Nayapul (Near Govt. City College). 

• 22 The Hyderabad Public School, SP Road, Begumpet (Nature Cure Hospital MMTS Station), ☏ +91 40 2776 0038. Formerly a 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 a recognised heritage site. 

• 23 Kala Bhavan, Ravindra Bharathi complex, Saifabad, Lakdikapul Rd, (Near to State Assembly). An art gallery 

• 24 The Kothi Residency (Koti Women's College), Koti Main Road, Essamiya Bazaar, Kachiguda, ☏ +91 40 2473 7692. 

• 25 The Natural History Museum, Nehru Zoological park, Zoo Park Main Road, Kishan Bagh, Bahadurpura West (Bus to Stop Zoo, northwest shore of Mir Alam Tank), ☏ +91 40 2447 7355. Has some rare and interesting exhibits. 

Punjagutta to Gachibowli

Astrologer foretells a boy's future. Village scene at Shilparamam

• 26 Alankrita Art Gallery, No. 72, Residence Inn, Amar Cooperative Society, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, ☏ +91 40 2311 3709. 

• Le Cafe De Art, Rd No.1 Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6550 6661. 

• 27 Gallery Space, Rd No.12, Road Number 86, MLA Colony, Banjara Hills (Next to Pearl City Church, south of Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park), ☏ +91 40 6554 1836. 

• Kalahita Art Foundation, Lakshmi Towers, Nagarjuna Hills, ☏ +91 40 2335 0543. 

• Pegasus Art Gallery, Road No.72 Jubilee Hills, ☏ +91 40 23608883. 

• 28 Shilparamam, Hi tec city, Madhapur. 11:00-20:00. 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 art work. 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 which contains natural rock formations that allegedly look life-like. Make sure you carry cash as credit cards are not accepted by most shops. Also next to Shilpa Ramam is Shilpa Sandhya Vedika, a location for eating and shopping. ₹ 25. 

• 29 State Gallery Of Art (Chitramayee), Road No. 1, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, CBI Colony, Jubilee Hills (South of Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park), ☏ +91 40 2311 3308. 

• 30 Vishwakarma arts gallery, Banjara Hills, Panjagutta, Dwarakapuri colony, Esteem House, Backside of Model House (Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences Bus Stop), ☏ +91 40 6661 5039, vishwakarmarts@yahoo.com. 10:00-21:00. 

Temples

• Ashtalaksmi temple, dilsukhnagar. Free. 

• 31 Balaji Temple (Visa Balaji), Chilkur, RTC Cross Roads (Vidhya Nagar MMTS Station one and half km east). 5AM-8PM. Chilkur is an important pilgrim centre in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh (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 a round the core of the temple. Once their wish as 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. Free. 

• Iskon Temple, Abids. Free. 

• Karmanghat hanuman temple, karmanghat. Free. 

• Mahankali Temple, Laldarwaza. Site of the main annual Bonalu procession. Free. 

• Peddamma Temple, Jubilee Hills. Free. 

• Sanghi Temple, Hayat Nagar. Free. 

• Ujjaini Mahankali Temple, Secunderabad. Free. 

Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad

Mosques

Hyderabad has many historical mosques.

• Badshai Masjid. 

• Charminar Masjid. 

• Jama Masjid Darushafa. 

• Jama Masjid Mushirabad. 

• Mecca Masjid (Makkah Masjid). One of the largest Masjids in India. Bricks for the mosque were made from soil brought in from Mecca. The arched facades have been carved from a single piece of granite. 

• Toli Masjid. 

Churches

• St. George's Church, Abid Rd. St. George's Church is one of the oldest churches in the city of Hyderabad, India. 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, Gun Foundry Area. Established in 1820, this is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad. 

Lakes

• 32 Durgam Cheruvu (Secret Lake). This is quite close to Hi-Tec City area and now hosts various parties and events. It used to be a real hidden gem in the busy city but it is still a nice lake to sit around. 

• 33 Himayat Sagar. 

Hussain Sagar Lake.

• 34 Hussain Sagar Lake (Tank Bund), Necklace Rd. 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 centre of the lake stands a famous statue of the Buddha installed in 1992. Boat rides to the Buddha Statue are available from Eat Street and Lumbini Park and fares are. Speed boats do not stop at the Buddha statue. Sights: Pakistan M47 Patton Tank, An 18-metre high statue of Gautama Buddha, Lumbini Park, Birla Mandir Hindu temple, Sanjeevaiah Park public green space, Prasad's IMAX multiplex movie theater, NTR Gardens is a small urban park, Sayedani Maa Tomb at the north end of Tank Bund, Secretariat buildings, Hyderabad Boat Club on the southern side, Secunderabad Sailing Club, Hotel Marriott on the northern side and Raj Bhavan on the western bank low. 

• 35 Kapra Lake. Located close to A.S. Rao Nagar is famous for its idol immersion events during the Ganesh Puja festival. 

• 36 Osman Sagar, Gandipet. 

• 37 Saroornagar. This lake is 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 large pedestrian space provided. 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 in water). All roads lead to saroor nagar lake on the day of the Lord Ganesh's nimajjanam. 

• 38 Shamirpet (24 km away to the north of Secunderabad). Shamirpet has a beautiful lake and a deer park. The peaceful environs make it a great picnic spot. AP Tourism offers comfortable cottages facilities for accommodation (under private management), while the forest lodge can be booked with the AP Forest Department office at Saifabad. 

Parks

• Botanical Garden (Madapur)

• Chacha Nehru Park (Masab Tank) for pleasant morning walks with kids

• Chilkur Wildlife Park

• 39 Indira Park (East-side of Hussain Sagar lake). A sprawling 76 acre park located near Tank Bund with a nice, but polluted, little pond and boating. 

• 40 Jalagam Vengal Rao Park (JVR Park), Banjara Hills. With lake. 

• 41 Jalavihar Family Water Park, Necklace Rd. 

• 42 Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park (KBR National Park). The Chiraan Palace is located in the park. Also refer to [2]. 

• Krishna Kanth Park. 

• Lotus Pond, Jubilee Hills. 

• 43 Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park.  — largest green space in the city of Hyderabad inhabited by black buck, cheetal deer as well as reptiles and many species of birds.

• Necklace Road. The Chaupati of Hyderabad. 

• 44 Nehru Zoological Park. Almost natural habitat for a great collection of animals. Drive-in + safari. 

• 45 Public Gardens. 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. 

• 46 Sanjeeviah Park. Good for bird watching 

The wild life parks, botanical garden and zoo have several educational programmes including lectures with live snakes

Do

• Diginet Digital Experience Zone, ☏ +91 40 5558 0009. Gamecentre. WiFi hotspot, coffee shop, shopping. 

• Dhola ri Dhani, Kompally, Medchal Rd (11 km from Secunderabad at Kompally on Medchal Highway). Ethnic Rajasthani village. A unit of Gupta's Hotel & Motels and is recognised by Andhra Pradesh Government as a theme restaurant and tourist attraction. In the evening, the whole village is lit up with 2,000 lanterns and a village fair is staged. 

• Friends of Snakes Society, ☏ +91 83 74233366-77-88. For reptile conservation work and field trips. 

