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Capital of Telangana, India
Photo: Danloud, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Hyderabad, (Telugu: హైదరాబాద్ Haidarābād, Urdu: حیدر آباد Haidar Ābād), the "Pearl City", is the capital of the state of Telangana. Founded in the late 16th century on the hot and dry Deccan Plateau, Hyderabad is a city replete with history and traditions, as well as the wonderful palaces, mosques, bazaars, lakes and other heritage sites in the city.
The historic core of Hyderabad south of the Musi River, with historical attractions like the Charminar. 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 by-lanes of the Old City are great areas to shop for bangles, henna, clothes or pearls.
The predecessor to the present-day metropolis. Famous for the fort and the diamonds traded from it.
The modern city centre between the Musi River and Hussain Sagar, developed after India's independence to house the state government offices of Andhra Pradesh and later Telangana. The lake and its surroundings have been beautified in the last two decades. You will find some nice amusement parks, promenades here. This district has crowded bazaars for shopping. It also has some of the upscale neighbourhoods of the city.
Hyderabad's twin city north and east of the Hussain Sagar, once a British enclave during the city's Nizam rule. The roads are better maintained and broader. It has nice parks, open spaces like the parade ground, and some excellent restaurants. It is home to Osmania Arts College.
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They are organized by the Telangana tourism department and led by a knowledgeable guide and Tourist Police. There are several types of walks: one that ends at Chowmohalla palace, and another that ends at Badshahi Ashoorkhana. Bonus: breakfast served too. It's probably better to call beforehand and confirm which walk is operating.
For reptile conservation work and field trips.
HAT’s
Active and well-organised trekker’s group organising 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.
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 goat carefully cooked with rice.
A dessert made from bread, milk and dry fruits.
A favourite drink of Hyderabad.
Made from a buck/billy/young goat, and is associated with the Hyderabadi cuisine. Hyderabadis prize the meat of a male goat.
A dish that is available only during the month of Ramadaan (Ramzan).
This is the tea of Hyderabad, available at any of the ubiquitous "Chai" shops. However, not all of them have the best hygiene and it is best to go with a local. The crowd at the stalls is composed mainly of blue-collar workers and college students so expect a noisy environment with conversational topics that range from movies to politics.
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.
Is another dish that serves as a tasty accompaniment to any rice dish, it is served with spicy chilli sauce.
Drinking Irani chai is incomplete without Osmania biscuits. It is a traditional Hyderabadi treat made from Kesar strands, milk, flour, butter, sugar and salt.
This is a chain restaurant started by the same people who run Hyderabad House. Has multiple locations in the city. Average Indian Chinese food.
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.
Bit of a local institution, serving tasty vegetarian South and North Indian snacks and food. has 4 locations.
Popular for Calcutta menakshi and Meetha Pan, available all the time during work hours.
Cheap. For take away, ask at the parcel counter.
Delicious South Indian dishes. Had over 5 locations
Famous for its Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani and Jabda Gosht available only in the morning, served for breakfast.
Famous for its variety of non-veg biryanis
Try out the Thai varieties, nice, cosy place. Has 2 locations
An upmarket Chinese restaurant, has two locations
Paradise Biryani
Popular for biryani. Has 13 locations.
Bakery and cafe. Cakes, pastries, quiches and puffs. 2 locations.
This bakery and cafe especially known for their Irani chai and Osmania biscuits.
This sweet and savoury shop keeps the traditional Telugu foods alive. Has 4 locations.
Secretariat
A library with wealth of Books and archives.
Asafia Library
Contains many important archives.
By train
There are three major railway stations serving Hyderabad, and as these stations are on different routes, the train you are taking will start or end at only one of them, so you won't have a choice…
By car
Hyderabad lies on the North-South Corridor, the national highway NH44 that runs from Srinagar to Kochi. This highway is excellent, and will take you to Bengaluru, 560 km away, in hours.
By bus
Hyderabad is well-connected to all parts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh by bus, as well as most of Southern India, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
By metro
The Hyderabad Metro is a fast, clean and efficient mode of travel, and is better than driving or taking a cab for the areas it serves.
By train
The Multi-Modal Transport System, or MMTS, is the result of Hyderabad's earlier attempt to set up a local-train network. It serves only a few places in Hyderabad.
By bus
Hyderabad has good local bus connectivity run by TSRTC. Most buses start at the Mahatma Gandhi Bus Terminus more commonly known as Imlibun.
By auto-rickshaw
Auto-rickshaws in Hyderabad should be metered, though it can be difficult to find an auto-rickshaw driver who ever agrees to a metered fare.
By cab
Cabs cannot be hailed off the street, but using the two major mobile app based providers, Ola or Uber, comes close. Coverage and availability is good.
By car
Hyderabad has an underdeveloped road system, leading to traffic jams during rush hours.
On foot
Hyderabad is not a walkable city. It lacks good quality footpaths. The ones that exist are encroached upon by hawkers, shops, garbage or by motorcyclists trying to beat the traffic.
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