Bungee Trampoline at NTR Park

• GoGoa Aquarium is an exhibition of rare Sea water animals including Star Fish and Quran Angel and showcase of the Goan Marine/Aquatic life. Entry is ₹ 100 for adults and ₹ 50 for children. This place is on the Vijayawada Highway, 3 km from Ramoji Film City.

• Hatsclub Hyderabad Adventure & Trekker’s club (HAT’s), ☏ +91 7799096396, hatsfunclub@gmail.com. Active and well organized trekker’s group organizing out of the Hyderabad area. It makes an effort to be as inclusive as possible by offering adventure treks at all levels, from bouldering and trekking to birdwatching and exploring wilderness. 

• Heritage walk, Char Minar. 07:00-09:00 every Sunday and 2nd Saturday. They are organized by the AP tourism department and led by a knowledgeable guide and Tourist Police. There are two flavors of walks so far, one that ends at Chowmohalla palace, and the other that ends at Badshahi Ashoorkhana. Bonus - breakfast served too. It's probably better to call at [3] beforehand and confirm which walk is operating. Ticket price is ₹ 50 per head and can be bought at char minar on the spot. 

• High View Swimming Pool, ☏ +91 939 111 5019. Maula Ali. 

• 1 Lumbini Park, NTR Marg (West of Hussain Sagar lake). 09:00-21:00. See water cascades, go on guided car rides. Go on a boat ride and see the Buddha statue at the centre of the lake. It also offers nice Laser Shows in the evening which is first in India. ₹ 10, rides extra. 

Snow World

• 2 NTR Gardens, NTR Marg (West of Hussain Sagar lake). 14:00-20:30. Built by Chandrababu Naidu in memory of N. T. Rama Rao, his father in law and 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 ₹ 45 combo you can buy at the entrance is a good deal. ₹ 15 for entry, rides extra. 

• Ocean Park, ☏ +91 40 2322 5660-2322 3824. Gandipet. A water-theme park. 

• 3 Ramoji Film City (It's a 1 hour drive east of the city). The world's largest film studio, 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. 

• Runway 9, ☏ +91 98 8533 3160, +91 98 8533 3170. This park offers archery, air rifle target practice, and go-cart racing on a track with tight corners. 

• Snow World, Asia's largest Snow Theme Park. Entry ticket ₹ 250, children ₹ 200 if under 4 ft tall. Telephonic reservations.

• Treasure Island, Gandipet.

Golf courses

• ACS Golf Course 4, 214 KPHB Colony, Kukatpally. ☎ +91 40 2315 6433, 2305 0211, 2315 7241

• Army Golf Course Club, ☏ +91 40 2786 1943. Risala Bazar, Bolarum, Secunderbad. 

• Bolarum Golf Club, ☏ +91 40 2786 1943. Risala Bazar, Bolarum. 

• EmaarMGF Boulder Hills Golf and Country Club, Manikonda Village, Gachibowli Mr. Sanjay Pan, ☎ +91 99 4943 0300, +91 92 4803 0300 (Golf and Country Club), (enquiries@emaarmgf.com)

• Hyderabad Golf Club, ☏ +91 40 2356 7207. Satham Cheruvu, Beside Nadeem Colony, Golconda. 

Tennis courts

• Ace Tennis Academy, ☏ +91 94404 22920. Begumpet. 

• Park View Enclave Tennis Centre, ☏ +91 40 3296 0203. Boinpally Secunderabad. 

Learn

Buddhism

• Bodhi Sampanna, ☏ +91 98 663 24910, info@dharmamegha.org. The centre, whose name means 'an abode endowed with Bodhi', is a centre for the study and practice of Mahayana Buddhism following the lineage and example of Lord Buddha. Bodhi Sampanna was founded in 2009 and is a part of Dharma Megha Foundation The Centre offers courses in various Buddhist meditation techniques and teachings on different aspects of Buddhism. Teachings are offered free to the public and are conducted in English or in Tibetan (with translation in English). 

Buy

• 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 all the way till Road No.1 Banjara Hills.

• Ladida-lingerie store (lingerie, ladies wear, nightwear), #2, R.K.Plaza, Opp.Joyalukkas Jewellers, Greenlands Rd, Panjagutta,, ☏ +91 40 40020267. 11:00-21:00. Lingerie shop.. ₹ 300-2,500. 

• 1 Mozamjahi Market, Nizam Shahi Rd. Fruit market. 

Jewellery

• C. Krishniah Chetty & Sons-The Flagship Boutique, Taj Deccan, ☏ +91 40 3256 1869. -13:00, on Sun 11:00-20:00. 

• Ghanshyamdas Jewellers (opp Abids Police Station). Genuine pearls

• Imitation Jewellery. From Charminar.

• Jagdamba Pearls, Gupta Estate, Basheer Bagh, ☏ +91 40 6656 6777. Jagdamba Pearls, is one of the oldest and the largest pearl companies in India. 

• Lilac Boutique, Liberty Rd, Himayathnagar (near TTD, opposite Dadu Sweets), ☏ +91 92 4658 1851. Designer and made-to-order & customised heavy suits, sarees and fancy blouses. 

• Mohal Jewells. On the Golden Mile Somajiguda for Pearls, Silver, Gold. phone=" +91 40 2341 9757"

• Ornaments ∓ jewellery (Punjagutta, Abids and Somajiguda)

• Pearls of Hyderabad, (Abids and Somajiguda Jewellery shops). Choose from 3 varieties, natural pearls, cultured and imitation.

Handicrafts

• Bidri Crafts, (Gunfoundry, Abids) ☎ +91 40 2323 2657, +91 40 2323 3663.

• Kalanjali Margadarsi House, 5-10-195, Fathemaidan Raod, Opp: Ploice Control Room, Nampally, Hyderabad. ☎ +91 40 2323 1147, +91 40 2329 7196. (fax:+91 40 2323 3204)

• Lepakshi (Gunfoundry, Abids), ☏ +91 40 2766 8178. 

• Shilparamam. (Also Known As Night Bazaar), Madhapur. Exhibitions of handicrafts.

• United Designers, Banjara Hills Rd#4. Designs by a new wave of young Hyderabadi fashion designers, they also have natural hand-made soaps for body and hair. Mon- Sat 10:30-20:00, ☎ +91 40 2335 5441, +91 98 85404944.

• Vishwakarmarts gallery, ☏ +91 40 6661 5039. Esteemhouse opposite to model house in Punjagutta Dwarakarapuri colony. 

Jewellery and Pearl shop in Laad Bazaar

Bazaars

• Begum Bazaar. Wholesale market.

• Feel Khana Khadim

• General Bazaar. Budget clothes shopping.

• Gulzar House. Retail market for ladies.

• Laad Bazaar, (next to Charminar). Exotic lacquer and glass bangles market.

• Madina Market Bazaar. Wholesale market.

• Monda Market. Vegetable market.

• Sultan Bazaar. Wholesale clothes market.

Eat

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

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, nahari, haleem, double-ka-meetha, khubani-ka-meetha, seviyon-ka-meetha and kheer.

A popular dish of Hyderabad is biryani. It is prepared with a blending of Mughal kitchen and the style of cooking practised by the Nizams. Hyderabadi biryani has a distinct aroma. 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 were cooked with rice.

Hyderabdi Biryani(left) and other dishes(right)

• 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:

• Double Ka Meetha, is a dessert made from bread, milk and dry fruits.
• Falooda, is a favourite drink of Hyderabad.
• 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 Haleem, is another dish which is available only in the month of Ramadaan (Ramzan).
• Irani chai is the tea of Hyderabad, available at any of the ubiquitous "Chai" shops. Although, 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 collared workers and college students so expect a noisy environment with conversational topics that range from movies to politics.
• 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.
• Mirchi ka salan, served with spicy chili sauce, is another dish that serves as a tasty accompaniment to any rice dish.
• Street food, in Hyderabad is better than most other cities in India and it is cheap.

Restaurants

Recently there has been an explosion in the number of restaurants in Hyderabad, fuelled by demand from young professionals with money to spend. Quality and variety of food, however, has not kept pace. There is a disproportionately large number of restaurants that aspire 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.

Two of the biggest names in Hyderabad's restaurant business are Ohri's and the BJN Group. It will seem as if every second restaurant in the city is run by either one or the other. BJN generally runs upscale restaurants, while Ohri's runs both upscale and mid-range restaurants. It also runs numerous fast food places all over the city, including at Prasad's Imax, Banjara Hills, Somajiguda, EatStreet, Hyderabad Central & Basheer Bagh.

Budget

• Alpha (opposite Secunderabad Railway Station), ☏ +91 40 2770 2291. Popular for beja fry, available only in the morning and served for breakfast. 

• Cafe Bahaar, Opp. Commissioner Office, Old MLA Quarters, Basheerbagh, ☏ +91 40 2324 3798, +91 40 2323 7605. Biryanis and meat curries, moderately priced. 

• Baawarchi, Plot no. 66, RTC Cross Rd's, Chikkadpally Musheerabad (Opposite Sandya Theatre), ☏ +91 40 2760 5308, +91 40 2763 4490. 11:30-23:00. Biryanis ₹ 150. 

• Bowl O'China. This is a chain restaurant started by the same people who run Hyderabad House. Has multiple locations in the city. Average Indian Chinese food. ₹ 200. 

• Chutneys, 1: 2: Nagarjuna Circle, Near Punjagutta flyover, ☏ +91 40 2335 0569, +91 40 2335 8484, +91 40 5557 8651. Vegetarian, and quite well-known in Hyderabad. South Indian dishes like dosas, idlis and uttappas. "North Indian" also available, but best avoided. Is extremely crowded on weekend nights, and there is a waiting time of up to 30 min. Does not serve alcohol. ₹ 150. 

• Hyderabad House, Multiple locations. This is a chain of restaurants, serving Hyderabadi style food all over the city. There are also outlets that comprise just a takeaway counter. Try the Lukhmi. Vegetarians will have few choices. ₹ 200. 

• Kholani's Kitchen, 4-3-548/1, Shop No. 16 & 17, Needs Arcade, Tilak Rd, Abids, ☏ +91 40 2475 3444, +91 40 2475- 657. 11:00-23:00. Try the excellent malai kebabs (chicken) and apollo fish ₹ 200. 

• Minerva Coffee Shop. Bit of a local institution, serving tasty vegetarian South and North Indian snacks and food. has 4 locations: ₹ 150. 

• New Astoria Restaurant, 1-8-563/2, Surya Mukhi Complex, RTC X Rd's, ☏ +91 40 2766 7115, +91 40 6662 5520. 

• Paradise Restaurant, Paradise Circle, M G Rd, Secunderabad. 11:30-23:00. This restaurant is one of the oldest places serving Biryani and of late has lost some of its sheen owing to explosion of business Also serves the best falooda in Hyderabad. It has both a sit-down restaurant and takeaway. They have various branches, but confusingly there imitators with similar names. A new branch has recently opened up at Kothapet which is roughly 3 km from Dilsuknagar 

• Raghu pan shop (opposite Aramghar X Roads), ☏ +919032167719. Popular for Calcutta menakshi and Meetha Pan, available all the time during work hours. 

• Rayalseema Ruchulu, 1st Main Rd, Shanti Nagar, In The Lane Behind JNTU, Masab Tank, ☏ +91 40 6510-0033, +91 40 6510-0044, +91 98 85650789. 12:00-15:30, then 19:00-23:00. Mildly spiced food from Rayalaseema, rustic decor. Not for vegetarians. ₹ 200. 

• Sanman Hotel, Tarnaka flyover (20 minute walk from Sitafalmandi railway station.). Cheap. For take away, ask at the parcel counter. ₹ 30 Masala Dosa. ₹ 35 Vegetarian Biryani.. 

• Sandarshini. Delicious South Indian dishes. Had over 5 locations 

• Shadaab, Madina Building, ☏ +91 40 2313 4446. Famous for its Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani and Jabda Gosht available only in the morning, served for breakfast. 

• Taj Mahal Restaurant, # 4-1-999 Abids (Part of Taj Mahal Hotel), ☏ +91 40 2475-8250, +91 40 6551-1122. 11:00-23:00. One of the original "Udupi" style restaurants, this is strictly vegetarian and does not serve alcohol. It is part of the Taj Mahal Hotel, not to be confused with the Taj chain of luxury hotels. 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 air-con section is old-school. ₹ 200. 

Mid-range

• Aangan, 1-8-1/0/B, Yatri Nivas, Sardar Patel Rd, Secunderabad, ☏ +91 40 2781 6881, +91 40 2781 6882, +91 40 2784 0005. 10:30-23:30. Mughlai, Chinese and Hyderabadi dishes. ₹ 300. 

• Angeethi, Unit 701-703, 7th floor, Reliance Classic, Rd # 1 Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6525 5550. 12:30-15:30, 19:00-23:30. The ambience 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 meagre. ₹ 500. 

• Barbecue Nation, Banjara Hills (opp. City Centre Mall). Unlimited starters on a barbecue grill on your table. Desserts are OK. 575+taxes (Happy Hours before 8PM: ₹525+taxes). 

• Bombay Palace, # 6-1-79 & 80 Hampshire Plaza, Lakdi-Ka-Pul, ☏ +91 40 2333 5555. 19:30-23:00. Has a decor that reminds you of Mumbai. Menu specialities include ragda patties and other items popularized by Mumbai's streets in addition to Mughlai and Hyderabadi dishes. Live Ghazals every evening. ₹ 300. 

• Celebrations, Plot No.66A, Rd No.1, Jubilee Hills, ☏ +91 40 4010 0888, +91 40 2360 2888. A complex of four restaurants and one bar. 

• Chinese Pavilion, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills (opposite JVR Park), ☏ +91 40 6678-5680. 11:30-15:30, 19:30-23:30. Makes an attempt to move away from Indain Chinese. ₹ 500. 

• Chung Hua. 11:30-15:30, 19:00-22:30. Try out the Thai varieties, nice, cosy place. Has 2 locations ₹ 300. 

• 4 Seasons, 9-4-77/3/D/4/5/6, Yousuf Tekri, Tolichowki (opposite R.T.A Office), ☏ +91 40 65578671. Serves multiple cuisines, but raved about for its Arabic and Lebanese food. Lunch and dinner. Credit cards accepted. Around ₹ 800 for two. 

• Ginger Court, H No 1-74/1, Guttala, Hitech City, Madhapur, ☏ +91 40 23113732, +91 40 2311-3733, +91 40 2311-3734. Close to Hi tech city, Mughlai and Indian Chinese. 

• Grand Fuze, Road No. 1, Alcazar Plaza, Opposite City Center, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40-64535350, +91 7799434388. 11AM-11PM. The Restaurant serves Indo-Chinese fusion cuisine at reasonable prices . Two Can Eat for ₹ 500. 

• IndieJoe, 5th Floor, City Center Mall, Road No. 1, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6657-0000, +91 40 6668-3333. 12:30PM-3:30PM, 7:30PM-11:15PM. Serves global cuisine. Only buffet for lunch and only a la carte for dinner. ₹ 500. 
• Mainland China, G. S. Plaza, Gr. Floor, S-2-672, Road No. 1, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 2330-4500, +91 40 5521-4500, +91 40 2330-4700. 12:45-15:30,19:30-23:30. Excellent Chinese place, though it tends more towards Indian Chinese. Try the dim sums and the darsaan for dessert. Good ambience and excellent service. ₹ 700. 

• Malgudi, 6-3-1192/2/1-16, 1st Floor, My Home Tycoon, Begumpet (Lifestyle Building), ☏ +91 40 6662-8800, +91 40 6663-2277, +91 40 2383-9671. The name is inspired by the fictional South Indian town created by R K Narayan. It has an ambience that suits the name, with waiters clad in dhotis. sefves food from the four southern states that are rare in other restaurants, like gutti vankai or kodi pulusu. Service is extremely fast. In Hyderabad, it has 3 branches: ₹ 500. 

• Ming's Court, Baseraa Inn Hotel, Basheerbagh (opposite Old Gandhi Medical College), ☏ +91 40 2329 8811, +91 40 2329 8822, +91 40 2329 8855. 11:30-15:30, 19:00-23:30. Mostly Indian Chinese. ₹ 500. 

• Moksh, Necklace Rd, ☏ +91 40 6620 0111, +91 40 6620 0112. 11:00-15:30, 19:00-midnight. The ₹ 199 Non-Veg, Lunch-buffet is really tasty. Service, ambience and the lake-side location is awesome. 199. 

• MoMo Cafe, 1-3-1024 Lower Tank Bund Rd, ☏ +91 40 2752 1222. 24 hr. Mughlai, Chinese and Hyderabadi dishes. ₹ 300-500. 

• Nanking, 103 Parklane, S D Rd, Secunderabad (near Hussian Travels), ☏ +91 40 2772-9893, +91 40 2784-3634, +91 40 2784-8986. 11:30-15:30, 18:30-23:00. Hyderabad's oldest Chinese restaurant. 

• Olive Garden, 1-98/90/1, Hi-Tech City, Madhapur, ☏ +91 40 2311 0900, +91 40 2310 0300. 11:30-15:30, 19:00-23:00. Do not be misled by the name and expect Italian. It serves passable Mughlai and Punjabi fare. Close to Hi tech city, so this is an option if you are looking for a quick place to eat. 

• Our Place, 8-2-602/E, Charan Pahadi, Rd No. 10 Banjara Hills (look out for a small lane that goes upwards), ☏ +91 40 23353422. Has received great reviews for its kebabs and tandoori dishes. But avoid the Thai stuff, as it looks like a pale imitation. The ambience is great, the seating is outdoors amidst much greenery. Often, they have live gazal music for dinner. ₹ 350. 

• Punjabi by Nature, MJ Towers, Rd No.12, Banjara Hills. (opp. SBI Banjara Hills Branch), ☏ +91 40 2331-7284, +91 40 2331-7285. 12:00-23:30. Kitschy decor, good food, but overpriced. As the name suggests, serves Punjabi and Mughlai food, but the menu is entirely mainstream. The drink menu has exotic stuff like golgappa with vodka, and gulab jamun with brandy. ₹ 500. 

• Serengeti, 8-2-682/3, Rd No. 12, Banjara Hills (Ohri's Banjara), ☏ +91 40 2330-2200. 12:00-15:30, 19:00-23:30. Cuisine is from the Northwest Frontier Province while the decor tries to create the ambience of an African safari. The food is good, the wine list is extensive and quite good. ₹ 600. 

• Sahib Sindh Sultan, City Centre, 5th Floor, Road no. 1 & 10, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 66683337. 12:00-15:30,19:00-23:30. Themed on the eponymous 19th century train. Seating is available inside the "carriage" or on the "railway station". Waiters are dressed in turbans and railway announcements are interspersed with the music. The food is good, the pickles interesting and you have a good choice of drinks. Try the licchi ki taheri for dessert. ₹ 350. 

• Southern Spice, 8-2-350/3/2, Road Number 3, Plot Number 34, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 2335-3802, +91 40 2335-3803, +91 40 6682-2619. 12:00-15:30, 19:00-23:30. Highly rated for Andhra delicacies like ragi sangati and gongura mamsam ₹ 300. 

• Terrace Bay, 501, 5th Floor, Babukhan Mall, Punjagutta, ☏ +91 40 2341-8545, +91 40 2341-8546. 1:00-23:00. A fairly successful attempt to recreate Mexican cuisine in Hyderabad. To be visited more for the food than for the ambience. ₹ 600. 

• Tex Mex, Plot 217, Road No 2, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 2354-1493, +91 40 2354-2835. 12:00-15:00-7:30-22:30. Indian and World cuisine. ₹ 500. 

• Tulips - The Coffee Shop, 1-26, Hotel Green Park, Greenlands Rd, Begumpet, ☏ +91 40 2375-7575, +91 40 6651-5151. 24 hr. Famous for its midnight biryani and buffet. 

• Ullaasa, 7-1, 59/1, Athithi Inn, 5th Floor, Dharam Karam Rd, Ameerpet, ☏ +91 40 2373-9091, +91 40 2373-9097. 11:30-23:00. Nice ethnic ambience and the rooftop setting is amazing, and the food is excellent. ₹300. 

• Utsav, 221 Tivoli, Secunderabad, ☏ +91 40 2772-0638. 11:00-15:30, 19:30-23:00. Indian vegetarian cuisine, has received good reviews. ₹ 400. 

• Villa No 1-8-46, P.G. Rd, Sindhi Colony, Secunderabad (next to Food world), ☏ +91 40 66481846. 

• Wang's Kitchen. 12:30-15:30, 19:00-23:30. An upmarket Chinese restaurant, has two locations: ₹ 500. 

• Zafraan Exotica, Road No. 12, Banjara Hills. 11:00-15:30, 19:00-Midnight. A rooftop restaurant with an exotic ambience. Serves Mughlai and Chinese. ₹ 500. 

Splurge

• Arena, Taj Deccan, Rd Number 1, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6666-3939. 24 hr. Coffee shop serves Sunday brunch. Sushi Bar. 

• Fusion 9, Number 4, First Avenue, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6657-7722, +91 40 6657-7755. 11:00-16:00, 19:00-23:30. Lounge bar and restaurant, with a wide range of cuisines from different parts of the world. 

• Golden Dragon, Taj Krishna, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6666-2323, +91 40 2339-2323. 12:30-14:45, 19:30-23:45. Opulent Chinese restaurant. ₹ 800. 

• Hall Of Fame, Plot Number 1098, Road Number 36, Jubilee Hills, ☏ +91 40 64516969, +91 40 64526969. 11:00-23:30. Sports Grill. American, Italian and Mexican food with sport viewing. 

• Kebab-e-Bahar, Taj Banjara, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 2339-9999. 19:30-23:45. Kebabs from all over, including Hyderabad and Northwest Frontier. 

• Little Italy Bar and Restaurant, 275, Film Nagar (opp. KBR Park, at Apollo Crossing), ☏ +91 40 2355 8001. 12 noon-15:30, 19:00-23:30. Italian style, completely vegetarian. ₹ 700. 

• Spice Junxion, Taj Deccan, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6666-3939. 12:00-15:30, 19:00-23:30. South Indian cuisine with a trendy twist. Lunchtime platters with 10 starters, 8 main course items and 4 desserts served in a span of 40 min. Regular menu items are dosa with mutton curry and idly with chicken curry. The condiment trolley has 17 different types of chutneys, pickles, spicy powders, papads and vadiyalu from South India. Desserts; paan ice cream, all-spice chocolates and traditional south Indian sweets are made in-house. 

• Waterfront, Beside Eat Street, Necklace Rd, ☏ +91 40 2330 8899, +91 40 6527 8899. Has a nice view of Hussain Sagar lake, but the food, at its best, is passable. ₹ 700 (cover charge of ₹ 300, ₹ 500 on weekends). 

• Zafraan Laguna, 5th Floor, Lumbini Jewel Mall, Road No. 2, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6451-1988, +91 99 6644-0408. Su-Th: 11:00-22:00 Fr-Sa:11:00-22:00. The place to visit for Mediterranean food. ₹ 800. 

Bakeries, cafes, sweet shops and fast food

Hyderabad has a large number of outlets that are positioned as bakeries. These are primarily takeaway places, where one can buy sandwiches, burgers 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, McDonalds, 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, Cafe Coffee Day and Java Green outlets are good places to have coffee and conversations.

• Almond House, Shop No. 3-6-237, Lingapur Building Himayath Nagar, ☏ +91 40 2322-6068. Quality Indian sweets. 

• The Chocolate Room, Plot no 268, Kavuri hills (near Madhapur Police Station Crossing, Jubilee hills), ☏ +91 40 6458-9595. Wonderful drinking chocolates and crepes. Also a good place to hang out and have a conversation, though it does get crowded on weekends during the evening. ₹150. 

• Deli 9. 09:30-22:30. Bakery and cafe. Cakes, pastries, quiches and puffs. 2 locations. ₹ 200. 

• Karachi Bakery, Mozamjahi Market,Road No.1 Banjara Hills,Near Image Hospitals Madhapur,Beside Paradise Food Court Kothapet.. 

• King & Cardinal, 3-5-907, Himayathnagar X Roads, Himayathnagar, ☏ +91 40 6661 5444. Pizzas and burgers. Also serves Indian Chinese snacks. ₹100. 

• My Cafe Latte, Plot No. 1100, Road No. 36 Jubilee Hills, ☏ +91 40 2355 3709. Coffee, mocktails and sandwiches, with Hollywood themed decor. 

• Ofen, Plot Number 49, Road Number 10, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 2337- 2205, +91 40 2337 2235. 08:00-23:00. Excellent place for breads and related foods - especially for health conscious. Includes breads like whole grain breads, ragi breads and sugar free cakes. ₹ 150. 

• Pista House, 20-4-140/1-8, Shalibanda Rd, Charminar, ☏ +91 93965-00786. 10:00-23:00. Famous bakery in Hyderabad world famous haleem only available during Ramadan, cost around ₹ 150 per person. 

• Pulla Reddy Sweets, 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.

• Safeena Bakers, Charminar, Alijah kotla. 08:00-22/00. Baked biscuits, cakes and burgers. Has 3 outlets: 

• Sarvi Bakers and Confectioners, Opposite Care Hospital, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6663-1113, +91 40 6663-1114. Place for sandwiches, burgers and puffs. ₹ 50. 

• Universal Bakers, 3-6-12, Himayatnagar, Himayathnagar Paradise, Himaythnagar & Masab Tank. 08:00-22:00. Baked biscuits, cakes and burgers. Has 3 outlets. 

Supermarket

Spencer's can be found in multiple locations. They carry basic food and non-food items.

• Big Bazaar, Multiple Locations. (updated Apr 2015)

• Heritage Supermarket, Multiple Locations. (updated Apr 2015)

• METRO Supermarket, Kukkatpally and in Uppal. (updated Apr 2015)
• Reliance Fresh, Multiple Locations. (updated Apr 2015)

Drink

There is plenty to do at night in Hyderabad, though local regulations have most places serving last drinks by 23:00. On weekdays, drinks in the some of the pubs have 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.

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 (includes most upscale ones) and in pubs.

Warning: Drunken driving is not tolerated and police enforce the rule strictly. After 23:00 almost all the roads have police patrols and check drunk driving. If caught you may end up paying fines, apart from vehicle being seized and couple of rounds to police station in worst scenarios.

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

Pubs

• Bottles and Chimney, 1-10/1, Prakash Nagar, Begumpet (near old airport), ☏ +91 40 2776-6464, +91 40 2776 2368. 12PM-4PM, 7PM-12AM. Large spacious pub with plenty of room to dance. Plays an eclectic variety in music. ₹ 100-₹ 700. 

• Cloud9, ICICI bank near old airport. Have dance floor but not a very good crowd.

• Club8, Life style building Ameer pet, cheap beer, usually have a (1+1) offer available before 19:00.

• Easy Rider, ☏ +91 498 4903 2297. Lakeview Palace, Road no 1, Banjara Hills, (opposite Taj Banjara). 11:30-23:00 

• Firangi paani, City Center Vth Floor, Road No. 1 & 10 Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6668 3336. 12:00-23:30. 

• Hard Rock Cafe, 1 Mall Rd. GVK No 1 Banjara Hills. Part of world wide chain. Excellent ambiance, check their website for events. 

• H20 Amrutha castle, (near lumbini garden). ₹ 150-300.

• Passport, Ramada Hotel Manohar, (Old) Airport Exit Road Begumpet, ☏ +91 40 2790 3333, +91 40 5531-3333. 

• Sparks, My home Tycoon, Building 6-3-1192/2/1-16 Begumpet, ☏ +91 40 6662 9977. 11:00-23:30. Redone pub, nice hip ambience, reasonable rates. 

• 10 Downing Street, #10, Ground Floor, My Home Tycoon Begumpet, ☏ +91 40 6662-9323, +91 40 6662 0015. 11:00-23:00. Expensive place, nice music, good crowd, but small dance floor. ₹ 300-1,000. 

• Torque (The pub), Hotel Green Park, Greenlands Begumpet, ☏ +91 40 2375 7575. 18:00-02:30. No cover charge, large screen TVs for sports fans, a separate smoking room, reasonable prices, good food, and nightly dance music mixed by resident and guest DJs Monday-Sunday; Saturday night is ladies night (ladies drink for free 20:00-22:00). 

Bars

• Atrium Bar, Taj Deccan, Road No.1 Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 2339 2684, +91 40 6666 3939. 11:00-23:30. 

• Fashion (FTV), Banjara Hills. Trendy lounge bar. 

• Hydrate, # 6-1-79 & 80, Hampshire Plaza, Lakdi-Ka-Pul, ☏ +91 40 2333 5555. Elegant bar at Hampshire Plaza. 

• Liquids Again, 5th Floor, ABN Amro Bank Complex, Bhaskara Plaza, Road Number 1, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6625 9907, +91 406625-9908. 11:00-23:00. Sleek, trendy lounge bar. ₹ 900. 

• Seventh Heaven, 6-3-883/5, Seventh Floor, Venkat Plaza, Punjagutta, ☏ +91 40 6666 8833, +91 40 6666-8822. 11:00-23:30. Nice rooftop bar and restaurant. 

• Touch, 1st Floor, Trendset Towers, Road Number 2, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 2354 2433, +91 40 2354 2422, +91 40 6651 6666. 11:30-23:30. Upscale, celebrity hang-out, great place but very expensive. Has a dress code, shoes mandatory. ₹500. 

Sleep

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

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 (See below)

Budget

• Aahwaanam, NTR Estate, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Abids (Opp. Ramakrishna Cinema Hall), ☏ +91 40 2474 0301, +91 40 2474 0305, +91 92 9133 3108. Check-in: 24 hr, check-out: 24 hr. Basic budget hotel. Most rooms are not air-conditioned. ₹ 600-1,000. 

• 1 Best Western Ashoka, 6-1-70, Lakdi-ka-Pul, ☏ +91 40 2323 0105, +91 40 6651 0222, +91 40 3062 0222, +91 40 6651 0220. Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned rooms. ₹ 600-1,500. 

• Classic Lodge & Boarding, 5-8-112 to 173, 21th Century Commercial Complex, Nampally, (Opp. Board of Intermediate), ☏ +91 4023200159, +91 4023200537, +91 8121179866, +91 9000005320, info@classiclodge.in. Check-in: 24 hr, check-out: 24 hr. Air-conditioned and non air-conditionedDeluxe rooms & 25 bed dormitory with multiple bathrooms, and all basic facilities available. ₹ 300-1,600. 

• Dwaraka Heritage, 116, Chenoy Trade Centre, Parklane, Secunderabad, ☏ +91 40 27845020, +91 40 2789 5111. 50 rooms, basic facilities, internet ₹ 600-1,100. 

• 2 Hotel Geetanjali, 4-1-938/26/A, New Marketing Complex, Abids, Tilak Rd, ☏ +91 40 66635500. Check-in: 24 hr, check-out: 24 hr. Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned rooms. Budget hotel, offers room service, clean & economical rooms and free wifi, online reservations, rated environmentally friendly, no restaurants. Close to transportation. ₹ 800-1,500. 

• Hotel Haridwar, 4-6-464, Esamiya Bazar, Koti, ☏ +91 40 2465 6711, +91 40 2473 2780. Check-in: 24hr, check-out: 24 hr. Basic functional hotel with attached vegetarian restaurant. Caters mainly to visitors from North India. ₹ 350-850. 

• Minerva, H. No. 3-6-199/1, Himayatnagar, ☏ +91 40 2322-0448. Close to the Birla temple and other attractions. Good budget choice in an area where there aren't many budget hotels. ₹ 1,300-1,800. 

• Parklane, 115, Park Lane, S D Rd, Secunderabad, ☏ +91 40 2784 0466, +91 40 2784 0399, +91 40 2784 0377. 30 years old and looks its age. Rooms are comfortable, with both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned rooms. Breakfast is complimentary. The hotel caters mainly to senior government officials. Park Lane has a vegetarian restaurant Madhura. ₹ 950-1,800. 

• Sitara Paradise, No. 6-3-788/34, Opp. Lane of Chandana Bros, Ameerpet, ☏ +91 40 2373 5222, +91 40 2373 5333, +91 40 6684 4449. Small hote 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 travellers or tourists. ₹ 1,100-1,500. 

Mid-range

• Anmol International, Opp. Public Gardens, Chapel Rd, Nampally (Nr Sujatha Public School), ☏ +91 40 2324 4041, +91 40 2324 4042, +91 40 2324 4043. An adequate and comfortable hotel, located close to the Nampally railway station. Large rooms, restaurant and fitness center. ₹ 2,500-3,500. 

• Asrani International, Plot Number 179, M G Rd, Secunderabad, ☏ +91 40 2784 6901, +91 40 2784 2271, +91 40 2784 2267. Check-in: 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. ₹ 2,500-3,500. 

• Athithi Inn, # 7-1-59/1, Dharam Karam Rd Ameerpet, ☏ +91 40 2373 9091. Check-in: 12noon, check-out: 12 noon. Cozy hotel, slightly far from the city centre. Room service and laundry available. Has conference room facilities. Houses 2 restaurants. ₹ 2,000-4,000. 

• Baseraa, 1-9-167/168, Sarojini Devi Rd, Secunderabad, ☏ +91 40 2770-3200. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 12:00. 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. ₹ 2,500-6,500 (extra for foreigners paying in dollars). 

• Best Western Amrutha Castle, #5-9-16, Opp. Secretariat, Saifabad, ☏ +91 40 6663 3888. Designed after castles from medieval Bavarian Europe. All-suite accommodations, meeting and event space, onsite restaurants, a fitness centre and swimming pool. Close to important attractions. 

• The Central Court, 6-1-71, Lakdi-ka-Pul, ☏ +91 98 493-23232, +91 40 2323-2323, +91 40 2323-3262. Centrally located and targeted at the business traveller 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 Imperia Suites, 1299F, Road no 68, Jubilee Hills (Close to Apollo Hospitals, Film Nagar, Annapurna Studios,), ☏ +91 40 2360 0060, +91 40 2360 0029, info@falconsnest.in. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 12:00. A good,, reasonably priced hotel. Has been recently renovated, and the suite rooms are luxury. Free WiFi and a complimentary breakfast. 

• Grand Solitaire, 1-240, 41 & 43, Parklane, Secunderabad, ☏ +91 40 4433-3999. Clean and functional hotel, suitable for business travellers. ₹ 3,200-4,500. 

• Harsha, 39 Public Garden Rd, Nampally, ☏ +91 40 2320- 2729, +91 40 2320 1188, +91 40 6663 1188. Check-in: 24hr, check-out: 24hr. Close to the railway station. Basic, but adequate facilities. Vegetarian dining available. As it is close to the main road, it is somewhat noisy. ₹ 1,600-2,500 (higher rates for foreigners, payable in USS. 

• Hotel Mandakini Jaya International, 3/1 & 3/2 Reddy Hostel Lane, Hanuman Tekdi, Abids, ☏ +91 99 9945 5063. Chic hotel located at the market area of Abids and well connected with city and other business centres. Good for both business and leisure traveler and is very close to the airport. From ₹ 1,700.00. 

• I K London Residency, 6-3-656, Kapadia Lane, Somajiguda, (in the lane diagonally opposite NIMS), ☏ +91 40 6662 5555, +91 40 6675 9516, +91 40 6675 9517. Check-in: 24 hr, check-out: 24hr. Caters to business travellers 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. ₹ 2,500-5,000. 

• Kamat Lingapur, 1-10-44/2, Chikoti Gardens, Begumpet, ☏ +91 40 2776 4242. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. This used to be close to the airport before they moved the airport. Adequate place to stay for the average traveller who isn't looking for frills. Has a pretty good restaurant Shrirang which offers vegetarian food.Free breakfast, though the menu heavily favors South Indian vegetarian. ₹ 2,500-3,500. 

• Karan, 1-2-261/1, S.D. Rd, Secunderabad, ☏ +91 40 4022 3344, +91 40 2784 0191. Check-in: 24 hr, check-out: 12:00. Good mid-range business hotel in Secunderabad. Wheelchair accessible. ₹ 2,500-3,500. 

• Kasani GR, Hi-tec City Madhapur, ☏ +91 40 4040-9999. Rather adequate business hotel, the advantage being that it is in Madhapur, close to Hi tec city. ₹ 4,500-7,000. 

• Leo Continental, Number 2-4-77, M G Rd, Secunderabad, ☏ +91 40 4040-0400, +91 40 6633-3366. Small rooms, but good facilities otherwise. ₹ 2,500-6,000. 

• Minerva Grand. Promoted as a "Boutique Business Hotel". Rooms are elegantly furnished and provide a cozy atmosphere without pampering you too much. It has a business centre, internet in all rooms, and both locations have branches of Blue Fox, a multi-cuisine restaurant. Has 2 locations: 

• Minerva Grand Banjara, 8-2-616, Road No 11, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6612 7373. This is a newer property. Has Stir, an all-day coffee shop. ₹ 3,000-6,000. 

• Minerva Grand S D Road, Sarojini Devi Rd, Secunderabad, ☏ +91 40 6611 7373. This is closer to the city centre. It has a lounge bar Enigma and Fiesta a 24 hr coffee shop. ₹ 4,000-8,000. 

• Quality Inn Residency, 5-8-231/2, Public Garden Rd, ☏ +91 40 3061 6161, +91 40 2320 4080, +91 40 5551 4060. Check-in: 24 hr, check-out: 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. ₹ 3,300-11,000. 

• Rukmini Riviera, 6-1-1062 (behind Hotel Dwaraka Lakdi-ka-Pul), ☏ +91 40 6678-5566, +91 92 4659 1237. Check-in: 24hr, check-out: 24 hr. Basic, functional and clean hotel. 2 restaurants, one is vegetarian and the other has a bar. It is located near the city centre, at a reasonable distance from both tourist attractions and office complexes, though it is not suitable if you need access to Hi tech city. 2 banquet halls, geared more towards weddings and other celebrations. ₹ 1,600-2,200. 

• Sai Prakash, 5-4-434, Station Road, Nampally, ☏ +91 40 2461 1726. Close to the airport, strictly adequate. ₹ 1,500. 

Splurge

• Aditya Park, Aditya Trade Center, lane beside Huda Maitrivanam, Ameerpet, ☏ +91 40 6678 8888. Close to business areas, but far from tourist attractions or from Hi tech city. Free internet, and have a restaurant Promenade and a bar Harry's. ₹ 4,500-6,000. 

• Fortune Select Manohar, Old Airport Exit Road, Begumpet, ☏ +91 40 6654 3456. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 12:00. As the name suggests, this used to be the hotel closest to the old airport. Though it has lost that advantage now that the airport has moved, it hasn't lost the advantage of being located close to the busy commercial area of Begumpet. Free breakfast, and hi-speed internet is available, well-equipped business centre. Has good, but not great dining options. ₹ 10,000-18,000. 

• The Golkonda, 10-1-124, Masab Tank Crossroads (opposite Polytechnic), ☏ +91 40 6611 0101, +91 40 2332 0202, +91 40 2332-0404, toll-free: +1800 425-0202. This is one of the few 4 star hotels in this area. Free breakfast and free internet. Has a fitness centre and a swimming pool. Suitable both for business travellers and tourists. ₹ 5,000-9,000 (extra for foreigners paying in dollars). 

• Green Park, Greenlands, Begumpet, ☏ +91 40 6651 5151. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 12:00. 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 speciality restaurant. The Mustang Bar and Torque the pub. ₹ 5,000-11,000. 

• Hampshire Plaza, 6-1-79 & 80, Diagonally Opposite To Amravathi Theater, Lakdi-ka-Pul, ☏ +91 40 2333 5555. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 12:00. Well worth a stay if the location is right. Well-appointed rooms, with WiFi and all amenities you would expect at the price. ₹ 7,000-11,000. 

• Ista Hyderabad, Road No. 2, Nanakramguda, Gachi Bowli, ☏ +91 40 4450 8888. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 12:00. Centrally located in the city’s new business district of Gachi Bowli. 166 rooms, suites, restaurants, meeting facilities and a spa. ₹ 8,000-22,000. 

• ITC Kakatiya, 6-3-1187, Begumpet, ☏ +91 40 2333 5555. 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 hr, and serves up a Sun brunch from 12:30-15:00. South Indian restaurant Dakshin and an Irish-themed pub Dublin. ₹ 15,000-30,000. 

• Marriott. has 2 properties within walking distance of each other in the Tank Bund area near Hussain Sagar Lake and the Courtyard. 
  • Courtyard Hyderabad, 1-3-1024 Lower Tank Bund Rd, ☏ +91 40 2752 1222. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Opened in December 2009. Business hotel, many rooms have a view of the lake. ₹ 5,000-7,000. 
  • Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre, opposite Hussain Sagar Lake, Tank Bund Rd, ☏ +91 40 2752-2999. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 12 noon. The more expensive rooms have a view of the Hussain Sagar Lake right across the street. WiFi and wired internet available in all rooms, charged extra. There are 3 restaurants and a bar, including Bidri an Indian restaurant serving Hyderabadi cuisine. ₹ 7,000-16,000. 

• Novotel. Novotel has 2 properties in Hyderabad. 
  • Novotel Accor (near Hitec City Izzatnagar Kondapur), ☏ +91 40 6682 4422. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. One of few options for those who need to stay close to Hitec city. Facilities for conferences and training seminars. Many dining options, and its bar is known simply as The Bar ₹ 7,000-9,000. 
  • Novotel Hyderabad Airport, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Hyderabad, ☏ +91 40 6625 0000. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. ₹ 5,000-7,000. 

• Taj Hotels. Taj, a famous Indian hotel chain has 3 iconic hotels in Hyderabad, all of them on the same street in Banjara Hills. 
  • Taj Banjara, Road No. 1, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6666 2323. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Taj Banjara is located by the side of its own private lake. The lake is not very well-maintained or clean, but the rooms are. Conference facilities and good for business events. Open-air restaurant Kabab-e-bahar serves Indian BBQ. Underdeck, a basement pub. ₹ 5,000-16,000. 
  • Taj Deccan, Road No. 1, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6666 3939. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 12:00. The least expensive of the 3 Taj hotels. Restaurant Spice Junxion serves fusion South Indian cuisine, with a wide variety of pickles, spiced martinis are a speciality of the restaurant. ₹ 5,000-13,000. 
  • Taj Krishna, Road No. 1, Banjara Hills, ☏ +91 40 6666 2323. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. This is the closest that Hyderabad has to a grand old hotel. Taj bought a failing property and turned it into one of the premier hotels in Hyderabad. The hotel interiors are over the top, but rooms are tastefully done, though the hotel's age shows in some places. Golden Dragon Chinese restaurant, Ahala the pub, conference facilities available. ₹ 9,000-15,000. 

Connect

Post Office

India Post, a govt-owned enterprise, has its headquarters at Abids known as GPO. And its second biggest centre is located in Secunderabad.

Landlines

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

The rate for Indian 'phones is around 1 paise per second for local/national calls. It is very easy to get a prepaid mobile, which are very cheap to buy and for calls. As per government regulations both a photo ID and a photograph are required for prepaid postpaid connection.

• Aircel - GSM 900, 1800
• Airtel - GSM 900, 1800
• Cell One- GSM 900, 1800
• Idea - GSM 900, 1800
• MTS - CDMA
• Reliance Com - CDMA, GSM 900,1800
• Tata Docomo - GSM 900, 1800
• Tata Indicom - CDMA.
• Uninor - GSM 900, 1800
• Vodafone - GSM 900, 1800

Internet

Internet cafes are spread around town and most easily found in the city and residential areas. Charges vary between ₹ 5-15/hr. Reliance WebWorld provides Broadband internet centres.

For a longer stays with a laptop, it's better to get a Data plan either from Tata Indicom or Reliance Mobile, which are around ₹ 1,000 a month. If you have a WiFi enabled laptop or other digital device there are many public WiFi networks available in Hyderabad for free access to high-speed internet.

Stay safe

Since 2007, Hyderabad has suffered from multiple terrorist outrages in the form of bombings, the last one in 2013. These blasts have taken place at Mecca Masjid, Lumbini park, places often frequented by travellers; and also at busy marketplaces. Though the chance that you will be in danger is quite low, you should obviously 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, theatre and palace has metal detectors and security guards patting you down.

The old city area was historically 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. The old city continues to be at the heart of Hyderabad's crime wave and though many tourist attractions including Charminar are in this area, it is best to avoid late night visits.

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

The usual tourist-oriented scams in India are not as bad in Hyderabad as in other places. However, foreigners will be hounded for money at tourist sites like the old city. Just ignore the beggars and they will go away.

Recently chain snatchings have become common in the city. One has to be watchful in crowded areas.

Emergency Numbers

• Toll Free Number for Medical☎ 108

• Child Line Facility ☎ 1098

• Police (Toll Free) ☎ 100

• Fire (Toll Free) ☎ 102

• For any other basic information call up Just-Dial ☎ 8888888888(ten 8s)

Cope

Banking

• 2 Andhra Bank, Koti Main Road / Sultan Bazar Rd, Gandhi Nagar. 

• 3 State Bank of Hyderabad, Gunfoundry Main Road / Abids Rd. 

Money changers

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

It is best 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 door-step service. It's also possible to call them and agree on a rate before the transaction.

• Janaki Forex, 204, Saidatha Arcade, 3-6-517, Main Road, Himayat Nagar (Beside Maruthi Mithra Agencies), ☏ +91 40 2436 5441. 

• Secure Forex Private Limited, Nasir Arcade (beside RBI Saifabad), ☏ +91 40 2321 2734, +91 40 2321 2759, fax: +91 040 2721 2733. 

• Thomas Cook, Nasir Arcade, Saifabad, ☏ +91 40 2323 1988. 

• UAE ExchangeCurrency, 1-8-303/33/C, Nagam Towers, ☏ +91 40 2789 7528. 

Newspapers

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. Eenadu is the most popular local language (Telugu) newspaper. 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

• Deccan Chronicle

• Eenadu

• The Hansindia

• Hello Hyderabad

• Full Hyderabad

• The Hindu

• Indian Express

• Metro India

• Munsif

• Namaste Telangana

• Sakshi

• Siasat

• The Times of India

• Vaarttha

Hospitals

• Apollo Hospital, Jubilee Hills, ☏ +91 40 2360 7777. 

• Medwin Hospital, Chirag Ali Ln, ☏ +91 40 2320 6666. 

• Omega Hospital (Oncology - Cancer Speciality Hospital), MLA Colony Main Rd (Road No - 12 in Banjara Hills), ☏ +91 40 23551034, fax: +91 40 2355 0327, info@omegahospitals.com. 24. 

• Osmania General Hospital Afzal Gunj ☎ +91 40 2460 0122

• Owaisi Hospital, DMRLX Rd (Kanchanbagh), ☏ +91 40 2444 3129. After Santosh Nagar. This Hospital is one of the largest hospitals in Asia. 

• Yashoda Hospital, Raj Bhavan Rd, Somajiguda (Also at SP Road, Secunderabad and Malakpet), ☏ +91 40 2455 5555. 

Pharmacy/chemist

Modern medicine is widely available at pharmacies located around the city.

• A.P. Medical Hall. 

• MOR Medical Hall (Basheer Bagh). 

• Medplus, ☏ +91 40 6674 3000. 

• Mukesh Medical Hall (Opposite NIMS). 

• Sonee Medical Hall (Sarojini Hospital Rd, Mehdipatnam). 

Books

• The British Library (Secretariat). 

• City Central Library, Chikkadpally, Near Tyagaraj Gana Sabha, Hyderabad, Telangana, ☏ +61 40 2763 7632. A library with wealth of Books and archives. 

• State Central Library (Asafia Library), Afzalgunj, Hyderabad, Telangana. Contains many important archives. 

Consulates

• 34 Iran, Road No 1, Beside Syndicate Bank, Banjara Hill Hyderabad-34, ☏ +91 40 2335 0728, fax: +91 40 2335 5061, iranconsulate.hyd@mfa.gov.ir. 

• 35 United States, Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Ln, Begumpet, Secunderabad, ☏ +91 40 4033 8300, HydACS@state.gov. 

Go next

• Basara, the home of Sri Gnana Saraswati Temple, in Adilabad District

• Bhuvanagiri Fort around 47 km from city of Hyderabad on the outskirts moving towards Warangal via Uppal, is a huge rock fort on very smooth rock. At the foot of the hill is Bhongir bus stop. It is a marvelous experience to climb the fort and needs great skill and balance at few places. An attractive place for trekkers and rock climbers.

• Guntur is around 282 km southeast of Hyderabad by train.

• Mantralayam

• Medak Church is around 90 km from Hyderabad.

• Nagarjuna Sagar Dam 165 km from Hyderabad - one of the earliest hydroelectric projects in India, the dam impounds the Krishna river.

• Ramoji Film City - film studios covering 2,000 acres, a visit can make for a pleasant day trip or weekend visit.

• Sangareddy is around 55 km from Hyderabad

• Srisailam Hydel Project is around 245 km from Hyderabad. The dam is surrounded by beautiful natural flora.

• Vijayawada, 270 km from Hyderabad, has many important Hindu pilgrimage sites.

• Warangal, 144 km from Hyderabad, is a beautiful city of lakes and temples. Location of Bhadrakali Temple.

• Yadagiri Gutta around 60 km east of Hyderabad, features the Narsimha Swamy Temple.